Kiama is gearing up to host book lovers and literary enthusiasts from far and away for the Kiama Readers’ Festival over the weekend of 19-20 July. This year, the festival promises two jam-packed days of literary discussion, insightful author talks, and the opportunity to mingle with like-minded individuals who share a passion for the written word. The festival has been organised by the volunteer group Friends of Kiama Library, which supports the Kiama public library service and the local community. They have done it spectacularly by creating a stimulating and enjoyable program for members and the local area alike.Day one of the program focuses on food and literature, welcoming authors such as Fiona Weir of Buena Vista farms, Kirsten Bradley and Craig Castree. The evening sees Fred Smith deliver a performance and discussion called “The Dust of Uruzgan,” at Kiama Library. Day two features appearances by renowned authors Hugh Mackay, Sue Williams, Chris Hammer and others. For the final session, Chris Hammer and Michael Brissenden will discuss Australian crime writing. The festival will conclude with dinner at the Kiama Leagues Club where attendees can join writer and social commentator Jane Caro, who will be the guest speaker. For those eager to spend a weekend enjoying reading and writing delights, visit the Kiama Library website: for tickets and the full program.Keep an eye out in The Bugle for exciting updates leading up to the festival!

What does the world look like from the perspective of a creek? What do human behaviours look like through the eyes of cockatoos?The Sutherland Shire Environment Centre’s 2024 RD Walshe Memorial Writing for the Environment Competition is now open.This year’s topic is Through the eyes of Nature, inviting writers to tell a story from an alternative perspective - to write as if looking at the world through the eyes of nature. The writing must, consider elements related to the environment and broader sustainability concepts.“We forget, sometimes, that we are but one species amongst millions,” said Ian Hill, Chair of SSEC. “This year, we’d like writers to select some non-human element of nature and write from that perspective.”Some examples that writers can choose could be a waterfall or a cold, crisp morning in the desert, dolphins in the surf, and so on.“We are keen to hear about our world, our environment, our actions for sustainability from non-human eyes,” says Ian.Participation is free, and there are three age categories – Under 19, 19-26 years, and Over 60 – with cash prizes of $500 for the winner of each category. Runners-up will also receive a cash prize.The Sutherland Shire Writers Group also offers an additional prize of $100 for a junior writer, the “Pat Strong Award for a Young Writer”, which honours one of the Group’s foundation members.More details for the competition and submission can be found here Details about the competition and how to submit your entries can be found here. Entries close on Friday, 28 June 2024.

Kiama is blessed with a multitude of accomplished authors. Among the list, Trish Griffin, a two time non fiction published author with two more books on the way, finds inspiration writing the stories of people she meets on her travels. She grew up on a large cattle station 180 kilometres north west of Longreach in the fifties. Reminiscing on days spent barefoot, riding horses 24/7, and mastering the art of driving at a young age. "I had my own gun since I was 8 years old, we all did," she shares, on the unique realities of her upbringing. The freedom and tranquillity of her childhood inspired her to explore the world.Her second published book, “Dancing on the Head of a Pin”, was met with rave reviews. It chronicles her journey along the Camino from Barcelona to Santiago, covering a staggering 1300 kilometres in 2012. Her writing only flows when she's deeply inspired, and the individuals she encounters during her journeys serve as the perfect muse.I had the privilege of discussing Trish's current work in progress, a book focusing on post-war immigration in the Snowy Mountains region. She spent time there with locals and again inspiration hit when listening to their stories. Trish is committed to presenting these narratives without any agenda or political bias, allowing the truth to shine through organically. Keep an eye out for updates on her upcoming book release on the Bugle app.Trish gave her advice for those who want to travel in the same way she does, getting involved in the community and immersing herself in the culture. She discourages organised tours like Contiki and volunteer organisations, preferring instead to engage in independent volunteering to truly experience local culture firsthand and witness the direct impact of her efforts. Despite acknowledging the discomfort and fears associated with solo travel, she believes the rewards are boundless, stating, "It's a scary edge, but that's where all the good stuff happens - you learn things you don't learn in school."Trish's approach to travel involves landing in a new place, taking a taxi or bus to find budget accommodations, and relying on locals for insider tips on navigating the area. She describes this style of travel as being "on the edge," where one can gain invaluable experiences and insights that go beyond typical tourist experiences.Trish brings a wealth of incredible stories from her global adventures, and we're delighted to welcome her as a new columnist. Look out for her name on the byline, and stay tuned to Bugle News for updates on her upcoming releases.

In a heartfelt tribute to one of Australia's most revered writers, Charmian Clift, Kiama unveiled a blue plaque at the Kiama Library on Saturday 13 April. Attended by dignitaries, relatives and local historians the event was opened by Mayor Neil Reilly with a welcome to country by Councillor Stuart Larkins. This commemoration stands as a testament to Clift's enduring impact on literature and culture, a legacy cherished by generations.Born in Kiama in 1923, Charmian Clift's journey into the world of words began at a tender age, her pen weaving tales of her beloved hometown's wonders, such as the famous blowhole, even as a child. Her passion for writing flourished, leading her to Sydney where she ventured into journalism, eventually joining the Australian Women’s Army Service during World War II.Dr Sarah Kaine MLC with Dr Graham Tucker in KiamaClift's life took a significant turn when she met George Johnston, a renowned war correspondent, sparking a passionate yet tumultuous love affair. Despite the challenges they faced, their journey together led them to Greece, where the idyllic landscapes of Kalymnos and Hydra became the backdrop for Clift's literary masterpieces. Works like "Mermaid Singing" and "Peel Me a Lotus" echoed her experiences in Greece, captivating readers with their autobiographical essence.In 1960, Clift penned her solo novel, "Walk to the Paradise Gardens," drawing inspiration from her roots in Kiama. Her subsequent works, including "Honour’s Mimic" and the recently published "The End of the Morning," reflected her profound reflections on life, love, and society.Sue Eggins, President of the Kiama District Historical Society was the principal proponent of the submission and all the follow up required to achieve this great milestone. Her enthusiasm, effort and persistence ensured the plaque stood as a testament to Charmian's legacy. Her work is greatly appreciated by the historical society and the Kiama community.

