A common piece of advice offered to authors is to simply write what they know.
For Dunsborough’s Tim Hawken, this couldn’t be truer for his latest novel, If Kisses Cured Cancer.
The piece of Australian coastal fiction has parallels to Hawken’s life and the eight year battle he and wife Tara have faced since her brain tumour diagnosis.
Mr Hawken will launch the book at Dunsborough Tavern on May 11 and is using the event as a fundraiser for Love Your Sister, with book, drink and raffle sales going to the charity.
His decision to give back was inspired by the generosity he experienced from the South West community.
“When Tara was going through her battle with cancer, we only barely kept our heads above water because of a charity event organised by friends and supported by local businesses,” he said.
“That sense of gratitude can’t really be understood unless you feel it yourself, but I hope this gesture goes a little way in paying some of that kindness forward.”
The novel is a quirky look at finding love in unlikely places and is about the importance of connecting with those around you.
The love story differs from Hawken’s previous works, the dark fantasy trilogy, Hellbound.
“I’ve grown a lot as a person and a writer since then, so I’ve drawn on that experience to create something left-of centre, quite personal, but hopefully still compelling,” he said.
Mr Hawken applauded his ‘amazing’ wife for her support as he wrote the book.
He said things were going well for the couple and their two sons, and they were hopeful for the future.
“Because of the type of cancer Tara has, it is never going to be over, there is no cure,” he said.
“Right now, things are going really well and she is back surfing, running and being a Mum – it feels like this year is back to normal programming but we are aware that can change at anytime.
“It was hard to write about it, particularly having to remember things that were quite emotional and paint them in a realistic way, but it was almost therapeutic in a way and cathartic to get it out on paper.”
The launch is open to the general public and begins at 7pm.
If Kisses Cured Cancer is available on amazon.com.au and at Bay Life Books.
