> Skip to content

Q&A  •  13 May 2016

 

George Megalogenis Q&A

The author and journalist answers our questions about Australia’s Second Chance.

When writing Australia’s Second Chance, did you have an ideal reader in mind?
I had three readers in mind. New and old Australians. That is, migrants, and their local-born descendants, and the people who were here all along.

Who do you think should read Australia’s Second Chance but probably won’t?
Some older Australians might be wary of the subject matter – migration – but this is their story as much as anyone’s.

What’s one of the biggest surprises in Australia’s Second Chance?
I know I’m an optimist, but I must admit I was surprised by how great we were during the 19th century. 

Might Australia’s second chance also be our last chance?
I hope the question doesn’t arise. While I’m a realist about short-term prospects, I’m confident in our future.

When someone finishes reading Australia’s Second Chance, what do you expect or hope they might do next?
Buy ten copies for Christmas presents. But seriously, start a conversation about our future.

Australia’s Second Chance contains interviews with former leaders. Did one in particular stand out and if so, why?
Malcolm Fraser’s recollections of his father’s attitudes go a long way to explaining Fraser’s own championing of multiculturalism.

What sticks in your memory about your conversation with Mr Fraser?
His optimism.

You’ve been described as an economic journalist, a futurist, an author and a commentator – is there any one title you prefer?
Author and journalist. The other titles are too limiting for my eclectic taste. 

Three other words you’d use to describe yourself?
Earnest, reserved, open. 

Are you a disciplined writer or a procrastinator?
Both. Like all journos, I only approach clarity at one minute to deadline. 

Where do you write?
I type at home, but I carry a notebook which I write in almost anywhere.

Do you start a book with a plan or dash out a quick draft and rewrite?
I don’t think I approach any book the same way. Every book has been different, to be honest. The titles tend to come first and the introduction last. 

More features

See all
Article
More than a game

George Megalogenis reveals a little something democracy could learn from sport.

Q&A
Georgia Harper says she ‘ruined her mum’s fantasy’

Find out why Georgia Harper’s writing routine ruined her mum’s idyllic vision of a writerly life. Plus, learn about her love for Anne Rice and her unlucky skill for attracting strangers’ stories.

Q&A
Fun Fact: Sarah-Jane Collins wrote much of her debut novel in a bar

Sarah-Jane Collins shares how her background as a reporter inspired her to write her debut novel, Radiant Heat.

Q&A
Gareth Brown shares how a yearning to travel inspired The Book of Doors

Plus find out why he’d choose to live in Middle Earth and main difference between him and Hugh Jackman.

Q&A
How the characters from Abbey Lay’s Lead Us Not came to her in an imagined conversation

The debut author also shares the fictional character she’d most like to meet and why she loved Lemony Snicket’s writing as a child.

Q&A
Ferdia Lennon shares the Plutarch passage that inspired Glorious Exploits

Plus, find out why he taught himself to memorise an entire deck of cards while researching for the novel.

Q&A
How drama school inspired Chris MacDonald to write The Actor

Plus, learn about which fictional character he’d like to dine with and the musician he always turns to when singing karaoke.

Q&A
Lottie Hazell shares how she came up with the idea for Piglet

Plus, the cosy fictional world she’d most like to live in.

Q&A
Jessica Bull shares how she entered Jane Austen’s world while writing her debut novel

She took up a few new hobbies, including horseback riding, sewing and Georgian dance.

Q&A
An interview with Ela Lee about her debut novel, Jaded

We caught up with debut author Ela Lee to learn about how she made time for writing while working full-time, her ‘big break’ into publishing and more.

Q&A
Alex Michaelides shares why his new novel was his favourite to write

Learn about Alex Michaelides’s new book, the real-life people who inspired his characters and how growing up in Cyprus contributed to the setting.

Q&A
Rachael Johns shares her trick for getting words onto the page

We caught up with Rachael Johns to learn about her writing routines, favourite rom-coms and new book The Other Bridget.

Looking for more Q&As?

See all Q&As