Robert Drewe was recently in town to launch his latest book Swimming in the Moonlight. During an intimate session at Beaufort Street Books he spoke about writing a column and his new book. Three months into my own stint as a columnist I was intrigued to say the least.
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Robert Drewe © The Ponder Room
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It was an intimate setting, Drewe in a high back chair and the rest of us perched on stools. A bit like fireside chat with the Grand Master. Considering Drewe’s numerous awards that’s not far from the truth. Before talking about his latest book Drewe shared insights into his work as a columnist.
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| Robert Drewe © The Ponder Room |
The process of writing a column
Drewe explained that he writes his column every Wednesday and that some were quick while others were not. Consequently he was ‘very pleased there is a three hour difference between Perth and the Eastern States’. He usually starts by going for a swim to think about the idea.
‘The discipline you get with writing a column is good. It’s nice to know you only have a certain number of words. After a while you just know when you’re at a certain number of words.’
When fellow columnist Ros asked which is harder to write the opening line or the punch line, Drewe explained that the topic was the hardest thing and then the last line.
‘The last line is hard. It has to be some payoff for the reader. But then you can’t make it too dependable either.
Getting ideas
Drewe explained that he looked at everyday things like landscapes and how people behave in coffee shops, adding that they are getting ‘curiouser and curiouser every day’.
‘I think having a column sharpens your antenna. Personally I find life pretty absurd.’
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| Robert Drewe © The Ponder Room |
Coincidences
Drewe appreciated the coincidences that life hands him.
‘Coincidences happen all the time in real life, but people don’t like it in fiction.’
Writing the book
After reading two stories from his new book Drewe explained the process he uses when writing novels. He explained that he used to use yellow cards then he ‘would forget to look at them.’
‘Start by writing down pretending that you know what you are writing and by doing this you are actually doing it.’
‘Write out the chapters and ‘what you think will happen. Then write the list of characters. Then it’s up to the characters to get it together.’
The evening ended with audience questions which resulted in a disparate range of comments about sharks, Rottnest and an interesting insight into why he walked about from his involvement in the Tracks movie.
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| Robert Drewe © The Ponder Room |
‘Sharks aren’t the new dolphins. There are more cuddly stories about sharks online than koalas.’
‘Rottnest is neither one thing nor the other now and the people are too well dressed.’
‘Daughters read … son’s don’t … which is sadly really.’
‘Where you have your adolescence is where your home is.’
As I walked back to my car I pondered:
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I was surprised at how quietly spoken and humble this much awarded man was.
- How interesting that his children don’t want to be writers ‘they’ve seen how antisocial writers become.’
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It was good to hear that he was in the middle of writing another novel, which should be out in 18 months.
- It was a real privilege to listen to someone who has inspired and entertained me for so long. To hear him read his own pieces was a true delight. Whenever I read his columns I’ll hear his quiet, understated voice.
Drewe’s book can be purchased at many bookshops including Beaufort Street Books.
http://www.beaufortstreetbooks.com.au/
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http://www.beaufortstreetbooks.com.au/
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