Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
From the outside looking in, it might surprise most to know that:
I love sci-fi novels and movies. I have a rare collection of vintage LCD games from the 1980s. I bought my first (dirt) motorbike two years ago (aged 53). I can shake my eyes (a skill handed to two of my kids)

Why did you choose the themes in your book and were you aware of them from the start?
The themes chose themselves, in that they were there within the larger story and the broader social landscape. I just articulated what they were.

How difficult was it for you to write this book? Did you face any obstacles?
It wasn’t difficult at all, in fact it was a joy to write. I am currently writing / editing my second book, and this one is way more difficult in that it delves deeper into our shared social history and how that intersects with local sport, with not always the best outcomes. I guess the most difficulty I had had with Redtails was that it had to end. I enjoyed writing it so much.

Do you always write in this genre or do you like to break out of the box?
I would say yes to the first part of the question. As to the second part of the question, I have yet to explore that, but it would be interesting to do so.

What are your writing habits or idiosyncrasies?
Hmm. If uninterrupted first thing in the morning, I can go for 2-3 hours easy. I am generally active, so after this first session, I will do something active to get my heart rate going, i.e. exercise, weights, bike ride, dog walk etc. Re idiosyncrasies, I would include reading portions back to myself in the third person, imagining that I am not the writer. This way, I am able to get some form of objectivity.

What would you do differently next time?
Inject more discipline with my time, but also be kind to myself, that the outside world will always be there and I can re-join and re-engage with it at any time.

With hindsight, what would you say to yourself as a fledgling writer?
Be across the field that you want to write about. Read heaps — within and outside your genre. Be aware of your limitations. Also, be patient with yourself.

If you worked with a professional editor, what was the experience like?
The attention to detail was next level. It gave me great insight into how to ‘see’ a paragraph, a chapter, an intro.

What’s next for your writing?
Another book is on the go, contract signed, currently with publishers, aiming for a May 2028 release. Exciting!