July 11, 2021
by jackieandnoel 9 Comments

What We’re up to Now

A year since my last blog! Here’s what we’re up to now.

Building our house (4 years plus)… so nearly there, make-shift kitchen is about to upgrade to semi-make-shift!

Building a business: SisterShip Training is going great guns and continuing nicely along its 5 years plan – exciting news in the pipeline!

Bringing my horses back to good health. After the trail riding (A Standard Journey), we hot-footed it to the UK to spend much needed time with family. We left our horses with “friends” of friends. Three years later I skipped with joy with the thought of getting them back – on our own land no less. We collected three emaciated, worm-filled, lame, depressed, miserable horses.

The nine hour trip back to their forever home almost killed us all. I was beside myself wondering if they’d make it. Especially Charlie who is huge, big-boned but so fragile.

Five years on they look amazing and I almost have their feet back to where they should be. I will never forgive those people. The farrier thinks their feet were left for three years and chopped just before we picked them up – hence their lameness and a four-year struggle to get their feet back to health.

More Books?

Yes – in draft. However, SisterShip Training takes priority as far as work, as we are on the cusp of great things!

At the moment

My health is priority, having had a rocky-road for the last 1-2 years. Mostly due to stress. That’s all done and dusted now. I’ve shed the heavy weight things in my life that were very keen to destroy it and taken back control.

I had my hair tissue analysed (just like I did with the horses!), and it pretty much saved my health.

Sharing

I hope to share more of our journey from now on, and I thank everyone who has supported me along the way, especially those who have purchased my books and continue to write to me from all over the world.

June 18, 2020
by jackieandnoel 5 Comments

Book Reviews and Memories of my Memoir Writing!

Do you forget what you write? I chatted with Erin Carey this morning for my Turning Your Cruising Dreams into Reality Podcast show, and I quoted part of her blog.

“Did I write that!” She said.

Now this morning, I awake to a note from a lady who is reading “Of Foreign Build – From Corporate Girl to Sea Gypsy Women”. She quoted a paragraph…

“I just found a lovely passage for you in Jackie’s book….”

‘During most trips, dolphins became part of our journey. At night, nearing Sri Lanka, we couldn’t see the dolphins themselves, but their outline in the green phosphorescence that ran off their backs and around their sides. So dark was the night and so bright the phosphorescence, that the dolphins appeared as shooting comets, as they slipped through ‘Mariah’s’ wake. The green, breathing torpedoes accompanied us for some time, relieving the monotony of the dark, lonely night.’

Thoroughly loving this book “Of Foreign Build” by Jackie Parry……”

What a lovely reminder, and I, too, had forgotten what I wrote. Perhaps it is time to re-read my own books!

This week I received another lovely note from a read of “A Standard Journey – 5 horses, 2 people, and 1 tent” her words brought tears of gratitude to my eyes…

“If you’re looking for an authentically written and driven story -this is definitely one of them. I thought 5 horses, two people and I tent – in the 21st century is this for real- are they for real? I wasn’t a skeptic of their story, I was in awe of their tenacity and courage.

What I got in return was laughter, tears and a wonderful anticipation of what would happen next. As an Australian who has lived in the country (opposed to the city) all my adult life, I was fascinated by the way Jackie experiences and recalls the flora and fauna with almost exploratory eyes.

Personally though I was most intrigued and interested in the human to horse relationship. I am now more aware than ever before of the sentience of these magnificent mammals who are undoubtedly Jackie’s family.

Full stop! sacrifice after sacrifice, throughout the story it is utmost clear where Jackie’s heart lies. Thankyou from my heart to yours.”

I am now tackling the day with a huge smile. Authors need reviews, if you like a book, please just say a few words, so other readers can make an informed decision on their next purchase.

Personally, this makes my heart sing, if you’ve tackled a project for years that almost brought you to your knees with effort and exhaustion, several times – you’ll understand.

So worth it – so special – so grateful.

Have you written a review that has made an author’s heart sing?

May 10, 2019
by jackieandnoel Leave a comment

Introduction to Coastal Navigation

Chart and books included, value over $100.

