WARM on the Coast

The Sunshine Coast Literary Association Inc. works to encourage and develop writers and readers on the Sunshine Coast.

SCLA Bookshelf

The SCLA has in its midst some very talented writers. Financial members are welcome to promote their published works here.  To have your books included please email your details and a photo of the book cover to us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .


Undercurrents, by Coolum Wave Writers

The Coolum Wave Writers have done it again! Undercurrents, their third anthology is a fine collection of short stories and poetry, to be launched at the Coolum Library on Thursday August 5th where members will read extracts from their contributions.

 The Coolum Wave Writers would like to thank Hamish the co-ordinator, Warren Bonett from Embiggen Books who did the layout, cover design (and more), Bendigo Bank for their generous donation, and Bronwyn Cozens for her editing, encouragement and keeping them honest.

If you miss the library launch, get along to the Coolum Community Celebration on Saturday August 7th. Readings start at 10.30am.

 


Artefact War, by Ralph F. Halse

 

Shortly after the Great Disaster, the Viro priesthood began to preach that our Earth Mother holds intrinsic values that cannot be compared to human desires; that machines brought the Earth Mother to the brink of mass extinction and that religious belief alone is insufficient to bring about the blanket changes needed to restore the Earth Mother to Her natural state.

As the centuries passed, a frustrated priesthood hierarchy accepted that humans were fallible and that political and social change would be slow. A sect of fundamentalist Viros set about practising a policy of peaceful interference in Brizarian life with the aim to join state and the temples under one supreme ruler. But somewhere along the way and over the centuries, all good intentions had given way to avarice, ego and a policy of retribution against their foremost enemies, the Scavengers.

The e-book is available from Devine Destinies.

 


Last Birds - Andrew Thelander

Feathers fly when a penniless wildlife artist accidentally traps the world's last living Paradise Parrot in the ramshackle ghost town he shares with his enigmatic pet wallaby and a mysterious Indian barrister.

It seems everyone has a claim on the soon-famous bird, and the reclusive and unworldly young painter finds himself up against government bureaucrats, animal protection officials, police, the courts, the gutter press, and an eccentric multi-millionaire birdwatcher with madcap plans of his own.

Nothing else for it but to take flight into the great Australian bush where the artist, his brilliant and beautiful, newly discovered zoologist sister, a pompous university professor and an obsessed taxidermist lose their inhibitions, their clothes - and in some cases their minds - living with, and learning to think as, wild kangaroos.

In his and her own way, every key character in Andrew Thelander's hilarious, sometimes touching, often profoundly wise, tale is a Last Bird … an utterly unique, wildly exotic example of an endangered species.

Last Birds is a rollicking good read, full of unexpected twists, that leaves the reader pondering the role of individuals, science and the law in determining how we can best live and interact with nature. Liz Hall-Downs. CompulsiveReader.com

Last Birds is available at Angus & Robertson (Maroochydore & Kawana), The Written Dimension Bookshop (Noosa Junction), Annie’s Books (Peregian), Book City (Noosa Civic), Embiggen Books (Noosaville), River Read (Noosaville), Possums Books and Coffee (Cooroy), Rosetta Books (Maleny), Riverbend Books (Bulimba) and all online bookstores.

 


Scavenger Lord - The Rise of Rhyka Hawk Wing - Book 1- Ralph F Halse

Scavenger Lord is SCLA member Ralph F. Halse's first novel .Published through Devine Destinies of Canada, it is available as an eBook, for $7.95.

Synopsis: Forged by the blood and pain of the Disaster Wars fought some four hundred years ago, a warrior race of Scavenger Warlords emerged from the Ruins ready for war and conquest. Tons of artefacts dug from the Ruins and smelted into ingots of perma-steel and perma-glaz fuel their empire's insatiable lust for power and war. Tempered by the forces of the ever-watchful Brizarian priesthood, four simple mandates preserve all that is sacred to this newly fashioned world.

As is with all religions, deviates exist. By blood, murder, stealth and political manoeuvring, they inevitably wormed their evil way into the temple hierarchy. In a world of dishonest, blood-spattered priests, one brave monk driven by religious convictions and fuelled by a thirst for revenge takes an opportunity to strike at his corrupt brothers. Rhyka, a warrior monk dedicated to the Order of Lud, has had a bounty on his head for thirteen years. Set by crooked priests, who murdered his family, they want to resurrect the dark power of the ancients trapped within the artefacts. The priests of T'uki must locate and kill Rhyka before he can thwart their plans. Narrowly surviving a massacre with a rogue priest and his Activist warriors on the borderland of the empire and the Ark, Rhyka is forced to scale the mountain known as the Gate of Lost Souls, where he is confronted by a six metre tall creature fashioned by the hands of the ancients... He must overcome this beast and return unscathed to the capitol city of Brizaria carrying dangerous artefacts as proof of the monks of T'uki's corruption. However, possession of unsanctioned artefacts will see him executed without trial. But enter Brizaria he must to convince the Lord High Scavenger, Jaggan-Kai, that a faction of corrupt priests and their Activists foot soldiers are preparing to employ artefacts containing the dark power of the ancients to bring the Scavenger Empire to its knees.

