Toowoomba sparks winning tale
THE inspiring surrounds of Toowoomba’s parks and cafes have spawned an award-winning novel.
Former Toowoomba resident and author Sandra Peut won third prize in a UK competition for her romantic novel, Blue Freedom.
Ms Peut has subsequently been offered a publishing contract.
“The Garden City’s array of beautiful parks and cafes provided the perfect backdrop to sit and write,” she said.
“While Blue Freedom has a definite beach theme, being set primarily in the Pacific Islands, Toowoomba’s gorgeous outdoor spaces definitely helped mould the fresh and airy feel to the book.”
Mrs Peut’s first novel tells the story of a young Australian writer as she embarks on a writing assignment of a lifetime.
The novel came third in UK publisher Rose and Crown’s inaugural inspirational romantic fiction competition.
The aspiring career writer finished the novel when her youngest child was just three-weeks-old.
“I prefer to write on paper, then put it into the computer,” she said.
“It works as another edit.
“It also means that I can write anywhere which is handy with the kids.
“My family influences the way I work a lot.
“I enjoy taking a notebook with me because you can be sitting in a car or the beach and you can write down your thoughts.”
Mrs Peut is currently working on a few different ideas.
“I have just started a young adult fiction series about guardian angels,” she said.
“It is a little frustrating though, I had the idea for the series, before all the current books came out.
“I am also putting together a proposal for non-fiction book for women about health and the work/life balance.”
As for ideas, Mrs Peut takes inspiration from the world around her.
“I have an overactive imagination,” she said.
“I read a lot when I was younger — Nancy Drew mysteries, dramas and historic romance novels.
“But anything around you can be a great idea.”
Related ...
