News & Book Launches

Books published and/or launched in 2007 are:

Gardens off the Beaten Track, a beautiful full colour book of leafy havens on properties in western Queensland by Lindy Hardie and Rachel Noble - launched by the Curator of the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens Brisbane, Ross McKinnon AM, at the Camellia Room, Lakeside Cafe, 30 March 2007, with about 400 guests from across the State. Now in its second print run.
Eye of the Camel - A Policeman in Palestine in WWII by Libby Urbahn. The story of the Author's father. A powerful background to the continuing conflict in the Middle East - released late 2007 and to be launched early 2008.
My father - an ordinary hero, Stalag XXA by Steve Woolcock. The true story of the Author's father who enlisted in England and went to war in 1939. He was captured in France, early on and was marched to Poland where he experienced the truth of a clairvoyant’s reading and much more ... This story will make you cry and laugh as James Woolcock makes the most of life at Stalag XXA. Launched by Major General Digger James at the Public Service Club, Brisbane, 17 October 2007.
When the Tulips Bled by Lance Grimstone. This historic novel is told by a geologist with a unique forensic talent for exploring the past, and an even more unique flair for placing the reader in the centre of the action. The story is woven around first-hand accounts of the tragedy which enveloped the peaceful country of Holland when it was over-run by the armies of Hitler. The Author married into a Dutch family and listened intently to their stories, enabling him to paint this vivid picture of the war-torn Holland from which they fled. This gripping narrative is dedicated to all who suffered there during WW II. When the Tulips Bled is the first of a series of novels scratching beneath the surface of our immigrant past, to thread together what it is to be Australian. The next book in the series is Brother Rats. Recently released, it will be launched early 2008.
Extra-ordinary Lives of Ordinary Mothers compiled by Gail and Clarrie Burke. The lives of twelve mothers, recounted by their daughters, have been brought together to pay tribute to pioneering countrywomen of Australia. Most had lived through crises on the land, flood, drought, recession, as well as World War I, the Great Depression and World War II. Launched at the new Headquarters of the Queensland Country Women's Association in Brisbane 18 August 2007 by Heather Wieland, Queensland President of the QCWA.
Getting Comfortable by John Hart. The things your folks forgot to tell you about living life. A handbook for the upcoming generation. See also link http://www.gettingcomfortablebook.com/ Launched at the Irish Club in Brisbane 15 November 2007 by Steady Eddie (the stage name of Chris Widdow, one of Australia's most popular comedians).
Yow-ay Bungee by Gwen Burguez. The true story of the author's father, told as he related it to her and from diaries and other records. Written as though her father had been the author, Gwen Burguez has captured the language and experiences of life in the bush in south-east Queensland over the decades following the establishment of the Commonwealth of Australia. This delightful book was launched by the Governor of Queensland, Ms Quentin Bryce AC, at the Public Service Club in Brisbane on 3 August 2007.
A Distant Dream by Pam McGlinn. A pioneering saga. This historical novel centres around two ordinary families who left England midway in the 19th century to travel 12,000 miles to begin a new life in Australia. Launched 23 July at The Digger's Club in The Entrance, NSW, by local historian, Phillip Morley.
George Randall - Emigration Agent Extraordinaire by Dr Jack Walton. Australian history of emigration in the late 1800s and early 1900s - just released and to be launched Feb/March 2008.
The Orchid Beach Story by Sir Reginald Barnewell Bt. The story of the creation of the Orchid Beach, Fraser Island Resort, and of its ultimate destruction, and how it set the scene for the hugely successful annual Toyota Fishing Expos - released December 2006 and launched by Chris Beuth, Northern Regional Manager - Toyota, at The Irish Club 1 March 2007.
Lickety Spit and other Melting Moments by Robyn Tesch. Refreshing poetry about contemporary Australia. The witty and insightful verses will enliven many a campfire or after dinner conversation. Robyn will become one of Australia's best known and best loved poets.

Books in progress:

Wilderness to Weeds - plants of the Southern Queensland Brigalow Belt. 552 pages in full colour, the second and greatly expanded edition of an earlier book by Dr Nita Lester. To be released Feb/March 2008.
Flora of the South Burnett, a full colour plant identification book by SGAP members Caroline Haskard and Anne Windsor. To be released late 2008.
Looking for a good book by Reginald Thomson. Through a lifetime of collecting fine books, the Author not only assembled an outstanding personal library, but has written a unique history which gives a new perspective about how Australian society evolved.
And all our Yesterdays by Fleur Lehane. A collection of stories about life in outback Queensland. A follow-up to the Author's first book, Heartbreak Corner, a best-seller which has enjoyed multiple reprints.
Wings over Samoa - the story of Polynesian Airlines by Sir Reginald Barnewall Bt. A companion book to The Orchid Beach Story, the Author describes the pioneering aviation days in the South Pacific and tells about the airline he founded.
Brother Rats by Lance Grimstone. The second of a series of historical novels which the Author has meticulously researched. A great follow-up to When the Tulips Bled.

Books from other publishers, but available through CopyRight Publishing are:

Meekatharra - from Gold Dust to Bull Dust by Robert Pyper. The history of the Meekatharrra goldfield as experienced by a geologist who worked there in the early 1970s. Launched by Bob Bryan 8 March 2006.
Pathways to Adventure by Maj. Gen. W.B. 'Sandy' Thomas. A remarkable life about a remarkable man. Published in New Zealand, but re-launched Wed 9 August 2006 in Brisbane. One of the Author's earlier books about one episode of his action-filled life, Dare to be Free, published in 1951, is still in print and has sold over 600,000 copies.
Micheal Farrell - the life and work of an Irish artist by David Farrell
A fascinating account of the turbulent life of internationally acclaimed Irish artist, Micheal Farrell. Published by The Liffey Press in Ireland.