“Could You Write a Book?” — Whitsundays Writers Festival Opens with the Question Every Aspiring Author Asks
Three regional authors reveal what it really takes to go from idea to published book, in a session we say could be the push local storytellers need.
Almost everyone has thought about writing a book at some point. A family story, a thriller, a memoir, a children’s book. Few ever start. Fewer still finish. On Sunday 13 September 2026, three Queensland authors will explain why the ones who did aren’t necessarily the ones you’d expect.
That question — could you write a book? — opens the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival, held at the Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale, in a panel session bringing together a fantasy and children’s author, a debut thriller writer, and a journalist-turned-memoirist, each with a completely different route into print.
Every writer starts with an idea, and every journey is different
Festival Director Richard Evans says the session was deliberately built for people who have never called themselves writers.
“Many people carry an idea for a book for years without ever putting pen to paper,” Richard said. “This session is about showing that there is no single path to becoming an author. Every writer starts with an idea, and every journey is different.
That’s the drawcard for local audiences: this isn’t a masterclass for people who already have a manuscript. It’s for the ones who’ve only ever had the idea and want to hear from people who’ve done it, whether it’s actually possible for them too.”
A children’s-fantasy author, a Far North Queensland thriller writer, and a cancer memoirist walk into a panel discussion …
A. L. Tippett
Urban Fantasy & Children’s Fiction
A. L. Tippett put her childhood dream of becoming an author on hold to raise a family and build a career in insurance — then went back for it. She now writes urban fantasy and children’s fiction.
Greg Bourke
Thrillers
Greg Bourke debut thriller Under Silkwood draws on his years living and teaching in Far North Queensland. The novel has already been recognised through the Queensland Writers’ Centre Adaptable Program and the Sydney Hammond Memorial Short Story Award.
Rachael Smith
Memoir
Rachael Smith, a journalist and editor, turned her stage-three bowel cancer diagnosis into Surviving Cancer: A Working Mum’s Guide. Written while juggling treatment, work and raising a family.
Between them, the panel will unpack where ideas actually come from, how to work through self-doubt, the realistic publishing options available to first-time authors, and the lessons each writer says they wish they’d known earlier.
Don’t just read about it – come and ask them yourself
For anyone who has ever said “I should write that down one day,” this session is the chance to hear, directly and without the jargon, what separates an idea from a finished book — and to ask the questions in person that no article or writing guide can really answer.
The opening panel sets the tone for a full day celebrating regional voices, including keynote award winning speaker, Rachel Armstrong, the presentation of the Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards, and Stories by the Sea – a free community afternoon featuring more than 20 regional authors, live music, children’s activities, book sales, a community book swap, and more.
Seats for the opening panel are going fast, and the follow-on Stories by the Sea event is free and open to the whole family.
We encourage anyone who has ever thought about writing their own book to book early and come with questions. This is the one day a year local audiences can put them directly to authors who’ve done it.
Event Details
What: 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival opening panel: Is there a book in you?
When: 11am Sunday 13 September 2026
Where: Whitsunday Marine Club, 7 Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale
Tickets and full programme details are available via the festival website.