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FEATURE - Winston’s Hinterland Link

Retirement and a holiday to Egypt unleashed the veracious writer in Rita lee Chapman.


by Rebecca Mugridge



Like many people, Rita had a dream from childhood, but work and life got in the way for a while, as it so often does.


“I always enjoyed writing. When I was young, I wrote a short book for my youngest brother and long essays at school. At work, I enjoyed writing correspondence and reports. 


“It wasn’t until I retired that I finally published a book, although I had started several times over the years, using a typewriter and foolscap paper! 


Missing in Egypt was my first book, inspired by a holiday in Egypt. What a magical place to set a mystery!” Rita marvels. 


“I’ve been lucky to travel to many places in Europe, Asia and America, and England, where I was born and visit regularly.”


Despite all her travels, the hinterland has a special place in Rita’s heart, so much so that her bestselling book, Winston – A Horse’s Tale, has a horse main character with many different owners in its life, one of which calls Maleny home. 


In addition, Rita’s book The Poinciana Tree is set in Eumundi and Verrierdale. “Eumundi plays an important part in the plot. I wanted to base the story on the Sunshine Coast and because I love poincianas, I wanted to use one on the cover.”


Rita’s ‘Missing’ series which started in Egypt is the first in her Anna Davies Mystery series. “Egypt seemed the perfect place to set it, a land of mystery and possibilities.” 


Winston – A Horse’s Tale has been extremely popular with readers and Rita suggests this may be due to the story being from Winton’s point of view. 


“Winston is a good-looking, palomino horse whose life involves several different owners and many adventures. As you read his story you appreciate horse ownership from the horse’s point of view.  


“Born on a country property in Australia, Winston tells of the different people he encounters – good, bad and ignorant and Winston includes the experiences of other horses he meets along the way. 


“It is an eventful life – the story of one Australian horse out of thousands, but one that you will remember.” 


Rita says it has been referred to as a modern-day Black Beauty by some readers.


Winston’s popularity has given Rita some really heartwarming moments in her writing career. “I was at Cooroy Fusion Festival one year, such a shame it hasn’t reappeared since

Covid, with a large picture of Winston in the front of my table at the Cooroy Library. A lady came running towards me, her arms open wide saying, “Winston is here, Winston is here!” She laughs fondly, remembering the moment. 


Rita says having family around you and supportive people is so important for any writer and that her mum has always been right there behind her. “My mother, who is now 99 years of age and lives in England, has always been a huge supporter.” 


Rita, along with many authors, loves her local libraries too and highlights how vital they are for authors and writers in a community. 


“Libraries play a huge part in our lives, providing books for education as well as entertainment. Reading is a wonderful way to relax and to enter different worlds. For older people too, who are no longer as active as they once were, they provide hours of enjoyment. I think the joy of reading is one of the greatest gifts a parent can bestow on their child.” 


Libraries on the Sunshine Coast, Rita says, are known for their fantastic ability to promote our local authors and creative arts right here in the hinterland. 


“Last month I participated in the Writers’ Festival with an author’s table at Cooroy Library, which was very successful.” 


Even after an impressive 12 books Rita is not slowing down. “My latest book is a detective story, Murder at the Tennis Club, which is set in Noosa and introduces Detective Inspector Mark Williamson. 


“I am also currently writing the next detective story, Murder at the Yacht Club, which should be published later this year.”


And these will add to her impressive author portfolio of publications including murder-mysteries and children’s books.


In true community spirit, Rita also supports other writers. “Each week I host a different author on my website to showcase their work.They make some interesting reading.” 


And Rita’s advice to budding writers out there? 


“If you want to write, I would encourage you to just make a start and see where it goes.”


You can find Rita and her books at Amazon and via her website ritaleechapman.com.



 
 
 

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