Image: The author at the book signing (Photo credit. C. McCafferty)
These past few weeks have been a whirlwind, filled with literary delights and captivating encounters. Unfortunately, amidst the excitement, my writing endeavours have been put on hold. However, let me regale you with the tales of travel, near and far that have unfolded in the realm of books and signings.
It all began with the groundbreaking inaugural "Indie Author Book Fair" in the charming southwest town of Bunbury, Western Australia. This event marked a significant milestone, and judging by its resounding success, it's safe to assume that it won't be the last of its kind. Picture this: twenty independent authors converging to showcase their literary works and, most importantly, engage in lively discussions about their writing techniques and promotional strategies. Simply being in the presence of these remarkable individuals who have trodden a similar path as mine was worth attending by itself. The book journeys of Christine Eyres, Tricia Trevaskia, and Bob Addy were truly awe-inspiring. And let's not forget the delightful end-of-event social dinner, where I had the pleasure of sharing stories with the Fair organizer, Ian Hooper, as well as fellow authors Sioban Timmer and Polly Holmes. These West Aussie authors radiated an incredible generosity in sharing their literary
knowledge.
Image: Stokes Hill Wharf, where the final scene in 'Darwin's Wake' plays out. (Photo credit: author).
Soon after, I found myself in Darwin, a city situated 2,600 kilometres (1,642 miles) north of Bunbury. This transition from the chilly winter of Perth to the balmy thirty-degree, humid climate of Darwin was a welcome change. The Bookshop Darwin, which holds a special place in my heart and even made an appearance in my debut novel, 'Darwin's Wake,' graciously organized an in-store event right in the heart of The Mall, amidst the bustling Saturday morning shoppers. Engaging with people and discussing my book, which is partially set in Darwin, was a delight. Moreover, it was a unique opportunity to confirm the accuracy of my portrayal of Australia's northernmost city. I must say, I had captured its essence pretty well.
As if these experiences weren't fulfilling enough, the next event in this trio was a book signing for my dear friend Jill Griffiths and her latest masterpiece, 'What's for Dinner.' Jill has been a beacon of encouragement since the early days of my writing journey, and it was only fitting that I showed up to support the launch of her extraordinary book. 'What's for Dinner' delves into the fascinating world of our food choices and their origins. Did you know that a staggering 75% of the world's food comes from just twelve plant species and five animal species? Astonishing, isn't it? Armed with this revelation, Jill takes us on a thought-provoking exploration of our culinary habits. She fearlessly delves into the ethical implications of our food choices, providing pragmatic estimates of the climate and carbon footprint associated with certain foods, all without being preachy (or vegan). Celebrity foodie, Matthew Evans, in his description of the book, aptly labels it a "joyous delve into food and farming." However, it is so much more than that. It is a literary masterpiece that leaves readers enlightened and inspired. Well done, Jill!
A heartfelt thanks also goes to the delightful haven of literary treasures, The Lane Bookshop in Perth, who are now proud stockists of 'Darwin's Wake.' Thank you, Nick and staff.
And now, as the curtain falls on these extraordinary events, I am drawn to return to my writing sanctuary. My pen yearns* to dance across the pages, weaving stories that will transport readers to captivating realms. The experiences shared, the connections made, and the knowledge gained fuel my creative spirit, ready to embark on new literary adventures.
Stay tuned for what comes next.
*I've used a bit of poetic licence here. Rather than a pen dancing across the page, a more accurate description might be a two-fingered peck across the keyboard, but it just didn’t sound the same.
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