Today I host an extremely talented and amazing woman, someone whom I am immensely proud and priviledged to have on my blog. She is none other than the creator of the books which the ABC TV's Phryne Fisher series is based upon (and thus I am almost gabbling ...).

The sheer force of nature that is Kerry Greenwood was born in the Melbourne suburb of Footscray. She has a degree in English and Law from Melbourne University and was admitted to the legal profession on the 1st of April 1982, a day which she finds both soothing and significant. 

She has worked as a folk-singer, a factory hand, a director, a producer, a translator, a costume-maker, a cook, and also qualified as a solicitor to her great amusement. She embroiders very well, cannot knit, and has flown planes and leapt out of them (with parachute) in an attempt to cure her fear of heights. (She is now terrified of jumping out of a plane at 2000 metres but can climb ladders without fear). She can detect second-hand bookshops through walls.

Along with her well known Phyrne Fisher and Corinna Chapman books, she's written plays, young adult books, true crime, children's books and historical fiction - and it's Cassandra, the second in the Delphic women trilogy that she's talking about with me today.

REMINDER:

Remember to share, tweet, retweet, mention any of these posts on Facebook and Twitter using the tag #bushchristmas and you'll go into the draw for a $75.00 Booktopia voucher.

Leave a comment here for your chance to get a Christmas Card direct from Kerry, or maybe a free book from the giveaway pile.

In your own words tell us a little about your new release … 

Cassandra is a novel about both sides of the Trojan War, the Greek healer and Aesclepid Diomenes, and the Princess Cassandra of Troy.

This is an epic struggle not only between two peoples but between two cultures and two religions. Diomenes and Cassandra are caught in the middle. Contending Gods and Goddesses make sport of them. How can mere fragile humanity survive such fearful odds?

What was the idea/the revelation/the ‘kicking off point’/the impetus for writing this particular novel?

I read a book about Cassandra as a trembling, idiotic girlie and lost my temper, nearly flinging the book against the wall before I remembered that it belonged to the library.

(Margareta: Whoops! We won't tell ... truly.)

What is your funniest ‘real life’ Christmas story?

The day that my brother decided that he could speed up the pressure cooking of the pudding by wiring down the release valve. We were wiping off pudding for weeks. We rolled on the floor laughing.

Best Christmas present you’ve ever received?

A small golden labrador called Billy, produced, blinking sleepily, from my father's overcoat pocket. He was an adorable dog or maybe the naked man wrapped lightly in red ribbon and tinsel crown. Gorgeous, except the tinsel was scratchy.

Worst Christmas present you’ve ever received?

PINK. NYLON. SOCKS.

(Margareta: Pink? I love pink. Nylon? Not so good. Not so good, at all!)

Best Christmas present you’ve ever bought for someone else?

I bought my David a brand new car.

(Margareta: I want to be David when I grow up.)

This Christmas, who would be the best person to buy your novel for?

Anyone who can read, likes Ancient history, likes love stories or war stories, it may be lascivious and scandalous but it's all right, it's  classical - everyone, really! - everyone! Buy lots! 

Her behind the website let me in on a little secret. She likes Kerry Greenwood's books very much - from the Miss Fisher series through to the historical fiction, but the real surprise is that the big fan in their household is himself. Especially the Phryne Fisher books and that's from before the TV series so the argument that it might be the glorious Miss Essie Davies in his mind doesn't quite stack up, although I'm sure it doesn't hurt.

The Delphic Women trilogy has been much anticipated in those parts that enjoy this brand of fiction, as they are immersive, clever and meticulously researched books.

Tell us what your favourite Kerry Greenwood book is?