Jane Cousins - AUTHOR

Okay, let's get a few things straight. I'm an Australian born and bred. I grew up on a diet of fantastically crappy television, beamed in equal parts from the UK and the USA.
So think Doctor Who, The Goodies, and The Two Ronnies meets The Brady Bunch, I Dream Of Jeannie and Bewitched.

First thing you need to know about Australia is that the country is located in the Southern Hemisphere - this means we have the opposite season to what is taking place in the northern hemisphere. For example, if it is winter in Europe and the States, then it is summer time down under.
This is fact, please, no more emails admonishing my 'seasonal confusion' - though they have supplied me with a fair bit of amusement.

Second thing you need to know is that the Australian education system advocates the British-English writing approach.
Unlike name brand Australian authors I don't have editors on tap to supply different editions for different markets - so that means you are stuck with the British-English style I write in.
And as much as I enjoy people pointing out incessantly my spellings mistakes (who doesn't?) - I believe there are a few points we need to discuss.

u - a seemingly innocuous letter but we of the British-English writing style have a particular fondness for it - colour, flavour, honour.

re - this one seems to cause a lot of confusion but trust me... centre, fibre, calibre, are all spelled correctly.

It will always be defence - rather than defense.

Plough - not plow

Realise - not realize

And a host of other words that you are just going to have to trust me are correctly spelled. I'm not saying I'm perfect, by any means, but hopefully I am consistent.

I've done my best to keep the Aussie colloquialisms to a minimum, but the Southern Sanctuary series is set in Australia (mostly) so a few have no doubt crept through. But if you ever need anything clarified just drop me a line/email.

Thanks to those of you who have written lately with lots of encouraging words and kind compliments. The fact that you take the time out of your busy lives to contact me is really appreciated and helps fuel my need to keep on writing.