The Disappearing Season
Launch: 5 November 2024
*Awarded mentorship in the QWC Publishable program
A kindergarten teacher’s desperate escape to Far North Queensland turns deadly when her ex tracks her down just as Australia’s largest-ever cyclone smashes onto shore.
In the dripping heat of a rainforest town in Far North Queensland, Georgia Wright has finally exhaled. Her new life, nannying for a dysfunctional but endearing family, is the perfect escape from her bleak past. Until the text messages start. Georgia won’t go back to him. Not this time. Not ever. But staying means putting this family at risk. As a storm brews within her conscience, a deadly cyclone builds offshore – a foreshadowing of a betrayal as cruel as the oppressive wet season. Now Georgia’s new-found family bonds are unravelling as she faces her vengeful ex and the fury of Cyclone Yasi.
How You Left Me
Release date: 5 Nov 2024
*Longlisted for the QWC Adaptable film and television program
Something devastating is about to happen
In a town where gossip spreads like dust blowing in from the Mallee’s canola fields, something unspeakable is about to happen to sixteen-year-old Lauren. It’s bad enough she’s losing her mum to a horrible disease and that her best friend is leaving town, but now the only person she thought she could trust, is about to betray her. She can’t stay here. No one is going to believe the town cop could do such a horrific thing to his own daughter. There’s nothing left to do but run. Especially after the fire.
This mature YA coming-of-age story is filled with heartbreak, laughter and poignancy, unafraid to address the sometimes gut-wrenching complexities of growing up.
From the first pages, Collins breathes life into her characters, fuels your need to know more. With empathy and insight, she sheds light on the dark experiences of life, shows the power of connection and the courage it takes to move on. A big-hearted coming of age novel about love and trust and everything that comes between.
Melissa Manning – author of Smokehouse Collection
How You Found Me
Release Date: 5 Nov 2024
*Longlisted for the QWC Adaptable film and television program
How do you hide a secret when you’re in the spotlight?
It’s been nearly two years since Lauren left her horrific memories in the dust of Wineera. But now, in this grungy Fitzroy pub, in walks Harry, the young musician from back home who won her teenage heart. Then smashed it. Harry’s offering her a brighter life. He says he believes in her. Says she has a gift: a unique voice. Lauren wants to trust him. She wants to be like those other girls – confident, carefree, not giving a fork what anyone thinks. Can getting lost in the spotlight, in the music, in Harry’s arms, help Lauren forget that awful night back home? Or will it bring her dark secret into bright focus? Maybe it’s already happening …
AJ Collins expertly guides us through Lauren’s brutal, complicated coming of age in a poignant tale about growing up too fast, forgiving too slowly, and the healing power of love, friendship, and family – however it comes.”
Nicole Hayes – Author of The Whole of My Word, One True Thing, A Shadow’s Breath