Jack Heath

Author

Jack Heath is the author of six action-packed thrillers for young adults. He started writing his first book at age thirteen and had a publishing contract for it at eighteen. His work is now sold in eight countries.

Jack will tour Melbourne for schools and libraries from 13-17 August 2012.

Where were you born?

I was born in Sydney, but I’ve lived in Canberra since I was nine. This may be why so many of my characters turn out to be government spies.

What other jobs have you had?

My previous professions include fry cook, music teacher, web developer, street magician, tech support agent, debt collector, and rock star. None of these jobs is as much fun as writing.

What themes are recurring in your work?

An interviewer once asked about the theme of “breaking glass” in my novels. I’d never thought of it as a “theme” before – it’s just something that happens a lot because characters keep getting thrown through windows!

What have been the highlights of your career?

I love being able to meet the writers who I admired growing up. Chatting with Matthew Reilly, Bret Easton Ellis, Isobelle Carmody, Jeff Lindsay and John Marsden were definite career highlights.

Where have your works been published?

My books are published in Australia, the USA, Canada, and New Zealand. From late 2011 they are also available in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

What are you passionate about?

I love everything about books – reading them, writing them, and talking about them. I also love making music, dancing, and watching magic tricks (but not in combination).

Haven’t I seen you before?

You might have! I run a pretty popular YouTube channel, and I’m on TV from time to time. It turns out that game shows are a lot of fun, but only if you’re bad at the games.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

Thanks for the opportunity! I can never remember my shoe size when I go bowling, I speak tourist Russian, and I changed my ringtone to a coughing sound so as I don’t have to turn my phone off when I go to the movies.