I could not think of a better weekend to launch my new website and blogsite – The Sydney Writers Festival. So here it is – please make any comments and suggestions – as long as they are constructive…lol
We were up at 5:00 am looking forward to getting away from the murky weather that the Gold Coast has been having, only to find out that it had all moved South.
Aside from the standard toilet break after getting off the plane the very first essential stop was new jumper – so cold. The cab ride into town was more interesting than i had anticipated – a muslim named Bruce was our driver – at least thats what the name looked like reading upside down though the secuirty screen. Conversation started lively with our cabbie sympathising with us about the overgrown germ that pushed passed us in the cab rank and relating the experience that he faces every day with the corrupt cab directional man working at the airport passing off the good jobs to those that show the appreciation. The conversation then drifted to a clear reminder about faith. I know we all have our own interpretation about what is right and wrong, but i really enjoyed Bruces oratory on the koran particulary his reminder that it does not matter who and what we have, it is imporant who we are, and to forget “the mud on our shoes” and stand up and be counted.
It was strange then (message from higher power…lol) to get involed in the first Author discussion with Mark Kitto – the author of China Cuckoo. Sitting before me was a vivid reminder of how at one minute we can everything and the next minute its all gone – so relevant in todays economic environment. When we are faced with challenges like this it needs to be the real man or woman that steps forward to take up the gauntlet. Mark Kitto has done just that in his life, and what a colourful story that has been. I must admit i only chose to listen to Mark because of the China angle – being a long lost want to be nomad it struck a chord. The result though was that i enjoyed every minute of the discussion and could not ask to meet a more down to earth person than Mark. I will be reviewing his book over the next few weeks and i will hve no need to be gentle with that because the story by this man I can already see is going to be well worthwhile.
Next up was Peter Corris and James – oops i mean Graeme Blundell in conversation, sorry Graeme. One of the first names that i read on the program for the festival was Peter Corris, claim to fame, author of the Cliff Hardy series of novels. Peters Cliff Hardy books are mostly set around Sydney area, although Cliff does tend to travel quite a bit, and Peter likens this travel almost to a whos who of the Greogry street directories.
Cliff Hardy is a quiet unassuming down to earth and straight to the point typical Australian, and although Peter says there are not likenesses with Cliff and himself i disagree. I found Peter to be quiet, unassuming and straight to the point, even in so much as not quite in love with the idea of photo somthing that the no fuss Cliff Hardy would aslo chhose….i read somewhere. Sometimes in life we do not see the ripple effect that we have on others and the actions that you have on other people, Peter has had an effect on my life and i will always remember the advice that was on offer from a plain and simple veteren of 62 books, one heart operation followed by being clipped by a car followed by……..at 67 mate keep up the great work and remember the passion burns brightly, fanned by men like you. Starting to sound a little like Star Wars without the light sabre, but definately the force.
Aside from picking up the flu, everything is going to plan and looking forward to another day of wonderous and exciting stories.
Good times.
Just to start – not enough comments about Australian writers – iwe have some great writers and need more australians to read their work – i love Kathryn fox’x novels – up there with Reichs. Tim winton amazing , Markus Zusak – the book thief and messenger – great. Not to mention some big ones Bryce Courtenay and Thomas Keneally – Marsdens a favourite – Sarah Henderson Ruth Park — you could go on for ages – love all sorts of books – with similar tastes to your own….but more should be put out there about our just starting and aussies who have just written a couple – – there are just heaps but need to promoted before – everyone has a story….
Hi Dave,
Great to see you on the net. Look forward to reading more. Good job, mate.
See you in surfer’s next week. I’m looking forward to a few beers and reds with you and Peter Watt.
cheers
tony park
P.S GOOD LUCK WITH THE BOOKBLOG…. KEEP US UPDATED WITH THE NEW BOOKS COMING OUT…. HOPE COBEN IS COMING UP WITH ANOTHER – WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS GOIND ON WITH MYRON AND WIN – AM IN LOVE WITH THE CHARACTER WIN – HE IS AWESOME….
Mate, the Lowenbrau sounds more interesting than the writer’s festival!
Hello. I think the article is really interesting. I am even interested in reading more. How soon will you update your blog?
Hi Gary – article updates will be coming by the end of July – I am in the process of finishing my E-Book for the site. Thanks for the comment and make sure you have a go at a review or two and earn yourself a draw in the raffle as well as a chance at the review prize. Thanks for the positive feedback.
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Here’s a comment. Great advice =) Thanks
Thanks for the advice. Will put it to work. Tom
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