Darcy Grant, graduate teacher, arrives in steamy Far North Queensland in the 1980's to take up his first teaching job. Struggling with the frontier lifestyle, Darcy is drawn to a mother figure at the school, Frances Russo. Through Frances, he is welcomed to Silkwood, a tiny cane-farming hamlet. The Sicilian immigrants are friendly, but wary of the southern outsider. Darcy relies on rules and order, just like in his classroom, but he finds the power of attraction is greater. He takes a dangerous path within a community where honour is defended, while his actions trigger retaliation for unfinished family business.
Greg Bourke's career has focused on writing and expression, first as an English teacher, and later within corporate communications. Over many years, he has helped many families and people with their stories and memoirs. Greg was inspired to write a novel based in Far North Queensland, the scene of his first teaching post in the 1980s, when revisiting the region years later. His debut novel, 'Under Silkwood', was shortlisted for the Queensland Writers' Centre 2024 'Adaptable' program, and an excerpt from the novel was long-listed in the 2024 Sydney Hammond Memorial Short Story Award.
* Shortlisted for Queensland Writers' Centre Adaptable 2024 program and long-listed for the 2024 Hawkeye Sydney Hammond Memorial Short Story Award.
* Author brings strong personal and professional network, including media contacts, who are motivated to support the book's promotion and sales.
* Author has been commissioned over many years to write family biographies, capturing personal stories with depth and authenticity.
* Author draws on personal experience as a former resident of Far North Queensland in the 1980s.
Publicity:
* Socials, advertising, reviewers, media. Book trailer in production.
* Author will hold events at the Tully Sugar Mill, ANFE Italian Club, former high school, virtually, and tour through regions where the book is set, with an expected book launch attendance of 50-75 people.
* Planned articles in Cairns Post, Sunshine Coast News, Riverbend Books Bullimba magazine, and potentially in Courier Mail.
* Author to promote books via their LinkedIn with over 800 connections. Robyn Fellowes, Australia's first and only known female Green Beret Commando Recipient, and author, motivated to promote book to her incredible social media following. Former Deputy Mayor of Brisbane, and artist, David Hinchisse, willing to promote book to their incredible social media following. Economic Development Officer at the Cassowary Coast Regional Council is keen to promote book on their tourism board. Author to promote book via the Big Pineapple Festival. As a former employee, the Brisbane City Council will promote the book.
