March 2025 Quarterly Newsletter

 Dear friends,
 
Welcome to 2025. It’s summer in the southern hemisphere and particularly hot in South Australia. We’ve been sweltering with heat wave conditions and little rain since October last year. I can’t remember the last good rain we enjoyed here, but whenever I see it raining cats and dogs in other places, I yearn for it to head to South Australia as the Adelaide Hills is a powder keg.

The heat, however, doesn’t stop the writing process. It’s good to sit in my cool office and not have to venture outside. I have to admit to being a little slow on the writing front. The sixth book in the West Series, Deliverance, will be out shortly (Update - now available). Book seven, Tempest, is with the editors and the last one, book eight, Reckoning, will head to the editors later in the year. That will be the West Series done and dusted.

I believe that editing a book takes more time than writing it. There’s structural or developmental editing, copy editing or line editing and proofreading. It’s a process worked through with your editor. For instance, editing book six, Deliverance, took a few months. The editor does a structural edit first. Makes notes chapter by chapter. It comes back, and you start from the beginning and work your way through. Making the necessary changes takes time; some books require more work than others. After the first run, the book goes back to the editor for them to review said changes. They then come back with further comments or a lovely big tick. The book can then go to a different editor for the line edit. I have a group of ARC readers who proofread for me. In the meantime, any book you may be working on gets put to one side. When picked up again, I start reading myself back into the story from the beginning. Writing a book is a process.

New books on the horizon: Adelaide Kendrick Crime Series, two books set in Broome, are looking for a home. Once they get one, I will continue the story. I’m working on a crime story set in the Faroes Islands and have woven the story around their Selkie folklore so that one is a little different. Looking to the future, I’m heading on a research trip with a writing friend. The UK and Ireland are on our hit list. I’ve wanted to set a story in Ireland for some time, but having never visited, I stalled that idea. I’ve often said how travel opens up the world for writers. Most of the West Series wouldn’t have happened without travel. After our trip, there’ll be no excuses for delaying. After visiting Iceland, Faroe Island, Scotland, and Scandinavia, I’ve become quite fascinated with some of their folklore stories. Ireland, I’m sure, will inspire.

In August, I’ll attend the Romance Writers of Australia conference in Hobart, Tasmania. It’s a gathering of authors, writers, publishers and editors and gives those with a finished book the chance to pitch to an editor. You’ll know I don’t write straight romance if you’ve read any of my books. My stories are suspense stories with romantic elements. I’m all about action, crime and setting, but I still like to connect people. I plan on pitching the Adelaide Kendrick Series. I had some interest last year, so I hope that the changes made will bring success.

The year will undoubtedly see me visiting some markets with a group of Local Authors. It’s a great way to chat with people about what they love to read, pick up some new readers and enjoy a day out with like-minded people. We’re diverse: HR Kemp, writes political crime. Jen Mackenzie Dunbar writes historical. Fay Lee writes science fiction. Check them out online.
That’s all on the writing front. Early this week, Suzie Hindmarsh-Knights sat down with Faith West, who is in Australia looking at Thoroughbred bloodstock. Below is that interview.

Suzie:    Welcome.

Faith:     Thanks for inviting me.

Suzie:    How are you enjoying the Australian heat?

Faith:     I’ve been here through a hot spell of 36-plus degrees Celsius, so I’m not loving it. I reckon 25 degrees is hot enough for me.

Suzie:    South Australian summers are hot and dry. A few weeks back, it reached 45 degrees and in places like Coober Pedy, which I believe you’ve visited it gets hotter still.

Faith:     Yep, my grandfather still has interests there. He’s not spending as much time as he used to. I think the heat might be getting to him. He’s at home with my grandmother. He doesn’t complain about the English summers as much as he used to. I won’t be heading to Coober Pedy this time.

Suzie:    You’re here looking to purchase a few two-year-olds. Is this about strengthening your bloodline or with racing in mind?

Faith:     Both. As you know, West Enterprises started expanding the business back in 2023. Oliver and I will remain in Newmarket, working on the UK, Ireland and Europe racing calendar while helping to expand the American and Australian sides.

Suzie:    That sounds like a lot of work.

Faith:     It is, but it’s what we love doing as do the rest of the family. We have hard-working, knowledgeable people who carry some of that load. It makes life easier with a dynamic team. We’re fortunate.

Suzie:    Are you purchasing property with the thought of training Down Under?

Faith:     We have property here, but it’s not on the agenda now. Our horses are in excellent hands, but saying that, who knows what the future holds.

Suzie:    Never say never?

Faith:     Something like that.

Suzie:    You’re a mother now?

Faith:     Yes, Suzanna had her fourth birthday in February. I don’t know where the time goes.
Suzie:    How do you balance motherhood and work?

Faith:     It was tricky initially, but we hired a nanny who Suzanna adores. She enriches our lives. It’s a win-win.

Suzie:    Does Suzanna ride?

Faith:     She rides like she was born on a horse. She tells us she’s going to be Champion Jokey one day. She helps in the stable at every opportunity and goes out with the string on her pony.

Suzie:    Not by herself?

Faith:     No. Her dad or I are with her. She has what Alana calls grit.

Suzie:    I’ll look out for her.

Faith laughed:   Knowing Suzanna, she’ll get there.

Suzie:    Are all the West children as feisty as Suzanna?

Faith:     You could say that. I have no idea where they get it from.

Suzie Rolled her eyes:    I think I know. Plans for more children?

Faith laughed:   Yes, but that’s all I’m saying.

Suzie:    Do I take that to mean you’re pregnant?

Faith sighed:      Suzie, stop grinning. I’m saying nothing.

Suzie:    Dan and Ellie must be ecstatic about their growing band of grandchildren.

Faith:     You could say that. Dad won’t be happy until we give him a football team.
Suzie:    Is he a hands-on grandfather?

Faith:     Oh yes. Both he and Ellie adore their grandchildren. They’re given equal attention, even those who don’t reside in Colorado. I’ve never seen him so happy.

Suzie:    Has the family recovered from that trouble back in 2023? I believe a number of you were injured.

Faith:     Thanks for asking. It was a terrible time, but we’re all good now. Life throws curve balls sometimes, but our lives are richer because of that one.

Suzie:    So, the curve ball wasn’t Caroline’s curse theory.

Faith laughed:   No way. She has an active imagination.

Suzie:    I always found her theories fascinating. But you have to agree that, as a family, you’ve had your fair share of bad luck.

Faith:     I don’t look at it like that. It’s part of life’s journey. The Wests and Cliffords stand up for their beliefs; sometimes, that stance brings problems. I reckon we’re looking at a few years of peace.

Suzie:    Let’s hope so. Next time, if you or your family are with you, don’t be shy and drop in. We love catching up on your latest adventures.

Faith:     Watch what you wish for. I’m not sure your studio is big enough for my lot. Thanks again, Suzie. It’s been fun.

Suzie:    That was Faith West. I hope you enjoyed our informal chat.

​Until next time, stay safe.