smh.com.au
From Temple's Critique to Global Bestseller: Chris Hammer's Literary Journey
Chris Hammer, initially criticized by his lecturer Peter Temple, went on to become a best-selling crime novelist, with his early non-fiction work, "The River," now republished, underpinning the success of his 1.2 million-selling crime novels.
- How did Chris Hammer's non-fiction works, such as "The River," influence the setting and themes of his subsequent crime novels?
- Hammer's non-fiction works, "The River" and "The Coast," documenting his travels and observations of Australia's environment, served as foundational experiences informing his later crime fiction. These books, while not initially big sellers, provided the settings, characters, and thematic elements that fueled his successful crime novels, demonstrating a clear trajectory in his career. His immersive experiences in the Australian landscape directly shaped the narratives and settings of his fictional work, which have sold 1.2 million copies.
- What impact did Peter Temple's teaching have on Chris Hammer's writing career, and how is this reflected in Hammer's later success?
- Chris Hammer, a successful crime novelist, initially struggled in a feature writing class taught by the renowned Australian author Peter Temple, who was known for his harsh critiques. Hammer's persistence and Temple's influence on his writing style significantly contributed to Hammer's later success. His early non-fiction works, such as "The River," laid the groundwork for his crime novels.
- What does the re-publication of "The River" signify about the trajectory of Chris Hammer's career, and what larger trends does it illuminate regarding the connection between non-fiction and fiction writing?
- Hammer's journey from journalist to best-selling author highlights the transformative power of experiential learning and the importance of foundational non-fiction works in establishing a unique fictional voice. The re-publication of "The River" underscores the lasting impact of his early environmental reporting and storytelling, solidifying his status as a leading voice in both environmental and crime fiction. This illustrates a successful pivot from environmental journalism to crime fiction, drawing deeply on his initial observations and experiences.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames the author's journey and success as a central theme, potentially overshadowing the environmental concerns. The focus on personal anecdotes and the author's career progression might lead readers to prioritize the narrative of individual achievement over the larger environmental issues at stake.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and descriptive. However, terms like "irascible lecturer" and "brutal" could be considered slightly loaded, although the context suggests they are accurately reflecting the situation.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the author's personal journey and interactions, potentially omitting broader perspectives on the Murray-Darling Basin's environmental issues and the impact of climate change. While acknowledging the author's expertise and experience, a wider range of voices (e.g., scientists, government officials, local community members with differing viewpoints) could provide a more comprehensive picture.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the author's book, "The River", which is a non-fiction travel narrative and environmental exploration of the Murray-Darling Basin, and a prophecy of climate change. The book highlights the impacts of the Millennium Drought and the environmental consequences of water management practices in Australia. This directly relates to SDG 13 (Climate Action) by raising awareness about climate change impacts and promoting sustainable water management.