Lots of things affect the writing process. I’ve spent the last 36 years living in the tropics, and I’ve managed to write under all kinds of conditions – at the kitchen table; on a swag out bush in a stock camp; in an air-conditioned office with a coffee machine close by; in my own study at home (when I lived in a house); and on a yacht out at sea. If the Muse is willing, I can write in almost any situation. But I’ve discovered that the one condition that guarantees focus and imagination, is a gloomy, overcast, freezing cold day.
I’ve been staying down in the deep south for the last month and a half, at Phillip Island, a beautiful, quiet place at the bottom of Victoria. Its northern edge is nestled in the shelter of Westernport Bay, while the southern coast, a long stretch from the Nobbies to Cape Woolamai, braves cold, capricious Bass Strait. It’s a sleepy place for most of the year, except for Christmas, Easter, and a few weekends when half of Melbourne turns up for motor racing and rock festivals. The rest of the time Phillip Island snoozes, not much disturbing the gently rolling, almost English landscape, or crowding out the world-famous surf beaches and some of the most rugged, dramatic coast you could wish for.
Phillip Island, Victoria
For the first time in 36 years, I’ve been experiencing winter, although I’m assured it’s not nearly cold enough yet. For someone from a place where anything below 25C makes for news commentary, waking up to 7C shouts “winter” quite loudly enough. And I’ve discovered that it’s very conducive to writing. There’s something about black skies, driving rain and icy winds trembling the roof beams, that make one’s fingers fly over the keyboard, and the ideas come tumbling out like the leaves from the trees outside. I’m sitting inside a cosy room, a rug over my knees and a shawl around my shoulders, and I feel snug and safe and in the mood to write. If I run out of steam, there’s the most incredible view through the double-glazed windows of a wild grey sea, and I sigh with deep satisfaction and get back to work.
Looking northwest to Woolamai surf beach
The only thing I have to watch is that I don’t end up channeling one of the Brontes. There’s a definite feeling of the Yorkshire moors in weather like this. Now, where’s that teapot…
Southwest from Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island
It was indeed beautiful – now I’m in Alice Springs for a week or two and doing the same thing – writing and freezing! But with not such a wonderful view out the window – wrong side of the hotel!
I picked up Outback Heart a couple of days ago and haven’t been able to put it down. It’s given me so much strength to get through my tough times. I really dont know how you did it but it just goes to show how the rest of us take the smallest of things for granted. You have lived an incredible life, a roller coaster as you say. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Thank you Kylie! Glad you found something helpful in it too.
All the best, Joanne
Well, Jo..if rain and cold encourage you to write…our travels together on the Catalyst were helpful. Come visit us anytime on San Juan Island.
Shannon, we’d be there tomorrow if we could!
Joanne you ROCK!!! I have just listen to Outback Heart, what an incredible time you had in the 80s & 90s! Love your photo galery. Have you read any of your other books on to CD? Hope you & your family are well regards paul.
Thanks Paul, much appreciated! Outback Heart is the only one I have read for audio so far. Glad to hear you enjoyed it. Best wishes, Joanne
Am nearly at the end of Outback Heart and have found it a most amazing book and already know I will read it again. What a life you had in those years, it was so interesting and informative about life in the outback. Your strength was incredible and really inspired me. Can’t wait to get to the end of your story. Loved the photos too. Thanks so much for sharing your story.
Thank you Lee – glad you enjoyed the book! Thanks for your kind words and for letting me know. Best wishes, Joanne
Hi Joanne,
I’ve just finished reading “Outback Heart”. What a great read and what an amazing life you’ve had.
My husband and I travel regularly from Melbourne to the NT as our son lives in Darwin, so some of the places you write about are very familiar.
I’m interested in reading your latest book as my grandfather fought at, and survived, the Battle of Frommelles.
And now you live on a yacht! I wonder if you sail out of Fanny Bay? We may bump into you on the water one day.
Thanks for writing your story.
Di. X
Di, thank you very much for your generous comments – very glad to hear you enjoyed Outback Heart. And I hope you like Ronan’s Echo! Which battalion was your grandfather in at Fromelles? It’s quite amazing how many people I hear from now who have a similar connection to that battlefield.
We do sail out of Darwin occasionally – more often now. If you see ‘Tramontana’ on the water, come and say hello!
Thanks for your contact,
best wishes, Jo