It hardly feels like Christmas without a visit here on the blog from my lovely friend and Aussie rural romance star Maya Linnell. Maya released her third novel this year – Magpie’s Bend, which takes us back to the world of the McIntyre sisters where we get to know Lara a bit better. I have probably said this before, and sorry to Penny, but Lara might just be my favourite sister yet! I’ve popped the synopsis of Magpie’s Bend right down at the bottom of the post, and you can check out my review here.
Like I said up the top there, Maya is a bit of a Christmas regular here! Last year she popped by for my Christmassy Q&A series, and she was part of my original series in 2018 as well. Today I’m delighted to have her back to give us some tips on gift ideas for the writer in your life!
What to get the writer in your life…
Big spend: A writing course!
If your loved one is looking to make a career from words, there are many fabulous virtual and in-person courses to help set them up for success. Regardless of whether your budget is $300 for a social-media for authors bootcamp session or $3000 ‘write your first draft’ course, there are plenty of options in between. Check out Writers Studio Australia, Writers Centre Australia, celebrity author Masterclasses and each state has their own organisation, like Writers Victoria or the Writers SA, which also run regular workshops.
Small spend: A new mug!
As someone who spends many hours at the keyboard, and often ends the day with several empty tea cups on my desk, I simply cannot go past a cute mug (or six). Chose something handcrafted (I’m pictured here with my favourite handcrafted mug from BEI Creative Studio, which I drink my coffee in every morning) or one of these cute and colourful Pete Cromer mugs from Maxwell & Williams (also pictured below).
Huge thanks to Maya for coming by for a Christmas visit! I love both of these ideas (you know I’m a bit of a mug lover!)
I actually read Maya’s first novel, Wilflower Ridge, on a beach holiday and think any of her novels would make excellent gifts or summer reads for yourself!
You can also find me over on Maya’s blog, along with a bunch of great bookish peeps, giving some book recommendations for Christmas.
Let me know in the comments if you have a top Christmas gift tip, or if there’s someone you’re having trouble buying for!
xo Bron
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Magpie’s Bend is out now from Allen & Unwin
Source: I have received gifted copies from the publisher of each of Maya’s books, but have also bought copies as gifts for friends because I enjoyed them so much.
Like chatting Christmas? Check out more Christmassy Q&As here.
About the author…
Bestselling rural fiction author, Maya Linnell, gathers inspiration from her rural upbringing and the small communities she has always lived in and loved. Magpie’s Bend is her third novel, following Bottlebrush Creek and Wildflower Ridge. A former country journalist and radio host, Maya also blogs for Romance Writers Australia, loves baking up a storm, tending to her rambling garden and raising three little bookworms.
She writes to a soundtrack of magpies, sheep and chickens on a small property in country Victoria, where she lives with her family, their menagerie of farm animals and the odd tiger snake or two. Follow her on Instagram or Facebook @maya.linnell.writes
You can keep up with the latest from Maya online on her website here.
Magpie’s Bend -synopsis
Bush nurse Lara McIntyre and journalist Toby Paxton are thrust into the limelight when an accident puts the beating heart of their community in jeopardy.
The small country town of Bridgefield can’t manage without their general store and post office, but Lara can’t stomach the idea of out-of-town buyers revamping it with no regard for what the residents want or need. She’s also unsure about where Toby’s allegiances lie in this fight.
Loyalties are put to the test as the locals attempt to save the shop, with personal agendas, old grudges and misunderstandings threatening their best efforts.
Featuring a black-tie ball, a fun run, a magpie called Vegemite and a snake-chasing kelpie called Basil, Magpie’s Bend is a story about rural lives, family, love and letting go.
Magpie’s Bend on Goodreads
My review of Wildflower Ridge
My review of Bottlebrush Creek
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