How a Road Trip Sparked My Novel
Road to Cobar - Easter 2025
I’ve started writing a novel, or at least, I’m giving it my best shot. It’s been a whole new experience for me, and one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned so far is that writing a book doesn’t happen overnight. It’s so much more than just having an idea. I haven’t always been someone who jots down story ideas. That’s something that’s only really started since being in my 30s, and it has slowly become a new creative outlet for me. These days, I find myself scribbling notes, sketching out characters, and capturing random bursts of inspiration whenever they hit. The real challenge, though, is taking all of those scattered thoughts and shaping them into a story that flows. That part is tough, but it’s also where the magic happens.
The spark for this novel came from a trip that didn’t quite go to plan. Over Easter break in April this year, I took my Holden HQ One Tonner ute, built in 1972, on a road trip that was meant to take me all the way to Broken Hill. The trip didn’t quite go to plan, as I only made it as far as Cobar before car troubles stopped me in my tracks. At first, I was frustrated, but sometimes setbacks bring unexpected opportunities.
The road trip was inspired by some of my favourite classic Aussie films. Running on Empty was filmed in locations around Cobar, Mad Max was filmed near Silverton, and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert was based around Broken Hill with the story following a road trip across the outback. I wanted to experience these landscapes for myself and imagine the stories they could tell, which planted the seed for my novel. While I was stuck waiting for a lift home, I started thinking about the stories and atmosphere around me. Cobar, with its gritty charm and remote backdrop, became the perfect place to begin imagining a crime story set in a uniquely Australian town.
At first, my idea leaned toward a travel or even time-travel theme, inspired by the journey I was taking and the places I wanted to explore. But as I reflected on the story, I realized it would work better to focus on one time period, making it easier to build depth and consistency. That is when I realized I wanted to dive into something darker, something layered with mystery and tension. That’s when the idea for a crime-based novel started forming.
My book is set in 1972 Bathurst and the surrounding areas. That year is particularly special to me. The HQ Holden Kingswood is one of my favourite cars, and I wanted to set the story in an era that matched my love for these iconic 70’s Holdens. The main character drives an old FJ Ute from the 1950s, which allows me to explore the evolution of Holden vehicles leading up to 1972. Throughout the story, readers will see glimpses of different Holden models and events, from the early FJ and FE sedans to the Kingswood and Torana, tying them to iconic Bathurst moments like Peter Brock winning in the Torana.
I also wanted to explore the world of 1970s car salesmen, combining it with my passion for history, crime-mystery novels, and writing about the town I live in. Having personally worked at a Holden dealership until they closed, and still working as a car salesperson today, I could not resist adding the stereotypes, humor, and dynamics of the dealership world into the story.
I also really enjoyed my visit to the Bathurst Library, where they helped me find an old business and street directory from 1972 to 1973, complete with maps of Bathurst from that time. Most of the streets are the same, but many of the business locations were different. It was fascinating to see how the town has changed and to imagine how people lived and worked back then. These little discoveries help me bring the setting to life and give the story a sense of authenticity.
So far, the story is starting to take shape. Without giving too much away, I can say there is a crime that shakes Bathurst and changes the lives of several people in the town. The story mixes mystery, tension, and character-driven moments. Writing it has given me a whole new perspective on the town I have been blogging about for years. I’m exploring how a single event can ripple through a community, how secrets affect everyone, and how ordinary life can suddenly feel uncertain and fragile.
Here’s a glimpse of what readers can expect from the novel
A crime that shakes Bathurst and ripples through the community
Realistic 1972 Bathurst settings
Characters with entirely made-up first names, but all surnames contain a little Easter egg
A focus on community, relationships, and hidden secrets
Classic Holdens throughout the story, starting with the main character’s 1950s FJ Ute
References to iconic Bathurst races, including Peter Brock winning in the Torana
Mentions of other Holden models leading up to 1972, celebrating the history of Holden
The 1970s car sales world, dealerships, and the stereotypes of the era
Local events like the Bathurst Show entwined into the story
I’ve started sharing snippets, rough concepts, and behind-the-scenes moments over on my Instagram. It’s been fun to let people follow along with the journey, even while I’m still figuring things out. If you would like to join me as I bring this story to life, that’s where you’ll find my latest updates, brainstorms, and maybe even a sneak peek or two. Below are some photos I created using AI to share some of my ideas for the story and the main character.
This whole project began with a road trip that did not go the way I planned. Maybe the novel will be the same unexpected, but hopefully worth the journey in the end.