One agent. Four writers and a book that takes on a life of its own.
***
A literary agent exiles three stalled writers to a crumbling regional homestead. A fourth arrives and the dynamic shifts dangerously until a story arrives and pulls them together yet brings with it a misfortune none saw coming.
The Booksmiths
By Elliot McGarva
MAY 1, 2026
A literary agent struggles with three clients, their literary life's stalled.
Designed to reinvigorate the men, Aphra Davey banishes them to a ruinous homestead in regional NSW to hammer out a collaborative work.
When a fourth writer joins the group his presence upsets the balance, jeopardising chances of creating a worthwhile piece.
Surviving a series of misadventures, a bond form between the four and a strange story emerges which all agree must be written.
As their ghostly tale builds, none foresee a great misfortune that lies ahead. Racing to complete their manuscript before their time in the house expires, the men hammer out their foreboding fable.
The Booksmiths tells of reinvention, gaining control through lack of it and what patience, true friendship and tragedy bring with them.
Reviews of The Booksmiths
A hauntingly beautiful tale, The Booksmiths weaves together nature, relationships, and the human spirit in a chorus of unforgettable voices.
Elliot’s writing has a distinctive style, pairing stark realism with a quiet, lyrical sense of promise.
Elliot is a masterful storyteller. His keen emotional insight brings every page to life.
Creative and poetic. Elliot creates unforgettable characters and narratives that linger long after the final word.
