Entertainment
20 June, 2026
It’s a book worms’ paradise
THE arts are just one great example of the wealth of talent that can be found in Douglas Shire.
More specifically, literary art seems to be a hot topic with a number of authors coming to the fore, both now and in the near future.
Just last week, Saturday 13 June, Douglas local Samantha Ross officially launched her latest book ‘Possible Springs’ at the Port Douglas Yacht Club.
Now signed to Penguin books, Ms Ross said she was excited about the book and the signing.
“I started the dream seriously about 20 years ago, so it’s taken two decades to get here after many rejections along the way,” she said.
“It means so much to me to be signed with Penguin, it’s like my winning lottery ticket,” Ms Ross said.
Penguin Books describe Possible Springs as a mesmerising fiction debut, that’s part coming-of-age novel and part mystery set in a small Australian town.
Jeff Lindsay, bestselling author of ‘Dexter’ said: “Ross’ debut blends small-town mystery, romance and magical realism into an intoxicating, spell-binding mix. Jimny is an unforgettable character. I loved it”
“An absorbing and compelling read. Utterly immersive and beautifully written. By the end, I wanted to pack my bags and move to Possible Springs. Thoroughly enjoyable,” said Darcy Tindale, author of ‘The Fall Between’.
Looking ahead, Port Douglas will soon host a celebration of stories, imagination and community when a new book fair – ‘Books in Paradise’ – opens on Sunday 9 August at the Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa.
This year’s event will also see the official launch of ‘Tales from the Shire’, a 152-page children’s anthology created by students from seven schools across Douglas Shire and the brainchild of local author Sam Woodgarth.
“Tales from the Shire captures the spirit of the Douglas Shire’s young storytellers, imaginative, bold and full of wonder,” Ms Woodgarth said.
“With its interactive colouring-in pages and vibrant stories, it invites children to read, create and take part in the joy of storytelling.”
Books in Paradise will feature 45 author displays, book signings, panel discussions and informal conversations between readers and writers.
Genres represented include fiction, fantasy, romance, children’s books, memoir and local interest titles.
Ms Woodgarth, who is the event organiser, said the fair was created to celebrate local creativity and strengthen connections between authors and their communities.
“Far North Queensland has an extraordinary creative community,” she said.
“Books in Paradise is about celebrating storytelling, encouraging reading and creating a welcoming space where readers can meet the people behind the books.”
“We have included some special features like preregistration to benefit both readers and authors, offering discounts and additional networking opportunities,” Ms Woodgarth added.
Books in Paradise is designed to appeal to locals, visitors and book lovers of all ages. With free entry and an accessible daytime format, organisers are confident it will become a regular fixture on the FNQ cultural calendar.
Books in Paradise will be held Sunday 9 August, 10am-3pm, at the Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa, Mitre Street Port Douglas.
Books in Paradise is on Sunday 9 August, from 10am, with free tickets available from www.bit.ly/4vhnxiy
I’m off to turn over yet another new leaf, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.
Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
