Final Line-Up Revealed: Don’t Miss Your Chance to Meet the Region’s Storytellers at Stories by the Sea
The Whitsundays Writers Festival has announced the final group of authors joining Stories by the Sea, the free community celebration of books, creativity and connection happening just once this year. Sunday 13 September at the Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale.
This is the only chance this year to meet these local and regional authors face to face, browse their books, and hear the stories behind the stories and with more than 20 authors confirmed, a book swap, live music and activities for the kids, it’s shaping up to be the biggest Stories by the Sea yet.
Running from 3.00pm to 4.30pm, the afternoon brings together more than 20 regional authors alongside book sales, author conversations, live music, children’s activities, a community book swap, and the rare opportunity for readers to meet the people behind the pages.
Festival Director Richard Evans said the final author announcement is a reminder of just how much talent exists right on our doorstep.
“One of the strengths of this year’s festival is the variety of stories our authors bring. From memoir and historical fiction to business writing and contemporary novels, Stories by the Sea offers something for every reader while showcasing the depth of literary talent we have in our own backyard. If you haven’t met these authors yet, this is your one chance this year to do it in person.”
Joining the line-up are four writers whose stories reflect the character of the Whitsundays and beyond:
Glynda Parfitt
Memoir
Glynda Parfitt, a sailor and memoirist whose trilogy chronicles three remarkable chapters of her life, including her years sailing Australia’s east coast. Through her writing, Glynda encourages others to recognise that everyone has a story worth telling.
Keith Whalley
Historical fiction & young adult
Historical fiction author Keith Whalley brings a lifetime of experience to his writing, drawing on his military career, psychology background, and formal writing studies. His debut novel, Daughters of the Fatherland, explores history through compelling storytelling.
Mark Strobel
Memoir
Visitors will also meet Mark Strobel, whose forthcoming debut novel, Byron Daze, blends memoir and fiction in a nostalgic coming-of-age story inspired by youthful adventures along Australia’s east coast.
Rick Brown
Professional development & fiction
Completing the line-up is Rick Brown, whose writing spans business and fiction. His acclaimed business fable, The Mysterious Mr Isaac, explores leadership and purpose, while his fiction reflects on relationships, personal growth, and the adventures that shape our lives.
With a community book swap, live entertainment and family-friendly activities running alongside the author conversations, Stories by the Sea is shaping up to be an afternoon locals won’t want to have missed.
Best of all, it’s free. But the authors, the books, and the atmosphere will only be there for one afternoon.
Stories by the Sea is the free community finale to the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival. Visitors can browse and purchase books directly from the authors, swap a favourite read, enjoy live entertainment, discover new favourites, and celebrate the region’s thriving creative community. All in one place, for one afternoon only.
Also Appearing at Stories by the Sea
A.L. Tippett, urban fantasy & childrens
Bec Russell, personal development
Bernd Braeuer, professional & personal development
D. M. West, fantasy & sci-fi
Gary Wood, adventure memoir
Greg Bourke, thrillers
Krissy Regan, personal development, poetry & childrens
Lorie Brink, fiction
Mark T. Rasmussen, fiction & adventure
Phia Damsma, childrens
Rachael Smith, memoir
Rachel Armstrong, romance
Richard Evans, crime thrillers
Suzy Gordon, poetry
Tiki Ra, travel memoir & spiritual
Tim King, memoir & fact/action
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.