Local Author Showcase

Celebrate the literary talent in our community with a showcase of local authors as they share their latest releases.

This is a chance to discover local stories, meet the minds behind the books, and be inspired by their writing journeys.

In alphabetical order by book title:

Bounty: a memoir of friendship, MS and the dog that changed everything by Elizabeth Lancaster

At fifty, Elizabeth (Libby) had quietly retreated from life while managing the effects of multiple sclerosis, until Bounty, a headstrong rescue dog, storms into her life. Drawn into an unexpected dog-park community, and challenged by changes in a lifelong friendship, Libby discovers new ways of living and showing up for others. Bounty is a heartfelt memoir about friendship, loss and renewal.

About Elizabeth: Originally trained as an occupational therapist, Elizabeth changed direction after attending a writing course in New York City. Following a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, writing became both lifeline and vocation. Elizabeth's debut memoir, Marzipan and Magnolias, won the inaugural Finch Memoir Prize.

Was It Worth Becoming Human? by David Lucas

A thought experiment in the form of witty dialogue between the Assembler and the Interlocutor sets the scene for 19 very different stories, each inviting you to consider: was the life of the protagonist worth them being born?

Dabbling in the human condition, David uses a conversational tone and diverse perspectives to ask questions rather than provide answers. Readers are invited to take up the challenge, contemplate the question for themselves and perhaps discover some unexpected insights along the way.

About David: A local semi-retired solicitor that lives in Freshwater with his wife Cath and greyhound Coastal. Though better known for entertaining parties, he loves to read and to dabble into the serious side. His second self-published novel won't be his last - a threat or a promise?

When the Party's Over by Katie Hoskins

Natalie knows her life looks perfect from the outside: Three young children, a loving husband, the tastefully renovated Eastern Suburbs cottage. So why does she feel so suffocated? On her 36th birthday, all Natalie wants is to gather her two best friends and leave their responsibilities behind just for one night. But when the party's over, she finds eighteen-month-old Toby clutching an unmistakable colourful tablet - with a quarter missing.

As Toby recovers and returns home, the fallout really begins. Because each of these women has their own truth about that night - and when it all comes to light, will any of their friendships survive?

When the Party's Over is a contemporary domestic suspense novel for fans of Liane Moriarty and Holly Wainwright.

About Katie: Katie Hoskins is a communications professional with a lifelong love of books. Originally from the south coast of England, she's lived in Sydney for nearly two decades. Katie's books explore friendship and family dynamics in women's lives. As one of six siblings, and 30 first cousins, she's never short of inspiration. She lives with her husband and two young bookworms.

Books will be available for purchase and signing on the night from the authors. Some authors can only take cash payments.

Non-alcoholic refreshments.

Free, bookings required.

Enquiries: 8495 5028 or libraryprograms@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Our Local Author Program celebrates creative talent from across the Northern Beaches and provides opportunities for independent and self-published authors, illustrators and speakers to share their work with local audiences.