The Book Club enjoyed a special highlight recently, welcoming debut author Rhonda McCoy via Zoom from her home in Launceston.
Rhonda’s novel Crow has already attracted wide acclaim and strong interest, and members relished the opportunity to hear about her journey as a writer. She described her process as “chaotic,” offering an honest and engaging glimpse into the realities of bringing a novel to life.
We were particularly intrigued to learn that one of the central characters grew out of Rhonda’s keen observations of small-town Tasmanian life and its inhabitants. These authentic roots help shape the novel’s rich exploration of secrets, relationships, personal growth, and generational change.
Remarkably, Rhonda has been writing for just five years, yet has already produced five books, with Crow the first to be published. Her path to publication reflects persistence and dedication—years of workshops, courses, networking, and the often challenging process of editing and refinement.
And she’s not slowing down. Rhonda is already at work on her next novel, which promises to continue the story of Crow and further explore its complex characters.
Warm, generous, and refreshingly candid, Rhonda made a lasting impression on all of us. It was a truly delightful session.