ACCLAIMED romance novelist Barbara Hannay will visit Mossman next Saturday as part of the Library Lover’s Day.

The Atherton Tablelands-based writer has penned more than 40 novels set in rural and outback Australia that have been enjoyed by readers around the world.

“I think it’s very important for anyone who wants to become an author to first of all write the sort of stories they like to read,” Barbara said.

“It’s a big job to get a whole book down on paper and you need lots of discipline to see it through.

“Getting into the habit of writing every day, even if it is just a little bit, certainly helps as your muse learns to turn up when you need them and the characters develop a life of their own.

“I also recommend getting in touch with different writing groups so you can share and learn from your experiences, with the internet and email these days it’s very easy to communicate with like-minded people.”

Douglas Libraries Team Leader Judy Coulthard said the visit would provide local fans of Australian fiction with a chance to meet and learn from an award-winning author.

“We’re delighted to provide this opportunity for local book lovers and budding authors to come and meet and hear from Barbara whose books are inspired by her passion for the outback and the characters who live there,” Coulthard said.

“This is the first of some exciting events we have planned this year to encourage local budding authors and book lovers to pursue their passions.”

The free event at the Mossman Library starts at 10am on Saturday 18 February and will be followed by a light morning tea and a chance to meet the author.

What do you think? Tell us in the comments below!

* Readers are encouraged to use their full details below to ensure comment legitimacy. Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport or its staff. Comments containing unlawful, obscene, defamatory or abusive material will not be published.