I’ve been inspired by a really fabulous post by Aussie writer Kate Forsyth about helping out authors and the power of word-of-mouth. Talking about a book, band, movie, restaurant, etc can have a massive impact on how that endeavour goes and I would like to set a challenge. If you have had exceptional service or read a book or seen a movie or heard music that has made you smile or appreciate what/how it was done, then please put it in the comments below. Feel free to link to their website and encourage others to add their own. Let’s get the word out there and help some people gain some new followers! I’ll start with mine below in the comments.
Alli Sinclair 
A big shout out to the Sandstone Cafe in Geelong – http://www.sandstonecafe.com.au – for fabulous food and coffee, friendly staff, and the perfect place to write when I need to get out of the house.
My fave band as a teenager was Moving Pictures and I still love listening to them today. But even better than listening to a CD is seeing them live, and I will have that privilege again in just under 3 weeks time because they’re on tour. Here are all the dates. http://empiretouring.com.au/2014/07/03/moving-pictures/
And here’s a link to some footage that I took at last year’s gig at the Heathcote Hotel – Alex Smith shows he’s still got the goods and can even put on a fantastic show with a migraine. http://youtu.be/r7Xp26rZSWY
Oh, I loved Moving Pictures as a teenager! I’ve heard they’re really good live now as well. Thanks for posting!
Barbara Nadel is a British crime writer who deserves more attention on this (the North American) side of the big pond.She ‘s the author of the Cetin Ikmen mystery series set in Istanbul with a multicultural cast of characters. She also writes the Hakim and Arnold PI series set in London, featuring a detective agency staffed by a cop-turned PI and his female Muslim partner. Nadel doesn’t have a website but she blogs weekly at International Crime Writers Reality Check http://www.internationalcrimeauthors.com/?cat=6) and you can follow her on twitter.
Barbara’s books sound wonderful, Heidi. Thank you for recommending them and I will be sure to check them out!
I’ve just discovered Xaviar Rudd, a talented musician originally from Torquay, Australia. Apparently I have been living under a rock as he has toured all over the world and has a very big following. His music is captivating and I will be sure to catch one of his shows when he plays in my region. http://www.xavierrudd.com/
Here’s a video of one of his more well-known songs.
Thanks for doing this, Alli. It’s a great idea! Laura
Xaviar Rudd’s hometown is not far from mine. His music is fabulous and I love his conviction in the many causes he supports. Laura, thanks for posting this clip and for stopping by!
Been trying to think of an author whose books I could plug but I just love ’em all. How to choose? So, instead, I am going to rave about a hidden gem in the tiny Victorian country town of Myrniong between Ballarat and Bacchus Marsh. The Plough Inn bistro. http://theplough.com.au/the-plough-myrniong.php . One of three in the area. Others are at St Anne’s winery and Trentham. We celebrated our daughter’s birthday there on a Saturday night in August [Australian winter].
Hardly a parking space to be had, were greeted at the door and shown to a table. Open fire, crowded yet not noisy. Superb service with a smile both with the meal and drinks. Not long to wait for exceptional food. Overall? 5* service, atmosphere and food. On leaving, had the door held open for us as we said goodnight. Top experience and memories as we returned to our cars in the chilly night.
That sounds like a lovely place, Noelene and I will be sure to check it out when I’m in the region. I’m glad you had such a great time!
So many writers I want to give a big shout-out about! Here are just a few whose books I’ve read and loved recently: Juliet Marillier, Kimberley Freeman, Lauren Willig, Deanna Raybourn, Katherine Langrish, Mary Hoffman, Marcus Zusak, C.W. Gortner, Susanna Kearsley, Jane Yolen …. I hope you’ll try one or two of them and love them too.
Thank you so much for popping by, Kate! Your blog post really touched me. There are some wonderful names on this list you’ve written (and I’ve read quite a few and will need to try the others!). I hope lots of people reading the comments will give these authors a try if they haven’t already – including your books, Kate!
I am loving these recommendations! I would like to recommend some authors as well and like Kate, it is quite difficult to narrow it down, but here goes: Monica McInerney, Michelle Moran, Jennifer St. George, Louise Reynolds, Juliet Madison, Kathryn Ledson, Belinda Alexandra, Victoria Purman and Jessica Andersen.
Quite a few Aussie authors in there Janelle – wonderful! I’ve read most on that list and as I mentioned in reply to Kate’s comment, I hope people will give some new-to-them authors a try.
Hey Alli, I’ve just finished reading your book, Luna Tango, and I loved it, so that’s my recommendation. A great story and I can’t wait for the next one in the series.
Well thank you very much, Louisa! By the way, did you realise your first name is the same as the heroine in the historical story of Luna Tango? I love that!
I’ve only just discovered this post and wanted to contribute. I’m an eclectic reader and so my list may look a little strange to some – Frank Herbert, Lauren Beukes, Neil Gaiman, Nora Roberts, Paullina Simons, Allison Brennan, Laura Caldwell, Paul Thereaux, Kate Belle, Marion Lennox, Melanie Milburn, Jennifer St. George but there are so many more, I could be here all day!