Lit Live shines on local authors

By Joanna Barrett

DURING the ‘Lit Live’ event in Maleny recently, four Sunshine Coast authors read from their books at the Maleny Library.

Peta Miller, Karen Joy, Rebecca Lennard and Jo Barrett were delighted that over twenty people squeezed into the library’s meeting room for the readings.

Peta Miller read from her historical novel, ‘The Ship’s Midwife’. Karen Joy from her non-fiction book titled, ‘Lost Soul, Wise Soul: how challenging past lives shapes our future’. Rebecca Lennard from her YA fantasy novel, ‘Guardian’. Jo Barrett from her memoir, ‘They said we were isolated: my life at Top Farm on Tasmania’s west coast’.

Jo read the passage in her memoir in which she’s at the wheel of the farm’s Land Rover as it’s hauled up a steep, wet, greasy hill by a tractor way above.

‘As I read, I felt again the terror of clinging to the steering wheel of the Land Rover for dear life that day,’ she said. ‘It was nearly fifty years ago, but the memory is still fresh!’

‘They said we were isolated’ was published by Ginninderra Press, an independent, traditional publisher that’s been in business for 25 years. Copies are available now at Beerwah Newsagency and Rosetta Books in Maleny. Online at www.ginninderrapress.com.au, www.amazon.com.au and www. barnesandnoble.com.

The Lit Live Trail was part of Arts Alive Maleny, a vibrant evening of stories, poetry and performances, which drew dozens and dozens of people to the hinterland town.

New book tackles MS Maleny Rotary golf day

LOCAL author Sharon Millow is about to publish her second book “How Much Can MS Koala Bear” about her journey with cervical cancer. This book follows Sharon’s earlier book “The MonSter” published in 2019 about her journey with Multiple Sclerosis.

Both of these journeys would have been too much for most, but these inspiring books show that in

Sharon’s case they have only made her stronger. Follow Sharon’s journey and discover how she overcame her hurdles with humour and strength, always keeping a positive mindset and outlook on life, not allowing anything to drag her down. Sharon showed great resilience even through the tough times, allowing her faith to guide her through.

PREPARATIONS are in full swing for the upcoming Maleny Rotary Golf Day set to tee off on September 8th, 2023.

The event has garnered an enthusiastic response from local businesses and residents, all eager to sponsor the 18 holes and contribute impressive prizes. Proceeds from the event will be channeled towards the local charitable organisation, Orange Sky, aiding the homeless and disadvantaged in Maleny, alongside Shelterbox International, renowned for its