Popular author set to head north

Prolific author Maya Linnell is heading north but before she leaves the region she has called home for so long, she is embarking on a whirlwind tour to showcase her latest novel.

The former Limestone Coast journalist has been living most recently in Narrawong but will now be writing from her =new home in Queensland, moving for her husband’s work.

But in between packing up her family’s life, she is set to showcase her new novel, Wallaby Lane, set for release on June 4, in the region that has not only been home but also her inspiration.

She has events planned for Millicent, Portland, Warrnambool and Casterton.

Maya gathers inspiration from the small communities she has always lived in and loved, and is happiest when she’s writing about rural issues, spreading the word about good books and spending time with her family and with Wallaby Lane ready to be embraced by readers, she is already working on a new manuscript – Cockatoo Cove – set for release in May next year.

“This will be my third novel set in the Limestone Coast, with lots of Beachport references including the crayfishing season opening celebrations and the Blessing of the Fleet, a Prep-12 area school that bears a slight resemblance to Kangaroo Inn Area School, and lots of love for the wineries in the fictional town of Penwarra, which is inspired by Coonawarra and Penola,” Maya said of Cockatoo Cove.

The storyline for Wallaby Cove is also steeped in her personal experience in the Limestone Coast.

From interviewing local flower growers to receiving blue ribbons for her baking at the Show, Lauren Bickford knows her genuine love for her small town community is a big advantage in her ambition to become the presenter at the local Penwarra radio station. But is it enough to outweigh the series of on-air stuff ups that have plagued her career?

No stranger to this small winegrowing region in South Australia’s Limestone Coast, Jack Crossley is the new cop in town. He’s traded his city beat for a slower pace, and as a former local, knows only too well that mischief can lurk around every quiet corner.

For Jack and Lauren, the course of true love is not running smoothly. Can he restore order in the town before the neighbourhood watch vigilantes take justice into their own hands? Or are Jack’s biggest worries much closer to home? Can

Lauren’s reporting remain impartial as her attraction to Jack grows? Or will her family’s advice lead her completely astray?

Featuring Penwarra’s 100th Show, a one-eyed goat and a galah named Gary, Wallaby Lane is a complete delight from Maya, who has quickly become one of Australia’s favourite rural romance writers.

And Maya will continue to set her books in the region she loves, although has no discounted how life in southern Queensland will influence future works.

“My 2025 and 2026 novels will be set in South Australia, but there’s definitely scope for future novels to take on a new setting, once we’ve settled into southern Queensland,” Maya said. “I’ve always loved creating fictional towns from familiar landscapes. It’s a nice way to pay homage to those communities and hopefully drum up some local tourism.

“Several readers have contacted me to say they’ve travelled to the Limestone Coast for the first time, after being charmed by the setting in Kookaburra Cottage.”

Maya’s first novel dates back to 2017 and she can now look back and reflect on just how her career change has evolved.

“It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of writing, editing and touring for each novel, but I try to celebrate the wins as they occur,” Maya said. “When I was writing my very first draft in 2017, I dreamed of seeing one book on the shelf, and now I feel proud to have half a dozen published stories out in the world.

“As an author, there’s a lot that’s out of my control, so anytime my books do well, like making national bestseller lists or a library’s ‘Top 10 most borrowed books of the year’, I celebrate with a nice bottle of wine – usually a Coonawarra drop.

“I also get great joy from hearing from readers and knowing my characters and stories have touched someone’s heart and made them laugh or cry.”

Ands despite the fact, she is set to set up a home base thousands of kilometres from her original home, she has already promised not to be a stranger.

“The Limestone Coast will always be home, so I’ll certainly return with my family for holidays,” she said. “I’ve been so very grateful for the support of the fantastic hometown crowds who attend the launch events in the middle of winter, support the books and spread the word.

“I know for a fact that this local enthusiasm and encouragement has played a huge role in the success of my books and I look forward to returning for launches in coming years.”

Given she has made the successful move to author, Maya has simple advice for anyone contemplating a similar career decision.

“I’d tell them to keep writing and revising until they’ve made the draft as good as they possibly can before submitting to a publisher,” she said. “It’s a tricky industry to break into, and you only get to submit a manuscript once to each publisher. Luckily there are lots of writing courses and podcasts to help aspiring authors hone their craft and understand the intricacies of getting published.

“Authors are usually happy to answer any questions about the process at launch events too, so make sure you tag along and have a list of questions ready.”

AUTHOR EVENTS:

Friday, May 31Millicent Library and Gallery, SA – 6pm

Tuesday, June 4Warrnambool Library – 10am

Thursday, June 6Casterton – 11amPortland – 6.30pm