Perth Sunday Times - "Idol Winner a novelist" 12/2
Feb 13, 2007 17:29:46 GMT 10
Post by dededom on Feb 13, 2007 17:29:46 GMT 10
Idol winner a novelist
Perth Sunday Times
February 12, 2007 08:15am
www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,21210534-5005368,00.html
MAN OF MANY TALENTS: Australian Idol winner Damien Leith is about to become a published author.
AUSTRALIAN Idol winner, Irish crooner Damien Leith, is about to become a published author.
Harper Collins today announced it has signed a deal to publish the Irish crooner's debut fiction novel.
The signing comes after a year of communications between Leith and Harper Collins, the publisher said.
Fiction publisher Linda Funnel, who was introduced to Leith by a mutual friend, said she was impressed by his writing skills before he achieved fame as an Idol winner.
"I was first drawn to Damien's writing well before his Idol victory, so I know Damien first as a writer," she said.
"Damien contacted me back in 2005 and I read an early draft of his novel. I thought it had terrific potential - a really strong story - and gave him some feedback for rewrites.
"Then the whole Idol thing happened and I thought the novel would be on the back burner.
"So it's wonderful to have the chance to publish it now."
The currently untitled novel is an "inspiring story of courage and hope", Harper Collins said.
It is scheduled to go on sale in October.
Irish-born Leith became a celebrity after winning the 2006 series of Australian Idol.
He is currently performing shows for his number one album, The Winner's Journey.
Leith recently became an Australian citizen.
AAP
Perth Sunday Times
February 12, 2007 08:15am
www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,21210534-5005368,00.html
MAN OF MANY TALENTS: Australian Idol winner Damien Leith is about to become a published author.
AUSTRALIAN Idol winner, Irish crooner Damien Leith, is about to become a published author.
Harper Collins today announced it has signed a deal to publish the Irish crooner's debut fiction novel.
The signing comes after a year of communications between Leith and Harper Collins, the publisher said.
Fiction publisher Linda Funnel, who was introduced to Leith by a mutual friend, said she was impressed by his writing skills before he achieved fame as an Idol winner.
"I was first drawn to Damien's writing well before his Idol victory, so I know Damien first as a writer," she said.
"Damien contacted me back in 2005 and I read an early draft of his novel. I thought it had terrific potential - a really strong story - and gave him some feedback for rewrites.
"Then the whole Idol thing happened and I thought the novel would be on the back burner.
"So it's wonderful to have the chance to publish it now."
The currently untitled novel is an "inspiring story of courage and hope", Harper Collins said.
It is scheduled to go on sale in October.
Irish-born Leith became a celebrity after winning the 2006 series of Australian Idol.
He is currently performing shows for his number one album, The Winner's Journey.
Leith recently became an Australian citizen.
AAP
