By Chris Boulous
Fairfield Champion, 3 March 2010
NEVER mind Kings Cross or Darlinghurst, Fairfield is the hub of cultural and religious inspiration according to Canley Vale author Walter Mason.
The 39-year-old released his first book, Destination Saigon: Adventures in Vietnam, on Monday.
And while he hopes his humorous travel/religious book will usher in a long and bright literary career, Mr Mason flagged the end of popular city attractions as creative outlets.
``They are dead and docile,'' Mr Mason said of places like Kings Cross and Darlinghurst.
``This area is very inspirational. The real stories are in the south-west.
``It [south west] is where it is happening today. There is a real buzz and energy in places like Cabramatta and it generates creative flair.''
Destination Saigon: Adventures in Vietnam is the culmination of a lifelong dream for the former North Queensland resident.
Ironically, he spent many of his junior years working as a book seller. Now he has his own book on the shelf after a rigorous seven-month process.
``It is very exciting. The book was the result of one of my many trips to Vietnam and travelling for three months from south to north,'' he said.
``The book is a funny and light-hearted look at Vietnam now. Modern Vietnam is a fascinating place probably the reason why I have visited countless number of times.
``So many people are obsessed with Vietnam as part of the war but Vietnam is about so much more. It's incredibly alive and a spiritual culture.''
Mr Mason, a UWS student, is also in the process of obtaining a PhD on the history of self-help books in Australia.
He hopes to publish another novel by the end of the year.
``I plan to go to Vietnam and write another book from a bit of a different angle but that is still in the planning phase,'' he said.
Picture: Wesley Lonergan, Fairfield Champion
taschen reproduces jan christiaan sepp’s 1776 book of 570 hand-colored marble samples
-
regarded as one of the best illustrated books of its era, the tome offers
an elegant visual journey across different marble types from around the
world.
...
11 hours ago
No comments:
Post a Comment