Here in Oz we’re in the back end of winter. Cold weather is good writing weather. So, I’ve been writing. Yep, I’m hard at it on a new crime novel called Happy Days. ATM, I’m 49,000 words into the manuscript (that’s about 60% completed) and I think- no, I’m sure- No. No. I think I know who-did-it. Always helpful in a murder mystery I suppose (especially if you’re the author).
So, what’s Happy Days about, Chris? I hear you ask.
Well . . .
Forty-something, Martha has left her boorish husband, Simon, to begin a new life with her soul mate, Gordon. Unfortunately, Gordon is killed in a car accident. Grief-stricken and adrift, Martha uproots herself from the city and moves to the picturesque town of Melton in the NSW central west where she plans to open a book shop.
Melton was a boom town during the 19th century gold rush and a famous nugget, Happy Days was found close to town. That nugget, preserved at the museum in Sydney was stolen almost 20 years ago when on display at a gold festival in Melton. Martha rents the shop that was used as a base by the thieves and this piques her interest to solve the mystery and find out Happy Days fate.
But a firebug strikes in Melton – attempting to burn down Martha’s shop, as well as an out building on a nearby farm. The farmer, Sarah, tells Martha she’s been the victim of ‘bad luck’ – with stock getting out, equipment mysteriously breaking down – and now the fire.
With the police ineffective, crime-fiction loving Martha determines to reveal the firebug and in doing so uncovers a multi-million dollar plot that could cost her life.
That’s all I’m giving away. Okay?
As I said in my previous dispatch, I’m no longer a postman. I’m at that stage in life where I can support myself (at a comfortable level) through my savings and writing income. So, it’s not bread and water – or road kill – for my meals. Mind you, we have a plague of wild deer here in the Illawarra.
Yeah. I said deer (see pic. below)
This picture was taken on my postie run a few years back. There are deer everywhere now. As I said, plague proportion. The upside is a wonderful supply of fresh venison. Not to everyone’s taste I know, but why look a gift horse (deer) in the mouth? Mmmm. Venison in a red wine sauce with truffle oil and chat potatoes. (Pretentious? Moi? Oh, no, no, no!)
Music I’m listening to as I write:
Augie March
Porcupine Tree
Okay. That’s it for now. Hopefully next time I post I’ll have GOOD news to crow about.
Until then, bye, bye, bye . . . .
Chris McTrustry 