A Life of Seizing Opportunities: Burdekin Writer’s Journey to the Page

An enthusiastic literary crowd gathered at the Burdekin Library on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, as local writer Denise Neville and former Burdekin Readers & Writers president Mickey McKellar led an intimate conversation on the theme “You’re Never Too Old.” McKellar, an aspiring author herself, guided the discussion as Neville shared her journey from cane fields to the page, offering insights into creativity, resilience, and the life of a late-blooming writer.

For Burdekin-born Denise Neville, the theme could not have been more fitting. Raised on a cane farm in Home Hill, Neville spent much of her career in the sugar industry and public service before a chance involvement in a Mackay local history project unlocked her passion for storytelling.

“While it was a great opportunity and pushed me to get writing, by the time I’d finished the history book, all I wanted to do was write creatively,” she told the audience, reflecting on the turning point that led her to a new chapter in life.

Neville now writes under two pen names: Kayla Danoli, for her evocative Queensland historical sagas, and Neive Denis, for her cosy crime and mystery novels. This dual identity allows her to explore different creative paths without confusing her readers.

“When I retired, I was perhaps carrying some baggage and it was fun to explore the crime genre,” she admitted with a smile. “It was also quite cathartic to write a book where I could kill people off.”

The event coincided with the launch of her latest novel, A Life of Seizing Opportunities, which follows characters through Mackay and the Burdekin during the early days of the sugar industry. Neville blends fictional families with real historical milestones—such as the establishment of local mills and the embryonic Macmillan operations—offering readers a vivid, human connection to the region’s past.

When asked how she generates new ideas, Neville offered a philosophy that drew chuckles from the audience:

“Everyone talks about not having any good ideas to start writing about, but that’s not how it works.

“You can’t just click on Amazon and order a big idea. It’s like gardening—you get a little seed, let it sit in the back of your mind, and give it time to grow.”

Neville also shared her early steps into creative writing. She began with hobby courses through York University in the UK before moving into a full degree. Her breakthrough came during National Novel Writing Month, where she was challenged to write 50,000 words in 30 days.

“I was home alone at the time, so I thought I’d give it a go,” she said. “By the end of November, I’d written 140,000 words. In January, I took 40,000 out, and that became my first novel.”

Neville hopes that A Life of Seizing Opportunities leaves readers with a sense of resilience that embodied the people of the time and something that she sees as much less common today.

“The message with many of my stories and particularly with A Life of Seizing Opportunities is If you have a go, there’s a fair chance you’ll succeed,” she said. “And if not, at least you’re no worse off—just keep trying, or try something new.”

The morning, hosted by Burdekin Readers & Writers, concluded with morning tea and a book-signing session, leaving attendees inspired by the message that in writing, and in life, it’s never too late to seize an opportunity.

For those interested in exploring Neville’s works further, her books are available for purchase through her publishing company, Eaglemount Books.

Contributed with thanks to Kelly Lund

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Denise Neville (Left) and Mickey McKellar led an engaging author talk last week at the Burdekin Library
Neville and McKellar discuss getting started in the writing process

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