Book draws on family experience

"If you have enough courage, hope and belief in yourself, you'll get there in the end," is the message Arrowtown author Alma Stevenson says she wants children to take from reading her new book.

About 55 relatives and friends, including several from Southland, celebrated with Mrs Stevenson the launch of Joe's Journey on the Earnslaw on board the docked TSS Earnslaw on Saturday.

The 71-year-old, fifth-generation Arrowtown resident and writer of 10 years said before the festivities she was thrilled to be part of the event, despite ill health, with the help of many people whom she thanked in her speech.

"I have had this book in my mind for a while," she said.

"The Earnslaw has been part of my life and my parents travelled on her on their honeymoon in 1928.

"My father-in-law used to meet the Earnslaw regularly to unload wool and grain on to her and I am pleased to have included some of the family's original and historic photos in the book."

Wheelchair-bound boy Joe has a birthday to remember when his granddad and mother join him on an Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak, in a story for 6 to 10-year-olds, with illustrations by Cardrona artist PG Rob.

"They are fantastic illustrations. She's done an amazing job. She's half the book," Mrs Stevenson said.

A glossary of maritime words, facts and figures about the vintage steamship and Lake Wakatipu, and reproductions of century-old photographs from family albums complete the glossy $19.95 book, available from the ship, the Walter Peak homestead, the Lakes District Museum, Paper Plus and other retailers.