Port Stephens branch of the Fellowship of Australian Writers to host meet the local authors event

Crime authors Susan Bowen, from Medowie, and Judy Parkinson, from Boat Harbour, will be among those from the Port Stephens branch of the Fellowship of Australian Writers who will take part in a meet the authors event in Salamander Bay at the end of the month.

Mrs Bowen, president of the fellowship branch and who has in the past month released the second book in her Jessie Connor crime series, said members of the group who write poetry, memoir and prize-winning short stories would also speak.

"I think there's a real interest in and event like this from people who want to support local writers, and who want to learn how to write themselves," Mrs Bowen said.

"Judy, myself and other members of the group will give a talk and we'll be taking questions from the floor.

"We'll also be encouraging anyone with an interest in writing to join the fellowship.

"I think the greatest gift you can leave your kids is your memoir. I think there's a lot of older people in the community who wish they could write their memoirs. We can help with that.

"If you joined the group, we can help lift your writing skills."

Mrs Bowen will speak about her latest book, The Painted Man, at the meet the authors event. It is the second book in a trio that follows the strong lead character, Detective Inspector Jessie Connor. Mrs Bowen's debut novel and first in the series, Deadly Deception, was released in 2020 to much acclaim.

Mrs Parkinson released her third book, crime-thriller Missing in Red, in February and is now working on her fourth novel.

The meet the authors event will be held in the Waratah Room of Tomaree Library and Community Centre from 2.30pm-4.30pm on Wednesday, March 30.

It is a free event and afternoon tea will be provided.

Each author's books will be available for purchase on the day.

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