Thanks to: @TheEllenShow, @jeannieeeee and @andylassner et al.

Ellen has the best fans – everyone was friendly, full of energy, happy and well behaved. Organisers were on hand with sunscreen and water, ’cause, man, it was HOT! And of course, local media were out in full force capturing all the fun.

While I”m not getting on a plane to LA to meet Ellen (yet), I met cardboard Ellen and some wonderful people, had some laughs, and I did get the chance to give away a few books, including a specially autographed one for Ellen for her birthday – hopefully she actually gets it.

If today was any indication, March is going to be a blast!

#elleninoz

Can’t wait!

Bryce Courtenay’s book has now closed. He died yesterday in Canberra, at 79.

He has left a legacy of inspirational work, an incredible cast of characters and a global reader community that has been entertained and inspired by his work for decades.

This year will be our last to receive a new Christmas present from Australia’s premiere novelist, so we will cherish it and its messages.

The Sydney Morning Herald  obituary is touching and it also contains link for readers and fans to share their tributes.

Mr. Courtenay, thank you for your gifts, your imagination, your inspiration and your capacity for sharing them all so willingly.

Personally, your message about reinventing yourself in Australia has brought tears of familiarity and promise to this emerging author’s eyes.