To find out more and purchase your copy visit http://www.thebrizarianempire.com.au


The ABC of Carbon - Ken Hickson

"The ABC of Carbon" is an illustrated, alphabetical digest with an encyclopaedic approach to carbon and climate change.

Ken Hickson has used his business knowledge, journalistic ability and enthusiasm for matters environmental to bring together in one place all the current thinking and action on what is acknowledged as the most pressing problem facing the earth now and for this century.

Opinions and facts are gathers together alongside global personalities and advocates for action. Insights into the latest research and innovations to produce energy that is carbon-free and climate friendly.  What you always wanted to know but were too afraid to ask.  From a communicator who brings science and technology, as well as business and development, down to earth!

Essential reading for anyone who cars about their future - and the future life on earth for their children and grandchildren - with ideas for individuals and community action, as well as for business people and students of all ages.

Recommended retail price: $49.95.  Available in selected bookshops and online from www.sustainableinsight.com.au, and www.carbonmarket.com.au.


Who's taking your Money - Jeremy Britton

Written by SCLA Member Jeremy Britton, Who's Taking Your Money is a text for first-time investors.

According to Jeremy, this book is for those who wish to double their money safely by investing into different markets; in property (residential, commercial, industrial & retail) and shares (little businesses).


He said it features "low-tech", "low-jargon" and is high on helpful facts, this book is suitable for all investors, from teenagers to seniors. "If you have ever paid a bill or if you have ever purchased a product, if you have ever paid for a service; then you already know how to become a great investor. This book teaches you how to apply what you know to make your wealth grow!"


To find out more or to buy a copy of Who's Taking Your Money click here.

Please note the SCLA does not offer financial advice.


A Ten Second Kiss - Celeste Frances Scott

The happy couple has just been pronounced man and wife.  Now for THE kiss.  Some couples barely manage a peck; others almost begin their honeymoon right there in front of their guests.  Author and marriage celebrant Celeste Frances Scott has seen them all.

“I tell my couples that the kiss IS important.  Too quick, and the photographer hasn’t a chance of capturing the moment; too slow, and the guests start to get a little uncomfortable.  The perfect wedding kiss should last 10 seconds, hence that name of my book,” she said.

The Ten Second Kiss – Ultimate Dos and Don’ts Before You Say ‘I Do’ has been written with Celeste’s combined 25 years experience working in event planning, media, hospitality and as a marriage celebrant.

Celeste spent four years researching and talking to hundreds of couples to discover their best tips for planning a wedding day.

The Ten Second Kiss is written in a fun, easy-to-read format.  It’s A5 in size, so can be easily carried around with the bride and groom during the wedding planning.  Plus there are pages on which the couple can make their own notes and contact list.

The Ten Second Kiss – in a nutshell

  • Learn the ultimate dos and don’ts before you say, “I do"
  • Discover the top 10 tips to a Bridezilla-free wedding.
  • Discover what NOT to waste your budget on
  • Learn from the mistakes that real brides and grooms wish they hadn’t made.
  • Tell your love story – YOUR way.
  • Discover how to choose the best value wedding suppliers.
  • Find out why some wedding locations just won’t work, no matter how romantic.
  • Learn why music at a ceremony can sometimes be more of a distraction than an attraction.

The Ten Second Kiss is available at select retail outlets and online at www.thetensecondkiss.com.au.  RRP $19.95.

 


Faces & Places of Australia - by Max George

Faces & Places of Australia could be best described as a poetical summery of events although I have included some fictional  input as many friends have requested purchase of the book. It contains around 90 pages(A5) flat bound , has items from all around Australia: contains  an indigenous view as well as historical background: Most is factual: Has sketches  done by my wife and the cover is of 2 paintings also by my wife whilst travelling around Australia: It took about a year to write: And has a RRP of $19:95.

To order your copy email Max - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it


The Orchid File: The Noosa Connection - by David J Hilton

Australian Secret Serviceman Steven Carlson is assigned to investigate Chak Artachinda, a Thai orchid exporter suspected of being linked to a syndicate bringing drugs into Australia. From Noosa he tails the suspect to North Queensland, and then on to Bangkok, where he soon discovers that someone wants him dead. In Chiang Mai, he encounters Srisamorn, a beautiful Thai woman who harbors a terrible secret, one that will soon impact on his mission. From that point on their two worlds collide.

