Born in provincial France, Michel left home as a teenager to pursue business administration studies. Rugby and boxing kept him sane during his university years, as did sailing adventures around Europe and North Africa.
In 1979, Michel arrived in Sydney on a 16-month assignment with the French Australian Chamber of Commerce. Australia became his home from then on. In the ensuing years, he had a stint running a windsurfing school in the Whitsundays; he worked at SBS TV in its early days; he was a voice-over artist, a trade consultant, a translator and a conference interpreter in Sydney and in the Asia Pacific region. In 1988, by fluke, he embarked on an investment banking career in Sydney, from which he retired in 2011.
In 2013, Michel and his wife Annemieke moved to beautiful Emerald Beach. Writing, playing music with friends, surfing, golfing and enjoying all that the beautiful Coffs Coast has to offer fill their days. Whenever time permits, Michel and Annemieke are keen travellers – domestically on motorbikes or in their 4WD, and internationally to catch up with friends and family, revisit old tramping grounds and discover new ones.
What inspired you to be a writer?
I have lots of stories in my head, inspired by life experience and people I met on my journey. I also have a fascination for languages and wordsmithing, so it was a natural step to put my stories in words for others to enjoy.
What prompted you to write 'Where There Is A Will'?
My debut novel, a work of fiction inspired by real life observations and experience, had been brewing inside my head for years. The trigger to knuckle down to writing it was encouragement from people close to me, as well as a sporting injury leaving me with ample time to fill.
Do you have any more books in the pipeline?
I have completed the manuscript of my next novel and it has already been through a number of edits and iterations.
What is your professional background?
A formal university education in business administration and an eclectic career spanning trade consulting, tourism, translation and conference interpreting, and finally investment banking.
Any advice you’d like to give aspiring writers?
Be true to yourself, listen and observe, beware of formulaic advice, get your manuscript to the best state it can be before you submit it.
Who/what inspires you?
Life itself and everything that happens near and far is an inspiration.
What are your hobbies, interests and favourite books?
Playing and listening to music, the arts, outdoor sporting pursuits, anything to do with the ocean and nature, travelling, cooking.
Too many books that I’ve loved, but let’s mention two:
Nathaniel’s Nutmeg by Giles Milton (How One Man’s Courage Changed The Course Of History)
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese (Forbidden Love, Family Secrets And A Country In Turmoil)
How can readers contact you?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michel.vimaldumonteil
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58308308-where-there-is-a-will
Contact via: Hawkeye Contact Page
News Of The Area: Emerald Beach Author Michel Vimal Du Monteil Releases Debut Novel
News Of The Area – Debut Author From Emerald Beach Launches His First Novel
Woopi News- Page 5 - Emerald Beach author launches new book
Between The Covers Podcast – Listen to this great interview with Hawkeye author Michel Vimal du Monteil here.
Australian Rural and Regional News – New release – ‘Where There Is a Will’
