Forest Lake jeweller and author of Croakers Lagoon, Alastair Bax, is writing the sequel “Return to Croakers Lagoon” after receiving devastating news late last year.
Alastair was recently diagnosed with acute myelocytic leukaemia, which can be fatal if not treated.
“Croakers Lagoon was sent to the printers in late December, and just after that I found out I had leukaemia,” he said.
“After a week of chemotherapy, I had a bone marrow biopsy, and unfortunately the chemotherapy wasn’t working.”
Finding Inspiration in Adversity
For Alastair, this diagnosis freed something in him to continue the story of Nathan and Emma.
“While I was in hospital staring at the ceiling, I had two ways to go,” Alastair said.
“Either I could think of what fate had dealt me or do something else to distract myself.”
So, Alastair began writing the new journey to Croakers Lagoon from his hospital bed.
“It was amazing because, from lying in bed feeling miserable in the hospital with absolutely nothing to do, I was suddenly writing a novel in my head,” he said.
The sequel sees Nathan and Emma return to Croakers Lagoon, and adds a new layer to the original book.
“I decided to include references to the Indigenous Dreamtime and included a part about a smoking ceremony,” he said.
“I don’t want to give too much away.”
This Saturday, February 17, Alastair will have a stand for the sale of Croakers Lagoon at the Element Martial Arts in Darra.
The Pop Up Stall event will have the books available for $25 and Alastair would love to see all of them sold.
“I would be grateful if people would buy the original book because everybody who reads it loves it,” he said.
“It will be something very special for me before I pass on.”
