“My family has lived in Dalmeny since the late 1950s and my husband and I are currently based here again,” Ms Smith told the Narooma News.

She has previously written for both the Bay Post/Moruya Examiner and the Narooma News, the most recent article being: At Closing Time, a tribute to the Smythe family, in 2017. 

Her new work is set on the property Cheshunt, north of Lithgow, on the edge of the Great Divide.

It is a vast property “where the rare and glorious waratahs grow”, Ms Smith said.

“Home to the Richards family since 1905, Max is restoring Cheshunt to its former glory.

“It is now the 1990s, and the family are keen and active competitors, showing their precious Morgan horses.”

Then tragedy strikes – something Ms Smith knew too well in real life.

The novel was inspired by her young daughter’s long battle with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. A strong background in horse breeding, training and just about every form of competition from rodeo to flat racing provided the equine component for this Australian saga. Love of the native bush and of a way of life that is fast vanishing contributed additional colour.

Ms Smith was born in Moruya and spent her first 18 years in Dalmeny.

The daughter of European immigrant parents, she began writing very early, winning prizes whilst still at primary school. At 14 years she was runner-up in a national writing contest for school students, sponsored by Peter Leyden Publishing.

She has numerous short story and article publications to her credit, both overseas and within Australia. The occasional poem has also found its way into publication.

Where the Waratahs Bloom is her first novel (released December 2018).

Where the Waratahs Bloom will be officially launched early in 2019 but is already available for loan at Narooma Library.

The novel comes in two formats: hardcopy and ebook, both of which are available on Amazon Australia.