Latest Authors Events & In the News

World-renowned aviation lawyer, airline executive and author Ron Bartsch came up with his principles of “20-20 Thinking” as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. His book The Corona Dilemma: 20-20 Thinking for the Next Normal aims to arm individuals with the tools to think clearly and creatively about their future and seek out actionable solutions,

Read the full book review by AusBiz Magazine, here.

"From red velvet cardamom truffles made with truffles to chocolate chia pudding and roasted nuts in chocolate ginger cups, it's sweet intelligence at its best." - reviewed in The West Australian, 4 April 2019. Click here to read the full review.

The Terrible Timing of Terry Tortoise

"If you’ve ever struggled to get the kids out of bed in the morning, you’ll know what a challenge it can be. Adelaide mum and Vivid Publishing author Sharyn Gunn has written this delightful story about a tortoise who is always late until he discovers the joy of being on time."

Click here to read the full review.

Launched at the 2016 Bundaberg Show, fittingly in the woodchopping arena, the book has attracted plenty of interest from those who know Arthur or just know the name.

And there are plenty of both.

Click here to read the full review.

A background in education and author of a number of fiction and non-fiction works Brendan Murray’s carefully crafted, evenly paced prose beautiful captures an Australia of the past; a slower, trusting and more innocence time. A time when TV had just arrived and the influence of American popular culture was taking its hold on a generation. A time of the Beatles, the Flintstones and children playing marbles in the school grounds. But like any era, it had its shadowy elements.  Murray cleverly juxtaposes society’s darker underbelly with the innocence of the times to explore something of a more universal nature.  A terrific read for middle to upper primary. Highly recommended.

Source: www.readingtime.com.au/jail-road-shadows

Congratulations to author George Grundy, originally publishing with Vivid Publishing, and recently signing worldwide rights to US publisher Skyhorse Publishing, a company that has had forty-six New York Times bestsellers and has over 6,500 titles in print.

Congratulations to author Leigh Van Der Horst for receiving widespread coverage of 'Without My Mum' (originally published by Vivid Publishing), including in The Age, and news.com.au, and subsequent signing to Melbourne's Black Inc book publishers

“I cant sing the praises of this gorgeous mum enough. The courage and inspiration to write such a beautiful book.. I am so thankful to be a part of it. For those who have lost their mum and are forging ahead as a mum on your own, this is truly a must have book.” – Natalie Bassingthwaighte

Debut novel raises funds for charity

That was what happened to Gabby Valis, the 15-year-old main character of new young adult novel Choosing Xaverique. Read more.

Exploring Judy Waugh's Trench Art collection

Judy speaks at length with ABC's Richard Fidler about her recently released coffee-table book, Trench Art.
Listen to the 'Conversations with Richard Fidler' audio here.

Jack Bradshaw's viral YouTube hit

Following the mega successful release of Jack Bradshaw's 'Jinkers and Whims' coffee-table book tracing the developments, the methods and machines used to harvest the forests of Western Australia over the last 150 years, a recently discovered VHS video on the subject was uncovered and published online by Fontaine and has become a viral hit on YouTube, garnering more than a 1/4 million views so far. The book is now in its fourth reprint.

Book Review - Death Rules

Seeing war through a digger’s eyes

EMPATHY for soldiers who come home from war affected and sometimes broken has helped inspire a book of modern poetry, focusing on conflict from Gallipoli to Derapet. Read more from the Northern Star website here

Christmas Frosty Fruity!

Model Chocolate was featured on Channel 7′s “The Morning Show“!
Watch the video below to learn how to make a superyummy “Christmas Frosty Fruity” – a perfect choccy treat for summer! yummmmm…

“It’s not my plan to lose her early.”

Author Leigh Van Der Horst talks to BABYOLOGY's Katrina Whelan about her book 'Without my Mum' from here.

History buffs raise a glass to a Warrnambool pioneer

LOCAL history enthusiasts gathered at Warrnambool Heritage Works on Wednesday night for the launch of a new book documenting the life of Irishman John Hyland, a former city policeman, auctioneer, land owner, publican, councillor and mayor. Check out the photos here

Model Chocolate author's chocalicious Morning Show

Model Chocolate was featured on Channel 7′s “The Morning Show“!
Watch the video below to learn how to make a superyummy “Christmas Frosty Fruity” – a perfect choccy treat for summer! yummmmm…

Crowdsourcing proves a winner for Pirate Tale

It's a story about a children's book that publishers turned their back on - only for people power to ensure a happy ending. When Kate Toon was told pirates were "overdone" she refused to let Wobbly Jim and a Parrot Named Sue sail into the night. Instead she called upon friend and Daily Telegraph illustrator Will Pearce to illustrate the book and they uploaded a teaser to crowdsourcing website Pozible. "We ask people for money in retum for rewards, like a signed copy," Toon, 39, said. "Ten days later we'd reached our target."

Click on the clipping below to read more (opens in new browser window).

Outback tale one for the children

Children now have the chance to be more informed about Australia's unique Outback thanks to a book telling quirky tales of the country's remoteness.

The remote town of Birdsville, on the edge of the Simpson Desert, is now home to a book penned by Kelly Theobald, titled Onslo. The best-selling book has been embraced by children Australia-wide and adults are just as taken with the tale.

Read more from the North West Star article featured in the Sunday newspaper here.

Local lifeguard turns novelist

INDIVIDUALITY is at the heart of a new novel written by a Margaret River man hoping to impart some of his own experiences and lessons with readers. Margaret River lifeguard Douglas Cooney has spent the winter, time he usually spends travelling, in a creative whirlwind, writing a novel which focuses on the idea that life is ultimately meant to be fun.
"It's time now to choose your best life ever," he said.

