Our Author Highlight of the Month: James Dempster

About

James Dempster


James L Dempster grew up in leafy harbour side Clifton Gardens, a short walk to Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, where he spent many happy boyhood hours, as well as exploring the nearby Sydney Harbour National Park bushland and foreshore.   He has worked in the cinema and video industries, is a screenwriter and also an artist, having entered the Archibald several times.  For the past two decades he has been in various aspects of animal welfare.  He lives in semi-rural New South Wales with his rescue animals.  Stripes in the Shadows is his first novel and has a new children’s storybook Spitfire the Dragon coming soon.


Books by James Dempster


Stripes In The Shadows

Stripes in the Shadows


As a young boy Leo Thomas had his photograph taken at the Zoo beside the last Tasmanian tiger in captivity – it dies on his 6th birthday and this tragedy inspires him to become one of Australia’s most renowned naturalists, vowing this appalling fate should never happen to another species.  In 2010 he turns 80, is now retired, an active recluse tending his wildlife rescue clinic on the edge of a pristine forest in Tasmania’s south west.  His serene corner of the world is threatened when a prominent commercial lumber company sponsors a not-so-independent study to prove this forest should be logged.  Leo goes on the offensive being the prominent almost single local voice opposing this project in the small community.  At this inconvenient time for Leo, his estranged grandchildren arrive from Sydney for a re-connect visit.  They struggle to relate and get to know each other under the same roof and among inhabitants of the town.  To help save the forest, Leo commences a surreptitious campaign of sabotage to hinder the timber industry study which quickly delays the corporate titan’s schedule.  When he sends in his thugs to deal Leo a lethal blow, events take a very unexpected turn...

‘I was in the moment of the story on every page - a wonderful fictional tale full of wildlife encounters that should have been real history!’

Brad Walker - CEO Global Wildlife Training - www.globalwildlifetraining.com.au

‘This is a very powerful story. Each page had me wanting more. I honestly thought it was a true story. A very well written book…highly recommended’

Sue Kennedy – CEO Sue Kennedy Publishing & Author Academy – www.authoracademy.com.au


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Author Interview – Getting to Know More About James Dempster

James Dempster
James Dempster

Who Is James Dempster?

  1. What inspired you to write a book?

The story formed in my thoughts and dreams - so I went with it till I knew it had to be fully formed so I could share it with the world. 


  1. Who is your favourite author and why?

Many - but I have a particular soft spot for Gerald Durrell who often wove humour and sincere concerns for animals and the planet so effortlessly. Also Spike Milligan - because he is the first author that made me laugh out loud when reading one of his books, and so often thereafter. 


  1. What is your favourite food?

I am a vegan.  A couple of favourites include, aloo baingan (indian eggplant curry), the wonderful baked beans on toast (simple and incredibly nutritious) and a good old cuppa of hot black tea.


  1. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Walk with dogs out somewhere natural, read, watch movies, think about stories. 


  1. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I didn't really know - vaguely something to do with the movies, which is a form of storytelling.  In the end I think writing chose me. 


  1. What do you think makes a good story?

It has to have a good interesting engaging narrative no matter what the  genre, have some deeper spiritual meaning that is often not apparent if done correctly, and a good moral lesson or three - all subtly woven together and the story is so good, you don't even notice them . 


         7. What was one of the most surprising things you learned from writing your book?    


How long it became from my initial rough calculation on length - being all the 'corners' of the segments of the narrative that filled in during the process, and how the characters became more real inside my mind as they acted out their parts - and when I observed how all the characters were actually different segments of my character/personality given form somehow. 


  1. When did you realise you wanted to be a writer?

When I was participating in amateur theater - I discovered the power of the text over all other aspects of any possible final production.  


  1. How long does it take you write a book?

Depends on the story - 'Stripes in the Shadows' took about 10 months from first word to last.  Sometimes you have to put a story aside for a while then come back to it, so it depends.  And in the end all stories (or whatever type of creative works of/or art) are subject to a version of what  Paul Valery famously said about poetry 'A poem is never finished, only abandoned.'


  1. Can you share with us what your next book will be about?

That is a hard one as I have many novels, and shorter children's stories all percolating inside me.  When it dominates I will do it, and when it is done, then I will be the first to know.  

Books by James Dempster

Stripes in the Shadows

Hope you enjoyed learning more about James Dempster.

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Our Author Highlight of the Month: Jennifer Navin

Author of the month - Jennifer Navin

About

Jennifer Navin


I am my own person and to me family is everything.

My dream of doing medicine was not to be realised, when in year twelve I knew I would not get the grades needed to study medicine, so I entered nursing at Royal North Shore Hospital and loved every minute of my time there. After a stint at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne I left for Europe and the ubiquitous bus trip, a right of passage for the young Australian back in the late seventies.