By Jenny EnglandI took my sparkling mineral water and a bowl of deep-fried locust wings from the bar and rejoined Bailey in the quiet Beer Garden, remembering how it once used to buzz with chatter, laughter and music. It was one of my favourite outings: a brief catch-up with my gorgeous grandson.“This is my last one here this month,” I said as I sat down. “I’m now out of ration coupons.”“Me too,” he replied, holding up his half-finished glass of beer.I offered him some locust wings. He shook his head.“I know,” I began, “they are an acquired taste, definitely not the same as a bowl of peanuts or a packet of potato chips.”It was hard getting used to the only foods that were available since The Dry began to wipe out most of our agriculture. Thank heavens there were some local far-thinking farmers who began to substitute their traditional crops of fruit and vegetables and livestock to more drought-resistant varieties.“I’m still angry with the government for what they let happen to our food supply,” Bailey began to rant. “They should have done much more, much earlier. There were plenty of warning signs of the potential devastating effects of Climate Change many years before The Dry.”I took a few sips of the refreshing mineral water and nodded in agreement. Despite the efforts of the far-thinking farmers, any kind of meat, even from those we once thought of as vermin. The diminishing stocks of feral camel and goat were difficult to obtain and oceanic fish supplies were getting desperately low. It was the same for most fruit and vegetables and other, once stable, crops.“How’s the job hunting?” I quizzed him, changing the subject, as any discussion these days concerning climate change could become quite intense even between friends and family.“Slow,” he replied. “There isn’t much demand for landscape gardeners these days. It was the only thing I ever wanted to do.”“I’ve heard the Desalination Plant is recruiting again as they expand to meet the never-ending demand for clean drinkable water. The shifts are long but they pay well and you get extra water vouchers,” I suggested in an effort to be supportive.“I’ll look into it,” Bailey replied, but he sounded and looked despondent. “Hold on,” he suddenly added. “It's time for tomorrow’s weather report. I’ll get it on my phone and turn it to speaker so we can both hear it.”It soon began:The Regional Weather Report for Wednesday 20th October 2032. It will be a sunny, hot, dry day with temperatures ranging from 35 degrees to 28 degrees during the day, dropping to 26 degrees overnight. Moderate winds are expected. Precipitation will be extremely low with a 2% chance of rain.We both sat quietly for a few minutes only to be interrupted by Brad, the Hotel Owner.“Are you two nearly finished,” he began politely. “I am closing early as you can see there are very few customers here today. If it wasn’t for the small subsidies I get from the government, I would have closed the hotel down by now as most of the others in the region have been forced to.”“Yes,” Bailey replied. We both watched in silence as he proceeded over to the other few patrons there that evening.“Well, I’d better get going then,” I said, breaking the silence. “Pa expects me home by 7pm.”“Yep, me too. I’ve got heaps of stuff to do tonight besides checking job vacancies.”We picked up our now empty glasses and the bowl with a few locust wings left in it and dutifully placed them on the bar on our way out to the car-park. It was still hot but we were used to that. Bailey headed over to his battered old car.As he only had a short distance to drive and hadn’t had much to drink he was fine to go. He was still able to use his car occasionally when he could get fuel but it was beyond his means to afford to convert it to electric. I made my way to the bicycle rack and released my electric tricycle from its lock, but with so few people around it probably didn’t need to be secured.“One positive in all this,” I called over to Bailey. “At least the roads are much safer for cyclists like me without as much traffic as there used to be.”“Trust you to think of something positive about The Dry,” he called back as he jumped in the driver's seat of his car. “Love you, Gran!”“Love you too, Bails!”It was hard for us oldies to get through these difficult dry dusty days, but so much harder for the young.

