Blogger? Let’s Hope

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“So, you’re a blogger?”
“Er … yes …”

Ever experienced that lengthy pause, before launching into a disclaimer about how you haven’t blogged in X months and why? Well lately that’s been me. You see, this year has been a bit on the supercharged side of busy. So I’ve been rather quiet blog wise.

The last few weeks I’ve been trying to wrestle out enough time to change that. Not only because it’s rather awkward when “blogger” is prominently featured on your business card (whose idea was that???), but I’ve had some wonderful experiences I’ve wanted to share with my faithful followers. (Let’s face it, by now you deserve some kind of medal!)

Symposiums seem to be the theme of the season. Recently I found myself in Sydney as an attendee, and last week I had the privilege of being involved in the “Unleash the Beast” event in Toowoomba, as part of International Mental Health Day. Annexed to that symposium, was “Write Around Toowoomba” hosted by the City Library, for which I presented “Finding Hope Through Fiction”.

Now, you never quite know who’ll turn up to your presentations, but I can tell you I had a small but amazing group of attendees. As I shared from some of the themes in the Blaine Colton Trilogy and other YA novels I’ve read lately, I was so appreciative for the insightful and well considered responses of the group. And our focus? Hope.

With Mental Wellness being such a broad and multilayered issue, this was the idea that just kept coming up as I was preparing. I figured I’d best pay attention! Given YA literature has been associated with dark/grim kind of plots, it was great to hear other’s thoughts on this, along with exploring ways to find hope for ourselves, and others in our circle of influence.

Particularly encouraging is that we don’t need to have all the answers to care for and support someone going through a difficult time, and our own perseverance through hardship isn’t wasted—for ourselves and others. That’s how we can learn to be hopeful.

It’s good to be reminded that even in the darker days in life, hope can work its way into our circumstances. And how beautiful to know we can be a part of that journey toward hope for others, too.

Author Interview with TP Hogan

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As promised, it’s interview focus round three. Just in case you aren’t currently following author TP Hogan‘s feed (and if you aren’t, you must check out this great Aussie author!), this post links up with a fun, casual interview by TP talking all things writing.

TP happens to be an experienced radio announcer as well as a talented writer, but instead of heading down to her studio, she Skyped into my living room! In this video chat, you get me at my casual best! (Or something … LOL.) So grab a comfortable seat, a cuppa, and settle in for an insider’s glimpse into my writing journey.

Author Interview: TP Hogan with Adele Jones

Author Interview: Blaine Colton trilogy

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For the next couple of posts I thought I’d follow up my latest blog by sharing some more interviews. But this time it’s me being interviewed!

In the interview linked below I’m talking to Wombat Books/Rhiza Press Director, Rochelle Manners, about the Blaine Colton trilogy. This brief chat is a nice prelude to what’s coming next time … but more about that then. 😉

For now, I’ll hand you over to Rochelle.

Author interview: Blaine Colton trilogy & writing with Rochelle Manners

Fit Out

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It’s that time of year when many of us are indulging in Christmas feasts and high sugar treats, but for the health conscious amongst the population, like our guest today, good nutrition and fitness is a year-round discipline. In keeping with the health focus of Dr Eddie Jonick and Jett Faraday, two characters from the Blaine Colton trilogy, this post we have something a bit different to previous blogs.

I’m chatting to Matt Betts about nutrition, fitness and bodybuilding. You see, Matt is the Manager of ASN and a Training and Nutrition Coach. This means he makes a living from helping others achieve their fitness goals in life. He’s also a bodybuilder.

So pour yourself a cuppa (or should I say, ‘Get on that treadmill?’), click play on the media link below, and listen up for a bit of fitness fun.

If, after listening to the interview, you’d like to find out more about Matt, you can contact him on his MOB: 0423010300 or via email: allbettsofftraining[at]gmail.com

Thanks, Matt!

A Long Way Home

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Did you know that recent statistics reported over 105,000 people as homeless in Australia? Alarmingly, 27% of those people are under 18 years of age, with 16% under 10. (Yes, ten!) Australia isn’t alone in these stats, with many countries seeing staggering numbers of homeless people sleeping on the streets or in non-permanent sleeping arrangements.

Homelessness is confronting, and was on my radar well before I wrote the scenes in Integrate where Blaine, the teenage hero of the novel, finds himself sleeping rough on the streets. Sometimes homelessness can seem an overwhelming issue. Perhaps this is because of its prevalence and the complexity of circumstances that can lead to someone becoming homeless. And the reality is it can happen easier than one might imagine.

Many cases of homelessness slip under the radar, especially couch surfers who may technically have a roof over their head most nights, but have no permanent residence. The impact on those living in transient housing is significant: socially, economically, mentally, physically and more. Consider this for children, who are supposed to go to school and learn, but they don’t even know if they have a bed each night, or even food.

For this reason it’s been great to see so many incentives raising funds and awareness of this issue. This Saturday just gone, our local city held their ‘Hike for the Homeless‘, which is a fundraising opportunity that exists in a number of communities about Australia. Other opportunities that people can get onboard with include ‘Hangout for the homeless‘, ‘Homeless for a Week‘ and ‘Vinnies Community Sleepout‘. Even professionals, like social workers, have taken up similar efforts to bring positive change to this situation. It’s also been great seeing a number of churches about Australia, such as those in the Yarra ranges, opening their doors to the homeless to provide food, shelter, bathroom facilities and hope.

As great as these programs are, when we start thinking of homelessness on a more personal level it can be a little more confronting. It’s one thing to join a collective effort, it’s another thing to look a homeless person in the face and offer them … Well, what can we offer? A coffee, either in person or by paying it forward? A meal? A hug? A donation to ‘Swags for Homeless‘? Or even a room in our home?

As we approach Christmas, the awful reality is a whole bunch of people will be spending it alone, hungry, in old clothes, and with no ready bathroom facilities.

What do you think we can do? Is joining a worthy cause and fundraising enough? Or can we go beyond general kindness to practical steps, like befriending a needy stranger, and bring a little brightness into someone else’s world? I’d love to hear your thoughts!