Magic can be found right here on the Sunshine Coast – just ask local children’s author Jayne McIntyre, who has secured a three-book deal for her debut middle-grade fantasy series The Feathers of Farwood.
Inspired by the Coast’s native wildlife and landscapes, from Noosa’s bush tracks to Coolum’s sandy shores, Jayne first drafted the manuscript in 2023.
It went on to be shortlisted for the Text Publishing Prize before being acquired in 2024 by Brisbane-based independent publisher Riveted Press.
“The Feathers of Farwood is exactly the type of book we want to publish,” said Riveted Press managing editor Rowena Beresford, describing the series as “enthralling”.
Jayne, who grew up on the Sunshine Coast and now lives locally with her husband and two children, said the book deal was the result of a lot of hard work, guidance from her agent at Golvan Arts Management, and the support of her family and friends.
“For years, my family have heard me say, ‘You’ll see my name on bookstore shelves one day,’ and now it’s really happening.”
The first instalment in The Feathers of Farwood series, titled The Gripps Curse, will be available Australia-wide on March 17, with pre-orders now open on the Riveted Press website. It is aimed at middle-grade readers aged 8-12 years old.
Early last year, Jayne received a Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant, an initiative of Sunshine Coast Council and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, supporting her professional development as an emerging children’s author.
The grant enabled her to attend a wildlife session with Raptor Vision in Beerburrum, where she observed owls up close, an experience she says helped her bring detail to the birds and habitats woven through her stories.
“There’s something magical about watching an owl take flight,” Jayne said.
“As a children’s author creating a middle-grade book series featuring native Australian wildlife, I want every glide, gaze, and beak click to feel authentic on the page.”
Inspired by Australia’s unique landscapes and wildlife, The Feathers of Farwood introduces readers to Eva Feather and her quest to save her father, who has been transformed into an owl by the dreaded Gripps.
Eva’s search for a cure takes her deep into the mysteries of Farwood, culminating on the night of the Farwood Founders’ Gala, when she gets her hands on a spell book that could reverse the curse.
But the journey isn’t simple: the book may not even exist, and Eva’s feathery curse might not be a curse at all.
Before entering the publishing world, Jayne worked as a journalist and magazine editor. She is now a Marketing Manager on the Sunshine Coast, where she balances her day job with her creative writing career.
Like many aspiring authors, much of her fiction writing is done late at night or in the early mornings before work.
“Breaking into traditional publishing as a new author isn’t easy, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be working with Rowena at Riveted Press, and with the talented illustrator Tamlyn Teow, whose artwork has brought my cover to life.”
Learn more about Jayne’s work at www.jaynemcintyre.com or find her on social media.
