Four local authors share their writing success stories

The Cooroy Library will be hosting a program – The Truth About Us - to give insight into the success of local writers, as part of the Reality Bites festival this month.

The diverse and thought-provoking event, running from 24 July to 1 August 2010, will showcase four local authors, their passion for writing and secrets to having their work published.

Elaine Green will be talking about people power and giving tips on seeing a project through to publication. After three years working in Samoa, Elaine wanted to reconnect with community and went about writing her first book Green Legends, which tracked how “people power” has shaped the Sunshine Coast.

Sally Henderson’s long love affair with Africa and its elephants was brought to life in the bestselling Silent Footsteps. Her new book Ivory Moon continues that affair in one of the most inhospitable landscapes on the planet. Sally’s passion to conserve the majestic species started in Botswana when an elephant saved her life.

Since writing about her late sister Bess’ double mastectomy and breast reconstruction, Sharon Tregoning has founded a charity – breastANGELS - inspired by her sister’s cancer battle. The organisation provides funding for breast reconstruction to women who have experienced, or are at high risk of, breast cancer.

Julie Gatehouse certainly had plenty of material to work with when she co-authored My Mate Steve Irwin with Tony Frisby. But a good yarn does not always translate into a good book. Julie will be talking about the process of putting a great story onto the page.

Cooroy Community Precinct Manager, Tracey King, said the new Cooroy library offered ideal facilities for local writers to promote their work and share their ideas, as part of The Truth About Us program.

“We are fortunate to have so many creative people in our community and the Reality Bites festival presents a wonderful opportunity for us to introduce some of them to a wider audience,” said Ms King.

Program schedules are available from all council libraries and can be found on the website www.realitybites3.blogspot.com. Book your place by calling 5447 7090.