Writing wartime fiction

J.P. Powell is an archaeologist, historian, teacher, and author. She has excavated sites in Jordan, Cyprus and Greece, as well as Australia.

Powell's passion lies in bringing the past to life, weaving together historical and fictional characters to tell the stories of people living through extraordinary times.

In her first novel The Brisbane Line, Powell explores wartime Brisbane. Sergeant Joe Washington works with the American Criminal Investigation Command. While investigating the murder of an American soldier whose body is found near the South Brisbane cemetery, he encounters notorious Queensland detective Frank Bischof and discovers why General MacArthur called Brisbane 'the most corrupt place in the South Pacific'.

Deception Bay continues Powell's wartime saga. Australian Rose McAlister is swept back into Washington's orbit when she returns to Central Bureau - MacArthur's code-breaking answer to Bletchley Park. Together they investigate a suspicious drowning and its link to an arm retrieved from the submarine base on the Brisbane River.

Hear from Powell as she discusses the State Library of Queensland Fellowship that enabled her to undertake the research for these novels, along with the process of writing these compulsive thrillers.

Purchase signed copies of Powell's books on the day.

After the talk, visitors can stay to explore the Memorial Galleries, embarking on an interactive journey from the First World War to today, before taking time to reflect on the remarkable stories of bravery and sacrifice in the tranquil parklands.

Anzac Square Memorial Galleries is located at 285 Ann Street, Brisbane. Entry is through the double brass doors located beneath the Shrine of Remembrance.