Plus a light lunch.

Two days of training by two commercial and recreational skippers and their international experience.

Plus fun and networking… more details

December 19, 2018
by jackieandnoel Leave a comment

Thinking about writing? – Why don’t you try it?

Don’t think about it – just write

Transitions ($250 prize money!)

The SisterShip team I belong to are holding another writing competition. Transitions – something close to my heart having ‘transitioned’ from boat to land and from land to boat three times each way. Plus, from land to horse and horse to land (we lived with five horses and the gear on their backs for quite some time in the bush).

Writing competition

(BTW you do not have to be ‘on the water’ to write this – it is not literal!) 🙂

Encouraging Writers

Entries to a recent writing competition are going to be published in an anthology: “Voyaging Pets”. This collection of true stories of animals, in, on, and around the water will make you laugh out loud, smile broadly, gasp a little and there may be a few tears…

Meet Baxter in the book

The Point?

I’m getting there.

Supporting New Writers

A friend asked if she could submit a story after the Pets competition closed, i.e. just for the book.

‘Of course,’ I said (she writes well).

Then she said, ‘I have another friend who may like to have a go too.’

So I received two wonderful stories, the ‘friend’ wrote: “Thanks for prompting me to do this – I totally loved it!” (She’s never written for a publication before.) I think she now has the bug!

The Writing Journey

This isn’t the first positive comment I’ve received for encouraging and supporting new writers. And all of them have a natural flow with words, and all have loved having a go. It is an honour to be part of their journey.

The SisterShip Team

Our ethos is to support and encourage, so if you have an article or a book idea bouncing around, drop us a line: editor@sistershipmagazine.com

We are always happy to chat!

SisterShip Magazine Website

SisterShip Press Website

November 2, 2018
by jackieandnoel 6 Comments

Author Interview – Historical Fiction

Historical Fiction is one of my favourite genres. Throw in a boat and that book has to be mine!

When I become so absorbed into a story I want to know more about the author… here’s a brief intro to Pamela Grimm and her alter-ego Captain Jane Thorn!

Why write about the merchant marine instead of pirates? Surely they are more fun!

Aaargh! A pirate lives by his sword, but a trading captain has to live by her wits. That’s much more fun, I think! Captain Jane has to figure out how to get what she wants without pulling a weapon on anyone, in general. Not that she won’t channel her inner pirate if needed!

What makes historical fiction set in the 19th century so special?
The first half of the 19th century was a time of upheaval and change all over the world. In many ways, the rapid developments in technology and the political turmoil would be familiar to today’s readers. For Americans, the country was still growing and defending its territory while trying not to get involved in European affairs. Within, issues of slavery, expansion, and the role of government were hot buttons that everyone had to work around. Captain Jane is akin to today’s millennials, figuring out what she thinks about things and acting on her principles.

How important is research to you when writing a book?
Research is everything! I want to bring the reader into Jane’s world and make it feel familiar. The problems people were solving in Jane’s day laid the foundation for the world we live in today. Have you ever thought about how long it would actually take to raise the anchor on a 200-ton ship? Longer than you might imagine!

How realistic are your books?
Captain Jane and the Destiny are as realistic as I can make them. All of the events and places I reference are real, as are many of the people she encounters. Every now and then, I take liberties with time frames, but I strive to give the reader a realistic sense of the world in 1820.

Do you set a plot or prefer going wherever an idea takes you?
Oh, my characters pretty much do what they want to do. They are constantly surprising me! I know that sounds crazy, but it’s true. In general, I know what the central storyline will be, but how things play out is always a mystery until it happens. I find myself saying, “Oh really?” a lot when I am writing.

How much of yourself do you put into your books?
I confess, Captain Jane is my alter-ego. She pretty much does what I think I would do in most situations, although sometimes I have to shake my head at how obtuse she can be. That’s probably when she is being most like me.

Who would play Captain Jane in the movie?
If I could wave a magic wand, it would be a young Loreena McKennitt.

When can the readers expect your next book?
Soon! The Destiny is already headed out for a new adventure with Captain Jane and her loyal crew aboard. Look for the next volume in the series in 2019.

