Denis Dickens City of Moreton Author speaks with rosemary. A former rock ‘n’ roll and folk musician, Denis discovered a whole new creative voice when the pandemic silenced live music.
With several books already published and a brand- new collection on the way.
Four of a Kind — four very different tales in one collection. How did Denis decide which stories belonged together?
One story follows a family’s journey from post-war Poland to Australia — did Denis draw on real people or real history for that?
Sometimes You Wait for Love — centred on Vera Duncan, a musician who loses her father young and must balance duty with dreams. Is there autobiography in Vera’s love of music?
The title is quietly powerful. Where did “Sometimes You Wait for Love” come from?
The Priest from Riverdale — faith, the homeless, addiction, and an unexpected love story. These are big themes for a short-story format. How does Denis handle them without it becoming preachy?
What drew him to writing a character who works among the homeless?
Coming Up — Strange Turns
Denis is about to go to print with his next collection, Strange Turns. What can listeners expect — same warm Aussie flavour, or is this a departure?
What does the title Strange Turns hint at thematically?
Going to print is a big milestone — how does it feel compared to the first book?
Where can listeners in Australia buy or pre-order Strange Turns? Online, local bookshops, or both?
Denis, your stories remind us all of the beauty in everyday Australian life.
We wish you every success with the launch of Strange Turns — we can’t wait to read it.
