Thank you!

 

My very first book launch – Readings Hawthorn (Melbourne), 21 August, 2014

Today is five years since the launch of my first book, Luna Tango. It had taken ten years, three manuscripts (that will never see the light of day), lots of workshops and conferences, thousands upon thousands of hours honing my craft and a dash of luck to get to the point of seeing my first book published and available in bookshops. It was a dream come true and I’ll never forget that moment of standing in a bookshop and seeing my book on the shelves for the first time. It was a magical moment and scary at the same time. My story was out in the world and people were going to meet my characters for the first time. It felt surreal and I really did have to pinch myself (after wiping away tears of joy).

Before I was published all I had focussed on was getting a publishing contract. What I never expected was the wonderful friendships I would make with other writers, booksellers, book reviewers, journalists, librarians and readers. I love that my non-reader friends get behind me as well, promoting any events I’m doing or new releases. I adore the publishers I work with, their passion for the written word shining through in everything they do, and I am so thankful every day for my wonderful literary agent, Lucienne Diver, who works so very hard and is brilliant at what she does.

Never in a million years did I expect to see my books translated into other languages or be published around the world. I never expected to release a new book every year, be a bestseller or have one of my books voted into Australia’s top 100 books. I never expected that I would get the opportunity to do book tours in Australia and overseas, to be invited to literary events, mentor, and to teach workshops and run writing retreats with one of my best friends who is also a writer. I never expected opportunities to take my storytelling to the screen. But all these things have happened and I am grateful for every single one of these magical moments.

A selection of books – more to come!

On this fifth anniversary, I wanted to thank each and every one of you for getting involved in this precious, uplifting, wonderful writing journey. Without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Alli 

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Capricorn Coast Writers Festival

With a little over four weeks until The Cinema at Starlight Creek hits the shelves in Australia and New Zealand (it will be released as The Cinema of Lost Dreams in November throughout the rest of the world), I’m gearing up for lots of events that will have me travelling Australia far and wide in the months of May, June and July. I’ll be posting a calendar with all the events shortly, but for now I want to announce my first event which will be appearing at the Capricorn Coast Writers Festival in Yeppoon, Queensland. 

I’m really excited about this festival as it’s the inaugural one and I know the organisers have been working so very hard to make this happen. It is so wonderful to see the passion and care they have put into this event and I hope that if you are in the vicinity of Rockhampton and Yeppoon that you can come along and support this festival.

I’ll be running a workshop on Creating Memorable Characters and also doing a breakfast panel about the state of the publishing industry. I’m really looking forward to these and also attending other sessions presented by some of Australia’s most talented and loved authors. 

If you know of anyone in this region, please let them know about this wonderful festival and if you’re in the vicinity, please come and say hi!

You can find out more details about the festival HERE

 

 

Burning Fields events

One of the best parts of being an author is getting the chance to meet readers and other writers. I’ve got a few events in Bellingen, Geelong and Melbourne, and towards the end of July I’ll be heading to the gorgeous Sunshine State and doing a series of author events in bookstores and libraries, and also teaching a one-day writing course with Queensland Writers centre. 

I hope to see you there and please feel free to let your friends and colleagues know about any of the following events if you feel it’s for them. 

Please note: each event has something different to offer, so it’s just a matter of which one appeals the most (or you can always go to more than one!).

Boy, am I looking forward escaping a southern Australian winter and enjoy some sunshine soon!

Here are the dates and events:

BELLINGEN
Bellingen Writers Festival
Saturday, 9 June panel – Writing From and For the Heart (10.30 am)
Sunday, 10 June panel – Challenging Women: Perspectives on Life and Writing (9.00 am)
More information HERE
 
GEELONG
Tuesday, 17 July – 6.00-7.00pm Dymocks Waurn Ponds

I’ll be discussing my research behind Burning Fields, as well as the themes of equality, racism and going against tradition that occur throughout the book. And there’ll be lots of time for questions about anything writing related!

Call the store to reserve your seat: 03 52438720
 
MELBOURNE
Emerging Writers Festival
Sunday, 25 June (Victoria State Library) – Subverting the Genre – 1.30 pm
Tuesday, 26 June (The Wheeler Centres) – Romance writing workshop – 6.30-8.00 pm
More information and bookings HERE

BRISBANE
Thursday, 26 July – RIVERBEND BOOKS
In conversation with TM Clark, we’ll be discussing the research behind Burning Fieldsand the themes of equality, racism and PTSD that run throughout the story. There will be plenty of time for writing-related questions!
More information here and bookings HERE

Saturday, 28 July – WORKSHOP at QUEENSLAND WRITERS CENTRE
Full day romance writing workshop with Queensland Writers Centre
More information and bookings HERE
 
Monday, 30 July – AVID READER
In conversation with TM Clark, Anna Campbell and Ally Blake, this fun and informative panel about romance books and its role in today’s world.
More information and bookings HERE
 
PEREGIAN BEACH
Sunday, 29 July – 10am-12noon
Annie’s Books on Peregian – in-store book signing
More information HERE
 
GOLD COAST
Tuesday, 31 July – 6.30-7.30 pm
Elanora Library
II’ll be discussing my research behind Burning Fields, as well as the themes of equality, racism and going against tradition that occur throughout the book. And there’ll be lots of time for questions about anything writing related!
More information and bookings HERE