By Prof. Paul Genoni, Curtin UniversityCharmian Clift fans will be excited to learn that The End of the Morning, a previously unpublished autobiographical work by Charmian Clift, has been edited by Nadia Wheatley and will be published in May, and that Nadia will be returning to Kiama Library on Saturday 1 June to discuss this new work.Clift described her work: “The End of the Morning is about a girl called Cressida Morley, who has appeared already in My Brother Jack, but I invented her first and her eccentric family who live in a weatherboard cottage on the edge of a beach. It is a book about young dreams and young longings and filled with sand and sea and sun and wind and seaweed draped on the front picket fence after a storm.”Of course, that front picket fence and weatherboard cottage are in Clift’s hometown, Kiama.This is a Friends of Kiama Library and Kiama & District Historical Society joint event.Please join us for afternoon tea after the talk, when books will be available for purchase and signing.Please note, the Pilots Cottage Museum will have free entry on the 1st and 2nd of June so that people can enjoy the Charmian Clift exhibition after the Nadia Wheatley event at the library.Tickets for Members of the Friends of Kiama Library and the Kiama & District Historical Society will cost $8. Guests $10. All are welcome. Tickets go on sale 1 May and will be available at the library, online, or call 02 4233 1133.The publication of The End of the Morning is a long-awaited moment in Australian literature.Readers familiar with Charmian Clift will be aware this book’s protagonist, Cressida Morley, is the writer’s alter-ego. Morley was to have been the vehicle for Clift’s self-representation in an autobiographical novel she was working on for some years prior to her death in 1969.The End of the Morning marks the arrival of Morley, as seen through her own eyes and represented in her own words.Clift’s suicide has been explained, in part, as the result of her inability to make progress on the novel that was to bring Morley to life. It was to be the tale of a Kiama beach girl whose lust for life takes her to Wollongong, Sydney, London, the Greek islands … and back to Sydney.Protracted gestationIf Clift had completed The End of the Morning, it would not have been the first time readers had encountered Cressida Morley. She was a character who emerged, after a protracted gestation, through the novels of Clift’s husband, George Johnston.Cressida was arguably first glimpsed as Charmian Anthony in the opening pages of Johnston’s Death Takes Small Bites (1948). The novel’s journalist-hero Cavendish C. Cavendish encounters Charmian adrift on the Burma Road. He is immediately taken by her lips “as pink as Danish salmon”, her eyes with the “same tint as glacier ice”, and a figure that is “slim and tight and stiff like a bullrush”.When Cavendish asks what “a girl like you” is doing in remote China, Charmian responds: “Do I look like a missionary?” Cavendish realises he is “a little out of his depth”.Johnston subsequently enlisted Clift as co-author on novels that drew on his wartime experiences in Asia, while inching forward with a series of sole-authored, increasingly autobiographical novels that invariably featured a Charmian doppelganger at the hero’s side.In Closer to the Sun (1960), he presented for the first time David Meredith, his own alter-ego, with whom he is now forever associated. Meredith and his wife Kate battle to keep their fragile Greek island expatriation afloat.Several years later, Johnston completed My Brother Jack (1964) – the first novel of his renowned “Meredith trilogy”. He called on Clift’s help, interrupting her attempts to use Cressida Morley to breathe life into her own roman à clef. When the dust settled on the wildly successful My Brother Jack, Meredith’s wife-to-be had transformed into Cressida Morley.Stripped of her essenceAt this point the famously close, complex and fractious relationship between Clift and Johnston became even more troubled. The depth of Clift’s creative crisis is artfully canvased by her biographer and editor Nadia Wheatley in an Afterword to The End of the Morning.According to Wheatley, once Johnston had snatched Cressida Morley, Clift’s progress on her own Cressida novel was all but stilled.Adding to the sting, the Cressida Morley who appeared in My Brother Jack and its sequel, Clean Straw for Nothing (1969), was stripped of her essence. She was deprived of Clift’s overriding passion: her vocation as a writer.This complex dynamic between authors and characters was brilliantly reimagined in Susan Johnson’s novel The Broken Book (2004), which opens with a National Library of Australia catalogue entry for the manuscript of an incomplete autobiographical novel by a deceased writer named Katherine Elgin.The novel proper begins with Elgin struggling with the knowledge that the world knows her as Cressida Morley, the “breath, muscle, gut” creation of her husband, novelist David Murray. She is unable to complete her own version of Morley, declaring that “my Cressida has died upon the page”. This literary death becomes a prelude to Elgin taking her own life.The incomplete novel Johnson called “The Broken Book” has emerged as The End of the Morning. True to her account, it has been lying dormant in the National Library for nearly four decades.Edited by Wheatley, it is presented as a complete novella. Clift’s seven years of sporadic work has resulted in 20,000 words describing the childhood of Cressida Morley.Essence of the commonplaceThe positives in The End of the Morning are immense. It is definitely more than a curiosity. Readers familiar with Clift’s travel memoirs and essays will find that it bears the hallmarks of her finest work. She writes with customary authority and brilliance. She has a keen ear for a well-crafted phrase. Intimacy, lyricism and expressiveness abound. The writing is taut, yet seems effortlessly paced.Also on show is Clift’s characteristic trait of rendering the familiar and the mundane in a manner that makes them feel like exotic discoveries – an important skill when narrating both the generational and individual memories of childhood.Clift has long excelled at evoking the nostalgic essence of the commonplace, as highlighted by the carefully rendered lists that dot her essays and induce instant recognition and empathy (items on a shelf; tastes of a summer picnic; things seen from a window). Has anyone ever written better lists than Clift?An early manuscript of the End of the Morning. Author providedSimilarly, few have better expressed the sybaritic alliance between sand, surf and sun found on the Australian beach that is essential to so many childhood memories. Whether in Australia or Greece, ocean swimming is a subject that always quickens Clift’s prose. The End of the Morning is propelled by the pulse of the surf throbbing beneath Cressida’s recall of home and the green valley and rail line and the quarry and the town of Lebanon Bay (Kiama) that lies beyond.Clift’s characterisation is also incisive. The Morley family dynamics are convincingly sketched. Cressida’s love of her parents is generous. She knows their strengths and weaknesses. She embraces their idiosyncracies and is acutely aware of their social status as middle-class “oddities” in a working class town.Clift also makes absolute sense of Cressida’s relationship with her older siblings Cordelia and Ben. It is a memorable childhood menage that is deeply affectionate and sometimes competitive. Cressida is constantly overshadowed by Cordelia’s beauty and first-child aspirations.Unresolved mattersClift’s fiction has attracted less attention from readers and scholars than the rest of her body of work. Her two sole-authored novels, Walk to the Paradise Gardens (1960) and Honours Mimic (1964), leave open the question of whether she was, potentially, a novelist of significance. The former is chronically uneven in tone; the latter is a confused romantic drama, a decade out of step with the tastes of the readers she craved.By this measure, The End of the Morning is Clift’s most successful piece of fiction. Its shortcoming is that it is only a piece, and one that leaves two matters unresolved.Firstly, there is the question of whether, in this form, The End of the Morning amounts to fiction. The distance between fiction and memoir can be short. If this book had been published with “Cressida” replaced by “Charmian” and other names similarly reverted, it would be read as memoir, so closely does it adhere to the known facts of Clift’s life.Secondly, with the above in mind, it is worth noting that there is more of The End of the Morning available than these 20,000 words. As Wheatley notes in her Afterword, there are other versions of the novel in the National Library.Wheatley has used her editorial discretion and selected what she calculates to be the latest draft, which overlaps to a considerable degree with an earlier draft that is longer by approximately 10,000 words.The attraction of the shorter version is it is more polished and concludes at a very specific narrative point. Cressida and Cordelia are poised for big changes in their lives: Cressida wins a scholarship to undertake her secondary schooling in nearby Wollongong; Cordelia departs for a Sydney technical college to pursue her love of art.More like fictionBut the section that follows in the earlier draft, not included in this published version, takes Cressida’s story in crucial new directions. The transition between the two is marked by the embarrassing arrival of puberty. It is accompanied by a new group of older friends, the first fumblings of adolescent sex, some academic progress tainted by failure, and the threshold realisation her future lies beyond Lebanon Bay.Also excluded is a telling and, with hindsight, poignant sequence that reveals the dangers in Cressida’s future might be found in the most familiar places. When she rescues a handsome stranger in city clothes after he wanders without caution into the local surf, the reader discerns the life saved is a suicide prevented.The beach at Kiama. Martha Almeyda/ShutterstockIn these unpublished sections, the manuscript begins to read less like memoir and more like fiction. Where the earlier sections rely on Cressida’s rendering of character and place, here the narrative gives way to something more imaginative. The plot is underpinned by motivation and will.And from this emerges the Cressida now associated with Charmian: the young woman enchanted by the “whiff of the world, the promise of something wilder and bolder and grander”, who “knew the town was too small to hold me.”The longer draft does not reach the point where Cressida imagines her future as a writer, but it does bring readers closer to a life that traced such an unlikely and durable arc. Without that section – even, perhaps, as an addendum – this welcome, wonderful, but truncated version of The End of the Morning feels like another slightly broken book.

