Home » 2017 » Inspired by a nightmare

Inspired by a nightmare

For Swan Hill mental health social worker and author Liz McDonald her debut novel The Lesser Evil started with a nightmare but turned into a dream.

Ms McDonald described the novel as “light horror” and said the idea for the plot originated from a vivid nightmare she had.

“I thought it was a quite an interesting and out of the normal dream for me,” she said.

“It inspired me and the novel grew from there.”

A launch for the novel will be held at Art & Soul Art Gallery in Swan Hill tomorrow along with a small art exhibition.

In the past, Ms McDonald has written to help children cope with grief and other extreme emotions.

“Writing a novel has always been something that has interested me,” she said.

“I loved every moment of writing, it was something I thoroughly enjoyed.”

Ms McDonald started conceptualising the novel in 2014 and put the book on the back burner for while.

“That’s often the case with these kind of things, it’s a slow process,” she said.

“You put a lot of yourself out there when writing a novel.

“I went with an independent publishing company this time which allowed me to release the book world wide and also gave me more control of things.”

To read more about this story, grab a copy of Friday’s Guardian (February 3).

Digital Editions


  • Funding crisis bites regions

    Funding crisis bites regions

    REGIONAL councils in New South Wales warn residents could be slugged with massive rate hikes as a deepening federal funding shortfall threatens essential services. Councils…

More News

  • Family reunites for annual Easter tradition

    Family reunites for annual Easter tradition

    THE Johnson and Wright clans have returned to the stretch of Murray riverbank they have called home every Easter weekend for about 70 years. Matriarch Wendy Johnson said the tradition…

  • Golfers hit the green

    Golfers hit the green

    MURRAY DOWNS MEN’S 4BBB Stableford, Thursday, 26 March Eighty-four players teamed up for the 4BBB Stableford competition last week with Wayne Such ticking off a bucket list item for every…

  • Bustling with Easter activities

    Bustling with Easter activities

    Gallery exhibition THE gallery will be open on Easter Saturday, serving coffee and scones for anyone who would like to view the 150th celebration photos. This collection is a wonderful…

  • All abilities netball a success

    All abilities netball a success

    A MODIFIED netball program for people of all abilities has just concluded at The Stadium Swan Hill, after four weeks of foundational skills and friendly games. Participants from WeAreVivid, Echuca…

  • Water buybacks ‘wasteful’

    Water buybacks ‘wasteful’

    A FRESH political fight has erupted over water buybacks in the Murray-Darling Basin, with farmers, the Coalition and the Federal Government at odds over their impact on rivers and regional…

  • Public reminded to lock vehicles

    Public reminded to lock vehicles

    POLICE have reminded the community to secure and lock up vehicles and homes after an increased number of thefts reported in the last week. SWAN HILL THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE…

  • Demolition for ageing amenities

    Demolition for ageing amenities

    WORKS to remove the decommissioned Swan Hill Showgrounds precinct northwest toilet block have commenced, addressing ongoing issues and safety concerns. Swan Hill Rural City Council director of infrastructure Leah Johnston…

  • Students switch off in classrooms

    Students switch off in classrooms

    ST MARY MacKillop College is urging a balanced approach to Victoria’s sweeping school device ban, warning education must go hand-in-hand with restriction. As the Victorian Government moves to expand its…

  • Herbie drives double win

    Herbie drives double win

    THERE’S nothing better on a balmy evening than being at the harness racing, and such was the case at Swan Hill on Tuesday when an interesting seven-event card was conducted.…

  • Perfecting the chocolate recipe

    Perfecting the chocolate recipe

    A NEW chocolate store has arrived in Swan Hill just in time for Easter, offering handcrafted treats and artisanal creations that are set to delight locals and visitors alike. Esteemed…