Read more, as reported at the Augusta-Margaret River Mail here

".. a scholarly gift to our understanding of grassroots activism" - Mark Latham

"The branch president Chris Lacey spent most of 2011 and 2012 buried in the archives, chronicling the evolution of Laborism in his district . The publication of Illawarra Agitators is a scholarly gift to our understanding of grassroots activism. On this day of popular reckoning, we should celebrate Lacey's work as a zoom lens on the people who make politics possible."

Read more of Mark Latham's AFR article reviewing Vivid Publishing's latest title, posted on the Thirroul Labor Party Facebook page - click here.

Reunion - A Novel
Sharks are not the only predators
Russell has produced an engrossing tale of love in jeopardy, mateship in disarray, betrayal, revenge and redemption. A real page-turner from a gifted storyteller.’ - Chris McLeod

Interview with Nightlife’s Tony Delroy (ABC Local Radio, 720 in Perth) - click here to listen.

Aloha Ladies!
Tales of a Sydney Surfing 'Sisterhood'
"Taking The Drop: Life is for living, whatever your age" scores a fantastic review in the premier Hawaiian Women's Surf Mag, Women Surf Style

Taking the Drop, also appearing on the Weekend Today Show, December 09, 2012.

A Mother's Song
'An enjoyable, interesting and thought provoking read'
Michael Finaghty's book enjoying another glowing review, and a record 5th reprinting.

Bits About Boarding School
New book makes boarding school whole lot easier
THE WEST 19.4.2012: A great little book on how to cope with boarding has been written by a Perth writer who works in a boarding school. She is Michelle Dunn who has plenty of experience upon which to draw - she grew up in Katanning and Geraldton and is now a housemistress at St Hilda's Anglican School for Girls in Mosman Park.

Authors Kate Toon and Justin Hayward have recently successfully published their latest works, entirely funded by utlising the next big thing to assist emerging writers: crowdfunding. Intrigued? Pozible publishing tips here.

Itchy scratchy skin? Red rashes? Can't settle? And we're not referring to problems you might have ... we're talking about the kinds of issues that dogs have which are an endless source of frustration for them and their owners. Beverly Barkway is a homeopath for people and animals. ABC Coast FM's Annie Gaffney spoke with Beverly about her new book.

Career Write on Track
'Mary Bea' author Tamara Hogan speaks about her love for work and writing
TOWNSVILLE BULLETIN : Full page interview by Anna Chisholm, photo Evan Morgan.

Picture this, Rick Caine
'Duck and the Big Wave' author Rick Caine’s alter ego lives as pen on paper.
PORT MACQUARIE NEWS 7.12.2011: Five years ago, the cartoonist created a strip about Duck, “a loveable guy who gets along with everyone”, and his best mate Putty. Last week, Rick released his first hardcover picture book for children based on the characters. Duck and the Big Wave is the story of the little guy with dreadlocks and his “catch 22”.

Radio interview: Ultra 106.5
'Heal Africa' Author / Photographer Stu Harris interviewed
Recently Jenny Baxter spoke with Stu Harris about the book launch in Hobart, and the story behind the story. You can listen here to the interview that went on air Sunday 27 November 2011 here.

'Heal Africa' Exhibition + Book Launch, Hobart

In total 200 people attended the evening to look at the photography, read the stories and purchase a copy of the book. Check out the pics here.

The Chronicles of Clara
No retirement for ever-busy Ellie
COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS: Author Ellie Wilkie has discovered that retired life is a fair sight busier than she expected with the release of her third book recently.

Living with a sufferer of Fragile X
Growing Up with Fragile X Syndrome: The Road to Marty Campbell
MANLY DAILY: Writing a book about her disabled son's life proved top be hurtful but rewarding for Dr Robyn Iredale.'

Saving Jasper
Olivia Newton-John + Nigel Gray team up with Animal Asia to 'Save the Bears'
Olivia’s impassioned plea is being broadcast throughout Australia and New Zealand, on Channel 7, Channel 9, National Geographic and SBS, across Asia and will be seen later in other countries. Highly awarded children's author Nigel Gray has also contributed to the Animal Asia Foundation to save Moon Bears by donating 100% of proceeds from the sale of his latest hardcover childrens book, 'Saving Jasper'.

Explosive action in Last Cyclo
The last cyclo to Thanh Da by John Pullinger
HINTERLAND TIMES: Book Two of John Pullinger’s trilogy ‘The Last Cyclo to Thanh Da’, set in Vietnam, finds the hero, veteran Steve Conway, on a journey, to find an old wartime friend. The devastated city of Saigon has become a booming free-wheeling metropolis powered by the God, Honda.

Taking the Drop
From Stage to Surf, it’s never too late to ‘take the drop’
AUSTRALIAN WOMEN ONLINE: Discovering a passion for surfing and meeting three women who became “beyond words important” have propelled former principal ballerina Sheree da Costa full throttle into new found happiness. At age 53, the former ballerina with the Australian Ballet, choreographer and actor has added writing to her list of achievements.

Heartland - On the Side of the Angels
'The Grapevine' Radio interview
99.3FM NORTHSHORE RADIO: Author Terri Sedmak's entertaining radio interview with Deborah J Evans on 'The Grapevine'. Click here to listen..

'A Grandiose Saga...
...reminiscent of those sprawling Hollywood dramas’
DAILY TELEGRAPH 11.8.2011: "Debut novelist Sedmak has written a grandiose saga reminiscent of those sprawling Hollywood dramas set in America's frontier lands in the 19th century.".

Gripped by 'Essence of Beauty'
Author Michelle LeGrand launching career
COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS: Donna Smith, Collins Bookseller, Kingaroy, couldn't put down first-time author Michelle LeGrand's 'Essence of Beauty' until she had finished the book.