Hi, I’m Narelle Atkins and I’m delighted to be a part of this blog promoting International Christian Fiction. I live in Canberra, the national capital of Australia. Population of around 340,000, Canberra is a three hour drive south-west of Sydney, and only a few hours away from the NSW South Coast and the Snowy Mountains. Here is a photo of Parliament House, one of Canberra’s more prominent landmarks.Today I’m giving away an Australian calendar. For a closer look at the View Australia 2010 Calendar, please go to http://www.aussiecalendars.com/calendars/view-australia.htm
I thought I’d talk about Australia by referring to a few of the stunning photos in the calendar. The January calendar photo is from Palm Beach, on the northern beaches in Sydney. A beautiful part of the world, I grew up on the northern beaches and I couldn’t resist using Manly and Sydney Harbour as the setting for two of my manuscripts. Here is a photo of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, with Sydney ferries heading into Circular Quay and the North Sydney business district in the distance.
The July calendar photo is from Tulip Top Gardens near Canberra, ACT. Last month my children had a fabulous time attending a birthday party held at Tulip Top Gardens. The lovely people at Tulip Top Gardens very kindly allowed me to include a photo of their gardens in my post. Please visit their website http://www.tuliptopgardens.com.au/ and check out the gorgeous photos in their online photo gallery. Canberra is known for its Spring flower displays and Floriade is held every year in Commonwealth Park on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
The November calendar photo includes The Three Sisters, Katoomba, NSW. Katoomba is located in the scenic Blue Mountains, a short drive west of Sydney, and is another setting I’ve used in my stories.Australia is a country of diverse landscapes and has many amazing places from which to draw upon for story settings. Do you have a favorite Australian novel? Is there a particular part of Australia you’d like to read about as the setting for a story?
I love outback settings and thoroughly enjoyed reading Mary Hawkins’ recent release, Outback from Baragula (Ark House Press). I’m looking forward to reading Outback Hero (Avalon Books), a sweet romance by Canberra author and friend Elisabeth Rose.
To enter the drawing for the View Australia 2010 Calendar, please leave a comment on today's post. I'll draw the winner from the comments on this post on Sunday, November 29. Please leave an email address [ ] at [ ] dot [ ] where you can be reached.
"Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws."
Narelle Atkins writes contemporary inspirational romance. She resides in Canberra, Australia with her husband and children. To learn more about Narelle, please visit her website.
"Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws."
Narelle Atkins writes contemporary inspirational romance. She resides in Canberra, Australia with her husband and children. To learn more about Narelle, please visit her website.
The pictures are beautiful. I have always wanted to see Australia.
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Oops, didn't sign in so have to retype this. Hi, Narelle, so nice of you to mention you liked my book! And I didn't know Elisabeth has another book out. will have to try and get a copy. Please don't include me in the draw for the calendar. Keep it for those who may not have seen photos of our beautiful country!
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just wanted 2 comment~ on the AWESome pictures :)
ReplyDeletehave a great day!
Beautiful pix, Narelle! I'd love a copy of your calendar. valerie AT valeriecomer DOT com
ReplyDeleteLinda, I hope you'll have the opportunity to visit Australia :-)
ReplyDeleteMary, I'm pretty sure Elisabeth's book will be released in January 2010 :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, jel - they look even better in real life :-) Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Valerie. The calendar pix are beautiful :-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures. I'm puzzled about tulips in July. Isn't that winter in Australia?
ReplyDeleteEnter me in the draw avaldal at shaw dot ca.
Hi Narelle. The pictures are so lovely. I can't wait until the day I can visit Australia. My all time favorite book set in Australia is The Thorn Birds. I loved that book so much. I often wonder, if I go back and read it now, would I love it as much? That's why I've never re-read it.
ReplyDeleteAlice, you're absolutely right :-) The tulips are in full bloom mid-September to early October. The tulip photo is featured for the month of July in the calendar.
ReplyDeleteSuzie, thanks for stopping by :-) I also loved The Thorn Birds and enjoyed the mini series on television back in the 80's.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win an Australian calendar.
ReplyDeleteI fell in love with Australia long before it was chic in the US to love Australia. I've read at least 300 books set in Australia. I have a collection of Lucy Walker books. But I've read every book set in Australia I could get my hands on--all of Mary Hawkins' books, too.
If a movie is set in Australia and isn't rated R, I see it, too.
Hi Narelle,
ReplyDeleteI love Australian books. It's refreshing to see our beautiful country through the eyes of other authors. I never tire of it.
Lena, wow - 300+ books! It's great to hear about your love for Australian stories :-) I remember Lucy Walker - she was one of my grandmother's favorite authors :-)
ReplyDeleteNoela, thanks for stopping by :-) Like you, I'm always looking to read great stories set here in Australia :-)
ReplyDeleteCongrats Alice V! Your name was drawn and you've won the View Australia 2010 calendar. Enjoy :-)
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