After breaking into Chak’s laboratory, Carlson thinks he has found the proof he needs, but when he is captured, he finds out he is mistaken. Chak has an astonishing secret of a different kind. Held in the drug supremo’s hideout in the hills, Carlson has only one more day to live, unless he can escape. Now only Srisamorn can save him.

Footnote: The Orchid File (under the earlier title: THE NOOSA CONNECTION) was short-listed for the 2008 New South Wales Writers Centre/New Holland Publishers Genre Fiction Award.

Copies can be obtained online from www.eloquentbooks.com/TheOrchidFile.html; www.AngusRobertson.com.au and www.amazon.com

Also available at Mary Ryan's Bookshop, Hastings St, Noosa, Book City, Noosa Civic Shopping Centre and Annie's Books, Peregian Beach.

For more information about David and the book you can also visit his website: www.davidjhilton.com.


Coasters - by the Coolum Wave Writers

COASTERS is the creation of Coolum Wave Writers.  Seeking to showcase the beauty, diversity and glorious lifestyle of the Sunshine Coast, these creative writers have developed this delicious collection of stories and poems, featuring themes and styles to intrigue and delight every reader.

The title COASTERS reflects the easy way of life, as well as the geographical region, and carries the subtle hint of a place to rest your glass while you sit back and enjoy these stories.

To order your copy email Pam Hardgrave - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it


The Third Arm - by Barry Corcoran

Barry Corcoran's first novel is a financial fraud thriller.  While it is a work of fiction, Barry said a large proportion of it was based on his experiences while working as a Chartered Accountant in New York and Washington DC.

The central character is Joe Natoli, who is based in Melbourne, but  transferred, to investigate a company investment in Washington DC.

Soon after his arrival, events spiral out of control. The only bright spot is Alicia, a young woman who works at the hotel where Joe is staying. Her father, a high profile senator, is currently investigating corporate crime in the city.

As Joe digs beneath the surface of the troubled company, dark forces threaten to derail him. A colleague is murdered. His managing director in Melbourne appears reluctant to support him. Perhaps his new found family in New York can help. But can they be trusted? Is it possible enemies of Alicia's father are part of the picture?

Joe struggles to hold everything together as the beleaguered company teeters on the edge of bankruptcy.

The Third Arm can be purchased from Angus and Robertson, or online from Zeus Publications.


What Lies Within - by Pam Hardgrave

Pam Hardgrave's second novel is What Lies Within.

Teenagers, Kristy and Ryan, venture into the Nature Reserve looking for some private space together.  But that’s where the nightmare begins.

Kristy’s world of playful innocence changes forever when she stumbles on a murdered body. Suddenly nothing, and nobody, is as it seems. The murderer could be anyone, even her boyfriend, Ryan. Her discovery sets off an avalanche of investigation, panic, mystery and further death.

Kristy tackles her grief and horror by determining to solve the mystery and find the murderer, with Ryan’s help. As she weaves together the threads of evidence, gossip and speculation, and as the final horrifying act is played out, Kristy realises that she can never see what lies within the minds of others. 

To order your copy email Pam - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it


Voyages - by Jenny Wood

Jenny Wood grew up on opposite sides of the continent of Australia - Perth and Canberra.  For various reasons her life has taken her to other countries including the United States, The Philippines and Papua New Guinea.  She is married with two daughters and lives on the Sunshine Coast. This is Jenny's first novel.  She also writes poetry and short stories

Her new book 'Voyages', tells of a young woman's personal discoveries when she examines her life in the scope of time since her great grandmother left Scotland.  It is a voyage of discovery in several ways - as a family saga, as a revelation of relationships, friendships, adventure, tragedy, and love affairs, and it's all told in a fascinating continuum, full of womanly intrigue and mystery.  This insight into the emotions of betrayal and despair, of loves and hatreds, of peace and passion, takes the reader on a journey observed from a female viewpoint.

To order your copy email Jenny - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .


Seesaw - by Pam Hardgrave

Past SCLA President Pam Hardgrave's first book, Seesaw is a novella and a psychological thriller.  Fifteen-year-old Celine feels out of balance as she deals with the death of her identical twin sister and her father, leaving her to take care for her drug-addicted mother. When her mother is shot, Celine is questioned and charged with her murder.

RRP $19.95 - Contact Author This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or publisher: Zeus Publications PO Box 2554, Burleigh 4220