Matthew Reilly launches Australian book tour
Wed 12 November 2008
Lana Stewart, Journalism
International bestselling author Matthew Reilly made a special appearance at the Maroochydore Surf Club in October as a part of his 2008 Big Book Club tour.
Fans who attended were treated to an early breakfast, and given an opportunity to learn more about the man who has captured the imaginations of readers worldwide with his novels.
Special services librarian Sarah Wood said Maroochydore Library hosted these events because they encouraged people to read and become more involved in the community.
“The library runs these kinds of talks because it engages readers with the authors of the books,” Ms Wood said.
“They get the opportunity to see something beyond the book.”
Matthew Reilly fan Emma Guinea said the morning was very exciting because it gave insight into the imagination of her favourite author.
“He was welcoming and willing to engage with the audience,” Ms Guinea said.
“You don’t expect someone like that to be so funny, open and sincere.”
As a 34-year-old Australian author, Mr Reilly said the best thing about his book tours was meeting fans and letting audiences leave with an impression of the “real” Matthew Reilly.
“They [the fans] are really nice people so it’s a very easy event for me to do,” Mr Reilly said.
“With something like this I try and let people see where the stories come from, to see the guy who writes them and where I get information.”
The audience was given some clues about Mr Reilly’s next novel, Five Greatest Warriors, due for release in 2009, which continues on from Seven Ancient Wonders and The Six Sacred Stones, a series depicting the adventures of character Jack West.
Details about the book were kept secret, but fans were assured they would be satisfied with the story.
“I knew leaving people with a big cliff-hanger in Six Sacred Stones meant that the new one had to worth the wait,” Mr Reilly said.
“You just have to trust me that it is worth the wait.”
Fans also asked Mr Reilly if a screenplay was made or being made from any of his novels.
Mr Reilly said he liked the idea, but was worried about turning one of his books into a Hollywood blockbuster.
“As you know sometimes your favourite books get turned into really mediocre movies,” Mr Reilly said.
Mr Reilly explained how being an author was as good as being a movie director.
“I can blow up aircraft carriers and I can have armies of Mazaniec warriors lying seize towards town,” Mr Reilly said.
“I don’t have to come up with the special effects.
“I don’t have to come up with 1000 extras in Incan attire then use CG [computer graphics] to turn them into 100,000.
“What this means is I can make the books as big as I like.”
Mr Reilly said he hoped fans enjoyed themselves at the event and learnt something about who he was as an author and person.
“I think people come to see who you are and try to leave with a piece of image of who you are,” Mr Reilly said.
“I hope people today left with that.”
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