Insights into the Coffs Coast timber industry and a conversation with one of Australia’s leading thriller writers will headline two author events at Yarrila Place next month.
Best-selling author Petronella McGovern will be in conversation with local writer Judi Morison on Thursday, 6 August, in the River Oak Room.
McGovern, author of Six Minutes, The Good Teacher, The Liars and The Last Trace, will discuss her latest novel, Every Time She Wakes, a time-bending thriller exploring family, identity and the possibility of changing fate.
Historical fiction readers can also hear from Dorrigo author Sarah Smith, who will discuss her debut novel The Sawmiller’s Daughter on Saturday, 1 August, in the Learning Lab.
Set in the rugged high country west of Coffs Harbour, The Sawmiller’s Daughter follows Margaret ‘Mag’ McClement as she comes of age in the male-dominated timber industry during the Great Depression and World War II.
“Both of these events will have local connection and it’s a chance to hear from an established star and an emerging force,” City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said.
“In-person author talks are a great value-add for the community and they complement the exciting programs which run at the Harry Bailey Memorial, Toormina and Woolgoolga libraries.”
McGovern has been shortlisted for the Ned Kelly, Davitt and Indie Book Awards, establishing her as one of Australia’s leading suspense writers.
In conversation with Morison, she will discuss the inspiration behind Every Time She Wakes and the novel’s central question: if you could change the past, would you?
The novel follows Suze and her family as they flee a bushfire evacuation, only for her to realise they are being kidnapped.
“McGovern’s latest work is keenly anticipated and it was the subject of an extended interview just this week on the ABC Drive radio program with host Jess McGuire,” City Libraries Service Leader Karen Rowe-Nurse said.
Petronella McGovern in conversation with Judi Morison
- 6pm-7.30pm, Thursday 6 August (nibbles from 5.30pm; books available for purchase and signing after the event)
- River Oak Room, Level 3, Yarrila Place
- Cost: $5
- Bookings required
Smith grew up in Port Macquarie and joined the Royal Australian Navy at 18. After a career across a range of industries, she now lives in Dorrigo, where she enjoys spending time with her family, camping, cooking and reading.
“The Sawmiller’s Daughter has strong connections to the Harry Bailey Memorial Library’s Local Studies collection, drawing heavily on the history and stories of the Coffs Coast and surrounds,” Rowe-Nurse said.
“Attendance at this author talk is capped at just 40 so it will be an intimate experience.”
Sarah Smith – The Sawmiller’s Daughter
- 10.30am-11.30am, Saturday 1 August
- Book sales and signing to follow
- Learning Lab, Level 2, Harry Bailey Memorial Library, Yarrila Place
- Free
- Bookings required
Like what you’re reading? Support North Coast Times by making a small contribution today and help us keep delivering local news paywall-free. Donate now