Death resuscitates passion for writing

Author Brooke Davis will launch Koorliny Arts Centre's 2015 Stories on Stage program tonight and address writing about grief.

In 2014, Davis' debut novel, Lost and Found, was released and won the hearts of readers Australia-wide.

With her life now busier than ever - she's just finished an Australian tour and is heading to the UK this month - Davis described the aftermath of publishing Lost and Found as "overwhelming and surprising, and just the best time I've ever had".

Those familiar with Davis from her appearance on ABC's Australian Story will know the novel comes from a deeply personal place.

"While writing it, I was trying to work out how people can live knowing that anyone they love can die at any moment," she said.

"About seven years ago, I was on a trip around the world and rang home to find out my mum had died in a freak accident.

"It took me ages to want to write fiction again, but when I did, the character that came first was a little girl obsessed with death. She'd become seven year-old Millie Bird in Lost & Found.

"Agatha Pantha came next, an elderly and grumpy woman who didn't want to know about death.

"About two years into the writing of the novel, Karl the Touch Typist - an elderly man wanting to relive his youth - became a part of the story, too."

Stories on Stage starts at 7pm in the centre's main theatre and costs $15, which includes supper.

Books will be available to buy on the night and one copy of the author's book will be given as a door prize.

Bookings are essential on 9467 7118.