The Kiama Library hosted a captivating author talk featuring Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion on 5 April, 2024Organised by the Friends of Kiama Library, the event attracted a keen audience eager to explore the creative process behind the pair’s new novel, The Glass House: a novel of mental health.Anne Buist is an Australian researcher and practising psychiatrist specialising in women’s mental health. Her previous works include Locked Ward and Medea’s Curse. Graeme Simsion brings the light touch that made The Rosie Project an international bestseller and a respected contribution to the autism conversation.  Glass House is a compelling and addictive novel, and would appeal to readers who enjoyed Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. The story follows Doctor Hannah Wright, a country girl with a chaotic history, as she navigates her new job at the psychiatric ward at Menzies Hospital.Guests had the opportunity to purchase signed copies of The Glass House and have a chat with the two authors. The author talk was a memorable affair, leaving readers and attendees inspired by Buist and Simsion’s storytelling.

The GatheringA short story by Jenny EnglandThey found her early in the morning, propped up on a pillow on her bed, eyes closed, motionless, pale and cold. Serenely dead. An open book lay across her chest. She must have been reading until her very last breath. It was the dog barking that alerted Sally, her next door neighbour on the left. The silky terrier, her constant companion, rarely barked. They knew instantly when they heard the barking that something must have been amiss. Luckily the back door was not locked so she could let herself in.     We soon gathered in the street after hearing the sad news. I remarked on the odd symbolism of the open book, as she and her life had been far from an open book. Few of us even knew her name or where she had come from although it was well known that she had lived in the area for over twenty years. Those who were a little more in the know revealed that her name was unpronounceable, leading to various suspicions about her origin. Ted, one very imaginative neighbourhood character indeed, suggested she may have been a Russian spy. As he was never able to elaborate on this wild idea we dismissed it as pure waffle.     The police arrived just after 9 o’clock. Later on we were informed, much to the disappointment of some, that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. She was quite elderly. Vera, from across the road estimated she must have been in her early nineties but no-one really knew for sure.     I often saw her walking her little dog around Black Beach. From my kitchen window I would watch as she occasionally stopped, picked up an odd piece of driftwood or some shells that had been swept onto the shore from a recent storm, and then carefully packed them into a hessian bag she carried on her back.  I used to wonder what she did with all this stuff and how she might spend her days, devoid of human contact.     She did, however, have one visitor from time to time. A young man mowed her lawns every month or so and was occasionally seen doing a little weeding. So I guess she wasn’t into gardening or felt it was too much for her. She never seemed lonely to me but of course I have never lived on my own for long periods of time so I don’t know how it would feel year after year. She didn’t drive anymore. Once a week she would walk to the bus stop, disappear for the day and then return in a taxi with her shopping. Sometimes the taxi driver would help her in with her parcels. I would like to think she met a friend for lunch or coffee and cake, but I guess I will never know.     We all agreed it was a shame we had not got to know her better. We did invite her to our yearly Christmas street party but she never came. The one day I worried most about her was Halloween. The neighbourhood kids usually get together in the street and go from house to house for trick or treats. The young ones are pretty harmless and all finished before dark but the older ones often go on a bit of a rampage, throwing eggs and flour at each other and occasionally fighting.     A few of the neighbours didn’t make it to the gathering. Many had already left before the hullabaloo began. Old Ted, who we all knew was also in his nineties was probably pottering around in his back garden tending to his vegetable patch, totally oblivious to what was going on in the street. He would eventually find out, I was sure, through his daughter, who was a regular visitor.  Or from a death notice in the local paper, if any was placed. I was more than sure that that was not likely to happen.     When the ambulance arrived to take her away we, her neighbours, stood silent and still. Even though some of us would have liked a closer look, there was really nothing to see. They simply packed her into the back of the van and drove off. I wondered if there was a family somewhere that would organise a funeral but it is more likely it will be a private cremation arranged by some remote government department that takes over in situations like this. The little dog was also whisked away by the police. No-one in the gathering offered to take him so he was off to the pound, I suspect.     The gathering started to disperse around 10 o’clock. We all wandered off in various directions, back to our lives. Some off to work, shopping and university, albeit a little late. Others went back to their cosy homes to tend to housework or to their small children, who had started becoming decidedly restless in the street. We all resolved that day to get to know each other better, keep in touch and never to let such a lonely death in our street ever happen again. But I haven’t caught sight of any of them of them since.     As for the book? We never did find out its title or what it was about.