Pre-order Destiny’s Gold on Kindle right now!

October 10, 2018
by jackieandnoel 2 Comments

New Release in Historical Fiction- Coming Soon!

Must Read Books

I am rather proud to be part of the team working on a new historical fiction book Destiny’s Gold, which is Book One in the series.

All the details are here. One thing I do know, that if you like a good read, you will love this book!

Pamela Grimm, New York commercial skipper and author, signs up SisterShip Press Ltd Pty.

Combine four women from opposites sides of the globe but connected by their passion for writing and sailing and what do you get? The ingredients for a powerful maritime novel with a strong female lead, Destiny’s Gold.

Pamela Grimm

Author Pamela Grimm combines her love of maritime history with experience as a commercial and recreational captain, sailing the waters of eastern US, the west coast of Sweden, and from Norfolk to Bermuda, to create an indomitable female character and a storyline that keeps you guessing.

It is 1820, and a young female sea captain, Jane Thorn sets sail aboard the schooner Destiny bound for the sugar plantations of Cuba and then on to the Baltic for iron. Political intrigue and mystery dog the voyage. Captain Jane Thorn is feisty, fun, and smart. She deals with men who under-estimate her skill and business acumen at their peril. This is historical, nautical fiction with a fresh new take!

Riding the front of the ‘women on the water’ wave, the SisterShip Press team are commercially qualified skippers, sailors, and authors themselves. Emerging author Pamela Grimm and her novel Destiny’s Goldepitomise all that SisterShip stands for.

‘We just had to sign Pamela up,’ explains Jackie Parry, Co-Owner of SisterShip Press and SisterShip Magazine, ‘We read the manuscript and LOVED it!

Belinda Collins, Chief Editor for SisterShip Press adds, ‘Pamela tells such a strong story, with fascinating locations and of course a marvellous heroine’.

‘There’s nothing better than working with a publisher who loves all things sailing as much as I do! My book feels like it is in good hands with the women of SisterShip Press.’ says author Pamela Grimm.

Historical maritime fiction tends to continue the dominance of nautical culture by men, both as writers and their characters. Destiny’s Gold breaks with that tradition

When asked why she is drawn to the 1820s, author Pamela states, ‘The early 19th century was an exciting time of change politically, culturally, and technologically. The Age of Sail was coming to a close as steamships became safer and more economical to run, while global forces were upending centuries of tradition leading to the downfall of monarchies and the cruel institution of slavery. Writing about a woman who leads and innovates in the midst of those changes is an exciting challenge that combines the romance of tall ships at sea with my fascination for “how things were actually done” during that era. The research phase is in some ways the most rewarding and fun part of the writing process and allows me not only to recreate Jane’s world for the modern reader, but also to provide insight into just how people solved problems before the digital revolution.’

The first in the series, Destiny’s Gold is set to be released in December.

July 22, 2018
by jackieandnoel Leave a comment

Do Authors Read Their Own Books?

Some do.

The manuscripts are read umpteen times while editing and proof-reading and agonising over each and every word. But once finished, I’ve not read my books unless holding a reading, then, of course, it is a prerequisite!

This morning, seeking information, I read excerpts from A Standard Journey.

I laughed; tears trickled.

I ache for that journey.

The adrenaline hits throughout that extraordinary trip systematically peaked. One reviewer, upon finishing the story, stated, “I’m exhausted!”

Here’s an amusing scene that turned me into a panic-hopping lunatic for a few brief, terrifying moments!

