JJ Carpenter in Conversation with Sonja Lawrance
Description
We're excited to welcome author JJ Carpenter back to Gawler to launch her latest book "The First House", a non-traditional haunted house novel set in Stanley, Tasmania. Inspired by Tasmania's Highfield Estate, this is a story haunted by ghosts, family memories, colonial history and an ancient malevolent presence.
Blurb:
Some houses keep secrets. This house keeps you.
Murphy has seen ghosts all her life. Usually, they're harmless. Strange shadows in the corner of a room. Pale figures that vanish when she looks twice. Whispers from the dead that have become little more than background noise.
But the First House is different.
Inherited from her grandmother after a messy divorce, a devastating loss, and the collapse of the life she thought she wanted, the isolated house on Tasmania's coast seems like the perfect place for Murphy to start over. Better yet, with its notorious history and reputation for being haunted, it could become the ultimate tourist attraction for her new social media presence. Murphy isn't afraid of ghosts.
She should be.
As she restores the decaying house, Murphy discovers its spirits aren't merely lingering. They're waiting. Teeth click beneath her bed. Rooms conceal impossible spaces. And something ancient moves through the darkness—a presence that has been tied to the house for far longer than anyone remembers.
The First House has been keeping its secrets for generations.
Now Murphy has come home.
And something inside has been waiting for her.
Join JJ in conversation with Sonja Lawrence as we sneak a peek into her writing process and the inspiration behind the story.
Tea & Coffee /refreshments provided, books available for purchase and signing on the night.
FAQs
- Pre-visit FAQ & Accessibility Guide
Where can I park?
The Civic Centre has no onsite parking. Below is a list of various parking locations with parking-time restrictions
(2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours or all day).Visual parking map here
Town of Gawler Council office (Administration Centre, next to Fasta Pasta) 43 High Street, Gawler East 5118 | 300m from venue
Surrounding areas with car parking options: High Street, Murray Street, Tod Street, Calton Road, Walker Place
Accessible Car parking:
1 parking bay located at the front of the Civic Centre on Murray Street
2 parking bays located in the NAB car park on Tod Street
Public transport Guide:
Train via The Gawler line.
Gawler station >Bus stop 146 >then catch Bus 492A > Stop 142 Murray Street (in front of the Gawler Civic Centre)
Gawler Central station > travel 650m South along Murray Street to the Gawler Civic Centre
What's in the Gawler Civic Centre?
The Gawler Civic Centre is a 4-storey heritage building with access to the different floors via the lift or stairs.
The centre has two entrance points to the ground floor:Main: 89-91 Murray Street Gawler
Via stairs or lift: 200 High Street, Gawler East
The building incorporates:
Café
Gawler Civic Centre Library
Cultural Heritage Centre
Youth Space
Meeting rooms (Level 1 accessible via a lift)
Community programs
Is the Gawler Civic Centre accessible and inclusive?
Yes, everyone is welcome. The building has the below functions:Accessible toilets on all levels:
Level 1 - LH
Ground - LH
Lower Ground - RH
Charging points for mobility devices – Ground Floor
5-star parent’s room with baby change facilities – Ground Floor
If the event is at night, what do I need to know?
Both entrances on Murray Street and High Street are well lit, we encourage a compact torch or phone with a light just in case.What other facilities are on site?
Kitchenette (lower ground level) -featuring microwave, hot/cold filter tap, fridge
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