The South Coast Writers Centre (SCWC) has announced the dates and first guests for its 2024 South Coast Readers and Writers Festival.Held at the Thirroul District Community Centre and Library on 13 and 14 July, the festival line-up features an array of stellar award-winning authors, talented new voices, acclaimed poets, broadcasters, and thinkers across more than 18 sessions.The first guests announced for the festival are writer Bri Lee, leading television producer Roger Simpson, independent journalist Antony Loewenstein, novelist Catherine McKinnon, inaugural Parramatta Laureate for Literature Yumna Kassab, Gunai woman and artist Kirli Saunders (OAM), music biographer Jeff Apter, and historical fantasy author Kell Woods. SCWC Director Sarah Nicholson said: ‘Returning for its third year in 2024, the South Coast Readers and Writers Festival promises a weekend filled with captivating stories, thought-provoking discussions, and inspiring conversations.’ A full festival program will be announced in May. Early bird tickets are now available here.

We are pleased to announce that we have been given the exclusive opportunity to serialise Turner’s Rage, James’ first book on our app The Bugle.Head to the Apple or Android app store to download The Bugle app and keep up to date as the story unfolds each fortnight, one chapter at a time.iOS users: click here to download from The Apple StoreAndroid users: click here to download from Google Play StoreThe first instalment is available here. With 25 more chapters to come, keep an eye on The Bugle for your next historical fiction fix. Scroll to the bottom of our Features section on the app to find the Turner’s Rage tile. James hosted an author talk 24 February at the Gerringong Library and Museum. A captivated crowd listened to him discuss his books ‘Turner’s Rage’ and ‘Turner’s Awakening’, the beginning of a historical fiction series based on his great grandfather’s exploits. James has been working closely with The Bugle recently and together we organised a giveaway of his works to one lucky reader. Lucky winner Geoff English received both Turner’s Rage and Turner’s Awakening to enjoy. 

James Seymour is hosting an author talk about his two novels, Turner’s Rage and sequel Turner’s Awakening in Gerringong next month. The free event is scheduled at the Gerringong Library on Saturday 24 February at 1pm until 2pm. James will be sharing his insights and inspirations for his historical fiction series. With a third book on the way, James will be sharing some of his work and some stories about his journey from accountant to published writer.The first of the series is set in Guildford, England, 1826 against the backdrop of the Industrial Revolution. James takes inspiration from tales of his great grandfather’s real life to create an encapsulating story of secret, tragedy, romance and family turmoil. There’s something for everyone. The story follows the main character, six-year-old William Turner and his sister Anne as they navigate the fortunes and adversities the family face during the Industrial Revolution. “Mystery, romance, grief and exhilaration bind the family and community together in a gripping adventure as the Turners exploit technological developments and manage social change.”James is a retired CPA who began writing his book in Brisbane before moving to the Gerringong area where he plans to continue the series, with several more instalments in the works. “They say everyone has a book in them, I think I’ve got four or five,” says James about his progress with the series. He has big plans for his characters and is already halfway through the third novel in the series, Turner’s Strength which will follow William Turner’s journey to South Africa. It is sure to be an action packed instalment in the thrilling historical fiction series.James believes the support of his family, particularly his wife, has been instrumental in pursuing his literary ambitions. He talks about the fun he had writing and researching these novels. He says his wife loves to ‘travel with a purpose’. His research has led him to travel parts of England, reconnecting with historical roots and investigating his family’s ancestry. Particularly the English town of Guildford where his great grandfather grew up that James explains is an “interesting, wonderful town with a fantastic history.”  James continues to captivate audiences with his vivid storytelling and unwavering passion for bringing history to life through the lens of romance and adventure.

