Book launch: Justin Smith signs a book for a delighted fan.
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Local export turned author Justin Smith will be returning to Echuca this week to unveil his latest novel Good As Gold.
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The book revolves around the first Melbourne Cup, run and won by Archer in 1861.
“I’ve always liked Australian history and I’ve always loved westerns, so Good As Gold is a rewriting of the first Melbourne Cup of 1861,” Mr Smith told The Riv.
“It was a huge time for Victoria — the gold rush changed us forever.
“I want people to really enjoy the yarn. It’s about horses and guns and gold and a few big characters thrown in.
“I love writing the characters. And if you get it right, they really take over. As a writer, you think you’re in control, but if the character is strong, they’ll tell you where the story needs to go.”
This is Mr Smith’s fourth book and he spoke of the process behind them coming to life.
“My writing process is really just about spending the most energetic part of the day at the keyboard. And then I just keep going until I get it right,” he said.
Fascinating: Justin Smith talks to a crowd of curious fans.
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Mr Smith grew up in Echuca Village and reminisced about his childhood days.
“I was born on a dairy farm in Echuca Village, surrounded by a couple of hundred cows. It was a good way to grow up — lots of space to get into trouble and ride motorbikes,” he said.
“As a kid I didn’t think about being a writer. I wouldn’t have even known what that really meant. I only knew that I loved telling stories and I was fascinated by people.
Thrilling read: Justin Smith's new book Good As Gold.
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Having studied at Echuca Technical School, Mr Smith pursued a career in the media.
“I was at the Echuca Tech (now Echuca College) until the late ’80s and fell into a radio job at 2QN,” he said.
“I didn’t know what I was doing, but I loved it. And I fell in love with what you can do with words.”
That was the start of a career as a journalist, broadcaster and writer and he spent many years in radio as a presenter and executive producer.
He is a columnist at the Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Sky News and Channel Seven’s Sunrise.
But high on his list of priorities is continuing to produce new books.
“I’m hoping to keep writing. I don’t know how many I’ve got in me, but I’d like to find out,” he said.
Mr Smith will be the special guest at an author talk at Echuca Library on Thursday, August 31, from 2pm.
Bookings are essential via the Campaspe Library website or by phoning 5481 2400.
Copies of Good As Gold will be for sale courtesy of Collins Booksellers.
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