Laurieton's Jackie Laing launches The Whimsical World of Jackie and Bella, April 6

Laurieton's Jackie Laing will on Saturday launch her book, The Whimsical World of Jackie and Bella.

For the 75 year old, the book continues her love affair with writing.

"Writing is something that I have always done," she said. "I loved it at school and it just went on from there.

"The book is a collection of poems that I have written over the years.

"It covers the different areas of my life, including relationships, self-growth, prosperity, environment and senior years."

But things could have been so much different.

Jackie was a long-serving volunteer with Riding for the Disabled but after 20 years' service she decided to take another course.

"Virtually the day I stepped down from RDA, I was invited by Colleen Parker, the president of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Federation of Australian Writers to attend a seminar.

"That event was about writing for vol 4 of Seniors Stories. I was evetnually published in that book.

"And things just went on from there. Colleen helped me with the self-publishing of the book and wrote the forward."

Jackie says she draws inspiration from everyday conversations and events.

She says having a sense of humour and being a lateral thinker sets her subconscious mind to work.

A joke or a funny story gets her brain working and before long a poem is underway.

And her style of writing?

"Well, if you know Pam Ayres' work, it is something along those lines," she said.

Jackie is pleased with the book, and the subsequent sales have been a real boost.

The original run of 50 books sold out in just three weeks and a second order was placed.

While the book continued to sell well, Jackie says there will be copies available during the launch.

Jackie Laing will launch her book The Whimsical World of Jackie and Bella at the Laurieton Library on Saturday April 6 at 10am.

RSVP's are essential by phoning 6581 8177.