Join bestselling author Trent Dalton, known for his hit novel Boy Swallows Universe, as he reflects on his journey from journalist to novelist. He candidly discusses the gritty realities of the '90s newsroom culture and his fascination with darker themes in storytelling. Dalton shares insights into his writing process, balancing ambition with personal fulfillment, and navigating self-doubt. He also touches on the emotional ride of adapting his work for Netflix and the joy of storytelling as a means of connecting with community and love.
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Sensitivity as a Secret Weapon
Trent Dalton used his sensitivity as a secret weapon in the tough newsroom environment.
It helped him gently approach difficult topics like domestic violence and addiction.
insights INSIGHT
Darkness Adds Story Depth
Dalton is drawn to darkness because of its deep connection to human resilience and storytelling.
Darkness enriches stories by giving them depth through complex characters like Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Childhood Inspires Novel
Dalton realized his childhood was linked to darker crime stories through a heroin dealer stepfather figure.
This inspired Boy Swallows Universe and its secret rotary phone room symbol.
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The novel tells the story of Eli Bell, a young boy growing up in the western suburbs of Brisbane in 1983. Eli's life is marked by family dysfunction, with a mother in jail, a stepfather involved in drug dealing, and a mute brother, August. The story involves Eli's attempts to rescue his mother from jail, his interactions with a notorious drug dealer, Tytus Broz, and his blossoming friendship with a journalist named Caitlyn Spies. The book blends elements of crime, suspense, and magical realism, exploring themes of love, hope, and the struggle to become a good person despite adverse circumstances.
Love Stories
Trent Dalton
Trent Dalton's "Love Stories" is a collection of heartfelt tales about love in its various forms, gathered from strangers on a Brisbane street corner. The book explores the complexities of love, encompassing joy, sorrow, loss, and resilience. Dalton's approach is deeply empathetic, allowing the voices of ordinary people to shine through. The stories reveal the unexpected beauty in everyday moments and the enduring power of human connection. The book ultimately celebrates the diverse and often surprising ways love manifests in our lives.
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Not many Aussie authors have made a bigger impact on the book world over the past decade than Trent Dalton. In this chat, the Brisbane-born journo-turned-novelist reflects on surviving the '90s newsroom culture, why he’s drawn to darkness in storytelling, and the incredible success he has had. He opens up about process, ambition, failure - and why he’s only ever watched Boy Swallows Universe once....
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