The Sunshine Coast Authors Book Fair

Carmel and Jude with her wonderful art

North of Brisbane, the 48km coastal stretch bound by Caloundra to the south and Noosa Heads to the north is called the Sunshine Coast. The name conjures vivid images of the region’s many surf beaches stretching to the horizon; its picturesque lakes; unspoilt rainforests; and cliffs of rainbow coloured sand.

The Sunshine Coast offers a quieter, more relaxed alternative to the Gold Coast’s excesses. With an average temperature that does not drop below 20°C year-round there is a wide choice of accommodation, inviting visitors to experience modest holiday destinations as well as glamorous retreats with fantastic shopping; others retain the charm of quieter times.

Last Saturday the Sunshine Coast Authors Book Fair was held in Maroochydore, which is in the heart of the Sunshine Coast. The idea of a fair began when two self published authors met under an awning in the pouring rain with their self-published books displayed hopeful of a few sales. Initially the concept was to provide a marketing opportunity for self published authors – it has now become an opportunity for all authors to promote their books while enjoying a great day out meeting like minded people and gathering helpful information.

Eleanor with her beautiful cards

I have to say it was a delight to share the day with wide variety of enthusiastic and talented people. Wherever artistic people gather there is always that simmering hum of excitement about what they do and how they do it. I had a great day and met some lovely people and was equally amazed at the wide ranging talent that gathered in the Maroochydore Community Centre. I would especially like to mention Elenore who creates beautiful greeting cards from her own photography and Jude who paints and prints wonderful healing cards also using her own photographs. It was well worth the trip to met these two lovely ladies.

Walter the Wombat and John

I also met the intrepid Walter the Wombat and his creator John Wright. John assisted Walter to read from his booklet during the World Record Attempt at ‘the most authors  reading from their own work at the same place at the same time’.

Just a few of the authors reading!

Now if you have ever heard 50 plus people all reading at the same time for two minutes I have to say it is noisy – but a whole lot of fun. Sincere thanks must go to Francoise Jewel, Maggie Counihan, Libby Urbahn, Rollo Dixon, Judy Bandidt and Richard Marman of the Sunshine Coast Authors www.sunshinecoastauthors.com