Liezl Shnookal
Australian author of contemporary fiction and coming-of-age novels that inspire, challenge, and transform.
At Bush Telegraph XPress, Liezl Shnookal shares contemporary fiction that is thought-provoking, emotionally honest, and grounded in lived experience. Often inspired by true stories and current events, her writing spans intimate coming-of-age journeys and vivid, place-driven tales that invite readers to see the world — and themselves — a little differently.
Discover Coming-of-Age Novels by Liezl Shnookal
Off Track: An Award-Winning Story of Love and Losing Your Way in 1970s Australia
Off Track takes you to a sun-soaked beach in 1970s Australia, where carefree summer holidays of love, laughter, and friendship unravel into a raw journey of unexpected twists. Join Lucy as she navigates the complexities of life, love and heartbreak in this powerful coming-of-age novel.
Praise for Off Track
"This book really moved me – sometimes to laughter, sometimes to tears." – Julie Gillespie, Seaford
"An Australian version of Catcher in the Rye. Everybody should read this book!" – Ros Addison, St Andrews
Available in print, Ebook and PDF
Nikki vs Jess: An Award-Winning Story of Two Women Who Refuse to Fit the Mould
In 1980s Australia, two young women fight to break free from the gender roles that define and confine them. Nikki vs Jess is a powerful coming-of-age novel about carving your own path, defying expectations, and the personal cost of challenging the status quo. A compelling story of friendship, courage, and the search for identity in a world that demands conformity.
Praise for Nikki vs Jess
“Super easy to read, couldn't put it down. It sits between so many genres. Fantastic!” – Vanessa Hutchinson, Greensborough
"Gripping – who was going to win? Loved the books’s ending!” – John Simpson, Brunswick
Available in print, Ebook and PDF
Read Free Contemporary Short Fiction and True Stories by Liezl Shnookal
Fiddling While Rome Burns: A Brutal Narrative about the Climate Crisis and Political Inaction
From rising sea levels in the Pacific Islands to a grieving widow after an Australian bushfire, Fiddling While Rome Burns tells of the human toll of climate change. These personal stories expose the growing emergency, set against a backdrop of political and corporate indifference. A powerful and unflinching critique of political inaction in the face of global catastrophe.
Sitting Beside Bushfire Survivors: A Personal Story of Black Saturday's Aftermath
In the wake of the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, Liezl Shnookal sits with survivors, listening as they speak through grief, shock, and the raw edges of survival. This deeply personal story captures what remains after fire tears through homes, lives, and landscapes — a quiet reckoning with destruction, gratitude, and the strength found in community.
Step Into Stories Told Through Images by Liezl Shnookal
Discover Exotic Wildlife and Amazing People
Liezl Shnookal's visual stories transport you to distant lands, where the wonders of nature and the spirit of humanity intertwine. From the dense foliage of unknown territories to the vibrant souls that inhabit them, experience storytelling that captivates and inspires.
Australia's Great Barrier Reef is Under Threat
Find out why, and what you can do about it.
Wander Through Liezl Shnookal’s Blog About Writing, Life, and the Stories in Between
Stories From the Everyday
Small moments. Big thoughts. Personal reflections and ordinary adventures, all told with warmth, insight, and a touch of storytelling magic. These are the quieter stories that linger — thoughtful, sometimes funny, always real.
A Writer’s Path
Step into the world behind the words — from creative sparks and writing challenges to the joys (and detours) of bringing a story to life. A candid look at the writer’s journey, told with honesty, humour, and heart.
Contact Liezl Shnookal
Have a question, collaboration idea, or just want to say hello?