Copyright John Monty - All rights reserved Please enjoy this excerpt and feel free to comment at the bottom of the blog. If you would like news of further writing projects and blogs please register in the contact section at the base of the page. If you are interested in reading the full novel enter our free give-away or purchase the novel at Amazon. CHAPTER 1 Mary and Chloe Eighteen months ago, on a Sunday … “Hi Jesse,” Sophie said, as she answered the phone, clearly ve

It's time to dust off your writing skills. If you are interested in receiving a free paperback copy of John Monty's novel "Going to Sophie" and you enjoy writing you are in the right place. Starting on the 1st of May 2026 and finishing on the 28th of May 2026, anyone who registers their email and clicks to connect below, and then makes a comment below this blog, about any blog on this website that has resonated with you, will be entered into a weekly draw for a chance to rece

I have some very exciting news to share. As of the 1st of May 2026 this website will be transitioning to the new name "Authors Monty" in line with our new direction of forming a collaborative community of wordsmiths. As you may be aware from my previous blog "New Novel Released" John my husband and fellow author has just released his novel "Going to Sophie". We have decided that in moving forward he will be joining me here in the newly re-visioned website "Authors Monty".

It's an exciting thing to share your life with someone who is truly your best friend. Even nicer when you share common interests. I'm thrilled to say that my better half has released his first novel "Going to Sophie" in the last week and I am so excited for him and proud of his dilligent work in getting to this stage. (It's an encouragement to me to keep going - there is an end in sight) Well done John! Congratulations on getting past the post. The novel is a faith-filled rom

Smoke alarms are one of life's sometimes irritating necessities, although very essential for keeping us safe from incidents like the photo to the right (No-one was harmed in this particular fire). During a recent visit to Victoria one of many funny moments involved a renegade smoke alarm - the type that is overly sensitive, and inconveniently, doesn't have a reset button. In the very low temperatures that are typical of a winter's day, it was not uncommon for the smoke alarm

My alien in it's current location I recall clearly the moment that my mother, an avid gardener, pulled a threadbare blue tarp wrapped about something heavy and long, from the back of her car. Excuse my humour, but in that moment my mind immediately flew to the image of Will Smith dragging the unconscious body of a captured alien through the desert toward Area Fifty-One. You might recall the scene in the 1996 movie "Independence Day". I still chuckle when I think about it. T

Copyright Sonya Monty - All rights reserved "Whisked Away" is my current novel in progress. It's still a way from publishing, but I'd love to get some feedback. I would love your feedback so please feel free to leave your thoughts below in the comments box, if you have enjoyed the excerpt or have ideas you'd like to share. Comments will require a name (will show) and an email address (email address is hidden from other readers' views) and is not a subscription. If you would

Sourdough Fruit Loaf with a seasonal twist With December fast approaching I've started preparations towards making one of our family favourite recipes. Rich fruit cake aromas are bringing up family celebration memories each time I open the oven. The tantalising smells of cinnamon and other spices, blended with brandy and locally produced Bundaberg rum wafted through our home last week, and those cakes are now wrapped and maturing in our fridge. One will be sent down south t

Crusty white and wholemeal loaf with bagel topping. My journey into the world of sourdough bread-making is a relatively new adventure (about a year now). The many who utilised lockdowns during the Covid era for learning the craft, are streaks ahead in practice and proficiency, so I am doing a catch-up. As happens, I was oblivious to the exciting hobbies that people were taking up to keep themselves busy. As a health-care worker I kept working through that time. So, actually

Frosty morning at Bairnsdale Recently I had the joy of spending time with a part of our family in another deep south state. There is nothing better than these precious times, which sadly end too soon. What is the saying? “Time flies when you’re having fun.” I do look forward to next year’s jaunt into the colder state, with much anticipation. What did I enjoy, you ask? Well to start with there is much to be said about being able to don six layers of clothing and still feel a

No one starts out life with an understanding of how they will live their life or what their life will produce, me as much as anyone. Conversely, I can now look back over my years with increasing understanding. I’m finally able to see the greater plan and purpose interwoven through my years, even those I would describe as my muddling years. Recently I was reading a commentary by Joseph Benson and his description of late fruiting trees resonated with me. Fruit trees are fascina

From my earliest memories, I have loved reading. Childhood holidays were spent exploring the extensive library in my grandpa’s sunroom (our bedroom for the holidays). I'd grab a book and curl up on the bed with the sun streaming through large picture windows, or head out and find a low-riding tree branch under a shady tree to hang in and read. When I wasn't able to find reading material that grabbed me, I'd raid his treasure of Phantom comics that filled a large chest of draw

I knew in that moment that I was going to be...

My hope is to share a sprinkling of love, hope, encouragement, and perhaps inspiration from what I have received, with whoever is interested