Tess Woods to speak on latest novel

A multi-generational novel that spans 50 years will be the focus of a book talk at Koorliny Arts Centre later this month.

Written by Perth-based author Tess Woods, pictured, her third novel, Love and Other Battles, follows three generations of Australian women.

It begins in 1969 and centres on the grandmother and matriarch of the family, Jess, a young free spirit protesting the Vietnam War who finds herself falling for a drafted soldier, before following their daughter Jamie and her daughter CJ.

Woods’, Love at First Flight, was released in 2015, while her second novel, Beautiful Messy Love, came out two years ago.

She said she had wanted to write a multi-generational story for her third book, which was inspired by one of her favourite stories, The Notebook.

“From that, I took the idea of an elderly couple reflecting on the past that includes a war,” she said.

“Young CJ is a talented country music singer with dreams of going to Nashville, and that storyline was inspired by my own love of country music since I was a child.

“For fans of the TV show Nashville, I even included some cameos from the stars of the show.”

Woods, a mother of teenagers, was drawn to writing about the struggles adolescents face in the modern world with issues such as online bullying, revenge porn and self-harm. She also included Parkinson’s disease as part of the plot to honour her father-in-law.

Writing romance was a natural fit for Woods, who said as a fan of the genre, she wanted to create emotional stories for others.

“I’ve always loved to read love stories, not necessarily happy-ever-after romances that follow a set formula, but love stories that take you on an unpredictable journey and that are true to life,” she said.

“I want to feel emotionally impacted when I read, I want to be swept away.”

The novel will be the focus of the Stories on Stage event on June 26 at the Koorliny Arts Centre.

Woods will be interviewed by Monique Mulligan.

Stories on Stage starts at 7pm and costs $15, which includes supper, and book sales and signings.

Bookings are essential.

Call 9467 7118.