Publish your book! Learn how
Australian Authors Store - Australian Books by Australian Authors for a Global Audience

KOVACS, Frank

May 15, 2025 | *, *Featured books, *listed, Adelaide, Australian, Biography, Memoir, Military, Psychology \ Mental Health, Social Sciences \ Politics \ Government, South Australia

Little Book of Big Book Marketing Tips book cover
Get the book

ISBN 978-1-923265-17-2
PAPERBACK

Invisible Scars Somalia

 

A true story of an Australian soldier living with the effects of PTSD

Africa, 1984: Al-Shabaab militants succeeded in smuggling weapons and equipment into Somalia from Ethiopia, unimpeded. The US President Ronald Reagan authorised a shadow team of international soldiers to spy on the movement of rebels and arms fl owing into Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital.

An Australian Regular Army soldier, together with two British military personnel, seconded by the US to join a CIA special agent and an Ethiopian female warrior to infi ltrate to Luuq, a rural town and staging area for Al-Shabaab rebels in Central Somalia, on a clandestine mission. Their call sign was ‘Delta One.’ Their secret and urgent mission was to observe the movement of rebel forces, their equipment, and ammunition, then report back directly to Langley. During the mission, the team needed to cover their own tracks in case the proverbial hit the fan.

Staying one step ahead of the rebels was easy, whilst racing against the clock, until the team wound up in a horrendous ambush against superior rebel forces.

For a nation, unaware of the effects combat has on its soldiers, life for the Australian soldier returning from Somalia became harder after discharge, as he battled the complexities of PTSD and alcoholism in civvy street. Haunted by the nightmares of his time in Africa and racked by guilt from driving his wife and family away. He discovers help at the Repatriation General Hospital, Psychiatric Ward 17, in Adelaide, South Australia.

However, there was another enemy at play. The lure of Soldier of Fortune work would set him in action again

HARKNESS, Anthony

Apr 30, 2025 | *, *Featured books, *listed, Australian, History, Memoir, Sydney

Little Book of Big Book Marketing Tips book cover
Get the book

ISBN 978-1-923386-93-8
PAPERBACK

Just A South Sydney Lad

 

The Everyday Adventures Of A Maroubra Boy In 1950s and ’60s Australia

Against the backdrop of the sixties, when British music invaded Sydney streets and TV colonised loungerooms, a Maroubra boy took his Dad’s advice and ‘got on with it’…

Jump aboard the everyday adventures of a Maroubra boy in 1950s and ‘60s Australia where Sunday Mass, getting on the punt and sitting on the hill for the match of the day at the SCG was a holy trifecta.

And amidst a time when floggings by teachers, schools suspiciously burning down, headless chooks running about backyards and boxing gloves were part of a Maroubra childhood … this lad had plenty to get on with.

As he revisits the memories of his youth, Anthony will tell you exactly why he was glad to be a South Sydney lad!

Little Book of Big Book Marketing Tips book cover

About the Author

Anthony Harkness was born in the same year Princess Elizabeth became Queen (1952) and grew up in the Sydney suburb of Maroubra – a child of the fifties and a teenager through the sixties. His school days moved from slate to sharpened pencils, from knibs and inkwells to fountain pens and finally the ubiquitous Bic biro – the last implement being regarded as the work of the devil by his teachers.

Anthony has been at various times a teacher, a senior school assistant principal, a rugby league coach, and a singer in two rock ‘n’ roll bands. He has degrees in Education, Economics and Theology which makes him well suited to explore the sweet mysteries of life on spreadsheets and/or metaphysical essays.

He has published in academic journals and written for community radio on the Sunshine Coast. He reached the national finals of ‘The Spoken Word’ poetry competition in 2021 with his original poem ‘Wine Wisdom’.

An anthology of poems is presently underway. ‘Just a South Sydney Lad’ is his first novel.

Contact:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tony.harkness.56
Instagram: @tony_harkness_writer

DANVERS, Ron

Apr 14, 2025 | *, *Featured books, *listed, Adelaide, Australian, History, Military, South Australia

Little Book of Big Book Marketing Tips book cover
Get the book

ISBN 978-1-923443-01-3
PAPERBACK

1837 Colonel Light’s Vision for Adelaide

 

Postulation and Testing a Preemptive Model Plan Adapted by Light for the Capital of South Australia

Colonel William Light’s history has been the subject of several admirable publications, but none have satisfactorily addressed the method he used in designing, surveying and laying out the plan of the City of Adelaide on the topography of the site chosen on December 31, 1836. Although evidence supports there being a preemptive Model Plan produced in London before that date, the connection has generally been missed on how such a plan, following the pattern of many colonial antecedents, could have been simply cut up to fi t the topography of the chosen site.

