Awesome Books I have Edited: Wayback By Gerard Dean

Click on the book cover to purchase your copy from Amazon!

Wayback, by Australian author Gerard Dean is a memoir with a difference. Unlike some slower-moving examples of this genre, this irresistible collection of short stories is not tied down by tedious timelines. Rather, the 300+ pages are stuffed to bursting with delicious snippets snatched from a life well lived, and saved so that you, the reader, can be transported wayback to a wheat farm in the Wimmera and beyond.

Another notable difference between Wayback and some other memoirs I have read is that, although the author, Gerard Dean, unsurprisingly, makes an appearance in every one of his stories, he often plays merely a supporting role, and a cast of vivid and vivacious characters often step forward to take centre stage. What I love about this is that it adds a touch of sparkle and provides the reader with a starkly authentic picture of those who populated this time and place.

As an editor, hailing from the UK via New Zealand, Wayback provided me with a new and fascinating challenge! As with most editors worth their salt, I am a stickler for grammatical accuracy and superbly-structured sentences! However, once I started editing these awesomely Australian tales, it swiftly became clear to me that, perfect grammar or not, the real gold here was in the author’s voice. So, steadfastly turning a blind eye to the odd misplaced word or erroneous contraction, I edited in a new way and, as a result, Wayback by Gerard Dean is the most authentic book I have ever read, and, in my humble opinion, this is one of this memoir’s most profound and wonderful strengths.

My Interview with Gerard Dean…

What’s one writing rule you believe in, and one you think is made to be broken?

I remember on a couple of courses, the teachers suggested that a collection of short stories is not the best way to tell a life story. I agree that it doesn’t tell a story in a linear fashion, but then, many of our memories are flashes. So I write short stories about events in the past that may have only lasted for a few seconds.

What is your favourite thing about writing?

Storytelling is my passion, so I am so happy I have written some down in a book.

What is your least favourite thing?

My least favourite thing is also another favourite thing – submitting my story to my editor – there is a mixture of emotions from fear to a thrill if she likes what I have written (Fear is generally the dominant emotion!!!!!)

Do you read your reviews? How do you handle feedback/criticism?

I do read the reviews, and I am happy whichever way it falls – praise is great, but a hint of criticism pulls me back into reality.

What’s the most surprising thing you learned while writing this book?

How smart SOME editors are!!! No, seriously, I am in awe of the editing process where each word is checked, each punctuation mark is checked, and the overall story is checked to make sure it makes sense i.e. no names missed, missing paragraphs, etc. Editors have strange brains, but we need them.

What’s a book (not your own) that significantly influenced you?

All The Green Year by Don Charlwood, about some Aussie kids growing up between the wars – hit me like a brick when I was a kid. To Kill A Mockingbird, All Quiet On The Western Front and Germs, Guns and Steel by Jared Dymond for some scientific history.

How has writing this book changed you?

Hmmm- good question – stoked my ego, I guess, which doesn’t surprise my friends. Seriously, I want to write more.

What’s next for you?

Looking to write a book about my passion for making things – might call it Making Stuff – engines, model ships, radio and TV transmitters, etc. etc…