Guests of the Month
Max de Grussa
Max, born in Western Australia, has travelled extensively for work and leisure.
After living in England for twenty-five years he retired to Perth to be with family, write novels, short stories, children’s books and other stuff.
A past aviator, Max enjoys walking daily, being involved in community activities and meeting people.
He also enjoys travelling and dining out whenever possible.
Max plays the guitar badly but enjoys it immensely.
Ian Austin
IF EVER A DETECTIVE WAS CONCEIVED WHOSE CHARACTER WAS FORGED IN THE FIRES OF AUTHENTICITY, THEN DAN CALDER IS THAT DETECTIVE.
Ian Austin was born in 1963 in Southampton, England. His very un-remarkable school life ended at 16 with no qualifications. Drifting into and out of several jobs including hotel porter and photocopier salesman he eventually found his salvation in the Hampshire Police. A career as first a constable and then detective in the UK followed. He also served as a tactical firearms officer, covert surveillance operative and National Crime Squad operative and trainer.
His career was truly amazing. From being almost beaten to death on Christmas Eve 1990, to tackling IRA terrorists at Stonehenge; or accidentally pulling off a dead man’s arm to becoming the youngest Covert Surveillance Trainer in Crime Squad history. Overcoming depression and a breakdown or having a concert pianist play Beethoven for him whilst dressed in full combat gear and discussing the Falkland’s war with the Lord of the Admiralty whom he was tasked to protect. Ian Austin’s real-life experiences could fill a library on their own; add them to his incredible imagination and unique ability create word tapestries for his readers provides a recipe for something very special.
He transferred to the New Zealand Police in 2003 having visited several times before and falling in love with the country and the Kiwi way of life. He lives in Tuakau south of Auckland with his Border Collie Willow.
Austin knows what his weaknesses are and surrounds himself with ‘the best’ in those areas; for example, having Rankin editor Stephen Stratford edit his works.
The Dan Calder series initial trilogy began with The Agency, self- published in paperback in 2016. Its runaway success included several appearances in the Neilsen Best Sellers List and universally positive reviews from critics and reviewers at home and abroad.
The Second Grave followed in 2018, with third and final chapter of the trilogy, Frozen Summer debuting in 2019.
In November 2021 a brand new Dan Calder novel, Bonded is published. Bonded begins with an apparent botched bombing at Auckland Airport. Calder is initially drawn into the investigation but quickly discovers the bombing is not what it appeared to be. He sets off to St Louis, Missouri to solve the most audacious crime he's ever encountered. Bonded has its roots in the unbelievable true story of the Plate 77 Penny Red postage stamps, known around the world as the Holy Grail for philatelists. Mixing the legend of the Plate 77's into a crime novel has Dan Calder operating at his very best.
Sean O'Leary
O'Leary: An elegant journey from engineering to composition
Emerging from the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, NY, where he first entered the world, O’Leary’s journey has been nothing but remarkable, serving as a true inspiration. Raised within a family deeply connected to their German and Irish heritage, O'Leary's formative years in Brooklyn were characterized by a profound inquisitiveness about the world and a keen intellect, leading him to graduate from the esteemed Brooklyn Technical High School at the tender age of 17. Fuelled by the aspiration of becoming an electrical engineer, he embarked on a westward expedition to Salt Lake City, Utah, shortly after the momentous floods of 1982. At the University of Utah, O’Leary’s dedication and enthusiasm for engineering shone brightly. Through his relentless pursuit of knowledge and excellence, he successfully earned both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering. These academic accomplishments marked the inception of a successful career, where O’Leary founded his own Engineering Solutions firm. Through collaborations with esteemed companies and prominent scientists, he has played a pivotal role in advancing the field of electrical engineering and participating in groundbreaking projects.
In addition to his profound understanding of circuits and schematics, O'Leary discovers profound happiness and purpose in his personal life. He is blessed with a blissful marriage to an exceptional woman from Bolivia, with whom he cherishes the joys of parenthood and embraces the enriching experiences of love and diverse cultures. O'Leary's enchanting journey as a photographer commenced at the tender age of four when his father bestowed upon him a camera, an act that sparked an enduring ardor for capturing fleeting moments and weaving captivating narratives. This irrevocable passion is evident in his extensive expeditions across 12 countries and over 40 U.S. states, including the picturesque Puerto Rico.
Presently, O'Leary dedicates his imaginative spirit to the art of writing, embarking on a creative journey that has culminated in the completion of his inaugural full-length novel, "Dan Tesson." This enthralling thriller guarantees to captivate readers, evoking a sense of suspense that will keep them perched on the edge of their seats. Additionally, his literary repertoire encompasses a heartwarming children's book titled "The Princess and Scruffy," as well as a poignant photographic compilation entitled "The Road of Blood: Buchenwald," which poignantly recounts his profoundly emotional inaugural visit to Germany. These literary works eloquently demonstrate O'Leary's versatility and profound insight as an author, captivating audiences with narratives that are both enthralling and thought-provoking.
O’Leary's books serve as a testament to his bold and curious nature, as well as his unwavering dedication to embracing uncharted territories, both literal and metaphorical. Beyond being mere narratives, his literary creations offer profound voyages that beckon readers to embark on an introspective exploration of the intricacies of the human soul and the splendor that envelops our existence. Anticipating his forthcoming endeavors, we can expect a profound immersion into the realms of discovery, fortitude, and the unwavering pursuit of one's aspirations.
O’Leary's writings offer a valuable collection for those in search of inspiring, exciting, and immersive books that can transport readers to familiar and unfamiliar worlds. His works are a hidden gem waiting to be explored, inviting readers to embark on a thrilling journey through vibrant pages filled with innovation and the potential for new experiences. Whether you enjoy suspenseful thrillers, enchanting children's tales, or captivating travel accounts, O’Leary’s varied selection of books caters to a diverse audience, establishing him as a leading figure in contemporary storytelling.
Eliane Camolesi
Eliane Camolesi: Chronicler of Ordinary Lives, Weaver of Extraordinary Tales
For three decades, Eliane Camolesi was a respected journalist at Globo, one of Brazil´s largest television networks, where she honed her storytelling skills and developed a keen eye for the human experience. During her tenure, she encountered individuals from all walks of life, each with a fascinating backstory waiting to be told.
As she listened to these untold narratives, Eliane was haunted by a personal regret: the lost stories of her own grandmother. The whispers of her grandmother’s struggles, at the time, in a turbulent Italy, her good deeds and exile. All faded away as time passed, leaving Eliane with a profound understanding of the importance of preserving personal histories.
This realization sparked a transformation in Eliane’s professional ambitions. Eventually, she dedicated herself to writing the autobiographies of ordinary people, believing that every life holds extraordinary value. Her unique Biography Project (Projeto Biografias) was born from this passion.
The Biography Project is a labor of love, where Eliane carefully listens to the customers subjects, memories, and experiences. The result is a vivid, handcrafted book that serves as a lasting legacy for generations to come. Each biography features one-of-a-kind illustrations and graphic elements, digitally printed and custom-bound to create a truly unique artifact of personal history.
Eliane has chronicled the life of a chemical engineer turned environmental crusader, a psychologist who discovered a new purpose after battling cancer, and a retired agricultural technician who now dedicates his time to empowering disadvantaged farmers.
But it’s the stories of everyday people that truly captivate Eliane. She takes immense pride in giving voice to the unsung heroes of our communities, ensuring their experiences and wisdom are preserved for posterity.
In addition to her “Biography Project,” Eliane is a skilled ghostwriter with an engaging narrative style. Her ability to capture the essence of subjects has earned her various contracts.