Stories by the Sea to Bring Books, Art, and Community Together
The Whitsundays Writers Festival will close its 2026 program with Stories by the Sea, a free community event celebrating books, creativity, and connection on Sunday 13 September at the Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale.
The waterfront afternoon will feature more than 20 regional authors alongside live music, author readings, children’s activities, and a community book exchange. Visitors can meet local writers, purchase books, enjoy a “Blind Date with a Book,” and connect with local writing groups and book clubs.
Festival Director Richard Evans said the event was designed to make the festival accessible to all.
“It is a chance to bring people together through creativity and celebrate the incredible talent in our region.”
Featured authors include D.M. West, Lorie Brink, Phia Damsma, and Suzy Gordon, showcasing a diverse range of genres from children’s literature to thrillers and poetry.
Stories by the Sea runs from 3:00pm to 4:30pm and is free to attend. Full program details are available via the Whitsundays Writers Festival website.
Meet the Authors
D. M. West
Fantasy, Sci-Fi & Horror
North Queensland author D.M. West writes across horror, fantasy, science fiction, and thriller genres, believing every story is a new adventure. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, gaming, or horse riding. Her latest novel, Beneath Blue Waves, is a thriller set across Townsville, Cairns, and the Whitsundays
Lorie Brink
Fiction
Lorie Brink’s eclectic career inspired her transition to writing, leading to the independent publication of several fiction novels. A passionate traveller and adventurous home cook, she draws on life’s triumphs, mishaps, and memorable journeys to create colourful characters and stories infused with humour, heart, and a sense of adventure.
Phia Damsma
Children’s
Before creating the Padam children’s series, Phia Damsma wrote newspaper columns, family recreation guides, and academic papers. She co-founded Sonokids and writes for its globally used Ballyland educational apps. Awarded a Dutch Knighthood and an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Southern Queensland, Phia brings her love of languages and culture to her stories.
Suzy Gordon
Poetry
British writer and educator Suzy Gordon has called the Whitsundays home for the past 16 years. She teaches and mentors young writers, runs an online magazine for emerging voices, and is the author of the poetry collection Sunbathing in the Rain. Suzy is currently working on a second poetry collection and a book about creativity and writing.
Also Appearing at Stories by the Sea
A.L. Tippett, urban fantasy and childrens
Bec Russell, personal development
Bernd Braeuer, professional and personal development
Gary Wood, adventure memoir
Glynda Parfitt, memoir
Greg Bourke, thrillers
Keith Whalley, historical fiction and young adult
Krissy Regan, personal development, poetry, and childrens
Mark Strobel, memoir
Mark T. Rasmussen, fiction and adventure
Rachael Smith, memoir
Rachel Armstrong, romance
Richard Evans, crime thrillers
Rick Brown, professional development and fiction
Tiki Ra, memoir
Tim King, memoir
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.