Hello! It's a slightly different newsletter today as I'm madly trying to hit deadlines and clear my desk before my big trip to the Author Nation conference in Las Vegas! (Oh, a huge thank you to everyone who sent me helpful tips - more on that below!)

I DO have something for the Bargain Hunters: if you enjoy historical mysteries in the 1920's "Golden Age" style, I've got a treat for you courtesy of a good author friend... but first:

In Book News... (sort of!)

In case you missed it - I shared a 2nd video chat in my last newsletter. If you've ever wondered how authors do research and write authentic scenes for their stories... well, here's your chance to see a writer in action 😉  

Come along "on location" with me to the Perth Boat Show to do book research, followed by a chat about the best high tea places in Australia and a quick update on my mother. 

(Plus Muesli makes a special appearance - as well as the neighbour's watering system! 😉)

All Aboard! Book Research at Boat Show & High Tea in Oz

| Gossip & Plot Twists #2 with H.Y. Hanna

** I'm still wondering if I mis-read the enthusiasm for my YouTube idea - so if you enjoy these video chats, I would really appreciate if you could leave a comment on YouTube, so I can see that enough readers are interested for me to continue?

Do you like this style with a bit of “on-location” book research mixed in with reader Q&A? Did you find the music annoying? Do you prefer the videos shorter (this one is 6mins - whereas the first one was 10mins)?

Are there any topics or things you'd particularly like see?

Please leave a comment on the video and let me know!

Your feedback would be so helpful to gauge whether I should continue making more videos, and if so, which kinds you like best! 

Thank you! 😊

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"Authors in the Wild"... (for the Foodies & Travel Bugs!)

Because I live in Australia, it's hard for me to go to writer conferences and other literary events in the US and UK, and very difficult to meet up with author friends in the Northern Hemisphere. So sadly, I don't get to join in the author community as much as I'd like. 

Oh, the internet is great, of course, and you can do a lot to keep in touch online these days... but it's just not the same as meeting up in person, is it? 

So this time at Author Nation, I'm particularly looking forward to catching up with my close friend, Sara Rosett, whom many of you probably know! Sara lives in Texas and she writes "Golden Age" style mysteries set in the 1920's, featuring plucky British amateur sleuths, and a cast of quirky characters. And like me, Sara loves bringing vivid, atmospheric settings to life for her readers to enjoy. Here are some of her books - you can find out more about them on her website!

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Sara and I also share a love of travel - especially in Europe and the UK - and three years ago, we were delighted to end up in London at the same time, during a big publishing conference. So we decided to meet for brunch at a gorgeous little boutique hotel in the heart of Belgravia...

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The Lime Tree Hotel is a cosy establishment inside a converted Georgian townhouse and it's full of charming features, including a little walled garden at the back - a slice of the countryside in central London! 

But the thing that had really caught my attention, when I read about the hotel online, was its inhouse "rustic-chic" cafe. Known as The Buttery, it was rumoured to be the home of a legendary brunch menu. 

Naturally, as a self-confessed foodie, I had to investigate to see if the rumours were true - and Sara was a willing accomplice! 😉

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We arrived and made our way into the beautiful Grade II listed building... for a place that was nearly 2 centuries old, it had been beautifully preserved and restored to showcase the open fireplaces, ornate cornicing and grand high ceilings. I LOVE "Olde World" places like that - so full of character and atmosphere!

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The Buttery itself was the definition of "cosy", with rustic wooden tables and vintage English prints on the walls. We found ourselves a little nook by the window and eagerly perused the menu... 

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I took a photo of the menu to show you but unfortunately, it came out a bit blurry - so here's the current version online if you're interested. Everything sounded delicious - we were spoilt for choice!  What d'you think you would have chosen?

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I finally decided on the "Nutella French Toast - with mascarpone and cherry compote crème, fresh strawberries, maple syrup and toasted hazelnuts"... and yes, it was SCRUMPTIOUS. 😋The rumours were certainly true!

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It was such a lovely morning and I'm so looking forward to catching up with Sara again... maybe for a brunch in Vegas! 😉

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(For the Bargain Hunters...)

By the way, the first book in Sara's new series (Murder Among The Pyramids) is currently on sale for 99c, so if you fancy checking it out, now's a great time to grab a copy! 

You can get it at your favourite retailer here: https://books2read.com/MurderAmongThePyramids

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Before I go, I wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who sent me messages with tips and advice for my upcoming trip. For those who might have missed the previous newsletter... I've been invited to speak on the Cozy Mystery panel at Author Nation, the biggest conference in the world for independent authors - which takes place in Las Vegas each year.

It will be my first time attending the conference - and also my first time in Vegas, so I really appreciated all the tips shared. 😊 

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Everyone agreed that the air-conditioning can be freezing in the hotels & conference rooms, so I'm definitely taking lots of layers! 

Several readers encouraged me to explore the city beyond The Strip, especially for restaurant options. Susie R in particular, gave lots of suggestions for places to eat (thank you!) and Liz S also shared her favourite Chinese restaurant recommendations, and even sent me her own photos & videos (so sweet!)

Linda P warned me of "scams" that catch unwary tourists, like people in cute costumes who pose for unasked photos and then demand money! And I love her suggestion: "One of my favorite things to do in LV is to walk up and down the strip thru every hotel lobby... There is something unique in every hotel" - that sounds like a great idea. 

Several readers encouraged me to visit the beautiful Bellagio Hotel to see its famous dancing fountain - although I have to confess, I'm more interested in seeing the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens - haha! 😉

Oh - of course, the one thing I mustn't forget to pack is Flat Muesli! Since the real Muesli can't come along, her cardboard double will be jet-setting in her stead. So look out for a feline take on Las Vegas 😉

I'm so excited about the trip now and can't wait to report back with all my adventures... in fact, I might even do a "Live from Vegas" video to say hi! 😉

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