Book launch – The Long Way Home

Sixty local writers are about to get into print, with presses running overtime ahead of the launch of the Clarence Valley’s new fction collection.

Stories from the Clarence Valley 2023 – Grow will be here soon, according to the Long Way Home’s Claire Aman. ‘We’re launching the book on Monday 4 December in the courtyard at Grafton Regional Gallery from 6pm-7.30pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and celebrate our talented writers.’ is beautifully illustrated children’s book takes the reader on a ride, along with the ve children, to learn and understand the environment around them.

The book features entries from this year’s Long Way Home writing competition.

As they experience their adventures and their compassion grows for the world they have visited, they will never forget the importance of what they have learnt.

A fun and adventurous way to help children understand the importance of taking care of and appreciate their environment.

Alistair Pirie is a Melbourne-based writer and sculptor who takes his inspiration from his childhood.

He aims to encourage the next generation to care for the land as the Aboriginal people did.

Aaron Wolf is a Canadian illustrator whose passion is to create worlds and the characters that inhabit them.

You can order your copy of Billycan’s tail of two crocodiles at www. shawlinepublishing. com.au

‘This year the competition theme was ‘Grow’ and everyone grew stories,’ said Claire. ‘We loved all the interpretations – a seed sprouting in the earth, regrowth after bushfre, the rich experience of personal growth. There’s an undercurrent of slender hope, dogged spirit. It’s a book for these times.

‘We love it that primary school students, high school students and adults are all part of this eagerly awaited book, each holding their own.’ This is the sixth year of the Long Way Home, a local nonproft collective which encourages people to fnd their voice through creative writing.

‘We’re grateful for the generous support of South Grafton Community Bank and the Yugilbar Foundation,’ said Claire. ‘We’re also grateful to Grafton Library and Grafton Book Warehouse. We take our hats off to the hard-working judges – Jess Wood, Roweena Shakespeare, Jacqui Hinshaw, Julie Henry, Meg Rowe and Janelle Brown – who read hundreds of stories between them. We’re grateful to Grafton Regional Gallery for hosting the launch in their lovely courtyard.’

‘We’re proud to have a book written, edited, designed and printed in the Clarence Valley. Printing at Grafton’s Yoohoo McPhee printery means we can feel the texture of the paper and drop in to see the book as it’s being made. This is a great advantage.’ Books will be for sale at the launch. Copes will also be available at Grafton Book Warehouse, The Nook in Yamba, Coldstream Gallery in Ulmarra, and Grafton Regional Gallery.

‘It’s the ultimate Christmas present if you’re looking for a unique, locally sourced gift,’ said Claire. ‘Exquisitely designed by Yohanna Dent, it’s a book that celebrates our connections with each other across our beloved Clarence Valley landscapes.’

Find out more about the Long Way Home on www. thelongwayhomestories. com or on Facebook.