FNQ writer’s tale of romance
A TABLELANDS hardware store owner has found time away from her power tools and concrete mixer to create a literary world of romance in her spare time.
Frances Dall’Alba has just released The Stone in the Road which is her second instalment in her Australian at Heart trilogy series.
The series uses the great down under as the backdrop of romantic conquests, trials and loss, and passion that rivals the hot Aussie sun.
“Writing is not what I ever considered,” Ms Dall’Alba said.
She recalls how helping her daughter with her own writing and thoughts of becoming an author 10 years ago set in motion her own sparking interest.
“It almost happened by accident and everything fell into place,” Ms Dall’Alba said. “I realised I need to do this, I’m ready for it.”
Little Blue Box, book one in the series, was published in November 2021, followed by book two The Stone in the Road released on February 1, with book three The Silk Scarf to be released in April.
“I’m working full time so it takes nine months generally (to write a novel).”
Independently publishing through her company Poinsettia Publishing, Ms Dall’Alba has done it all herself from cover to blurb.
“It was a very huge learning curve, it’s amazing, it’s so exciting,” she said.
“Five to six months ago I was a panicked mess but I just did it one step at a time.”
Now, with five finalist accolades, Ms Dall’Alba has won hearts across Australia and the world.
“I want readers to be emotionally touched by the story,” she said.
Ms Dall’Alba credits her success to Romance Writers of Australia and her critique partner as she found that guided feedback has been her greatest teacher.
“Always take constructive criticism and use it to your advantage,” she said.
“Write what you believe in, stick with what you know and like.”
Growing up in Tablelands and spending her whole life in the Far North, Ms Dall’Alba said book two and three in her Australian at Heart series had a very FNQ “feel” to them.
“People may recognise the town names,” she said.
With no signs of stopping, Ms Dall’Alba has a fourth novel planned after the conclusion of her series.
All novels are available for purchase at Tableland Books and Eacham Hardware or online at www.francesdallalba.wixsite.com/ francesdallalba