I took the photograph from my handbag and sat it on my lap as I waited patiently for my turn at the psychic reading. While the others around the table were listening intently to the first reading by Sapphire, the resident psychic, I scanned their faces: a habit I had acquired since I began working with the police. After years of investigation it was now time to wrap up the cold case I had been recently assigned. I already had a plethora of evidence however there was one more step I needed to take in order to secure a definitive conviction. The suspect had to give themselves away. Most of my uniformed colleagues found my methods rather unusual; however I was building up a long list of satisfactory arrests and convictions that many envied. The historic Grand Hotel was the perfect setting for a psychic reading session and it wasn’t the first one I had organised there during the course of an investigation.“Who’s next,” Sapphire announced after abruptly finishing her first reading.I quickly handed her the photograph before anyone else could respond. She ran her hand across the face and held it up for all to see. Then she began:“Ah, a sweet girl with a lot to say from the grave. I see a grisly death. Near water. It seems she wants the truth of it to come out so she can pass over.”I scanned the faces of my suspects sitting unknowingly next to my invitee plants. I was particularly interested in anything revealing from my main suspect Tom Hughes. However, nothing. Yet. I waited patiently.Sapphire looked at the back of the photograph, shut her eyes and continued:“Her name is Sophie.” Addressing the photograph directly she followed with: “Sophie, can you hear me? What do you want us to know? Can you tell us who did it? Who took your life-force away?”With these few words my main suspect Tom Hughes started wriggling in his seat and loosening his collar. His face was beginning to redden. Under the table I could sense his foot tapping on the floor. All signs of rising anxiety. He was also eyeing the exit door.Gotcha! I thought.So, before he had time to make a dash for it, I surreptitiously sent the message with the initials TH to my team. Then, as they stormed into the lounge to arrest him, Sapphire winked at me. She had played her part well . . . once again. I'll definitely use her next time, I thought. It always amazed me how easy it was to lure suspects to a psychic reading session with free tickets they thought they had won. I smiled as they took him away in handcuffs.On the way back to my car I stopped when I heard some of my favorite music coming from the Festival at the Showground in full swing. I smiled and did a little jig.  I've still got it, I mused. The rhythm that is!

Peter Cullen, the founder of sporting charity RecLink, has written a book called The Power of a Football. The book is a collection of over 30 personal stories from some of the biggest names in sports, the unsung heroes and everyone in between.  The book is about how football can change lives, with riveting stories and strong themes of passion, inspiration, confidence and the transformative nature of connection and purpose. It serves as an uplifting and important reminder that something as small as a football has the power to change lives. Cullen’s charity Reclink provides support to at-risk youth by introducing them to the power of team sports, and are well-known for their annual Community Cup events around Australia. Cullen encourages football as a tool to achieve better physical and mental health, as well as greater social inclusion for the community, “for all its popularity, cultural significance and media coverage, the most impactful role of footy is largely hidden from view.”Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the book is “full of stories of redemption, hope and pushing doors open for people and bringing out the very finest qualities of our communities.” The book contains testimonials from various people such as Reverend Tim Costello, Andrew Gaze, Doug Hawkins, Andy Maher, Tim Watson, and Sam Kekovitch.The Power of a Football is selling for $39.99 on the Reclink website with 70 per cent of profits raised going directly back to the charity. 

An interesting read available locally over the Christmas and New Year holidays is Extraordinary Histories by Peter Lacey. As the back of the book says, it can offer a guide to places where the South Coast’s history can still be seen.The book encompasses the whole region together, from Kiama to Bega, and in particular shows how European settlement followed the easiest accessibility from the sea, and the importance of sea travel both for survival and economic growth of often very small settlements. It covers right down to the Black-Allen Line, the border between NSW and Victoria, finalised by surveyors Alexander Black and Alexander Allen between 1870 and 1872.The book gives comprehensive coverage of all the prominent individuals, not always benign, who often dominated a whole area, from the saintly Thomas Mort, to the ruthless and probably criminal Benjamin Boyd, and the sometimes controversial dominance of the Berry brothers, Alexander and David, in Berry.The book covers Kiama and Gerringong as part of this settlement process, and makes the claim that the Principal Keeper’s House near the Lighthouse was destroyed by vandals in the 1920s.The final section is probably the most interesting, with little-known quirks of history, including the plan to make a new state in 1922 out of the Southern part of NSW called the Monaro State (which would have included Kiama). It is not well-known but in 1967, a referendum was held to turn the north of NSW into a new state called New England and was only narrowly defeated.  The referendum was only held for NSW voters and was defeated 54 per cent to 45 per cent. The book doesn't, however, mention the scandal where Premier Henry Parkes had a secret plan to mine Jamberoo Mountain for coal (using leases he and the Governor owned!) and have a public railway built to Jervis Bay for export, a secret plan which delayed the Illawarra rail line for some years.Peter Lacey is the founder of the South Coast History Society based in Bega, and the author lives in Quaama. He has also written ‘The Unreal History of World War I and the NSW South Coast’ which tells the untold war stories of the region, which surely would include the 28 Japanese and one German submarines operating off the south coast, including Kiama, and unconfirmed sightings of Japanese submariners seen near Kiama seeking water. Extraordinary Histories is available in The Bookshop on Terralong Street, Kiama.