With Danica’s death, I reached crossroads and decisions needed to be made on where my career was to go. I did go to University as a mature aged student and over the years of juggling parenthood, part time work and study I gained a Bachelor of Nursing, Diploma of Gerontology and a Masters in Aged Care Management.


Books by Jennifer Navin


Riding the Rainbow

Riding the Rainbow


My story of Danica’s six years of life is based purely on our personal experiences and in no way reflect the experiences of other persons.

In reflection, I hope that this book will help those families of newly diagnosed children who have a disability. Your world will feel as though it has collapsed and will wonder; Why me? Why us? Is it worth it?

Believe me, it is worth it and then some. The journey does take time, love and a lot of patience to make it through each day but with the dawn there is always a new day.


Hope you enjoyed learning more about our author of the month!

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Author Interview – Getting to Know More About Millie Jackson

Millie Jackson
Millie Jackson

Who Is Millie Jackson?

  1. What inspired you to write a book?

I felt the need to tell my story and to let others know that out of tragedy, hope is more often than not, just around the corner.


  1. Who is your favourite author and why?

I have many favourite authors. I loved Liane Moriarty’s earlier work. I am inspired by Eckhart Tolle and many of the Buddhist teachings.


  1. What is your favourite food?

My favourite food is seafood especially prawns and crabs


  1. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Walking by water, coffee with friends and browsing shops especially bookstores. I love attending book launches and writers’ festivals.


  1. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I always wanted to be an actress or a singer. I started writing when I was very young and also wanted to keep doing that.


  1. What do you think makes a good story?

I enjoy pace, humour and honesty as well as a good plot twist.


         7. What was one of the most surprising things you learned from writing your book?    


I learned that it doesn’t just flow every day, that creativity comes in bursts. I also learned that slumps can be hard but can be worked through if you have the right people and tools around you.


  1. When did you realise you wanted to be a writer?

From a very young age, but more seriously after attending a writers’ festival in Ubud around four years ago.


  1. How long does it take you write a book?

To do it properly it can take years. I believe at least one year with all of the multitude of edits etc.


  1. Can you share with us what your next book will be about?

My next book is a murder mystery set on the northern beaches.


Books by Millie Jackson

A North Shore Buddhist

Hope you enjoyed learning more about Millie Jackson.

Would like to be on our list of authors? Become a member today and reap the benefits of being a part of the Author Academy Bookstore!

For more information, please click here.

Author Interview – Getting to Know More About Joesy Knibbs

Joesy Knibbs
Joesy Knibbs

Who Is Joesy Knibbs?

  1. What inspired you to write a book?

I have been fascinated with stories ever since I was a child, I would get lost in books and pretend I was the characters and living their stories. The stories inspired my imagination and allowed me to be creative using mine.


  1. Who is your favourite author and why?

This is a hard question to answer as I have had many over the years. I have loved J.R Tolkien, C S Lewis, J K Rowling, May Gibbs, Roald Dahl, and now these days I am not reading as much , but when I do I like Melissa Marr and Stephanie Meyers. I think I like these authors because their stories are outside of the normal life we live today. Anything is possible within the storyline , even things I wouldn’t ever think of, so I am able to step into the characters to feel what they feel and stand in their shoes for awhile.


  1. What is your favourite food?

My favourite food is chocolate or ice cream.


  1. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

When I am not writing I like to spend time with my family watching my grandsons play football or being creative with my granddaughters.


  1. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

As a child I wanted to be a Dancer or a singer.


  1. What do you think makes a good story?

I think what makes a good story is the ability to take the reader to another place and inspire their creativity and imagination even for a little while.


         7. What was one of the most surprising things you learned from writing your book?    


The most surprising things for me was to see what my imagination had created and to turn it into reality. It was like I made it come alive.


  1. When did you realise you wanted to be a writer?

As a child I think it was just a gift that I had and taken it for granted. It wasn’t until I came to Author Academy that I became aware of my gift. Meeting Sue Kennedy and the other authors gave me the space and feedback to recognise the gift in my stories, and that is what made me realise that I wanted to be a writer.


  1. How long does it take you write a book?

Once I believe in the idea that my stories are something worth reading it takes about a year.


  1. Can you share with us what your next book will be about?

At the moment I am playing around with ideas and haven’t decided on the subject of my next book yet.


Books by Joesy Knibbs

Gerome the Great!

Hope you enjoyed learning more about Joesy Knibbs.

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Author Interview – Getting to Know More About Sonia Young

Sonia Young
Sonia Young

Who Is Sonia Young?

  1. What inspired you to write a book?

Grief and wanting to share the story about the loss of my first born baby. Even though I started writing this book years ago. I have not finished it but I have published two other books.


  1. Who is your favourite author and why?

I don't have a favourite author.


  1. What is your favourite food?

I have a sweet tooth so I would have to say chocolate.


