The sixth rural romance novel by ex-local author Maya Linnell has hit the bookstands after the national launch of Wallaby Lane took place at the Millicent Public Library on Friday night.

The book promotion tour will now take in libraries and bookshops in a number of states.

Around 100 well-wishers were present at Millicent to congratulate the former Millicent journalist and graduate of Millicent High School and Tantanoola Primary School.

This included 20 Beachport residents who travelled aboard a mini-bus.

Ms Linnell was interviewed by blogger Carol Seeley for an hour and then accepted questions from the audience.

“I am grateful for such grassroots support,” Ms Linnell said.

“You come to my book launches, buy my books and recommend them to others.”

Her path to become a published author had a few missteps including a 1000-word letter from a high-end publisher which she took to be a rejection of her very first manuscript.

According to Ms Linnell, a $4000 writing course had been beneficial.

Her genre is known as “RuRo” after combining the terms for rural and romance.

Ms Linnell said the American market was hard to penetrate but she had hopes for New Zealand.

Running to almost 400 pages, it is dedicated to the volunteers who run the annual Tyrendarra Show
Photos from the author’s garden near Portland are featured on the front cover of Wallaby Lane.

As well as a blossoming romance involving a journalist and a police officer, Wallaby Lane refers to petty crime, post-natal depression, family dynamics, native animal rescues, rural media, war brides and the importance of country shows.

Wallaby Lane is set in the Limestone Coast with plenty of local references such as the Woakwine Cutting.

Her next novel is also set in the Limestone Coast with Cockatoo Cove due for release in mid-2025.

The latest book is being released in paperback, ebook and audiobook by Allen & Unwin.

Ms Linnell and her husband and three children are about to move to Queensland.