Books@Stones event: A Grip on Living by Jan Wood in-conversation with Jo Skinner

Join us at Books@Stones on Tuesday 10 November (6:30pm) for a special in-conversation event with Jan Wood and Jo Skinner discussing A Grip on Living: Embracing the Golden Years with Courage and Curiosity.

When new adventures beckon after 50, you can either shrink away or grab them with both hands...

In this captivating sequel to her debut memoir, A Grip on Reality, Jan does exactly that. Boldly pursuing new dreams, she reinvents herself from a therapist/counsellor into a highly successful gallery owner and saleswoman.

Be prepared for glamour, excitement, drama and heartache as Jan negotiates the highs and lows of balancing a successful business partnership with a rocky marriage, while supporting her family through times of crisis, facing health challenges, and navigating life’s never-ending trials. Seeking inner peace amidst the chaos, Jan finds the path to self-discovery and enlightenment when she is introduced to Vipassana Meditation and the Buddhist lifestyle.

When life’s road takes more unexpected turns, Jan must once again dare to make tough choices to secure her future happiness – doing so with her characteristic pluck and determination. Through it all, Jan’s devotion to her children takes centre-stage as she shares cherished memories celebrating their successes, and precious moments getting to know her grandchildren, while refusing to let the tyranny of distance diminish their bond.

Rich, raw, and deeply inspiring, this is a story about the importance of embracing new opportunities, making bold choices and growing in wisdom at all stages of life.

About the authors:

Jan Wood is a writer, speaker and storyteller, based in Brisbane. Australia. Jan's life experience as a mother, businesswoman, traveller and truth seeker is woven into her stories, portraying periods of darkness contrasted with extraordinary adventures around the globe. These experiences culminated in Jan's first memoir, A Grip on Reality (2023). The spark that ignited Jan's passion for writing began in Dubai in 2014, during the annual Literary Festival. There, she had the opportunity to meet numerous international authors, and these encounters broadened her understanding of the writing world. Jan has been published in several anthologies, the most recent by the Society of Women Writers Qld.

Jo Skinner is a Brisbane-based GP who writes contemporary women's fiction as well as freelance non-fiction articles about women’s issues and mental health. Her debut novel, The Truth About My Daughter was published in 2024 and her latest novel is A World of Silence (2025). Jo's third book was shortlisted for the ASA/HQ award in 2026. Jo also has a distance running habit. When she is not working or writing, you will find her accruing kilometres while plotting her next story. Connect with Jo on Instagram or via her website, where you can sign up for her newsletter, Running Writing.

What readers are saying:

“A very interesting read…. Brilliant and Captivating!

"...an engaging, entertaining, fascinating and sometimes heartbreaking story of a life well-travelled, well-lived, through survival and her sheer determination! You will gain great inspiration from this fascinating read!”

“A thoroughly enjoyable book that will have you laughing and crying as you follow Jan's journey first across Europe in the swinging sixties, and later through the trials, traumas and triumphs of life as a wife, a single mother, a cancer survivor, and so much more.”

"Jan shares with us her vulnerable and at times lonely world as a young girl and share her personal and spiritual growth to emerge as a capable and strong woman and mother. Loved the book! Such a privilege to have insight into other people's lives. Must read."

“Jan's indomitable spirit and ingenuity shine through, providing encouragement and inspiration to anyone who has ever had their life unexpectedly derailed.”

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All our events are free to attend, but bookings are required as seats are limited.