  1. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

When I am not writing I work as a carer, which I really enjoy. I also like to spend time with the family.


  1. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

Don't remember having my heart set on anything but after doing work experience at the age of 15 at Castle Hill RSL I decided I wanted to become a Chef.


  1. What do you think makes a good story?

True stories with spiritual overtones.


         7. What was one of the most surprising things you learned from writing your book?    


I was surprised with my ability to write poetry.


  1. When did you realise you wanted to be a writer?

A few years after my baby died I wanted to write my story but didn't see myself as a writer.


  1. How long does it take you write a book?

Depends on what I am working on. My Poetic Journey and Hidden Treasures took approximately one year to write. The book I am working on now is going to take a lot longer.


  1. Can you share with us what your next book will be about?

My next book is about my parents. I am writing it with my mother from her perspective. My dad was an incomplete quadriplegic and Mum was his full time carer. They travelled a lot around Australia. First in a Combi with the wheelchair tied to the back, then in a Motorhome. They had some great adventures in between hospital visits and Dad's surgeries.


Books by Sonia Young

Hidden Treasures

My Poetic Journey

Hope you enjoyed learning more about Sonia Young.

Would like to be on our list of authors? Become a member today and reap the benefits of being a part of the Author Academy Bookstore!

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Author Interview – Getting to Know More About Jennifer Navin

Jennifer Navin
Jennifer Navin

Who Is Jennifer Navin?

  1. What inspired you to write a book?

The inspiration for me writing Riding the Rainbow was my daughter Danica who was eighteen months old at the time I put pen to paper.

I wrote the initial manuscript for Danica.

To tell Danica’s story.

To help me try and understand why my daughter was diagnosed at the age of five months old with Cerebral Palsy.


  1. Who is your favourite author and why?

I have no one favourite author. I read a broad range of literature.

Judy Nunn and Bryce Courtney for their wonderful novels of Australian history.

Hannah Kent; her rich and evocative language, so beautiful that you re read and linger over each sentence. Her skill in forming a story from the most elementary facts, that captures the reader in the time capsule of the novel. Amazing.

Maeve Binchey and Rosamunde Pilcher for the wonderful escapism to the Cornish countryside of England.

Dr Mahomed Khadra, a very talented surgeon with an amazing writing skill of telling the facts as they are.


  1. What is your favourite food?

I love a roast chicken dinner.


  1. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

I love my garden. I really enjoy buying what I call rescue plants and then planting them and watching them recover and grow. The majority of my garden is of rescue plants.


  1. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

When I was a child and really until senior school, I wanted to do medicine. I then realised that I wouldn’t have the marks for entry to Medicine and all I wanted to do was work and continue learning. Nursing ticked the boxes. I had planned to go to university as a mature age student to do medicine but I met Shane whilst overseas and the rest is history.


  1. What do you think makes a good story?

What makes a good story? How that person tells the story.


         7. What was one of the most surprising things you learned from writing your book?    


That Danica’s death was her gift to me and her gift to herself.

 She gifted to me time. Time to parent Ashley and Kelsie without the mire of disability. Time to spend freely with Shane. Time to explore and complete further education.

Danica gave herself freedom. Freedom from a body that prevented her from doing so much. She is now free to run with the wind and talk nonstop.


  1. When did you realise you wanted to be a writer?

I always liked writing, even as a young person. I dreamt of publishing. A Bucket List wish.


  1. How long does it take you write a book?

It took thirty plus years fiddling with a pen and paper. In 2010, a health scare with Shane and the following cataclysmic journey found me opening up that corner of my heart to sorely probe that aching wound of October 20th 1988, the day Danica died. It then took a further twelve months with my mentor, editor and publisher to finish and publish Riding the Rainbow.


  1. Can you share with us what your next book will be about?

My next book?!! Well I am writing and it is a bit of a patch work at the moment. Again, it is about family and history.


Books by Jennifer Navin

Riding the Rainbow

Hope you enjoyed learning more about Jennifer Navin.

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Author Interview – Getting to Know More About J.B May

J.B May
J.B May

Who Is J.B May?

  1. What inspired you to write a book?

A busy and overactive mind. I would daydream scenarios and stories constantly. I found that channelling those thoughts and putting them down on paper calmed my mind.


  1. Who is your favourite author and why?

Brigid Kemmerer, I like her writing style and the themes of her stories.


  1. What is your favourite food?

Freshly baked crusty bread with a fluffy centre served with good butter and a pinch of pink sea salt, add some soft cheese and cured meats and I’m in heaven.

  1. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Blasting music while singing off key and dancing like a uncoordinated overly dramatic child who snuck on stage at a concert.

  1. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I don’t think I ever had a plan of what I wanted to be, at least not that I can remember.

  1. What do you think makes a good story?

Heart. If it can make you feel something or stir something inside you, then it’s good.


