The Farmer's Perfect Match - My Journey to Publication

with Marilyn Forsyth

I’m as excited as all get-out! My debut book The Farmer’s Perfect Match was released a week ago, fulfilling a dream I’ve had since I was a teenager. The book was a long time in production; it took over two years to write, had a number of incarnations before I felt it was good enough for a successful pitch, and it required hours of research.

from Trailermade Production

But, man, was it worth it!

The initial inspiration for the story came from a reality match-making show. I was a Farmer Wants a Wife tragic! Each series tugged at my emotions; I desperately wanted every one of those lonely farmers to find their happy ever after. (Still do with the new series - except for that older guy!)

One particular season featured a pearl farmer, and I thought what an idyllic setting the Western Australia coast would make for a story. So, I had my hero and my setting, but I wanted a twist, so instead of my hero falling for one of the contestants I had him fall for one of the crew—inbuilt conflict from the start.

We made time for a few wines, too. :)

My characters began to evolve into real people over a retreat weekend with my writing group, Breathless in the Bush. The getaway was funded by an RWA Group Grant. (If you’re thinking about applying for one of those, do it! Such a fabulous RWA initiative.) We participated in a heap of writing-related activities, one of which was an Antagonist writing a letter of introduction to the reader. That’s when the narcissistic Chrissy sprang to life.




We also spent a session on Gary Chapman’s Five Love Languages where we had to decide our main characters’ primary love language, why they developed that particular primary love language, and how the MCs would fulfil each other’s needs. That’s where my emotionally wounded Adam and empathetic healer, Evie, emerged.

We saw some amazing sights.

Researching was a whole other experience. I’d never been to the Kimberley, and had no knowledge of pearl-farming or the TV industry, but researching exotic locations and jobs I’ll never do, it’s…well, it’s nothing short of bliss for me. I had contacts that had either studied or worked within the TV/film industry who helped me with the details of an on-location shoot, and also a contact within a fostering agency for advice. The great people at the Kimberley Visitors Centre also happily answered my many questions. But actually holidaying in beautiful Broome and visiting a pearl farm helped make the setting that much more authentic.

After many meetings with my fabulous crit partners and having finalled in a couple of RWA contests, I decided my book was at last ready to find a home so, heart-in-mouth, I pitched to Sue Brockhoff (then acquiring editor of Harlequin MIRA Australia) at the 2014 RWA Conference. It was scary, but no one could have been lovelier than Sue, and when she asked me to send my entire ms, I was over the moon. It took quite a few months, but when the offer to publish came through it was like all my Christmases had come at once.

For those of you who will read or have read The Farmer’s Perfect Match, I sincerely hope you enjoy Evie and Adam’s story. (And don't forget to watch the new series of The Farmer Wants a Wife.)

I'm looking for a setting for my new book. What's your favourite part of Australia? 

To celebrate the release of The Farmer's Perfect Match I'm giving away a copy (paper book or e-book) to one lucky commenter. Winner to be chosen at random and announced next Monday (so don't forget to check back). Good luck!

You can visit Marilyn's website at marilynforsyth.com.au where you'll find a fantastic book trailer from Trailermade Production and some other interesting stuff, or check out her Pinterest board for The Farmer's Perfect Match.

Love to love seeing my book in stores everywhere, alongside other authors I admire so much.

Love to laugh(and cry) with Nina Proudman and her wonderfully wacky family from Offspring. I've been binge-watching the early seasons in preparation for Season 6.



Love to learn about sites like brain.fm. I usually prefer to write with no noise but this site provides background music that actually helped me to focus on my writing without being distracted. You get 7 free sessions. Here's the link: https://www.brain.fm/app  Try it out!