What Shapes Our Lives - Memoir

Damien Linnane and Craig Semple's memoirs recount their search for identity and personal growth amidst trauma. Katherine McLean will lead a discussion on transforming extreme life events into a memoir that inspires.

Books available for purchase and signing.

Part of the Write Here Festival 2024. Full program details here

Gold coin donation on entry

Damien Linnane is the author of the vigilante crime novel, Scarred (Tenth Street Press, 2019), written by hand while he was in prison for crimes the sentencing magistrate described as an act of vigilantism. His second book, Raw (Brolga Publishing, 2023) is his memoir. A self-taught artist, Damien is also the illustrator of the book This is Ear Hustle (Crown Publishing, 2021), and the editor of Paper Chained, an art and writing magazine for prisoners. He lives in Newcastle, Australia, where he is completing a PhD at the University of Newcastle.

Craig Semple was a career detective in the New South Wales Police Force for twenty-five years, investigating homicides, outlaw motorcycle gangs and hundreds of other serious crimes. Medically retired from law enforcement in 2013 due to psychological injuries, Craig is now a sought-after keynote speaker and mental health advocate. Craig is the founding director of Mentality Plus, through which he has developed and delivered mental health, well-being, and resilience education to thousands of people all over Australia. He is a master instructor with Mental Health First Aid Australia and an ambassador for the Black Dog Institute.

Parking and Venue information

Toronto Library, located on the corner of Brighton Ave & Pemell St, has a public carpark adjacent to the building with accessible parking available that provides access via a ramp to the library. The venue has accessible toilets outside the facility. The library can be accessed by public buses.