Chris Dowding - writer

I just finished Thomas Kohnstamm’s book, ' Do Travel Writers Go to Hell ? I found myself rushing home from work to read the next chapter. The way he lived his life and the method of research he used to write LP’s guide book for Brazil were great - for shock value. Being a travel writer myself, I understand how difficult it is to get all the facts straight, especially when you’re only visiting a place for a day or a few hours. In my own book, 'a few Drops short of a Pint', I wrote about sharing a house with a guy called 'Marcel'. 'Marcel' had moved from France to Dublin, to live with his Irish girlfriend. According to me, she dumped him after a short time and moved out. But when 'Marcel' read my book, he emailed me, saying: "Marcel left his Irish girlfriend at the time [not the other way around]!" I also attacked two consulting engineer companies: the ridiculous Dublin-based one that I worked for, and a major worldwide organisation that reje...

Today I dropped in on one of the Travel Writing classes run by my editor, Lauren Daniels, at the University of Queensland. I talked to her students about my book, 'a Few Drops short of a Pint', and the publishing process. Lauren's class asked some great questions and I really enjoyed the morning. I truly believe that writing is a skill that can be learned. I certainly wasn't born with the skills myself! Here are some key things that helped me get there:- a) I had something to say, and I wanted to take the reader along with me. As Lauren said, the manuscript began as 'my story'. It evolved into 'our story', and then became 'the story'. 'The story' becomes much bigger than the author. In my case, the manuscript took me to places I hadn't expected at all when I'd began. b) I got some education in the area of writing. I attended adult education courses and found a good coach to guide me. c) I started writing down whatever rubbish I co...

The office I work in is located above an X-ray and Imaging centre, and a Doctor's practice. Because the local Council won't allow large or numerous signs on new buildings, it isn't uncommon for people to get lost and end up at our door. Annie, our secretary, usually redirects them to the right office. Yesterday, she walked past my desk. 'There was a man at the door who wanted to give blood. I said to him this was the wrong office. He said the sign downstairs was pointing up at our office, so this must be the right place. He wouldn't leave. I think he must have thought I didn't understand what kind of office I worked in." "Well, we can take his blood if he really wants us to," I replied. "Ask him to sit down and say someone will come out shortly. And let's leave him there for hours," added a colleague, smiling. "You're missing a new opportunity, Annie. Ask him which vein he wants the blood taken from and then prick him with ...

I was one of the lead structural engineers that worked on the busway from Queen St to Roma Street in Brisbane. It was opened on 4th May 2008 by the Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh. I was proud to see how well the project had been put together, and very happy that so many people come along to see it. I'm certain the busway system will transform Brisbane's traffic issues in the next few years.

Thanks, Mary Ryans Kerryn and I were in Paddington, Brisbane on Thursday night to talk about 'a few Drops short of a Pint'. It was a great night. 38 people came along, and listened to me practise my newfound gift of the gab (I kissed the Blarney Stone for the first time last year). Mary Ryans put on the wine, OJ and food. At the end, Stef (Mary Ryans event organiser) gave a timely speech to the audience: 'It's really tough for new authors to be noticed, so if you like the book, please tell all your friends about it." Thanks to all of you who came along. Hopefully I can return the favour sometime, to those of you who are writing your own books.