Meeting with Lisa Brett, an Australian author with deep roots in Kiama was an absolute pleasure. Her inspirational book, "Finding Happiness When It Hurts," has been enriching lives since its publication a year ago.   "Finding Happiness When It Hurts" is a vibrant collection of real-life stories, infused with nuggets of wisdom and practical tools to guide readers in discovering blessings in adversity. This book reveals that not only is happiness within reach but also you can change your life for the better immediately. It provides comfort, reassurance that you’re not alone, and practical ways to help you flip how you see and think about dark moments. Holding the first edition in her hands, Lisa said that it was an emotional experience. The culmination of all the different processes involved in getting her work to print.  A precious feeling. Lisa, renowned for her engaging talks, book signings, and appearances on local radio and in magazines, often shares her insights at literary festivals. At these events, she generously distributes hand-painted gratitude pebbles, a tangible reminder of the importance of gratitude in our lives. She declared that the book concept found her – she felt guided to write it and it flowed freely as she embarked on the task. After a decade of layer upon layer of trauma, she came to the point that she had to deal with herself rather than drowning in an abyss. Coming across the 1920’s thought movement on you tube, she started positive thinking, visualisation and ascribed to helping herself through a process. It is a mammoth effort to extract oneself from a dark place. She had faced domestic abuse, financial woes, divorce, health concerns and bereavement – one after another. Out of the well spring of emotion she managed to move forward. Other people’s stories were a part of the healing process and there are many cameos in her book. Lisa had a background in journalism in Australia and was a TV reporter and newsreader for Channel 4. She took over as media advisor to Trevor Griffin – attorney general of SA with the new incoming liberal party in her career path.  With a huge portfolio she felt totally privileged in the role. As a venerated celebrant also, she has many poignant stories that sometimes just have to be told and enhance the fabric of her life experiences and book cameos!  Lisa's top 10 tips for finding happiness are encapsulated in her book, offering readers a path to inner joy and fulfillment during challenging times. One of her key secrets is embracing gratitude for both the big and small aspects of life, uncovering hidden blessings in adversity. She even suggests holding a gratitude pebble while expressing thanks to enhance focus and positivity. Lisa’s aim is that this becomes your go-to book in time of need.If going through difficulties she maintains that it is possible to find happiness again, but you have to be prepared to meet the universe halfway. Good times are around the corner, and you must be on the lookout for blessings in life.  Stay in touch with your intuition and take notice of red flags. Give up people pleasing and fill your tank so that you have an overflow for others. Practise healthy boundaries and self-belief by nurturing your self-worth and esteem. Currently living in the UK – closer to France than London as she can see Callais from her local beach – Lisa is working on her next venture – a book that captures 5 cameos and vignettes that share life tools such as the Lotus lesson. But meantime she is enjoying her holiday time in Kiama – reliving her memories from Kiama that have special significance for her family as their regular vacation destination over the years.  For more about Lisa and her work, visit her author's landing page: Lisa Brett Author. Her book is available through Amazon Australia. 

Local legend and vinyl aficionado Shane Stark, well-known for his unconventional career choices and undying passion for records, has gifted the world with a side-splitting memoir that will have readers both laughing and nodding in agreement. "Might as Well be Me" is not just another autobiographical account; it's a rollicking compilation of Shane's extraordinary life experiences, many of which are outright bizarre and all of which are intricately woven around his record collection.From the very first page, it becomes clear that Shane's unique perspective on life is a source of endless amusement. His unconventional journey, chronicled in this book, showcases the humour in the everyday, demonstrating that even the most peculiar experiences can be sources of laughter. Shane's infectious wit is bound to leave you chuckling as you flip through the pages.What sets "Might as Well be Me" apart is the ingenious manner in which Shane ties each event to a specific record. These musical interludes are more than just anecdotes; they become the soundtrack to his life story. As he recounts his escapades, you'll find yourself discovering hidden gems in the world of vinyl and gaining a newfound appreciation for the art of collecting records.The book is a sheer delight to read, a testament to Shane's deep-rooted love for music and his ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. It's no surprise, given his musical enthusiasm, that Shane even made it to the Australian Air Guitar finals two years in a row. His adventures are, without a doubt, a harmonious blend of the bizarre and the hysterical."Might as Well be Me" is not just a book; it's an invitation to join Shane on his fantastic journey through the quirky alleys of life and the melodious passages of vinyl. Whether you're an audiophile or just someone in search of a hearty laugh, this book has something for everyone. It's an ideal addition to your personal library or the perfect gift for that friend who appreciates the extraordinary in the ordinary.For a delightful evening of laughter and music, grab your copy of "Might as Well be Me" from Bouquiniste in Centrepoint. Shane Stark's storytelling is sure to leave you thoroughly entertained and perhaps even itching to explore the world of records. As a final note, keep an eye out for the photo of Shane launching the book in Kiama – a picture worth a thousand laughs, capturing the essence of this extraordinary author and his exceptional memoir.

Bruce Elder has published over fifty books and was previously a full-time journalist with the Sydney Morning Herald where he specialised in popular culture and travel. He has a passion for Australian history. Blood on the Wattle was published in 1988 to considerable acclaim and is now it its third edition. Bruce has said his book was an attempt to draw together in one volume information about the massacres of Aboriginal people and to create a broad-based level of awareness of their scale so they become part of the Australian consciousness - as much a part of Australian history as the First Fleet, the explorers, the gold rushes and the bushrangers. Many people have requested more details about the upcoming referendum for constitutional recognition and a Voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Blood on the Wattle provides a context for that request. Blood on the Wattle was listed as one of the ten most influential Australian works of non-fiction in the twentieth century, in an extensive poll conducted by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.  Wattles are one of the first plants to germinate after a bushfire and can be seen as a symbol of resilience and renewal. They are important in Indigenous culture as food and medicines as well as for creating digging sticks, spears, boomerangs, musical instruments, utensils, rope and adhesives.

