A Sunshine Coast teenage author has received the backing of one of Australia’s best-known drummers for his third children’s book, which centres on how it often takes a little effort to make dreams become a reality.
Former Powderfinger drummer Jon Coghill has endorsed 13-year-old Lincoln Rawlins’ Sprout’s Dream – a story about a lovable seedling pursuing a musical goal – and will join him as a special guest when the book is launched in Maroochydore later this month.
It’s a dream come true for Lincoln himself, who has a long-standing passion for music and writing – a love he shares with rocker-turned-journalist and filmmaker, Mr Coghill.
“Whenever I have a moment of rest, musical beats start coming into my head. I drive my sister crazy because I’m always tapping on things with my fingers,” Lincoln said.
“I play guitar and the drums and thought this book could explore how to become good at the things you love.”
The Year 7 student, who became one of Australia’s youngest published authors when he released Sprout’s Idea at the age of eight, is continuing his literary journey with his upcoming release.
The latest instalment in the beloved Sprout series follows Sprout as determination, creativity and perseverance help him discover that achieving something meaningful often starts with believing it is possible.
The book builds on the positive messages that have become a hallmark of Lincoln’s writing, encouraging young readers to embrace their passions, overcome challenges and pursue their dreams.
For Mr Coghill, supporting the young artist was a no-brainer.
“I wanted to endorse Lincoln’s book because it’s a cool story about drumming and inspiration,” he said.
“My first impression of Lincoln was that he loved telling stories. He loved being an author.
“I also loved the illustrations. Sprout is a lovely character too, lovable and unstoppable. It has been so exciting to see the book come together.”
As for Lincoln, having the support of one of Australia’s most respected musicians is both exciting and humbling.
“I was so happy when Jon agreed to meet with me to read my story and to see if he wanted to endorse it,” Lincoln said.
“We went to his house and as soon as he saw music was the theme of this one and what the message was, he was all in.”
It’s not the first time Lincoln’s writing has caught the interest of a well-known creative.
The 2022 launch of his first title earned an endorsement from bestselling Australian children’s author Andy Griffiths – the brains behind the award-winning Treehouse series – while Lincoln’s second title, Super Sprout, grabbed the attention of Australian author Jackie French of Diary of a Wombat fame.
Since then, Lincoln has built an impressive resume that includes school visits, festival appearances, author panels and media interviews.
He has read his work to hundreds of children, appeared at national literary events and even became the featured storyteller aboard Bonza’s inaugural Sunshine Coast to Darwin flight, reading Sprout’s Idea to passengers as an in-flight bedtime story.
The launch event at Rush Adventureland on October 17 at 5pm will give readers and families the opportunity to celebrate the release of Sprout’s Dream, meet Lincoln and Jon, have books signed and hear firsthand about the creative process behind the latest Sprout adventure.
Tickets can be purchased here.
