STELLA’S NEXT ACT

Would you chase a dream that once broke you?

At eighteen, Stella Longhurst had it all — an agent, raw talent, and the promise of an illustrious acting career. Then, one devastating moment shattered everything. The industry she loved betrayed her, and she walked away, vowing never to return.

Now, almost forty, she’s working an unfulfilling job, convincing herself that some dreams are better left behind.

Then, a life-changing audition lands in her lap — an opportunity that could rewrite her destiny.

Stepping back into the spotlight means facing the past she’s spent years trying to forget, tearing open an old wound, and walking away from the man who holds her heart.

Does Stella risk everything to reclaim the dream that once destroyed her? Or stay in the arms of the man she loves, knowing a part of her will always wonder… what if?

Stella’s Next Act is a powerful, heart-wrenching journey of passion, resilience, and the courage to fight for yourself — a story for anyone who has ever dared to dream.

AUTHOR

Karen Farrell is an author, commissioned writer and communications specialist with over two decades of experience developing and pitching stories across television, theatre and publishing. 

A former actress, Karen brings a performer’s insight to her 2025 debut novel, Stella’s Next Act, which blends her passion for acting, insight into the performance landscape, and belief that life’s second acts are gifts for reinvention.

 Karen trained at the Australian Theatre for Young People, performing in Romeo and Juliet at NIDA and in the co-written play Still Waters at Sydney Theatre Company. She received numerous Best Actress awards, including for her portrayal of a wayward youth in the two-hander Time Out, which toured acting festivals.

 Her love of storytelling led to a communications career. As Publicity Manager for Sydney Theatre Company, she oversaw the publicity strategy for the launch of its sister company, Sydney Theatre. Karen also managed campaigns for productions including The Real Thing (Hugo Weaving, Heather Mitchell), Frozen (Frank Gallacher), Blithe Spirit (Miriam Margolyes, Pamela Rabe) and After Mrs Rochester (Diana Quick). Karen spent over a decade as a publicist at ABC TV and managed the launch publicity for First Tuesday Book Club, hosted by Jennifer Byrne.

Karen was Project Editor on Growing with Grace by Simone Callahan, published by Simon & Schuster in 2024. She has edited Focus and IQ magazines and written cover features for Australian Yoga Journal.

The most important role for Karen is being a mother to her son, Oscar.