More than 30 guests at Tony Park's author talk today heard how he writes his books and asked questions about his writing and trips to Africa – as well as camping tips and advice. Everyone was inspired to read, write or travel by the end of the lunchtime chat.
Tony Park is the author of the novels Far Horizon, Zambezi, African Sky, Safari, Silent Predator and Ivory and two non-fiction books, Part of the Pride and War Dogs. His latest novel is in Botswana's famous wildlife paradise, the Okavango Delta, and the neighbouring country of Namibia, – The Delta is an action packed tale of environmental action, civil war, and love and betrayal. Previous to his life as a novelist, Tony worked as a journalist, a government press secretary and served with the Australian Army in Afghanistan in 2002. His visit was supported by Boomers Bookstore and ABC Centre.

Peter FitzSimons is a journalist, entertaining speaker and author of nearly twenty books – including Kokoda, Tobruk and biographies of Nancy Wake, Kim Beazley, Nene King, Nick Farr-Jones, Steve Waugh and John Eales. He is a passionate Australian and brings to you his latest book  a memoir of laughter, loss and billycarts. “It still amazes me what they allowed us to do without their supervision or help while remaining deeply loving parents. Climb trees from the age of four or five? No problem. Drive the tractor from the age of eight or nine onwards? Good luck to you. Haul on the hoist to pull the half-ton bins filled with oranges off the trailer? Yes. Take your bike out on the Pacific Highway and ride to school? Just be careful, but okay,” he writes. Peter describes a childhood of mischief, camaraderie, eccentric characters, drama – and constant love and generosity in his new book A Simpler Time.
Where: Orange City Library
When: Wednesday 1 September
Time: 5.30pm for 6pm start
Free
Please RSVP to 6393 8132. The visit is supported by Angus & Robertson Bookstore.

This week is the Children's Book Council of Australia Children's Book Week, which is the longest running children's festival in Australia, celebrating its 65th birthday in 2010. The theme this year is “Across the Story Bridge” which conjures up all sorts of thoughts about how books can help us to have a totally different view of life on the other side or lead us from one idea to another. Orange City Library has a wonderful bridge that was put together by our very own Peter Douglass (thank you Thomson's Nursery too) and this is surrounded by all the fabulous shortlisted books. Why not pop in and have a look?

If you love reading, or if you are part of a book club, don't forget that Good Reading magazine is in your library! It's available in a print and online version (check out our Book Reviews Page). It is a great resource for next time you're looking for something to read to suggest for your book club. And you can win a free book by entering our competition. Name the author and title of one (1) book from the Father's Day Gift Guide in the August edition of Good Reading, fill in an entry form at Orange City Library with your answer and contact details to be in the draw to win. Good Luck!

Bestselling author Tony Park draws on real life rebellions and the looming prospect of future wars over climate change and dwindling water resources, as the inspiration for his latest African thriller, The Delta. Set in Botswana's famous wildlife paradise, the Okavango Delta, and the neighbouring country of Namibia, The Delta is an action packed tale of environmental action, civil war, and love and betrayal. Tony and his wife, Nicola, spend six months of every year travelling in southern Africa, where Tony researches and writes his books.
They spend most of their time camping in Africa's national parks, living in a tent and out of the back of their Land Rover, which they keep garaged in Johannesburg. Tony writes on a laptop, 'on location' and visited all of the spots featured in The Delta while writing it. “I've worked on this book in real places, from a luxury safari lodge in the Okavango Delta, to budget camp sites and local towns”, says Tony. “I've tried to capture the incredible diversity of wildlife, terrain and people in this beautiful captivating part of Africa. Meet Tony Park at Orange City Library on Monday 30 August at 12 noon for a 12.30pm start. Please book your place by calling 6393 8132. His visit to Orange is supported by Boomers Bookshop and ABC Centre. See you there!