By Bonny Burrows
When finding inspiration for his latest book, Jim Connelly looked no further than his childhood.
The former Garfield boy had fond memories of growing up in the small Gippsland town, particularly of the picturesque Mount Cannibal.
So when it came to putting pen to paper once more, the Warragul retiree knew he had found his setting.
“I know Mount Cannibal like the back of my hand,” he said.
A fictional story set in a realistic setting, Mountain Boy tells the story of Brock, a young boy with cerebral palsy who defies his disability and a treacherous storm in an attempt to scale the mountain.
The young adult novel, which is suited to late primary school/early secondary college readers, is Mr Connelly’s fourth novel and the first part of his Tom and Anna series.
But when talking to the author about his latest work it’s clear it’s his most personal.
His love of Bunyip certainly hasn’t deteriorated over the years and the “wonderful mountains and orchards” move him to this day.
“I can walk down the street and in the last 50, 60 years it hasn’t changed,” Mr Connelly said.
“I’ve just got this very strong attachment to this place and this boyhood growing up.
“Everyone relates very strongly to their place of childhood, and it was my home for the first 17 years of my life.”
The self-published book was launched on 17 February in Drouin and is quickly gaining rave reviews.
But it’s not the fame that draws Mr Connelly to write – it’s a desire to help others.
As with all his novels, half of Mountain Boy’s proceeds will go to charity.
He’s previously supported Anglicare Gippsland, this time it’s a small organisation on Raymond Island, Paynesville.
Mr Connelly said this novel had created “much more interest” than the other three books due to the local setting.
He hopes this will lead to a boost in his charity contributions, but he also just wants people to enjoy the novel.
“It’s a good story set in our own backyard,” he said.
Mountain Boy is available online on Amazon or at the Garfield newsagency.
