sallymurphy.com.au

Sally Murphy, Australian author

What Warms Alison Ashley’s Heart

by


I must confess to not being a winter person. I quite like rain, but can’t stand being cold. And I miss swimming and early morning walks, and late evening walks, and being warm, and… Anyway, it’s been a really cold few weeks in my part of the world, and most of Australia seems to be enjoying (??) the same cold cold weather, so I thought it might be nice to up the temperature a little, by inviting some of my friends to drop by this blog and tell us what warms their hearts.

So, first cab off the rank in this new series of posts is Alison Ashley. Alison just launched her new novel, Phoenix (Congratulations Alison), and has taken time out from celebrating to drop in and share. Welcome Ali! Over to you.

What Warms My Heart
What warms my heart is community spirit. It’s a reflex action, or at least it should be, to help people in times of calamity, but when a community rallies around simply to help an emerging author publicise the launch for her new paranormal book, it truly brings home that feeling of belonging.
             
Phoenix is not only my first novel, but the first in The Fifth Shadow series, so naturally I was a little anxious about how I could attract people to my launch. I realise now how wasted that nervous energy was! Shop keepers and business owners offered to display my posters; the local press jumped at the opportunity to feature an article; neighbours and friends helped with letterbox drops; local radio had no hesitation in plugging it on-air and the library distributed details to all its branches in the municipality.
             
On launch day itself I was thrilled that people arrived early and I eagerly began signing books. By the time the official opening came around and I had chance to take in my surrounds, the venue was already full! That was a really heart warming and very humbling moment to know so many people, and not just those I knew, had come out on a chilly winter’s afternoon just to support me.
Even more heart warming was the glowing praise bestowed upon me by the very talented author, Dee White who officially launched Phoenix for me. I know we shouldn’t be so egotistical but it is a good feeling when others like your work!
Of course, seeing the young boy stop and get off his bike to help an elderly lady who had dropped her purse in the street, was equally heart warming, but overall it’s just nice to know that people genuinely care. 
To find out more about Phoenix or to buy your copy visit www.thefifthshadow.com
Books can also be ordered from bookshops.

To find out more about Alison, visit her at her blog http://alisonashley.wordpress.com

Lovely Alison. Thanks for dropping by and, again, congratulations on your new book-baby. 
I’ll be sharing more heart-warming posts in the coming weeks, so drop back and see what other friends have to say. And if YOU would like to share what warms your heart, let me know.

 

sallymurphy.com.au