If you told John Stinker Clarke 30 years ago that he would one day be a celebrated author of eight books he would have laughed at you.
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Yet in a fortnight’s time the popular Port Stephens-based writer/columnist, fishing guru and radio personality will be launching two published works – books No. 7 and No. 8 – over two days.
“I had to split the launch dates over two days to fit everyone in,” Mr Clarke said.
“The first launch at Soldiers Point is an invitation only event and is expected to attract up to 400 people. I am expecting another 150 people at the second launch to take place in Fingal Bay.”
Respected journalist and ABC Newcastle broadcaster Craig Hamilton, an author in his own right, will host the November 8 launch to be held at Soldiers Point Bowling Club. On November 9 Scott Levi, another ABC presenter and close friend of Mr Clarke, will perform the honours at Fingal Bay Bowls Club from 1pm.
The launch at Soldiers Point will be performed by Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer and Australian best selling novelist Di Morressy.
Fingal-based international photographer Rodd Owen will assist with the launch at Fingal Bay. Mr Owen will be displaying his outstanding photographs which appear in The Outer Light, while leading Port artist Ileana Clarke, who has contributed the illustrations in Clarabelle, will be attending both days.
Mr Clarke admits the idea of launching two books by the same author at the same time is a rarity, but concedes they are worlds apart in content.
Clarabelle is Mr Clarke’s second children’s book, while The Outer Light is another in his popular series of documenting the Port’s fascinating history, its people and events.
“They are both based on true stories and have involved a lot of research and interviewing. I also have been able to source some of the rarest photographs of the Nelson Bay Lighthouse ever published.”
Mr Clarke, a former PE teacher, began his broadcasting career with radio 2KY, sharing a fishing segment with former Test rugby league hardman Noel Kelly.
“I worked from Port Stephens and ‘Ned’ Kelly broadcast from the Central Coast so is was quite some years before we actually met each other face to face. We have enjoyed a very close relationship since that time and I am hoping the Kellys can attend the book launch.”
Mr Clarke moved to 2SM before landing a stint on the ABC where he continues to present two fishing reports every Saturday morning alongside Hamilton and Levi.
Mr Clarke says his books are not meant for the best sellers’ list, but merely to provide readers with some rare insight and historical facts about Port Stephens, blended with his own touch of lighthearted entertainment.
All his books are self-written, self-edited and self-published and his best seller to date, Broughton Islanders, has enjoyed three print runs.
“I have already started writing my next book, the story of a young lad who arrived in Australia from Greece and lived for 49 years on Broughton Island. Unfortunately he died in the 1970s so I never met him but his story is well worth telling.”
The Outer Light is priced at $30 and Clarabelle $15. The books can be purchased at stinker.com.au.