Entertainment
31 October, 2024
Dark fantasy book in print
PORT Douglas’ own dark fantasy novelist and Mossman Library employee JB Thomas is launching his second novel ‘1999’ – an LGBTQI+ supernatural thriller that will leave readers on the edge of their seats at the Mossman Library this November.
Building on the success of his debut novel ‘Rose Red’ – which won the coveted 2024 Telly Award for Best Book Trailer in partnership with Julatten publisher Bowerbird Publishing and earned Mr Thomas a loyal following – he’s now releasing ‘1999’, a supernatural thriller following a group of university friends who tap on some negative forces kicking off the misadventures of the pair of protagonists.
The launch of ‘1999’ will take place at the Mossman Library on November 6 at 11.30am with a Q&A session and an open discussion between the author and attendees.
“Working in the library has opened up my world to literature and finding the time to write. This has just opened so many doors to creativity,” Mr Thomas said.
“1999 is a standalone novel and it’s about university students getting together one night and messing around with dark forces and opening portals to the past with lots of twists and turns.
“The two main characters are gay and attending university together. They start out as not getting along but then the relationship grows as the book goes deeper into what’s taking place around and to them.
“The things that happen in the book have no rhyme or reason for happening, the readers are along for the journey, and they just need to buckle up.”
Mr Thomas said he had been overwhelmed by the support of the Douglas Shire community as a regional writer.
“Absolutely amazing support from the community. The book (Rose Red) doesn’t even stay in the library and I’m always receiving amazing feedback of people who say that it’s great to have a gay author writing in the community and people even leave notes in the book sometimes,” he said.
“To me that’s worthwhile and this is a community that has a lot of support to give for local authors.
“Never in a million years did I think I would get the chance to publish a book, let alone be brave enough to do it, but being in the library and attending author talks and seeing local authors published, their words were always – ‘Do it’ – and here I am.
“So come and support a local author. It will be a very interactive experience, it’s going to be a really good time with lots of laughter.”
To RSVP email libraries@douglas.qld.gov.au
