I’m unsure of a particular inspiration, but raised in relative isolation, I enjoyed reading and the exposure to new ideas and had an artistic bent but few outlets. I also believed that many of the things I witnessed in the country were exciting, and that someone should record them. Initially, I ventured into poetry and was published as anon. After completion of an arts degree, I began to write under my own name and attempted short stories and finally, novels.

I was prompted to write Identity when I learned my great grandfather had been a criminal and changed his name in mid 1800’s. When I read the amazing details of his life as a son of Irish immigrants and how his behaviour had impacted on the development of the NSW colony, I responded viscerally and wrote some spontaneous pieces as I channelled his account. Again, I chipped away at it to build a novel and gave myself permission to write it as my story, and as a non-traditional literary family, or domestic, tale, taking account also, of the women’s impact on the historical arc.

I always have works in the pipeline. 

I’ve worked as a stockman, public servant, consultant, researcher and academic. As a Rotary Graduate Fellow, I studied in Canada and hold degrees from Queensland University and University of Toronto. 

I’m wary of offering advice, but here goes. 

• Study your market. Choose topics and approaches that meet your career expectations of success. Do you aspire to make money; be a top seller? Then choose genres that have the most readers. Want to be a literary icon? Choose topics that will help you stand apart.

• Study your craft. First, the micro-skills required to write well to communicate consistently. Second, the writing elements required to engage and transport your reader in the form and genre of your choosing. There is a plethora of books, courses, podcasts, coaches available to assist you. 

• Practice to move your theoretical understanding to a refined competency. As a person who has read and critiqued thousands of graduate-level assignments, I can assure you experienced writers stand apart. Martin Gladwell suggests it requires ten thousand hours to achieve mastery in any field.

• Employ professionals. Editors, coaches, marketers, publishers, beta readers, manuscript assessors, illustrators, and printers can assist you to progress your dream. 

Be aware there are exceptions to the rule/s.

I’m often inspired by the outsider, the voiceless, the off-stage, the contrary. Early in my writing career I was heavily inspired by the poets, including DH Lawrence, Bukowski, Wright. Today, I’m inspired by short-story writers, artists, photographers, history, and acquaintances’ life stories. 

My interests are limited to morning walks, family, friends, and watching television. Favourite book? Voss by Patrick White.

Website: Peter Long Author

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