Why I Can't Let These Characters Go.

‘Baz Luhrmann will turn this into an epic Australian movie.’

That was one line from an email I opened this morning from an early reader of my Australian historical fiction manuscript, The Catalina.

While my ego gratefully accepted the compliment, I know it's just one enthusiastic reader's opinion. Even so, feedback like that makes the almost two years of writing, rewriting, and self-doubt feel worthwhile.

Over the next few months, I have a small group of beta readers helping me take The Catalina to the next stage by providing feedback on 15 specific questions about the manuscript.

Would You Like To Read My Manuscript?

I'm looking for two or three additional beta readers, and if you're an avid reader of Australian historical fiction and would genuinely enjoy reading an unpublished manuscript and sharing your thoughts, send me a private message.

A Sequel to The Catalina

Meanwhile, as promised last week, I’ve landed on an idea for what may become a sequel to The Catalina.

What’s particularly exciting about it, at least to me, is that many of the characters from the first novel will continue their journey in the next.

What excites me most is that I've grown to love the characters I've created in The Catalina.

Roy, the war-torn veteran suffering blackouts and flashbacks that haunt him while trying to battle a record-breaking flood on the Murray River that puts his home and life at risk.

Ruth, the loving wife of Roy who tries her best to support him through his trauma, while holding deep resentment for past decisions he made that changed their relationship and lives.

Jim, the fun-loving larrikin son of Roy and Ruth, whose anger issues and drinking lead to his hospitalisation.

Marjorie, the love-at-first-sight girl friend of Jim who might just hold the key to him settling down and becoming the man he’s meant to be.

Then there's Ben's family. His wife Pearl and their five daughters, including sixteen-year-old Ruby, who plays a small but important role in the ending of The Catalina.

Looking back now, I suspect Ruby may have been introducing herself as the protagonist of my next novel.

Many of these characters will return in the sequel, along with appearances from a few minor characters I simply can't bear to leave behind because they still make me laugh.

So, what’s the idea?

As part of my research for The Catalina, I bought a copy of Robert B Whiter's non-fiction book Sleeper Cutting in Australia: When the chips are down. And it was in that book I first learned about the remarkable story of Irene King - reportedly the only female sleeper cutter in New South Wales.

But, my idea for a story is not about Irene King.

At this early stage, I’m thinking it will be about sixteen-year-old Ruby who wants to be a sleeper-cutter (just like her idol, Irene King – who is mentioned in The Catalina).

The story will pick up twelve months after the end of The Catalina story.

Ruby will have many hurdles and struggles with authorities and local sleeper cutters, to get started in the traditionally men-only sleeper cutting world. Her biggest challenge will however be from an antagonist – her father, Ben.

As I've said, it's still early days and I have no idea whether this story will eventually become my next novel. But of all the ideas I've explored over recent months, this is the one I keep coming back to.

And, just like The Catalina did when I first started thinking about it as a novel to write, Ruby's story has got my heart racing.