Bill Condon
Welcome Bill Condon to Creative Kids Tales.
Bill Condon’s intro on the Enterprising Words website starts with “Bill Condon was born, which is always a good start.”
When I think of my introduction to Bill, the phrase ‘looks can be deceiving’ comes to mind.
I remember I was at a function organised by Dianne Bates, Bill’s wife and equally talented children’s author. Another writer friend asked me ‘Have you met Bill Condon?’ ‘He’s very funny.’
‘Really? Bill Condon?’ I questioned, as my initial impression was tall, handsome and shy. Ha! Bill is certainly not shy, well not once I got to know him.
Bill was born in 1949 and lives with his wife Dianne (Di) Bates in Cordeaux Heights, on the south coast of New South Wales, Australia.
Before Bill settled into his long standing profession as a writer, he tried an assortment of jobs. Lawn cosmetics expert, commonly known as mowing lawns, delivered parcels, trained greyhounds, forklift driver and a professional punter. The latter of which proved unpopular with his bank manager.
A chance meeting with the editor of a local weekly newspaper, Larry Rivera introduced Bill to the world of journalism. Bill standing in on a one day trial for a sick reporter turned into a ten year career. Bill stands by the claim there is no truth in the rumour he was the cause of that journalist’s untimely demise.
His journalism career gave him a taste of what his dream role as a children’s author could offer. Bill followed in the footsteps of his author wife, Dianne (Di) Bates and continued to write for children during his journalism days.
After ten years of chasing down front page stories Bill decided to throw caution to the wind and chuck it all in. That life changing decision proved to be his best career move.
With a list of titles as long as your arm, Bill is well known for his young adult novels, three of which have been named CBCA Honour Books.
In 2010 Bill won the inaugural Prime Minister’s Literary Award for his YA novel, Confessions of a Liar, Thief, and Failed Sex God.
His latest title, A Straight Line To My Heart was awarded a CBCA Honour Book and was also short-listed for the 2012 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards. Another novel, Daredevils, has been adapted as a stage musical and premiered in 2012.
When he is not writing, Bill plays tennis, snooker, and Scrabble, but hardly ever at the same time. His dream is to receive a wildcard invitation to play tennis at Wimbledon - if nothing else; his knees would provide great comic relief for the spectators.
More information about Bill Condon and Dianne (Di) Bates can be found at: www.enterprisingwords.com.au
We hope you enjoy this month’s featured author, Bill Condon.
Bill Condon - Interview (Jan 2013)
You can also listen to Georgie's interview with Bill Condon and Dianne Bates on The Author's Shelf.
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