Local Author Brings Faith And Fantasy Together In Debut Novel

Mackay local author Khloe Ann explores the balance of darkness and light beyond the human eye, weaving fantasy with spirituality, culture, and authentic Aussie roots in her debut novel, Proskynima.

The fiction tale intertwines the mystery of Greek mythology with a foundation of Christian values, as characters navigate physical life while confronting deeper spiritual elements of light and darkness. At the centre of the story is Athena, a young woman faced with choices that test both faith and identity.

Khloe Ann is a quiet achiever, humble in her ways yet wonderfully creative, and that sincerity carries through the pages of her debut novel.

Remarkably, the journey into writing only began recently.

“I only started writing last year,” she said.

What followed surprised even her.

“Before I knew it, there was 70,000 words on a manuscript, and I was like, wow, where’d that come from?”

Khloe explained that the characters seemed to develop naturally as the story unfolded. Drawing inspiration from her faith, she said the story reflects the balance between good and evil that many people experience in their own lives.

“There was no inspiration really other than just my own Christian walk,” she said.

To build the world within the novel, Khloe undertook extensive research, particularly into the rich history of Greek mythology.

“I did a lot of research and I fell in love with the town and the city I wrote about,” she said.

After just one year of stepping into the writing world, Khloe has already attracted interest within the industry, with publishers expressing enthusiasm about her work and future manuscripts.

A former healthcare worker at Mackay Hospital, she now balances writing with family and community life, embracing the unexpected path storytelling has opened. An active member of Australian writing groups, including the Queensland Women’s Writing and Queensland Writing Centre, her short stories and charitable entries, such as The Last Plastic Fork, have gained international attention.

Despite the growing momentum, Khloe remains humble and grounded.

“I’m so thankful for the support of the readers, and my family and friends.”

She hopes the story will resonate with a wide range of readers, particularly those interested in faith-based themes blended with imaginative storytelling.

And for readers who enjoy the first edition, she is already working on a sequel.

“I’m hoping to have a manuscript by the end of the year,” she said. “It will become a series… so stay tuned!”

Her advice to other aspiring writers is simply to, “Just start writing – put the words on page first – then edit.”

“I’m not aiming to be big. I’m not aiming to be great. I just want to write, and I want to connect with people – that’s why I started this journey.”

She hopes to connect with audiences at her meet-and-greet / book signing event in Airlie Beach on April 11, from 10am to 2pm, at the Beach Book Boutique. Fans and new readers alike are invited to meet Khloe, ask questions, and pick up a signed copy of Proskynima.

For more information or to purchase a copy, visit www.khloeann.com.au or follow @writtenbykhloeann. The Last Plastic Fork is also available at www.habitatpress.com.

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