Bestselling author

Mandy Magro

author of Rosalee Station reveals her

Five Favourite Australian Authors

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G’day!

I have been asked by Booktopia to reveal my five favourite Australian authors of all time, and although it’s been a tough decision, I have finally come up with my list! I haven’t got the authors in any particular order; I’ll just randomly mention them along the way….

Tony Park

Tony writes about what he knows, and what is close to his heart…Africa. His office is usually a tent set up amongst the grasslands of Africa with the amazing wildlife at his doorstep…so jealous!! His novels are powerful and poignant, enthralling page-turners that will have you up late into the night, or sitting bleary eyed at first light wondering where in the hell the night went! I adore Tony’s work, and to top it all off, he is a top bloke too!

Click here to buy Dark Heart by Tony Park

Venero Armanno

I first read Veny’s novel, Black Mountain, about six months ago and found myself instantly hooked. Black Mountain is the type of story that really makes you stop and think about existence and what happens outside your life’s bubble. His powerful words suck you right into the heart of his pages and make you feel as though you are right there with his characters.

Click here to buy Black Mountain by Venero Armanno

Lisa Heidke

I adore Lisa’s sense of humour and it shines brightly throughout her novels. Her characters are likable, exciting, adventurous and most importantly of all, three dimensional. I always find myself wishing I could be friends with them-and yes, I know they are not really real! I find Lisa’s novels delightful to read, the type of story that takes you away from life and makes you believe anything is possible.

Click here to buy Stella Makes Good by Lisa Heidke

Rachael Treasure

Rachael was the pioneer of rural romance with her bestselling novel, Jillaroo, and is one of the biggest inspirations behind me putting pen to paper. Thanks Rach! Her novels are fun and adventurous but also tug at your heartstrings, and her characters are ones that I would love to hang out with around a campfire or out in the saddle. From the very beginning Rachael proved just how hungry readers are for rural romance, the magic of a great country love story set in the glorious Australian outback resonating with many a proud Aussie. And I can’t wait for her sequel to Jillaroo, which will be out in April! Yay!

Click here to buy Jillaroo by Rachael Treasure

Sheryl McCorry

Sheryl’s two memoirs, Diamonds and Dust and Stars over Shiralee, moved me in ways no novel has ever moved me before. Her life story is one of great struggle, sheer determination and utter heartache. Sheryl is the type of woman we rural romance authors aspire to write about and for anyone that enjoys a great Aussie read set in the outback, Sheryl’s books are an absolute must!

Click here to buy Diamonds and Dust by Sheryl McCorry

So there you go… my list of five. Although, I have to add that there are many fabulous Aussie authors out there and I feel mighty proud to be amongst them. I’m passionate about filling my bookcase with only Aussie authors and am now at the point where I may need a new bookcase, or three! Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!!!

Thanks for having me today. I’ve had fun!

Country Cheers,

Mandy Magro

Mandy is shortlisted for Booktopia’s: Australia’s Favourite Author. You can read more from Mandy at her website www.mandymagro.com

And check out Mandy’s answers in Booktopia’s Famous Ten Terrifying Questions here. Below is a little taste….

5. Considering the innumerable artistic avenues open to you, why did you choose to write a novel?

I always loved English at school, it was my favourite subject! I adore the fact that as a writer you can describe the smells, sounds, and sights of your landscapes so incredibly down to the last tiny weenie iota. I think it allows the reader to fall head first into your world and head over heels in love with your leading man! Writing is a release for me, a way to express my obsession with the outback.

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About the Contributor

Andrew Cattanach

Andrew Cattanach is a regular contributor to The Booktopia Blog. He has been shortlisted for The Age Short Story Prize and was named a finalist for the 2015 Young Bookseller of the Year Award. He enjoys reading, writing and sleeping, though finds it difficult to do them all at once.

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