In postulating the form a Model Plan might have taken by reverse engineering the final plan, it becomes obvious that this was the method used by Light to lay out the plan of the Capital. It was not done in a week from January 3, 1837 as Stretton suggested, but by February 7 the basic cutting up had been formulated and sketched by Light from Green Hill.

About the Author

 

Ron Danvers LFRAIA is an architect living in the City of Adelaide in South Australia. He was instrumental in introducing urban design to South Australia, becoming the founding Chair of the State Urban Design Advisory Panel. Although he has undertaken major cultural heritage projects in Malaysia and Indonesia, most of his architectural work has been in the City of Adelaide.

He was awarded the RAIA Lachlan Macquarie Award and a National Trust Australian Heritage Award in 1987 for restoration of the Mortlock Library. In 2005, his architecture practice was awarded a UNESCO Asia Pacifi c Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation for heritage adaptation of the Treasury Buildings in Victoria Square. He was President of the RAIA SA Chapter 1988-90, representing the architectural profession at that time in the South Australian State Planning Review. He was granted the adjunct title of Associate Professor by the University of Adelaide.

ISBN 978-1-923443-01-3
PAPERBACK

1837 Colonel Light’s Vision for Adelaide

 

Postulation and Testing a Preemptive Model Plan Adapted by Light for the Capital of South Australia

Little Book of Big Book Marketing Tips book cover

Colonel William Light’s history has been the subject of several admirable publications, but none have satisfactorily addressed the method he used in designing, surveying and laying out the plan of the City of Adelaide on the topography of the site chosen on December 31, 1836. Although evidence supports there being a preemptive Model Plan produced in London before that date, the connection has generally been missed on how such a plan, following the pattern of many colonial antecedents, could have been simply cut up to fi t the topography of the chosen site.

In postulating the form a Model Plan might have taken by reverse engineering the final plan, it becomes obvious that this was the method used by Light to lay out the plan of the Capital. It was not done in a week from January 3, 1837 as Stretton suggested, but by February 7 the basic cutting up had been formulated and sketched by Light from Green Hill.

Get the book

About the Author

 

Ron Danvers LFRAIA is an architect living in the City of Adelaide in South Australia. He was instrumental in introducing urban design to South Australia, becoming the founding Chair of the State Urban Design Advisory Panel. Although he has undertaken major cultural heritage projects in Malaysia and Indonesia, most of his architectural work has been in the City of Adelaide.

He was awarded the RAIA Lachlan Macquarie Award and a National Trust Australian Heritage Award in 1987 for restoration of the Mortlock Library. In 2005, his architecture practice was awarded a UNESCO Asia Pacifi c Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation for heritage adaptation of the Treasury Buildings in Victoria Square. He was President of the RAIA SA Chapter 1988-90, representing the architectural profession at that time in the South Australian State Planning Review. He was granted the adjunct title of Associate Professor by the University of Adelaide.

JAY, Katie

Apr 14, 2025 | *, *Featured books, *listed, Adelaide, Australian, Mystery Fiction

Little Book of Big Book Marketing Tips book cover
Get the book

ISBN 978-1-923386-65-5
PAPERBACK

ISBN 978-1-923443-17-4
EBOOK

A Murder On The Cards

A seventy-eight year old man is found dead at the back of Glenelg Bridge Club. A bullet hole in the side of his head is just the first of some startling and sometimes ominous intrigues that are presented to Cecilia, the Health Inspector for Glenelg Council.

As an amateur sleuth, and a keen bridge player, Cecilia is not going to let this murder be swept under the carpet.

Her favourite homicide detective, Aldo, is missing in action and her relationship with him seems to be wavering… as well as taking a few hits from the romantic attentions of one of the murder suspects!

A Murder on the Cards follows Cecilia Archer in a new and entertaining adventure in her beloved community – Glenelg.

Katie Jay Mystery Author

About the author

Katie Jay is a successful children’s picture book author who is now writing mystery crime novels.

Spanning over fifty years she has been a keen dog owner, including a pair of naughty dachshunds who feature in her books.

Visit her website to keep up to date with new releases and events: katiejayauthor.com.au

BOULT, Margaret

Apr 3, 2025 | *, *Featured books, *listed, Australian, History, Medical, South Australia

Little Book of Big Book Marketing Tips book cover
Get the book

ISBN 978-1-923386-41-9
PAPERBACK

ISBN 978-1-923443-24-2
EBOOK

Frontier Medicine

 

Stories of illness and survival in South Australia 1836 – 1856

A journey into the harsh yet hopeful beginnings of South Australia, where survival was a daily battle and resilience shaped the future.

