WOMEN IN STYLE | Meet Fleur McDonald
Fleur, tell us a bit about yourself?
Well, I'm a farmer, author and live on the south coast of WA. I have two adult kids, who come and go as they please, and what used to be an energetic kelpie, but as he gets that bit older, he's more like a slow moving depression kelpie!
I have a farm on the south coast of WA and one North of Perth, so I'm on the road a bit and I wrote two books a year, proudly published by Allen and Unwin. We've published 22 books together!
How would describe your style?
I love natural fibres and classic clothes. I don't mind paying, if the clothes are a cut that will last a few years.
What does a normal day look like for you?
Crazy busy usually! I write most days, farm some days and volunteer by driving meals on wheels and being secretary for our local two day show. Sometimes I'm on the road promoting books and speaking at Women's Days, and Agriculture events. I have a very privileged life and I work hard to make sure I give back to the community.
What do you love about writing?
I love being able to play with words. I spend a lot of time, when I'm editing, just looking at the way I've placed the words in a sentence (How geeky does that sound?!) I also love being able to play with peoples lives without upsetting anyone in real life, making it rain, when there's a drought outside and murdering people without going to jail (I really am nice, I promise!) I also love being able to celebrate women in farming. For a long time we were invisible as we worked alongside our husband/ father/ families.
Did you know that in 1994, it was still illegal for women to put 'farmer' down as their occupation? 1994! That's three years after I left school, not in the 1800s! I've been part of the industry as it's slowly changed and it's been wonderful to watch.
Tell us about your latest book and what inspired you to write it?
Voice in the Dark is a family drama, with lots of skeletons in the closet and a crime that needs solving which brings my much loved character of Detective Dave Burrows into the mix. As always, these November published books have a strong female main character - Sassi by name, Sassi by nature, comes back to her home town of Barker after a rushed phone call from her uncle telling her, Granny isn't well.
Having to work through her estranged mother returning from South Africa and family tensions, Sassi isn't sure whether Barker is the place for her.
Why do you love what you are wearing from Goondiwindi Cotton?
Love the feel of the clothes, they fit well and are made from natural fibres. In all, Goondiwindi Cotton clothes are my favourite!