‘Untie him, quick!’ I didn’t know what was happening, but I wanted him away from the fence.
Noel held onto Dom as he continued the wheeze and then stopped. We all stood still for a moment waiting to see what would happen next.
Then Dom stuck his front leg out, stiffened his entire body, and hissed out another agonising wheeze.
‘It’s okay, boy, steady, steady,’ Noel soothed as I checked Dom over.
A few moments later ‐ another gasp.
‘Stay here, keep him calm, yell if it gets worse – really yell. I’m calling a vet.’
I bolted into the cottage, banging the doors, and frantically flicked through the phonebook. The second vet practice I rang answered. I explained Dom’s symptoms in a frantic breathless monologue.
‘He’s choking,’ the vet said. ‘It is a minor choke; he’ll be okay.’ He explained calmly, ‘Get a hose, turn on the water, not too fast, but a good run, put the hose in his mouth – a fair way back, but not so he’ll swallow it, but so you make him drink.’
‘Right, right,’ I said, hopping from one foot to another. ‘Can you come if I need you?’
‘No, I can’t. I’m sorry. This is a minor choke; this should work.’
In one movement I replaced the receiver, spun around, and ran for the door. Outside I grabbed the hose and turned the tap on.
‘He’s still the same,’ said Noel, who was noticeably paler.
‘He’s choking: we need to clear it. Hold him as still as you can,’ I yelled as I unravelled the hose, trying not to scare the other horses.
I closed my hand around Dom’s chin, below his bottom lip, and lifted his head as high as I could. Without giving him or me time to think, I shoved the hose in his mouth. Noel and I fought to keep him still and steady the hose. Dom’s such a trusting, kind lad; he fidgeted but didn’t fight.
The water cascaded down my front, down Noel’s back, but half flowed into Dom’s throat, and I heard a painful swallow.
I pulled out the hose.
The three of us stood together, puffing, dripping, looking at each other. Dom shook his head, then lowered it and started eating the grass, as if nothing had happened.
‘Good grief,’ Noel said, and that about summed it all up.

I collected a few more grey hairs that day.

July 14, 2018
by jackieandnoel Leave a comment

Writing, Writing, and more Writing!

If my chest has expanded for each proud moment during last few months, I’d have a big chest.

With great fanfare, SisterShip Magazine was launched in April after 30 years in dry-dock. In June issue 2 was published and the comments, interest, and support were mind-blowing. August’s issue is well on the way.

A couple of weeks ago we softly launched our publishing website SisterShip Press Pty Ltd, with our search for women authors.

In the midst of all this, we also launched a short story competition based on fear – an author contacted me directly and thanked us for addressing an important subject.

Last month, with Noel, we celebrated 20 years of marriage, travelling, and an extraordinary life.

So with my big breasts, blown mind, busy fingers, marvellous husband, and neat business partner – I just want to say thanks. The ride-of-my-life continues…

May 12, 2018
by jackieandnoel Leave a comment

Success, Failure, and Laughs

It’s been a big few months.

With the successful launch of SisterShip Magazine, and The Gathering event going off with a big bang – I thought things would calm down through May. Silly me.

So with two recent successes what is the failure?

Hmmmm, can’t think of one.

Laughs then? Oh there’s plenty of them…. here are two posts on a recent ‘business’ discussion with Shelley Wright (co-editor of SisterShip) on our private group.

via GIPHY

It’s not all laughs, there are many midnight ramblings and 4am starts (and even a few 3am) – too many really. But it has to stay fun – and it is.

I am sure you’ll find our usual professionalism shining through in the up-and-coming issue – as well as our love for our job and your magazine – let us know what you think!

Look out for June’s issue, so many exciting articles – pictures – discussions… it’s truly inspirational, and that inspiration source will be a big surprise.

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April 11, 2018
by jackieandnoel Leave a comment

Inspirational Women

I had to reblog this – this wonderful and short blog captures the spirit of the Women Who Sail Gathering event this weekend.

It was fabulous…

#inspirational #women

The Olive Press

Following on from the amazing weekend I just attended in Port Stephens, I’ve come back home buzzing with ideas of what we might do in the future. Every presentation set off a little spark of something, a germ of an idea, a frisson of excitement! OK, not the sailing in Antarctica or the dismasting 1000 miles off South Africa or the rescue in the Pacific. But listening to some of the speakers describing their voluntary work in the Pacific or bartering with the locals for lobsters and veggies or reading to the kids in schools in Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands really got me wondering if we could go again. We loved the little bit of the Pacific we did in 2009 and always said we would go back some time.

I got back home and said to Andy ” Hey And! I’ve been thinking…….” He knows now that that…

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