The launch took place at the Ararat Library with $5 from every book sold on the day going to the Leukaemia Foundation.

Leukaemia Foundation community relationships coordinator Kelly Cameron attended the launch and gave an overview of the work of the Foundation.

In launching the book Ms Contencin said all her books are based on places around Australia.

The books included 'The way of the two rivers' and 'Drover's Dream'.

'The way of the two rivers' is based on a female swing bridge keeper in Sale.

"I was working at the swing bridge in Sale, and during that time I learnt about Eliza, the first lady bridge keeper in the 1800s," she said.

The book is based on the story of Eliza.

Ms Contencin said during her time in Sale her eldest son Malcolm was diagnosed with leukaemia.

Through treatment, including stem cell donation from Malcolm's brother Tim, and with family support from the Leukaemia Foundation, Ms Contencin said he is now in remission.

"When I wrote the books I wanted some of the proceeds to go to the Leukaemia Foundation because they were so good to us," she said.

Ms Contencin has always loved writing and her books all follow an Australian country theme.

"I had grown up on a farm and remember riding horses with my sister and it inspired me to write the book, the Drover's Dream," she said.

Ms Contencin and her partner have self published the book.

"My partner Stuart did the layout and we self published because it is very expensive," she said.

"It's been a long way and I didn't think I'd ever get the book published until Stuart was able to help me."

Ms Contencin's next chapter as an author will be production of a play she has written called 'The stockman and his rose'.

As well as for sale in hard copy, both Ms Contencin's books are available as e-books on Kindle.