Mark O’Flynn @ Katoomba Library

Local author and poet Mark O’Flynn is coming to Katoomba Library on Saturday 15th June, from 2pm.
Mark will be chatting about his latest book, False Start: A memoir of things best forgotten. This is a laugh-out-loud biography that recollects Mark’s journey to find his purpose in life. From being forced into work as a completely unqualified quarry sample tester, to trying his hand at acting, to an unsuccessful search for religion, Mark cheerfully describes his incredible adventures with a self-deprecating tone that encourages you to laugh along with him. As Diane Dempsey from the Sydney Morning Herald said, “That O’Flynn finally settled for a life of a writer seems to be an eminently sensible choice, given his nicely judged sense of humour and agile turn of phrase. And complete hopelessness at anything else.”

Come along to hear Mark speak, followed by afternoon tea. Our partners, Megalong Books, will be selling copies of the book on the day, and Mark will be available for book signing.
This is a free event, bookings are appreciated.
For further information, or to register your interest, contact Katoomba Library on 4780 5750.

Author Maggie Counihan at Blaxland Library

Author Maggie Counihan at Blaxland Library.

Today we were lucky enough to host a wonderful author talk at Blaxland Library with the adventurous author and traveller Maggie Counihan, who truly embodies her own motto that “Age is no barrier”. Her first book, Backpacking to Freedom: Solo at Sixty details how, at the age of sixty, Maggie went on her first solo trip to India – and has never looked back. This book, as well as her latest book, Bring on the Birthdays: Ageing with Adventures, are now available from her website: http://www.maggie-rollo.com. This website also has a selection of great travel photos and  insightful travel tips from Maggie and her partner Rollo.

If you couldn’t make it to the talk at Blaxland today, never fear because Maggie had some time to chat with us for our ‘Indigi-Read’ podcast for May. Click here to listen as she discusses her early life and her life-changing decision to follow her dreams and experience the world on her terms.

Maggie Counihan Author Talk @ Blaxland Library

Looking for some adventure in your life? Feeling a bit uncertain about what’s in store for you as you get older? Enjoy travelling (either armchair or physical travel)?
Any of these are good reasons to come along to Blaxland Library on Monday 20th May, 2013 at 2pm. We’re hosting author Maggie Counihan, who will be talking about her latest book, Bring on the Birthdays: Ageing with Adventures.
Maggie started backpacking solo around the world aged 60, and these adventures led Maggie to write her first book, Backpacking to Freedom: Solo at 60. It was also on this journey that she met her partner, Rollo, and together they have continued to get the most out of life and make every day an adventure. These latest voyages form the basis of Bring on the Birthdays.
Maggie’s enthusiasm for life is evident in the tone of her writing, and one can’t help but be inspired by it. Most of the book describes Maggie’s travelling adventures throughout the world (Cambodia, Vietnam, Europe, New Zealand and more), but here and there you will find yourself reading a short motivational chapter where Maggie shares the ideals and values that have shaped her life (keeping physically fit, avoiding ‘what-ifs’, and making your own happiness).
Join us for Maggie’s talk, followed by afternoon tea and an opportunity to purchase one of Maggie’s books, which Maggie will be happy to sign.
Bookings are appreciated, please call (02) 4739 4284 or visit any library branch.

CrimeRead April: P.M. Newton & Lenny Bartulin @ Springwood

On Wednesday 3rd April, 2013, at 2pm, Australian crime-fiction authors P.M. Newton and Lenny Bartulin are giving an Author Talk at Springwood Library. Come along to hear them talk about their novels – The Old School by P.M. Newton and A Deadly Business, The Black Russian and De Luxe by Lenny Bartulin.

Pam has given talks and workshops on writing crime fiction, the journey to publication and, of course, on her first book, The Old School. Set in Sydney, this is an edgy novel featuring police detective Nhu “Ned” Kelly. Much more than a simple whodunit, this novel explores social issues such as Aboriginal land rights and the Vietnam War. Newton’s experience as a former police detective gives the story a gripping credibility.

Lenny’s books centre around Jack Susko, second-hand book dealer and trouble magnet. This is a loveable character who always seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Black Russian was shortlisted for the 2010 Ned Kelly Award for Best Fiction, and with good reason. Written with great humour, the classic dialogue, fast-paced action, and disastrous scenarios in these books are sure to give you a good chuckle.

Bookings are appreciated for this event. You can contact Springwood Library on (02) 4723 5040, or see the staff at any of our Library Branches.

We’ll also be recording a podcast interview with Pam and Lenny so look out for that to appear on Listeners in the Mist.

Crime Writers P.M. Newton & Lenny Bartulin @ Springwood Library

On Wednesday 3rd April, 2013, at 2pm, Australian crime-fiction authors P.M. Newton and Lenny Bartulin are giving an Author Talk at Springwood Library. Come along to hear them talk about their novels – The Old School by P.M. Newton and A Deadly Business, The Black Russian and De Luxe by Lenny Bartulin.

Pam has given talks and workshops on writing crime fiction, the journey to publication and, of course, on her first book, The Old School. Set in Sydney, this is an edgy novel featuring police detective Nhu “Ned” Kelly. Much more than a simple whodunit, this novel explores social issues such as Aboriginal land rights and the Vietnam War. Newton’s experience as a former police detective gives the story a gripping credibility.

Lenny’s books centre around Jack Susko, second-hand book dealer and trouble magnet. This is a loveable character who always seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Black Russian was shortlisted for the 2010 Ned Kelly Award for Best Fiction, and with good reason. Written with great humour, the classic dialogue, fast-paced action, and disastrous scenarios in these books are sure to give you a good chuckle.

Bookings are appreciated for this event. You can contact Springwood Library on (02) 4723 5040, or see the staff at any of our Library Branches.

We’ll also be recording a podcast interview with Pam and Lenny so look out for that to appear on Listeners in the Mist.

Margareta Osborn @ Blaxland Library

Blaxland Library is excited to be hosting author Margareta Osborn, writer of Australian rural romance fiction, on Wednesday 13^th March from 1pm. Come along to hear the author of best-selling Bella’s Run chat about her latest book, Hope’s Road. This is a story of love and faith, heritage and loss, set in the high country of East Gippsland which Margareta calls home.

Come along to hear Margareta, followed by afternoon tea. There will be an opportunity to purchase one of Margareta’s books, courtesy of The Turning Page Bookshop, and Margareta will be signing copies on the day. No bookings are required, but if you would like more information or to register your interest, you can call Blaxland Library on (02) 4739 4284.

DON’T FORGET:

On Thursday 28th February, at 2pm, we have Patti Miller at Katoomba Library. Patti is discussing her latest book, The Mind of a Thief. For more information call Katoomba Library on (02) 4780 5750.