Kane believes that the pen is mightier than the sword (and asks that you kindly don’t tell Excalibur he said that). Yet you’ll often find his characters with sword in hand. He lives in Sydney but was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia. By day, he works for a large charity helping to facilitate ground-breaking research, at night, he’s back at the keyboard, gleefully throwing characters into life-threatening situations on strange worlds.
- To begin with, why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself – where were you born? Raised? Schooled?
I’ve spent my life on the East Coast of Australia. I was born, raised and schooled in Melbourne. After attending university, I moved to Queensland for work, then to Sydney, where I live now with my wife.
2. What did you want to be when you were twelve, eighteen and thirty? And why?
Bonus prologue: Around the age of six, I used to love making spaceships out of Lego. When an adult asked the inevitable question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, I would reply with, “An aeronautical engineer.” The best part of that was seeing their facial reaction.
At twelve, I had no idea what I wanted to be. You would, however, find me with my nose in a book or playing soccer.
When I was eighteen, I was torn between being a lawyer and a scientist. I also wanted to write a fantasy novel.
On turning thirty, I committed myself to making my author dreams a reality.
3. What strongly held belief did you have at eighteen that you do not have now?
Well, it wouldn’t be a list of terrifying questions without one like this.
At eighteen, I placed an undue amount of emphasis on my studies. That mindset followed me into my working years. Work-life balance is still a moving target—but at least I’m aiming in its general direction.
4. What were three works of art – book or painting or piece of music, etc – you can now say had a great effect on you and influenced your own development as a writer?
I was shaped by the novels I loved growing up. To pick only three is a very difficult task. In late primary school, my favourite novels were The Hobbit by the one and only J.R.R. Tolkien and Ice Station by fellow Australian author, Matthew Reilly.
(Noting these, it should be no surprise that my debut novel is a fast-paced fantasy.)
The last spot must go to The Empire Trilogy by Raymond E. Feist and Janny Wurts.
5. Considering the innumerable artistic avenues open to you, why did you choose to write a novel?
I could talk about my passion for stories or the power of words—their ability to transport you to another time, place or world.
But, in truth, there’s a force pulling me to the keyboard, compelling me to create. It’s really that simple.
6. Please tell us about your novel, Perils of the Past.
Perils of the Past follows a young woman on a desperate journey to find a cure to save those she cares most about, all while confronting the unsettling truths of her reincarnation.
Inside, you’ll find sword fights, magic duels, a dangerous adventure, life-and-death stakes, twists, and flawed characters. I wrote the kind of book I love to read.
7. What do you hope people take away with them after reading your work?
First and foremost, I hope Perils of the Past excites readers and immerses them in its characters and world—offering that escapism that fantasy is perfect for.
Important themes are woven into the action-adventure story, including the power of friendship and the facing of one’s fears.
8. Whom do you most admire in the realm of writing and why?
Janny Wurts. She’s a masterful storyteller, deservingly known for her rich prose, complex characters and layered plots. Beyond the page, I admire her deep roots in the book community and her kind, thoughtful engagement with readers, writers and reviewers alike.
P.S., She’s also a talented illustrator!
9. Many artists set themselves very ambitious goals. What are yours?
My goal for the last 4+ years has been to finish and publish my debut novel. Now that it’s out into the world, I’m focused on spreading the word about it. Perils of the Past was an ambitious first novel—with a unique world, various twists and one character looking back into the past while another looks forward. (Antarna seeks the truths of her past life, and Cal, my seer, catches glimpses of the future.) The next novel I have in mind is even more ambitious …
10. What advice do you give aspiring writers?
Immerse yourself in our wonderful book community—in whatever form suits you. Join a writing group or an association of authors, take a course, attend a festival or convention, connect on the socials (e.g., Bookstagram), dive into BookTube, etc. It’s been one of the greatest joys of my writing journey.
Many thanks to Mark Timmony and Booktopia for this opportunity.
You’re welcome, Kane. Thank you for playing!
Perils of the Past
THE PAST LIES AHEAD
Bloodied knuckles. Sword cuts. Aching limbs. With each day of training in a mountain temple, Antarna draws closer to the power she'll need if an assassin strikes once more. Never again will she be helpless.
When magic ravages the temple, the lives of her friends and the future of the congregation hang by a thread. A rare cure for their grave condition offers hope, and so Antarna braves a return to the city she fled as a child.
The journey ahead is fraught with thieves, traitors and tyrants who covet the cure. Lies are as thick as flies. In a desperate race against time, her past may hold vital clues-or offer only deeper peril.
Comments