Her first book was called 'The Mystery of the Missing Banana and Stolen Diamond' and, by Carmen Allen's own admission, it needed work.
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To be fair, she wasn't long in to her schooling years at the time, and her mystery novel was written on a few sheets of paper she'd stapled together.
She's not a schoolgirl any more, but that desire to write has never left her.
And in 2019 it resulted in her first published novel - 'Molly's Big Decision' - an illustrated book for seven to nine-year-olds.
"I still love reading, it's my number one way to relax," the Karuah mother of two said. "I enjoy reading action novels that have a brave hero."
Which is where Molly steps in. In Carmen's novel young Molly has one month to complete a secret mission at the invitation of the king.
To celebrate her first novel Carmen will hold a book launch party on Saturday, March 7 at 11am at East Maitland Public Library. This is a free family-friendly event.
Along with a book reading, there will be a game and activities for the kids. You can purchase a book at the launch and have it personally signed. Morning tea is included.
Readers can purchase a copy of the book from McDonalds Bookshop.
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