Tell us about yourself and your job as a writer.
I enjoy reading historical topics, both non-fiction and novels. So I like to write in that vein. The Cranbourne meteorite provided an interesting opportunity; a local event with astronomical fireworks, strong personalities, and many struggles and shenanigans. It’s a great yarn, and was just waiting to be told.
What do you love the most about being a writer?
Getting a good sentence down. Then doing that again – about three thousand times!
What has been your most memorable moment during your writing career?
Finding a publisher who liked the ‘cut of my jib’, closely followed by seeing my work in print for the first time.
If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
I’d like to say, ‘an eagle’, but I should keep it real, so I will say ‘a lion’.
What were you like as a kid?
Studious but sporty, clumsy but adept, obnoxious but adorable…
What event, past or present, would you like to witness?
It’s a toss-up; the fall of the Berlin Wall after decades of communist oppression, or Carlton’s 1970 Grand Final win? Wait, I’m still thinking.
Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?
I’ll use an ancient history theme with a French Enlightenment crossover, and a twist of Italian:
1. Julius Caesar – to supply a salad, but also the cutlery; he collected a pretty good set of knives.
2. Alexander the Great – for his wine list and his racy party games – which sometimes included spearing his drinking buddies. Easy on the sauce, Alex!
3. British Celtic leader Boudicca – to manage the BBQ. She was handy with an open flame, just ask London.
4. Voltaire – he could bring a big plate of bon mots.
5. Marie Antoinette – because she would let us eat cake.
6. Stanley Tucci – so the diminutive Italian abroad could repeatedly exclaim “Mmm, that’s delicious!”
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Erudite, knowledgeable, annoying.
What would you do on your perfect day off?
Work on being less annoying.
Where is your happy place?
When I’m in a bookstore that doubles as a guitar/music shop, and which also sells cycling equipment.
If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?
So hard. I know you want me to say “duck à l’orange” but I can at least stick with the poultry; who’s up for chicken risotto?
Where is your dream holiday destination?
I’m partial to the French Alps, but that sounds a bit ‘poncey’ – so let’s go with Splendido Mare, Portofino…
