Behind the pages

By Matt Romania

In a recent community event – BacchChat at Lerderderg Library, the award-winning Australian author, Christian White, shared his insightful journey from an unpublished writer to becoming a bestseller.

Following the event, Mr White explained about his journey, books, why he does author talks in towns like Bacchus Marsh, what’s life like outside of writing and what’s next.

White was initially a casual worker, harboring an unyielding passion for writing. His breakthrough moment came unexpectedly when his manuscript for ‘The Nowhere Child’ won the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for an Unpublished Manuscript.

“I was working casual jobs and writing on the side when I wrote ‘The Nowhere Child’. It was the fifth manuscript I’d attempted to write,” White confessed.

Despite his self-confessed laziness and apprehension, his wife’s encouragement led him to enter the competition, leading directly to a publishing deal with Affirm Press.

When asked where newcomers to his work should start, White suggested ‘The Nowhere Child,’ his debut novel, a “thriller of psychological suspense about a woman uncovering devastating secrets about her family—and her very identity…”

His books, all stand-alone novels, can be read in any order. However, he noted that ‘The Wife and The Widow,’ his second novel, appears to be a fan favourite.

As a writer with an extensive readership that spans the globe, White expressed his enthusiasm for author talks in different locations, such as Bacchus Marsh. These engagements provide him with opportunities to connect with his readers.

Looking ahead, White revealed that he is currently penning his fourth book. He’s also venturing into screenwriting, co-writing ‘Apartment 7A,’ a feature film for Paramount Pictures. “I’m working on a handful of other projects I’m not allowed to talk about yet,” White said, hinting at some exciting future projects.

In spite of his packed schedule, White manages to balance his writing career with a fulfilling personal life.

“I’m lucky enough to write full-time, but I also have a six-year-old daughter, who keeps my wife and I very busy,” he shared.