Meet the Authors on Your Doorstep: Free event brings 20+ Whitsunday writers together
More than 20 authors who live and write right here in the Greater Whitsunday region will come face-to-face with their readers at Stories by the Sea – a free community event closing the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival on Sunday 13 September.
Held at the Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale, from 3pm the afternoon event is free and open to everyone – no ticket required.
The line-up spans psychological thrillers, personal memoirs, business books, travel writing, and spiritual journeys, making it one of the most diverse gatherings of regional authors Queensland has seen.
Festival Director Richard Evans says the event is a rare chance for locals to discover just how much literary talent exists in their own backyard.
“Visitors will get to meet the writers, hear the stories behind the stories, and pick up a book they won’t find anywhere else. The variety in this year’s line-up is genuinely exciting – there is something for every reader.”
Stories by the Sea is free to attend. Bring the family, browse the books, and meet the authors.
Among the featured authors are:
Bec Russell
Personal development
Bec Russell is a yoga teacher, herbalist, reiki practitioner, and author of Life in the Soul Lane and co-author of This I Know Is True. With 15 years in holistic wellness, she helps people reconnect with themselves through yin yoga, earth-based practices, and authentic, intentional living.
Bernd Braeuer
Professional & personal development
Former Siemens executive Bernd Braeuer has spent four decades leading business strategy and innovation before dedicating himself to the charity sector and youth development. Now based in Airlie Beach, he champions marine conservation programs and is the author of Climbing Mountains, Reaching Goals – Essential Lessons for Life.
Mark T. Rasmussen
Fiction & adventure
Award-winning author and former music journalist Mark T. Rasmussen is an adventurer whose travels across more than 60 countries inspire bold novels and heartfelt children’s books. Host of Music Sparks Eclectic, he blends music, curiosity, and storytelling, believing the world’s best stories are often the ones ordinary people have yet to tell.
Tiki Ra
Travel memoir & spiritual
Author Tiki Ra (formally Jo Nightingale) draws inspiration from spiritual journeys, meditation, and travel. A mother of four and grandmother of seven, she writes uplifting memoirs inspired by pilgrimages through India and beyond. Her debut, Finding the Quietness Within, encourages readers to embrace adventure, self-discovery, and life’s unexpected possibilities.
Tim King
Memoir & fact/action
Tim King is an author whose writing explores mental health, military PTSD, true crime, and psychological fiction. Drawing on lived experience and extensive research, his books tackle challenging subjects with honesty and insight, aiming to educate, inspire understanding, and encourage meaningful conversations about trauma, resilience, and healing.
(image left, detail from front cover of his inaugural book little tim, BIG TIM)
Stories by the Sea runs from 3.00pm to 4.30pm and is free to attend. Visitors can browse and buy books directly from authors, enjoy live music, author readings, children’s activities, a community book swap, and a relaxed afternoon celebrating the region’s creative community.
Also Appearing at Stories by the Sea
A.L. Tippett, urban fantasy & childrens
Gary Wood, adventure memoir
D. M. West, fantasy, sci-fi & horror
Glynda Parfitt, memoir
Greg Bourke, thrillers
Keith Whalley, historical fiction & young adult
Krissy Regan, personal development, poetry & childrens
Mark Strobel, memoir
Rachael Smith, memoir
Lorie Brink, fiction
Phia Damsma, children’s
Rachel Armstrong, romance
Richard Evans, crime thrillers
Rick Brown, professional development & fiction
Suzy Gordon, poetry
Veronica Lando, crime
and
Whitsunday Regional Council library
Event Details
What: Stories by the Sea
When: 3:00pm-4:30pm Sunday 13 September 2026
Where: Whitsunday Marine Club, 7 Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale
Cost: FREE community event
Tickets and full programme details are available via the festival website.