         7. What was one of the most surprising things you learned from writing your book?    

That I could write a book.

  1. When did you realise you wanted to be a writer?

When writing made me happy and that was only a few years ago.

  1. How long does it take you write a book?

Pre-baby 6-12months, post-baby 12months plus (Babies are hard work)

  1. Can you share with us what your next book will be about?

I have a children’s book called Missing Magic which will be available on Amazon kindle on the 17/9/2020, the pre-sale for this is already up. It’s a fairy-tale approach to discussing infertility with young children. As for the books for older audiences, I have two book concepts outlined at the moment but I’m not sure which one will take centre stage yet. One is a dystopian tale that addresses overpopulation and environmental abuse and the other is a reimagining of a classic fairy tale, snow white.

Books by J.B May

Unveiled

Awakened

Renewed

Hope you enjoyed learning more about J.B May.

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Our Author Highlight of the Month: J.B May

Author of the Month J.B May

About

J.B May


Hailing from the suburbs of Sydney Australia Jessica grew up in testosterone-fuelled surroundings, overwhelmed with football, fighting and alpha male prowess. To escape the ferociously masculine world her five brothers created around her she turned to the far-off lands of books for salvation.
Jessica has a unique perspective on the human condition that captivates her readers leaving them on the edge of their seats, begging for more. She brings a relatable down to earth quality to her characters that will make you laugh and cry. Her beguiling world of fantasy, betrayal, and love will have you completely hooked.


Books by J.B May


More than four centuries have passed since the fae drew a line in the sand. The Seelie and Unseelie have managed to uphold the treaty but an ancient prophecy threatens to break the fragile alliance.

Hidden in the shadows on the fringe of humanity Seth has lived more than one lifetime shrouded in darkness. A willing participant in iniquity he has everything he could ever have wanted. Bloodlust and depravity comforts his immortal existence and he answers to no one, but one girl is going to challenge everything he thought he knew…

Adaline Thomas has lived an uneventful human life, at seventeen the unthinkable happens and she loses the only parent she has ever known. If only her crippling grief was her sole concern. With her mother dead, the cloaking spell has been broken and the secrets of Adaline’s past are coming back to haunt her. Thrust into a mysterious world of magic, monarchs and murder, will she be strong enough to embrace the life she’s destined for or the monsters who live within it?

The future of the fae hangs in the balance, there will be losses and betrayals, can a forbidden love save them both?


Adaline was born into a world corrupted by magic, POWER and greed.

To keep her safe, they hid her in the mortal realm, but she can’t hide any longer…

She survived the first battle, but lost the LOVE of her life and the last member

of her mortal family in the process.

The fight for her life isn’t over, with guilt and LIES shadowing her days can she

find the strength to carry on?

Hope you enjoyed learning more about our author of the month!

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The Top Emerging Published Authors for 2020

Emerging Authors 2020

Welcome!

Meet the amazing emerging published authors for 2020...

J.B May


Hailing from the suburbs of Sydney Australia Jessica grew up in testosterone-fuelled surroundings, overwhelmed with football, fighting and alpha male prowess. To escape the ferociously masculine world her five brothers created around her she turned to the far-off lands of books for salvation.


Author of: Unveiled & Awakened


Jennifer Navin


I have always enjoyed writing and reading the written word. Riding the Rainbow. is my first book. It is written over many years and spans two centuries. With time, there is progress and change but the essence of the message in the book remains unchanged with time and will continue to do so.

There will always be an element of risk in pregnancy and childbirth.

There will always be families who have been affected by the shock of disability.


Author of: Riding the Rainbow


Joesy Knibbs


Joesy is a short story & poetry author who has come from the inner suburbs of Sydney. As a shy city girl, she met a country boy and moved to the north west country town of Gulgong. It was there she learned to manage a pig farm and observed the differences in people and the similarities in animals of all kinds.


Author of: Gerome the Great!


Millie Jackson


Millie Jackson writes novels and short stories that feature an honest exploration of contemporary issues. Whilst she often uses a humorous approach in her writing, she also delves into the difficult topics of addiction, domestic violence, eating disorders and spirituality.


Author of:

The North Shore Buddhist


Sonia Young


Sonia Young grew up on a hobby farm at Vineyard in the Hawkesbury Area of NSW. After getting married she moved to a nearby suburb and raised three children. She discovered the gift of poetry at the age of forty four. Embracing this gift she went on to write over 30 poems. Most of which are contained in this book. Being the first book of poems she has written she hopes it will be well received.


Author of:

My Poetic Journey & Hidden Treasures


Hope you enjoyed learning more about our top emerging published authors for 2020.

Would like to be on our list of emerging authors? Become a member today and reap the benefits of being a part of the Author Academy Bookstore!

For more information, please click here.

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