Harvey Author Joel Whitwell launches second book

Growing up, Harvey’s Joel Whitwell always wanted to be a writer, and now, with his second book soon to be released, he’s living out his dream.

Mr Whitwell published his first book in 2020 — One Ear. One Eye. No Worries — and is thrilled to have his second book — Spreading my Wings — on sale soon.

While the first book explored his early life growing up in Harvey with cranial facial deficiency, building lifelong friendships and his earlier trips overseas, his second book explores the past few years and his recent adventures overseas.

“I did a few early trips with good friends and wrote about that a lot in my first book,” he said.

“This second book gets straight into it.”

Kicking off in 2018, Mr Whitwell’s second book explores his time travelling across Europe, life through COVID-19 and adventures around Australia.

Mr Whitwell said growing up he always wanted to be a writer. Although it took some twists and turns, with his second book (written entirely by hand) now coming out, he’s excited to be living out his dream.

“I think I got to a point in my life where I thought, I grew up in a small town, inspired a lot of people with my positive outlook, but then I lost a good friend in a car acciden,” he said.

“Me and him did Sydney together and I think that inspired me to take that leap for faith, to maybe see what else is out there in the world.”

Since publishing his first book, Mr Whitwell has been able to share his story widely through author talks, public speaking events and hopes to continue inspiring people though his second book.

“It’s like anything in life, it’s got to start somewhere and then the momentum builds,” he said.

Mr Whitwell said he thinks writing books brings a sense of purpose to his life, and sharing his story is his way of leaving behind a lasting legacy.

“I used to read a lot of books when I was young, and I always loved autobiographies,” he said.

I think everyone’s got a story.

Now with a second book on the way, and a third already in the works, Mr Whitwell said he is in a position where he can start to support other people getting their work published.

He said believing in yourself is key to anyone wanting to write their own story.

“You’ve got to start somewhere,” he said.

Behind the book, Mr Whitwell said there is an army of people who have supported him in telling his story, such as the book’s editor Coralee Italiano, who is a lifelong friend he has known since high school.

“I think anyone who’s been a part of the journey deserves thanks and recognition,” he said.

“It’s the people you meet along the way that make a life.”