ARTS Gloucester is hosting a very special fundraising event on Saturday, 22 August, between 2pm and 5pm in the CWA hall in Church Street.
Facilitator Julie Lyford will interview author Maura Luxford and local writers about their journeys as authors, the experiences that fueled their passions, and those that nurtured their resilience.
“Maura will share her journey from her personal story of loss to becoming a published author and a tireless advocate for melanoma research,” Ms Lyford said.
According to the Melanoma Institute of Australia, Australia has the highest rates of melanoma in the world.
It is the most common cancer for Australians aged 20 to 30.
The Institute estimates 16,800 Australians will be diagnosed with melanoma this year. From this number, 1300 are predicted to die.
“Maura is a fascinating storyteller and dedicated champion for educating communities and young people – taking on a mammoth task of riding her horses (alone) from Kempsey to Western Australia, to bring awareness to everyone she met and multiple schools along the way,” Ms Lyford said.
“This incredible feat is just one major story of her adventurous spirit and determination, making sure Hannah was truly honoured in her short life.”
Maura lost her daughter, Hannah, to melanoma in her early 20s.
Apart from her presentation, Maura would also like to offer the opportunity for local writers or budding writers to “Ask a Burning Question”.
“It could be anything they are wrestling with as a writer: getting started, finding time to write, overcoming blocks, creating believable characters, getting published, marketing books, distribution, or simply where to go next,” Ms Lyford said.
“There are so many people writing in our community and region, with several writing groups in Gloucester, various published authors, as well as book clubs.
“With this event we are hoping to ignite passion for a local writers’ festival with more afternoons like this upcoming storytelling adventure.
“As part of embracing that theme we have asked two budding authors on the brink of publication to share their amazing life journeys.
“Local writers Sonja Duncan and Lindy Trudgeon will each give a short presentation.
“Sonja will share the story behind ‘The Accidental Motorcyclist’, her memoir inspired by a 30,000-kilometre motorcycle journey from the southern tip of Africa to the Arctic Circle.
“Rather than recounting the adventure itself, Sonja will reveal the five things she wishes someone had told her before she started writing a memoir – and the unexpected lessons she learned along the way.”
Octogenarian author Linda Trudgeon is evidence that it is never too late to write a memoir.
“The lack of information about my parents’ lives left a void in my own, and it was the driving force behind my decision to leave an account of my own (life) for future generations,” Ms Trudgeon said.
“When I turned 80, I decided it was time to revisit places I loved in Australia – one last adventure to recapture memories from my past.
“As I travelled, my exciting life unravelled around every bend in the road.
“Writing about my adventure did not come easy or overnight, but with help from fellow writers over two years, I could finally say Book One was ready for publication.”
Ms Lyford invited prospective attendees who had questions they would like to have considered prior to the event to direct them to juliedawnlyford@gmail.com. For more information, phone Julie Lyford on 0424269784.
By Marilyn SANDERSON
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