About

Who is Chalky…

I am a thirty-something gent based in the southern suburbs of Adelaide, South Australia.

As “A Jack of all trades, master of none,” I have fun being creative in many different areas. My dream is one day to be really, really good at something… So good that others will think so too!

I divide my time between my creative pursuits, teaching high school English and being a family man (I have a wife and three kids).

To protect my family, place of employment and personal privacy, I can’t share too much about exactly who I am; however, hopefully, my stories will speak for themselves and give you a bit of a taste of the Chalky psyche.

What are Chalky’s writing influences:

I read quite widely for both entertainment (mainly) and literary fulfilment (occasionally). Some of my reading choices are quite embarrassing and others I am very proud of and would recommend them to others. I also really enjoy listening to audio books and reading aloud as the beautiful nature of spoken language really becomes evident. I commute for at least two hours per day, so have plenty of time to read and listen to books.

Highly Recommended Influences:

• James Lee Burke – He is one of the most poetic prose writers on the planet today. He kills the first person narrative style with his subtlety and haunted characters.
• David Morrell – He is the master of the thriller. He weaves amazing plots; however it is his well rounded and developed characters that makes him stand out from the crowd.
• Arthur Upfield – He brought the Australian outback to the world through the mystery pulp novel. He captures time and place expertly.
• Raymond Chandler – One of the most witty writers of his era. His first person narrative jumps off the page from the first line.
• F. Scott Fitzgerald – Gatsby is a novel I can read over and over and still gain something new. Restrained and poetic writing.
• Markus Zusak – The Book Thief is my favourite book in the world… Ever! Unique techniques, captivating characters, poetic language… It has it all.
• Shane Maloney – His novels are simultaneously hilariously funny, great satire of the Australian political environment and very well written murder mysteries.
• Lee Child – This man finds a new and mind-blowing premise for every book. A prolific and successful writer, his main character hangs around in your mind long after you’ve finished the novel.
• Roald Dahl – Deliciously subversive children’s stories that were a staple of my literary upbringing. I love exploring his unique perspective with my schools students.
• John Steinbeck – Of Mice and Men is one of the most brilliantly crafted pieces of literature. He exercises restraint whilst using many techniques. I love teaching this book to my students.

Embarrassing Influences:

• Clive Cussler – He spins a good yarn. I particularly like the Isaac Bell stories. The historical and transportation oriented plots of these novels tickle my fancy. Plots are Cussler’s strong point.
• Dan Brown – Causer of much controversy, he can also spin a good yarn. I like the use of conspiracy theory to capture people’s imaginations.
• Matthew Reilly – I admire how he is able to write a book of solid entertainment. Many people come to reading through Matthew Reilly. No literary value, but a very important writer none the less. He’s also Australian.
• Ian Fleming – Who doesn’t like a bit of sexist, misogynistic but action packed bondiness, eh?