Noah Bennett is a Melbourne-based thriller author with a lifelong passion for reading, storytelling, and adventure. That same spirit continues to shape his life today—he has travelled around Australia in a camper van, worked as a locum physiotherapist, and gathered inspiration for his future novels along the way. His writing has been recognised in the Richell Prize longlist, and his second novel, Condemnation to Beasts, was awarded runner-up in the Literary Heart Awards.
Condemnation to Beasts is coming soon.
What inspired you to be a writer?
I distinctly remember a prominent children’s writer coming to my school when I was in Prep and staying up the night before to write my own short story using one of his characters. He was being swamped by other kids when I tried to show him my story and I was crushed when he understandably didn’t have time to stand there and read it! It must have lit a fire under me, and getting used to rejection early on has definitely helped my writing career! English was always my best subject in high school, and after a big trip overseas I realised I wasn’t using those skills in my career as a physiotherapist. I knuckled down when I got home and was able to finish my first draft in 2020 after a few attempts throughout my teen years.
What prompted you to write 'Condemnation to Beasts'?
The broad and complex spectrum of beliefs and situations I've come across in work and life never ceases to amaze me. Being weird is normal. We can hate those we love. Bullies can be victims. Suffering can be comfortable. Insanity can make sense. I believe this book helps translate this universal truth that if everyone was on board with, things might be a bit better than what they are now.
Do you have any more books in the pipeline?
The title is a work in progress but it’s another thriller about a woman who must infiltrate a deadly doomsday cult led by two unhinged Vietnam deserters, to avoid rotting in prison while her son grows up without her. I’m also drafting a fourth book which I’m hoping turns out like an Australian hybrid of Yellowstone and The Count of Monte Cristo, although just writing this makes me think I am in way over my head!
What is your professional background?
I've worked as a physiotherapist since graduating University in 2021, since then I've had a variety of roles in Victoria, Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Any advice you’d like to give to aspiring writers?
Everything you want is on the other side of being willing to fail, and there is no such thing as good books, only good matches between books and readers.
Who/what inspires you?
I came across some truly bizarre and intriguing settings during my lap of Australia. Music is also an under-appreciated source of inspiration—listening to a Sam Fender song gave me the idea for Condemnation to Beast’s main character.
What are your hobbies, interests and favourite books?
I’ve played local footy (Australian Rules) most of my life, love Melbourne’s classic cinemas, spend too much time at the pub, and occasionally play the guitar or go and watch bands who do it much better than I do.
How can readers contact you?
Instagram: @noahs.narratives
TikTok: @noahs.narratives