 Alan Baxter’s book series, The Gulp is essentially a dark re-imagining of Kiama, with the fictional harbour town having an eerily familiar layout. Alan is a well-known horror author, living in Jamberoo. In 2021 Alan released The Gulp: Tales from The Gulp # 1 (The Gulp), which went on to win that year’s Aurealis Best Collection award (an award which recognises the achievements of Australian science fiction, fantasy and horror writers). The Gulp is set in a fictional NSW south coast town called Gulpepper, which everyone calls the Gulp, due to its way of swallowing people. Alan has cited Kiama and Stephen King as inspirations.Ominously subtitled ‘Five Tales of Horror’, the five novellas comprising The Gulp are standalone tales, but by the end it’s clear how they all link together:·        A truck driver thinks the stories about The Gulp are made up to scare him. Until he gets there.·        Teenage siblings try to cover up the death of their mother, but their plans go drastically awry.·        A rock band invite four backpackers to a party at their house, where things get dangerously out of hand.·        A young man loses a drug shipment and his boss gives him 48 hours to make good on his mistake.·        Under the blinking eye of the old lighthouse, a rock fisher makes the strangest catch of his life.Alan has also recently released The Fall: Tales from The Gulp # 2, which also has 5 atmospheric novellas:·        A man enjoying early retirement makes the mistake of visiting The Gulp.·        A fishing boat crew find themselves somewhere entirely unexpected.·        A farmer has an argument with his wife that turns violent and then entirely catastrophic.·        A Venture Scout troop from Enden travel a little too far on their bush excursion.·        Everything that’s already stranger than usual in The Gulp begins to run completely out of control. The band in The Gulp (appearing in the #1 and #2 novellas) is Blind Eye Moon, which has become so popular that Alan created a line of merchandise, which can be purchased through https://www.alanbaxteronline.com/blind-eye-moon-merchandise/We think it would be great to see The Gulp picked up by one of the streaming services and made into anthology horror series, filmed around Kiama – and think Eric Bana would be perfect as one of the main characters.Alan’s Gulp is a place of gritty cosmic horror, where when you go down to the beach, something evil and malevolent is watching you back. Many of Alan’s novellas are inhabited by a range of tough action characters who’d be comfortable in a Guy Ritchie movie, being forced to deal with cosmic horrors in their everyday life.One of Alan’s short stories hit the big-time recently and was made into an episode of Love, Death and Robots in 2022, starring Australian Jai Courtney, in which a squad of space marines encounter an ancient but familiar cosmic horror entity. Acclaimed director David Fincher is the producer.  Alan’s most recent offering is Sallow Bend, where folk horror sees a small rural town searching for two missing teenagers, Alan told The Bugle that a signed copy can be purchased through his website. Baxter runs the Illawarra Kung Fu Academy at the Kiama Masonic Hall on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6pm to 7.30 pm.Check out more about Alan and his projects on his website https://www.alanbaxteronline.com

Artists will tell you that inspiration often strikes at unexpected times. Inspiration for RA Spratt’s latest novel struck while she was reading an Indian graphic novel version of Hamlet, the famous Shakespeare play. “I was standing in the local bookshop in the main street of Bowral, and I’m trying to get my kid to read, so I suggested a graphic novel,” Spratt told The Bugle. “I picked up an illustrated Hamlet and started reading through it and it was really interesting because when you see Hamlet performed as a play, it’s usually someone in their 30s or 40s playing Hamlet because it’s a difficult part so they need an experienced actor. “The character is supposed to be around 23, and you don’t think about him being so young. But in the graphic novel, because it’s just a cartoon, he looked that young. I thought, Oh, the character makes so much more sense, he’s like a university arts student who has studied a semester of philosophy and thinks they know everything!” “All of a sudden, the character became very clear to me as to who he really is. He’s this really articulate guy that’s full of ideas but has no worldly wisdom.” The revelation of Hamlet’s true character inspired Hamlet’s Not OK, Spratt’s latest novel for young adults. Spratt is already an accomplished author of such series as Shockingly Good Stories, Friday Barnes, The Peski Kids and Nanny Piggins, and hosts the Bedtime Stories with R.A. Spratt podcast. Spratt had always enjoyed taking her kids to see local Shakespeare performances and wanted to write about it for years, but acknowledged a lot of the stories aren’t entirely appropriate for children in 2023.  “We saw a modern production of Richard II which was kind of baffling because it’s not the most accessible play. “I was thinking about how to make Shakespeare more accessible and fun for kids and explain the ideas that seem really dated. Some of these themes feel old fashioned, but then some of the things in Hamlet seem like just as big an issue now as it ever was even though it’s hundreds of years old.” At first, Spratt thought of writing a novelisation of the play, but the project soon grew to a much larger scale. Instead, the book became about a modern 15-year-old drawn into the world of Hamlet meeting the titular character and working with him to find better solutions to his problems. Spratt tends to put aspects from her own personality into her characters and it’s no different with Hamlet’s Not OK’s heroine, Selby. This time though, Spratt also drew from her own children’s personalities as well, especially when it comes to social issues. “They’re very woke-aware. They see issues and call you out on issues, definitely not in a way they did when I was 15,” says Spratt. “It’s very front-of-mind for them, things like racism, sexism, bullying, those sorts of things. When Hamlet tells Ophelia to go to a nunnery, they see that and think Hamlet is being a bully, whereas I don’t think people would have seen it the same way in the past.” Hamlet’s Not OK was only recently published, but Spratt is already thinking about the next instalment. While she initially envisioned exploring Shakespeare’s entire works through Selby’s eyes, Spratt has caught on to a different trend. “I would love to be able to help people unpick whatever the Shakespeare syllabus is for that year.“If you read the book, there’s a point where Pride and Prejudice gets involved as well, so there’s some discussion as to whether there is another book, whether it’s a Shakespeare play, probably Macbeth or King Lear, or it will be something totally different. I am tempted to work out what all the year 12 students are studying and just do those books.” To find a copy of the book, Spratt suggests you contact your local bookshops or library. Or buy it online at amazon.com.au