Montevideo Maru - Finding Bill!

In my book, Finding Darcy, Darcy explains to her family that she doesn't care how her great-grandfather died, she cares how he lived.
Darcy's words are my feelings - after years of silence, I feared who my grandfather was had been lost to us. That has changed in the last few weeks.
Last week I did an interview with ABC Local Radio about Finding Darcy. We talked about not only the book, but about the 2/22nd Battalion, the sinking of the Montevideo Maru and my grandfather, Bill McLennan, who died aboard the ship. I mentioned in passing that Bill was from Stanhope, Victoria.
As a result of the interview, I'm now in contact with a man from Stanhope who is compiling information about the Stanhope residents who died during World War II, and so about Bill.
I know now he captained the 1935 Stanhope footy side, where the family farm was and best of all, there are a few old people around who still remember him.
So I guess now, I'm finding Bill!

School Visits

Last term I visited the Year 3/4 students at PLC. What a warm, enthusiastic and friendly group of girls. I had a fantastic time and must thank their fantastic librarian, Jan Robertson for inviting me and for making my visit so enjoyable.
The Year 3s were reading Tessa as a class novel, so I had to be careful not to give away too much about it.
The Year 4s participated in a workshop with me - what sensational story ideas!
I also visited Penleigh and Essendon Grammar towards the end of term and worked with the Year 10s. Colac is sensational, guys, thanks for asking!! ;)
During term three I'm off to Yarrawonga, Strathfieldsaye, Geelong, Port Fairy, Dennington and Melbourne to visit schools, and am very much looking forward to it.
I also have a September deadline for my next book - it doesn't freak me out if I say it quickly!