The voices of South Australia’s early settlers resonate through letters and diaries and illuminate their struggles with illness and survival. From the perilous voyage to the challenges of an unfamiliar land, these settlers faced an unrelenting battle against a strange landscape, climate, and diseases.

In 1839, Joseph Warner had grappling with the devastating loss of his wife Mary, who succumbed to illness shortly after their arrival. His diary reveals a man torn between caring for his children, managing a fledgling farmstead, and tending to his ailing wife. Such deeply personal accounts, drawn together in this book, provide vivid insights into the harsh realities of settler life.

Readers will discover how settlers coped with ailments and death, the relentless torment of insects, extremes of weather, and the rudimentary conditions of makeshift camps. The book highlights their medical concerns, their use and belief in doctors, and their resilience in adapting to an unyielding environment.

By bringing these stories to light, this book off ers a compelling exploration of the medical challenges faced by South Australia’s first European settlers. Through their words, it gives readers a chance to connect with the raw and often heartbreaking realities of life almost 200 years ago.

Little Book of Big Book Marketing Tips book cover

About the Author

 

Margaret Boult is an independent medical historian with a keen interest in the human stories behind historical medical practices. Her work delves into the challenges of nineteenthand twentieth-century medicine, focusing on the experiences of patients, practitioners, and institutions. In 2019, she earned a Master of Philosophy for her thesis Epilepsy in the Lunatic Asylums of South Australia (1853-1913). Combining rigorous research with a storyteller’s touch, Margaret brings fresh perspectives to the intersection of science, health, and the environment. Her background in Botany and medical science informs her exploration of topics ranging from the struggles of early South Australian settlers to the resilience of children aff ected by polio. Through her writing, Margaret invites readers to connect with the past and the enduring human spirit in the face of medical adversity.

CLARKE, Gerry

Mar 24, 2025 | *, *Featured books, *listed, Adelaide, Australian, Biography, Relationships, South Australia

Little Book of Big Book Marketing Tips book cover
Get the book

ISBN 978-1-923386-45-7
PAPERBACK

ISBN 978-1-923386-44-0
HARDCOVER

My Name is Ryan

 

The Story of Ryan Clarke, A man with Down Syndrome

Told through the eyes of his father, My Name is Ryan is the hopeful and heartwarming story of the transformation of a boy with Down syndrome, into a man with Down syndrome.

We follow Ryan’s journey through adulthood as he faces the daunting challenges of moving into the workforce, finding a home, the inevitable loss of loved ones, and the joy of welcoming new family members and a tribe of nephews and nieces, who know him lovingly as ‘Uncle Barnas’.

This is book two for Gerry Clarke.

Ryan’s Rainbow, first published in 2003, and taking us from Ryan’s birth through to his 18th birthday, is included in this edition.

Together they provide the full picture of Ryan’s life to the age of 40, a life of joy in the heart of a large and loving family.

My Name is Ryan is a celebration not only of Ryan, but of all people with disabilities, their families, their carers, and the community organisations that provide the dedication and support to ensure they live rich and fulfi lling lives.

It removes some of the myths, mysteries and stereotypes that surround raising a child and young adult with a disability and is sure to inspire parents and siblings facing similar challenges.

Ryan’s story will touch your heart, inspire your spirit, and remind you to cherish the profound beauty in the simple everyday moments in life.

My Name is Ryan will make you smile, and then smile again.

Little Book of Big Book Marketing Tips book cover

About the Author

 

My Name is Ryan is Gerry Clarke’s second published work. Gerry’s first published book was Ryan’s Rainbow, which became a best-seller in South Australia and is incorporated in this book.

After retiring in 2023, Gerry’s primary goal was to complete writing this book in time for Ryan’s 40th birthday in October 2025.

Gerry enjoyed a long and successful career in the public and tertiary sectors, where he was able to use his writing and people skills to good effect. Gerry worked in a variety of human resources, communications, internal culture building and administration roles in the employment, education, health and aged care fields.

Gerry is married to Joyce, and they are proud parents to Matthew (and Shelley), Dale (and Amy), Ryan, Brett (and Rebecca), Patrick (and Kyleigh) and Lauren (and Will). In their retirement years, Gerry and Joyce are sharing in the joy of watching their ten beautiful grandchildren make their way in the world.

Gerry is a keen sportsman, with many achievements in a long basketball career. Gerry currently enjoys the challenge of playing lawn bowls.

Gerry has helped to raise thousands of dollars for many not-for-profit organisations, schools and sporting groups in his role as quizmaster.

Gerry has achieved his goal of publishing My Name is Ryan in time for Ryan’s 40th birthday. It is an achievement of which he is justifiably proud.