An award-winning Coast writer is set to launch a novella drafted during her USC Doctor of Creative Arts and recently published by a company based in the United States.

Dr Eileen Herbert-Goodall said she had “never been more excited or relieved in my life” when her thriller, The Sherbrooke Brothers, was accepted for publication by Moonshine Cove Publishing.

“I received my fair share of rejection letters, so this success is a testament to the power of perseverance,” said the author, editor and writing coach.

The Sunshine Coast launch will be held at Rosetta Books, 30 Maple Street, Maleny on Saturday 1 April from 4-5pm. It was also launched at Gleebooks, Sydney and Avid Reader Bookshop, Brisbane.

Dr Herbert-Goodall said her coming-of-age story “with a dark twist” involved themes of brotherhood, relationships and masculinity and featured illustrations by Aaron Pearson.

“It blends elements of gothic fiction and contemporary literature,” she said.

“This is a competitive industry and it’s difficult to get published, but it’s certainly achievable.

“I was fortunate to be able to draft the novella under the guidance of Professor Gary Crew and Dr Ross Watkins from USC’s Creative Writing Department.”

Dr Herbert-Goodall, who has won short story prizes and been published in journals and anthologies, runs the organisation Field of Words to help other writers get published.

To arrange a media interview contact Dr Herbert-Goodall on 0438 758 101 or eilnben@bigpond.net.au.

— Julie Schomberg