THE MAN BEHIND JUSTICE

Greg Schwartz

SUBURB YOU LIVE: NORTH CAIRNS FAVOURITE PLACE TO VISIT IN CAIRNS: THE ESPLANADE

Where did the idea come from to write Justice?

Having been brought up on a diet of Cowboys and Indians with John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and The Lone Ranger, I thought “why are there no Australian versions of this genre?” We have a huge source of colourful and historical moments that should be told (and aren’t). Then you visit places like Cooktown, Palmer River and read about what went on in those earlier times, it just begs for a story albeit fictional.

Give us a quick run down of your book, Justice?

The Gold Rush is on around The Palmer River and Cooktown. It’s the 1870s. Cairns is about to get the railhead for Far North Queensland. The area needs a viable town with transport to and from. So there is money to be made. A few businessmen, a corrupt policeman and a couple of henchmen can see money and loads of it if they can create the chaos and confusion needed to take advantage …but of course Jack Swain and Buddy Herlihy are a couple of the Governor’s agents who are sent in to fix any trouble, anywhere and any way they have to.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a writer?

I don’t really know if there was a moment. I’d just had that gnawing inside to write a book. Firstly, I thought it was a bit different and the type of book not done before. Secondly, the challenge to start and finish and present something that someone may like and just to leave something behind with my name on it.

How long did it take you to write Justice?

Between 18 months and two years.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

All of the characters in the book are people I know. Not that the character is a true reflection of that person …almost.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I like being the guinea pig for my wife, Pene, when she has a new wine she is selling. Reading… of course and trying to get my music room sorted. I have a few guitars and other bits and pieces that I need to get back to if I want to write “Justice – The Rock Opera”. Just kidding…

What does your family think of your writing?

Pene, my wife, has been a great supporter. When it was nearing the end, she kept me going. She supplied coffee when I was tired, then bourbon when I was tired, then wine when I was tired. My brother Steve was my initial proofreader and Pene’s dad was my editor. All in all a great support team.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating Justice?

Writing a book and putting it out there is very much like dropping your pants in public. Some people will say “nice underwear” while others may laugh, but you have to have the confidence that you wear “nice underwear” or be able to stand up and be prepared for the jokes.

Do you have any suggestions to help someone become a better writer? If so, what are they?

I would hardly think I’m in a position to make those suggestions on how to become better but I would say if you are going to “write the same as you like to read”. Forget the boundaries.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

Response has been overwhelming. From tearful wives to publicans and even from an 80-year-old woman who loved it and took it to her book club (she did pick out some grammatical errors too). One reader (Amazon review) stated that he had read the book in 24 hours. Unable to put it down.

What do you think makes a good story?

I make no bones about being an action and adventure lover with revenge for the good guys. Human conflict is without doubt a great feed for any story. How humans react in different situations always makes for interesting stories.

Will you be writing another book?

There is another under way. Set in the Northern Rivers of NSW with the two main characters returning to sort out more trouble.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

As with most kids, a vet, until a dog bit me.

What’s your favourite under-appreciated novel?

That’s difficult – American Tabloid by James Ellroy comes to mind. Any of The Flashman Series by George Macdonald Fraser.

If you were making a movie of the book, who would you cast?

Liam Hemsworth and Guy Pearce.