- Published on
February, 2024
February began with the joy of touching base with readers of the Andrakis series who have supported me by buying copies of the 30th anniversary edition available either by directly contacting me or via Amazon at Tony Shillitoe Guardians.
We are self-publishing Girlie and the book will be launched on Mum’s birthday on Amazon – March 24th. The book blurb is:
We are self-publishing Girlie and the book will be launched on Mum’s birthday on Amazon – March 24th. The book blurb is:
“Sometimes heroes are ordinary people doing the best they can in confusing times.
Against the backdrop of the Second World War coming to an end, and a time of change into the early 1950s, teenager and young woman, Eileen Bonney, wrestles with webs of love, deceit and secrets as she tries to define herself amid the expectations, demands, friendships and lies of others.
Leaving school at age 13 to care for a distraught and ill mother and five siblings, abandoned but overseen by a philandering father, pursued by a deceitful older lover, fighting a battle with tuberculosis, Eileen survives as best she can in the hope that, one day, her world will be better.
But life isn’t about becoming - it’s about being.
This is a collage of an ordinary young woman’s coming of age in the 1940s and early 1950s, a time when Australian social mores and expectations were very different, and the impact and aftermath of a World War and austerity threw many ordinary Australian lives into disarray. Not all heroes achieve greatness and thrive in challenging times. Some simply survive.”
Against the backdrop of the Second World War coming to an end, and a time of change into the early 1950s, teenager and young woman, Eileen Bonney, wrestles with webs of love, deceit and secrets as she tries to define herself amid the expectations, demands, friendships and lies of others.
Leaving school at age 13 to care for a distraught and ill mother and five siblings, abandoned but overseen by a philandering father, pursued by a deceitful older lover, fighting a battle with tuberculosis, Eileen survives as best she can in the hope that, one day, her world will be better.
But life isn’t about becoming - it’s about being.
This is a collage of an ordinary young woman’s coming of age in the 1940s and early 1950s, a time when Australian social mores and expectations were very different, and the impact and aftermath of a World War and austerity threw many ordinary Australian lives into disarray. Not all heroes achieve greatness and thrive in challenging times. Some simply survive.”
The cover design is a photograph of Mum when she was recuperating in the tuberculosis ward at Daw Park Repatriation Hospital. The background is the tapestry she wove while recuperating.
If you are in Australia and want a copy, you can pre-order directly with me. Send me an email at tshillitoe@gmail.com with your name and post address and I will organise a copy and invoice with payment details. The book price, with postage included, will be $30. Of course, if you’re in Adelaide and want to pick up a copy directly from me, it’s $25 and a coffee or beer or whiskey at a place of your choosing. Email me to organise collection. It normally takes about two weeks for me to order and receive copies to on-sell.
In other news, I have been working directly with a very good friend on a book project that encompasses stories shared by retired members of an organisation (all hush-hush for now). Still legal hoops and writing necessities to go through and it is most likely a self-publish work when finished, but it is an interesting historical document.
I have edited the two science fiction novels and now I will start seeking an agent who can represent me to publishers with these projects. I’ve been approaching agents for the fantasy projects – so far, no success. Early days, though – I will always persist. Apparently, in the existing market, it’s not uncommon to have to make several hundred such approaches!
Finally, I’m working on the next project – a novel about eight men who spend a long weekend on a houseboat. I’ll let you ponder that one.
If you are in Australia and want a copy, you can pre-order directly with me. Send me an email at tshillitoe@gmail.com with your name and post address and I will organise a copy and invoice with payment details. The book price, with postage included, will be $30. Of course, if you’re in Adelaide and want to pick up a copy directly from me, it’s $25 and a coffee or beer or whiskey at a place of your choosing. Email me to organise collection. It normally takes about two weeks for me to order and receive copies to on-sell.
In other news, I have been working directly with a very good friend on a book project that encompasses stories shared by retired members of an organisation (all hush-hush for now). Still legal hoops and writing necessities to go through and it is most likely a self-publish work when finished, but it is an interesting historical document.
I have edited the two science fiction novels and now I will start seeking an agent who can represent me to publishers with these projects. I’ve been approaching agents for the fantasy projects – so far, no success. Early days, though – I will always persist. Apparently, in the existing market, it’s not uncommon to have to make several hundred such approaches!
Finally, I’m working on the next project – a novel about eight men who spend a long weekend on a houseboat. I’ll let you ponder that one.
15 Comments
I want a copy!!! Are you selling it personally or where do we get it from? Can't wait for this one!!!
As a dedicated ebook publisher, we help authors seamlessly convert their manuscripts into professionally formatted digital books. Whether you're publishing fiction, non-fiction, or academic content, we ensure compatibility with all major platforms like Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Kobo, and more. Our services include ebook formatting, interactive design, metadata optimization, and global distribution—so your book can reach readers on every device, everywhere.
Comprehensive publishing services from manuscript review to worldwide distribution.
These centers provide specialized psychiatric care for people with schizophrenia, including medication, therapy, and social support to improve daily functioning.
Depression treatment helps individuals overcome symptoms of persistent sadness and hopelessness. It may include psychotherapy, antidepressant medications, and lifestyle changes to restore emotional balance.
A treatment approach for individuals dealing with both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder at the same time.
Book publishing services in the USA offer professional support for authors at every stage of publishing. From manuscript evaluation to editing, design, printing, eBook conversion, marketing, and global distribution, these services help authors successfully launch their books in multiple formats.
A company or individual responsible for producing, distributing, and marketing books to readers.
Professional editors who improve grammar, structure, and clarity of manuscripts. Ensures polished and publication-ready content.
Highly reviewed publishing firms known for quality production and author satisfaction. They offer strong distribution and marketing assistance.
Local children’s book publishers help authors create and publish illustrated books for kids with professional editing, design, and printing support.
Postpartum depression treatment centers provide therapy, counseling, and medical care for mothers experiencing depression after childbirth.
Connect with a trusted psychiatrist in Phoenix for expert diagnosis, medication management, and personalized treatment for mental health conditions.
Connect with a trusted psychiatrist in Phoenix for expert diagnosis, medication management, and personalized treatment for mental health conditions.
Self-publishing allows authors to independently publish their books while maintaining full creative control and earning higher royalty rates.
