This month one of our top book club reads is Deception Creek by bestselling author, Fleur McDonald.
To celebrate the launch of her book, Fleur took some time out to chat with Beauty and Lace. Read on to learn more about her:
Tell us about Deception Creek…
Well, Deception Creek is all about Joel Hammond and Emma Cameron. Joel is an ex-criminal, recently released and returning to his childhood home of Barker. It’s a place he feels safe although he knows he’s not going to be welcomed home with open arms by some members of the community.
Emma Cameron is dealing the with the grief of losing her marriage and trying to forget the trauma of being first on the scene of a horrific car accident ten years previously.
Both are dealing with the fact their lives haven’t played out they’d dreamt about as young people.
Having dealt with feelings like that myself, I thought I was in a pretty good spot to write about these emotions and put them into a storyline.
What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
Ha! A good amount of bum glue, so I stay in the office chair! Seriously though, I’m better sitting outside to write rather than in my office. There’s something about the freedom of the open air that helps me write.
What is your favourite and least favourite part of publishing?
Would you believe, writing the story, is my least favourite part. I spend a lot of time questioning myself and being unsure if the storyline or the writing is any good. Editing, on the other hand, I love, because I’m playing with something that’s already there.
I love mucking around with the words and finding different ways of saying things and making chapters better, When it’s a blank page, well, that’s a lot harder because I’m the one responsible for putting the story together and making sure it works and no one else can help me with that.
If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose?
Ohh, tricky questions. There’s a lot, because I think I’d get different things out of each different author. Maybe either Candice Fox or Michael Connelly. Both of these authors do a lot of research and I’d love to tag along with them and hear the questions they ask, see the people they interview and so on.
What advice would you give to someone writing their first book?
As clichéd as it sounds; never give up. Sit at the desk, write the book, if you can’t find the time to write, then you don’t want to. You’ll always make time to do the things you love.
Can I be a little cheeky and say that if you’re wanting to know how to make time for writing or at least make writing daily, a habit, then check out my shop over on my website for a 16 day writing course that helps create a good writing habit.
What books did you read growing up?
Loved, loved, loved Enid Blyton, The Hardy Boys and all those mysteries from the UK. Also, Trixie Beldon and the What Katie Did series.
Who is your favourite author?
Michael Connelly. But more recently I’ve really enjoyed the Tabitha Bird books.
What are you currently reading?
The Heron’s Cry by Ann Cleeves
Where can our readers follow you?
Facebook: Fleur McDonald Author
Insta: I have two accounts. One is FleurMcDonaldAuthor and the other is The.roamingwriter. That’s the one I use when I’m travelling for research for my next books. Lots of photos of the countryside and farming on there.
What is next for Fleur McDonald?
Ohh, well, lots! I have a book due on the 1st March, 30th June and then on the 1st of September for next year, so it’s really going to be head down and fingers typing in 2022.
We’re also hoping to do a huge birthday celebration of my 20th book in November next year, which would entail getting back on the road. I SO can’t wait for that, and I’d just ask that people who haven’t been vaccinated do so, so we can all get back out there together, because I’ve missed catching up with all you readers.

I am a mother of four beautiful children. I can’t leave a book unfinished which equals a lot of late nights! When I’m not reading you can find me in the garden, or helping out at Beauty and Lace.
OMGEE. I started this at 10pm, thinking I’d read a few chapters, but come 4am, I had finished it. I literally could not put it dowm
I love a story set in Australia, and especially on farming properties.
There are quite a few characters in this book, but it is so beautifully written, that there is no confusion as to who is who.
I love the way the opening chapter set the scenen for a twisted tale, which would unfold as the story progressed.
A divorce, deception, heartache, a bit of romance, family secrets make for a remarkable story. Throw into the mix the two local Police, ( our favourite Detective Dave Burrows and his offsider) and you have a rivetting page turner.
I have loved all of Fleur McDonalds books, but I will say, this has been my favourite.. in fact, I will honestly say, it would have to be my favourite read of the year.
Thank you so much Beauty & Lace, and Allen & Unwin, for the opportunity to read this fabulous book, and especially to Fleur for bringing to life in word, life in our very own country.
I look forward to reading your next releases.