However, Dr Davey found publishing his book anything but easy.

“I could not find a publisher after asking 30 publishing houses. They all said it would not sell,” he said.

Disappointed but not deterred, Dr Davey self-published. 

Dr Davey sent a copy of his book to Richard Fidler who invited him up to Brisbane for a one-hour live interview on his Conversations radio program.

“I was extremely fortunate to be invited onto Richard’s show. After all, I’m a nobody in the literary world, having just self-published my first book. Fortunately, the interview went really well. Richard is an insightful, relaxed person who makes his guests feel at ease and comfortable, bringing the best out in everyone,” Dr Davey said.

Initially, Dr Davey’s book was only in both Dymocks and in DeanSwift Books, Nowra. 

Locally, it was selling well but nationally, it was going slow. 

Once he had the interview with Richard Fidler, ABC Bookshops Australia-wide picked it up. 

However, this was still no guarantee that it would sell. 

“I decided to embark on a book-signing tour, travelling the country,” Dr Davey said.

His first signing with an ABC shop was in Wollongong.

With this success, Dr Davey was then allowed to go to other ABC shops and has been to every single one in NSW.  

This was then followed by signings in ABC shops in Queensland, South Australian and Victoria. 

“I have just had my 83rd signing and I am booked up for my 100th signing in early March next year. As far as I’m aware, this is a first,” he said.

Many people who have read Dr Davey’s book have taken the time to get in contact with him.

“I’m particularly fortunate and blessed that Journey of Hope seems to resonate with readers,” he said.

“I’m especially thrilled that it has just become an Australian bestselling book. And with such interest a sequel is definitely coming. In it I would like to include my soon to-be-attempted pushbike ride around Australia raising money for a couple of charities as I go.” 

Dr Davey has been regularly asked to share his inspiring story with others and has spoken to many groups all over Australia including at the South Coast Correctional Centre, disadvantaged groups in places as far afield as Melbourne and Adelaide, at TAFE colleges, high schools, professional groups and at conferences. 

Dr Davey will be signing copies Journey of Hope, on Friday, December 14 at DeanSwift Books, Nowra and on Sunday, December 23 at Dymocks, Nowra.

To contact Dr Davey, email him at journeyofhope@live.com or phone 0422 092 912.