Yep not me, this post is all about the lovely Louise Allan and her debut book, The Sisters’ Song. It’s surreal watching a blogging buddy fly above and beyond to such new and unimaginable heights.
I’ve been following Louise closely after coming across her wonderfully popular ‘Writer’s in the Attic’ series. It didn’t take me long to realise she was also getting published by Allen & Unwin. To say I was impressed is an understatement.
If you’re not an Australian native or connoisseur, Allen & Unwin are a well-established, independent book publisher here in Australia. They follow me on twitter, but I feel like they may have done that by accident.
Even though it’s not my book deal, it still feels pretty darn exciting. When I caught sight of Louise’s book in my local bookstore, I almost started jumping up and down like a proud relative.
I mean, this is the product of six years of hard work, not to mention the countless years of writing that came before. I can only hope to one day show as much dedication.
I was initially going to write a book review (this book deserves one), but then I realised, you know what, I’m actually pretty bad at writing reviews, so instead I’m going to paraphrase what most positive reviews are trying to convey:
BUY THE BOOK NOW!
Jks!
One thing Stephen King taught me in his novel, On Writing, of which I finally took the plunge and read over Christmas, is that we are readers first. Reading should be part and parcel of being a writer, which is why I wanted to make the effort to read more this year. Luckily, this coincided perfectly with Louise’s book release, as her book came out January 2nd!
I was immediately drawn to The Sisters’ Song because I too have a younger sister who can sing. She’s so wonderfully talented and yet underestimates herself all the time. Not to mention I also have close relatives who own a beautiful farm in Tasmania just out of Launceston, of which I have visited many times over (they even have a cottage on the property that you can rent!) It’s one of my most favourite places in the world.
I could go on and on about Louise’s book, but I’m not really good at that kind of thing (reviews require fancy literary-like words). All I can say is that I read it, loved it and would highly recommend it if you’re looking for a truly touching tale that tugs at the tear ducts (sorry, that was genuine accidental alliteration hahaha).
If you are keen for a more detailed review, check out Marie McLean’s book review of The Sisters’ Song over at her website. Marie is far more adept at writing reviews than I, so you should definitely check her out. You can also download a Kindle sample of Louise’s book over at Amazon 🙂
Happy reading everyone!
We even read your blog too 😉
Thanks for spreading the love for The Sisters’ Song, and sharing the joy in Louise’s publication.
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Thank you so much! 🙂
I would do it time and time again for Louise 🙂 So much excitement for her!! Can’t wait to see what she comes up with next
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Nice! I found it at the library, so I’ll have to read it soon. 😊
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At the library! That’s so cool 🙂
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So exciting reading about Louise here on your blog; will definitely share this on mine 💫
I love your enthusiasm for your fellow bloggers. It is infectious ☺️👌🏼
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Yay thanks Viola!! 🙂
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You are amazing, Milly! Thank you so much for this! And I’m so pleased you liked my book.
Gosh, I hope I can write a post like this for you one day! 🙂
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I loved your book, it was wonderful!! I really enjoyed your writing style in particular, something to strive for! #oneday
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Your style is unique and special, Milly, so don’t forget that!
xx
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You are too lovely Louise xx
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I have no clue why it was saying I wasn’t following your blog!! LOL.
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Thank you so much for the shout-out for the review I wrote on The Sister’s Song, Milly.
Can you believe it? Six years of hard work, writing a book that takes so little time to read because it’s so absorbing and you’re racing through pages, trying to find out what happens next. It blows me away every time I hear a ‘path to publication’ story like Louise’s.
But the end result is amazing – and I agree with your words, ‘Buy the book now’. 😊
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The review you did was on point! When I read it I was like, ‘well I can’t best that!’ It’s so exciting seeing Louise’s book, as you said, six years of hard work and there it is! I should have paced myself instead of reading her book in one sitting – oh well! 🙂 I LOVE reading those ‘path to publication’ stories!!
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Hopefully we’ll be reading YOUR path to publication story some time soon… 😉
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hahah yours too!!
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Yes, come on Millie!!!!
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Sounds like I need to order this book. Great post – great review from you! Congratulations to Louise too. Great example of what can happen if you keep plugging away … ✍️✍️✍️
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Yes you have to! Louise is a prime example of what can happen if you preserve and never give up 🙂
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She’s brilliant. So pleased I have met you both 💃🏼💃🏼
Good luck with your own writing journey Millie x
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Thanks, Viola! Yes, it’s inspiring to see what happens when we don’t give up on our dreams! 😊
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I shall scoop up your beautiful words,
Along with broken pieces of confidence..
File them in order where they belong,
And hold head high, write and enjoy the consequence. 🌸☺️
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Beautiful! 💕
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Congratulations to her and all the best for you too!
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Thanks! 🙂 🙂
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Congratulations to Louise! It takes so much invisible work to get that visible book on the shelf. Well done.
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Yes, so much invisible work involved! Louise has done such an amazing job (especially all the historical research she would have had to do!) It’s stories like her’s that gives us hope 🙂
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You are a good friend and a worthy world citizen! Way to work on behalf of the community.
Reblogged this to my sister site, Success Inspirers World
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Thanks so much for the reblog!! 🙂 🙂
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What a good idea … I think I may do the same and spread the love a little further 🌸
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Hear, hear, about Milly being a good friend and worthy world citizen! 🙂
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Congratulations!!
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6 years…I’ll have to expand my timeframe…
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Me too! I started one of my novels in Aug 2015, that’s technically only 2.5 years ago! I’m just an amateur it seems
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I have a friend in an online writing group who wrote a book, left it shelved for 10 years! Then went back to it, re-wrote parts and it was self published last year and she’s doing really well!! Kiltie Jackson…
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If this was Louise’ debut, she may never have that option to prepare for that long again! Her publishers might set her a target for book 2 … and give her a timeframe … eeeek! 🥂
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I’d quite like that problem! 😉
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Good things come to those who …. drink an occasional vodka and keep writing 💃🏼💫👌🏼
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So close…
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You are Published, keep up the great blogging! I got a gig as a columnist because I had 28 follows! Crazy, huh?
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Wow that’s awesome!! I’ve applied for a few writing jobs – I’ve never had any luck! Maybe I should keep trying lol
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🥂💃🏼
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That’s awesome! Soon it will be you 🙂
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I know how cool is it?
One day!
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“Read it and loved it” works for me 🙂
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Awesome 🙂
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