For UQ Ipswich graduate Toni Risson, writing her first book has been child's play.
The 2004 Bachelor of Contemporary Studies graduate is eagerly awaiting the launch of her first published work, Licking Lizards, by University of Queensland Press (UQP) in July.
Young adult fiction written with eight to 14-year-olds in mind, Licking Lizards traces the adventures of Luke and Alex, whose neighbouring homes back onto a river. Their adventures heighten when members of their local football team start disappearing and the boys link the disappearances to a menacing man seen at the river in the middle of the night.
The story unfolds to one of intrigue and excitement as the boys unravel the mystery of the missing footballers.
Ms Risson said her inspiration for the book came from the backyard adventures of her two sons and their neighbourhood friends, as well as the limited enthusiasm teenage boys display for reading books.
"It's hard to get boys to read," she said.
"They like simple stories that are interesting, yet quick and easy to read. Licking Lizards follows that model; it's like a contemporary Enid Blyton adventure for boys."
With its mix of football mates and bad guys, slightly illegal activities and lashings of food, Licking Lizards is sure to appeal.
With Licking Lizards receiving the thumbs up from her sons who "read it and liked it", Ms Risson was guided by mentor and Contemporary Studies lecturer Dr Toni Johnson-Woods who approached UQP with the draft last year.
A self-confessed bookworm, Ms Risson said her interest in writing was sparked by study in the Creative Writing and Publishing course within the Contemporary Studies program. She formed a writers' group with other students in the course and they meet regularly to write and critique each other's work.
She is writing a second book about the adventures of Luke and Alex, while returning to UQ Ipswich this year to undertake honours in Contemporary Studies.
Media: For more information, contact Toni Risson (telephone 07 3281 1525) or Loretta Porche at UQ Ipswich (telephone 07 3381 1068).
