As a truck driver and a former gardener, Dennis Luke has always kept a close eye on the weather.
But little did he realise his obsessions about severe weather conditions, would turn into a hobby, and become the inspiration behind his new novel, Nature’s Fury.
“It’s based on a lot of things that I’ve seen and done, and experienced both with driving and the weather,” the Hampton Park-based author says.
The book, the first of which Mr Luke has self-published, took four-and-a-half years to write on weekends and holidays.
It encapsulates tropical Cyclone Yasi, the biggest storm in Queensland’s history in early 2011 – where the tail battered Victoria.
The fictitious story follows three unrelated families outside a country town in north-western Victoria, where nobody knows they are about to become trapped all night, in a claustrophobic fog-riddled environment known as MacKenzie’s bridge.
“One thing people should know is, that it’s not a story about the weather, but the weather affects the families in it” he explains.
Mr Luke says the book is based on actual events over his trucking life of 51 years, and it explores themes of problem solving, bullying, fear and helping each other in times of crisis.
“Everyone deals with the unexpected differently, just look at how everyone’s reacted to this virus.”
Mr Luke, 67, said he provides many weather forecasts for the AFL, Melbourne storm, and the media nation-wide – but never written a fictional story.
“I have learnt a lot over the time doing this book, and finding out what inspire’s me” the self-taught author says.
“I don’t really spend a lot of time reading other people’s stories. I do watch certain television and movies to get an understanding for the narrative because that’s an important thing … you need to be able to keep people in tune with the book, and wanting to read the next page.”
So far Mr Luke has sold 103 copies and says he’s been “very happy” with the reviews – but is itching to sell more once the Berwick Market and the Gully Market in Upper Ferntree Gully reopen.
“This is my first of I hope many novels. If you want to read the blurb you can find it online.”
The book is available for purchase at many online bookstores, or you can wait for the markets to open again soon, if you want a signed copy.
To learn more about Mr Luke visit ausiedrivingweatherman on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.
