Logan Bookfest 2025

On Saturday, 1st November 2025, Logan Bookfest happened. A day of joy where people came together to celebrate their love of books. Readers came to add to their TBR piles and maybe find their new favourite authors. Indie and self-published authors came to showcase their books. The former entered empty handed and left loaded with books. The latter entered loaded with books and left with far less than they started with. Both groups left with big smiles on their faces.

Why am I telling you this?

That particular day, at that particular event, I presented myself to the world as an author for the very first time. I sat with my books and spoke to people I didn’t know about Bunyip Jones, the IPR and the Slipworld.

And I was terrified.

I’m an introvert. People scare the heck out of me. I didn’t know if I could do this.

Logan Bookfest was a test, to see if I could attend a conference without having a meltdown or crashing out. I didn’t.

Sure, I was bouncing off the walls like a squirrel on crack with all the adrenaline running through my system, and I don’t think my leg stopped bouncing all day, but there were zero meltdowns, and I didn’t crash.

Not until I got home, at least.

And you know what? I had a great time. I met some amazing authors, made some new friends and learned a lot about selling books.

And the best part was everyone was supportive. Writers lifted each other up. Helped each other. Readers were enthusiastic and lovely -even if your books weren’t their thing.

My favourite memory of the day was of a girl - a teenager - who excitedly picked up my book, read the back, and her mouth dropped open. She turned to her adult and said. “I love this. I want this.”

To see that - I have no words.

That day was the launch of the second book in the Bunyip Jones series, “Blood on the Ferns”, and to say it was well received seems like an understatement. People seemed drawn to it. I had people come all the way out to Beenliegh, just to buy that book on launch day.

I had others buy both books together, because the series resonated. And I had new readers take home the original, “Blood in the Dust”, with big, happy smiles.

It was the most amazing experience I’ve ever had.

Net result: I’ll be back in the wild, honing my stall skills, at the next opportunity. And I’ll definitely return to Bookfest next year - I’ve got the kit now!

I may have created a monster…. oh good.