Books@Stones event: Elvis and Me by Gillian Wills

Join us on Thursday 13 August for a special in-conversation event with Gillian Wills and Sarah Todman discussing Gillian's memoir, Elvis and Me: how a world-weary musician and a broken racehorse rescued each other.

He was broken, forgotten, and angry. So was she – in quieter ways.

Gillian makes an impulsive decision: she buys her first horse. Elvis is underweight, emotionally damaged, saddle-phobic - and despite being sold as ‘perfect for beginners’ is anything but. With the guidance of a gifted ‘horse whisperer’ she learns to care for Elvis’ wounded body and spirit.

Slowly, unexpectedly, Elvis leads her toward a new understanding of self-worth, creativity and what it means to truly connect - with an animal, and with herself.

Gillian Wills was the Brisbane based classical music and opera reviewer for The Australian. She has also published with The Courier Mail, Australian Book Review and InReview. Gillian’s memoir, Elvis and Me: How a musician and a broken racehorse rescued each other (Hawkeye Publishing) will be released on 1 August 2026. Her award-winning novel Big Music published by Hawkeye Publishing in 2024 was inspired by her time as Professor and Dean of The Victorian College of the Arts School of Music. She has held senior music positions in the UK and Australia and is an Honorary Associate of the Royal Academy of Music (London) for distinguished services for the music industry.

Sarah Todman grew up in an outback Queensland pub surrounded by seven siblings and an ever-changing cast of colourful pub characters. It was an extraordinary childhood that gave her a love of people and their stories, as well as the ability to pour a perfect beer. She studied journalism at university, and in a writing career that now spans more than two decades she has been a tabloid journalist, magazine editor, communications consultant, content writer, and creative entrepreneur. Sarah loves Earl Grey tea, books that make her cry, and music that makes her sing (even though she can’t). She lives in Brisbane with her husband and four children (because eight seemed like too much hard work). New Year’s Eve is her first novel.

Brad McCaw, one of the original Ten Tenors, will also be appearing on the night to serenade the audience.

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