When Severino Agnelli and his family migrate to Australia from Italy in 1954, his son, ‘Fozzie’, meets a beautiful girl, ‘Cat’ Ginelli, on the ship, and they become friends. The Agnelli and Ginelli families love Australia, work hard and forge friendships. Cat becomes a nurse and Fozzie a journalist, but tragedy strikes when Fozzie’s brother is killed in the Vietnam War, and Fozzie spirals into depression when his dad dies. Cat pleads with him to write the book he’s wanted to write – ‘Bold Journey’.
Fozzie flies to London, writes his book, and travels to Italy where he sees Cat interviewed on television, working as a nurse during a famine in Ethiopia. Inspired by Cat, Fozzie heads to Ethiopia to report on the famine, and his passionate reports are syndicated worldwide. Cat is unavailable, but Fozzie leaves a crucifix with her colleague; one Cat made for him in 1954. Returning to London to fight for the Ethiopians, he is hospitalised with meningitis, and Cat flies from Italy to keep a secret vigil by his bedside. Fozzie recovers, and Cat leaves London to get on with her life.
Attending an International Awards ceremony, Fozzie is stunned to win an award for Humanitarian Journalism. Minutes later, Cat is awarded an honour for Exceptional Courage. Will Cat accept her award? Will she and Fozzie finally meet up? Who nominated them for their awards?
Dedicated to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice to leave their homeland and begin a new life in Australia.
Wake up, shower, coffee and get stuck into it.
I love it. It is a gift. Everyone on this planet has talents and gifts. I don't need much money to survive, but I'd like to make lots of money from my books so that I can set up scholarships for poor kids around the world. To me, the ultimate would be for an author like me to provide an education for kids living in poverty.
I've just had my next three books printed, and the next 12 are finished, ready to be finalised.
Many migrants made the ultimate sacrifice, by migrating to Australia. Their contribution to THE LUCKY COUNTRY has been outstanding.
Young adult fiction. Why, because I remember what it was like as a kid.
None. It all came from my memory.
Greatly as a writer but it is so hard to sell books.
Nothing. Like all of my books, I got involved with the characters and wrote it.
Honouring the thousands of migrants who came to this country to live.
I use social media more often, and also write a daily blog that goes to 168 countries.
I have an idea and it takes off.
Some. Fortunately I have some avid followers who like my passionate books.
No, but they encourage me to keep going.
At first, but eventually you have to bit the bullet and just do it.
I used to but not any more.
Maybe my grandfathers. They were intellectual thinkers.
Do whatever it takes to get your name out there. Don't be shy.
I have several series going. Your followers can't wait for the next book to be published.
The story is the story. That's it.
I've picked up some top reviewers over the years. Many of them are also authors who like my work.
My favourite film is 'Babe'.
I've made five but do not see them as a selling agent.
The third book in the Wiralee Trilogy. It will be called 'Magic Billie'.
Just do it! But, get advice from everywhere.
Clancytucker
Clancy Tucker is an award-winning author with three awards in the Australian National Literary Awards. He writes young adult fiction for reluctant readers, but has also achieved success as a poet and photographer. Clancy has lived in four countries, speaks three languages, has photography accepted and published in books in the USA (Innocent Dreams, Endless Journeys & A Trip Down Memory Lane), used as covers for magazines (‘The Australian Writer’ – 2008 and ‘Victorian Writer’ - 2008), has work registered with the International Library of Photography and been published in literary magazines. He’s written more than 146 short stories and has a sizeable collection of bush poems.
Clancy’s won, been short-listed, ‘Commended’ and ‘Highly Commended’ in writing contests: 2006, 2007& 2011 Australian National Literary Awards, Raspberry & Vine (twice), Positive words, Australian Writers On-Line, Shaggy Sheep Tale, The Cancer Council Arts Awards (2005 & 2008), The Dusty Swag Awards (2010) and had twelve short stories published in literary magazines (Page Seventeen, Branching Out, Positive Words and The Australian Writer), newspapers (The Standard, Mountain Views & The Advocate), written articles for Kid Magazine in the USA, and won a poetry prize to name a life-size statue designed by renowned Belgian sculptor, Bruno Torfs.
Clancy is a full-time writer but has been a speechwriter, senior public servant, farmer and small business operator. He teaches students at the University of the Third Age (U3A), mentors emerging writers, has worked with street kids, and draws on life’s experiences to write entertaining stories for kids.
Clancy also writes a daily blog which includes top guests from around the world: human rights lawyers, authors, musicians, artists, illustrators, senior diplomats, young adults and many more: www.clancytucker.blogspot.com.au Check it out. He has also been a guest on dozens of blogs, writes a monthly editorial for a newspaper and contributes articles for literary magazines. Clancy has also been a contributing guest editor for the Australian Prostate Magazine.
Not only, Clancy has been a human rights activist and social justice campaigner for decades.