Scot Gardner

Author, Storyteller/Performer, Personal Development

Scot Gardner came to writing via counseling and youth work. His thirteen novels range from absurd fantasy for children to gritty realism and tragic-comedy for young adults

Where were you born?

I was born in the Melbourne suburb of Greensborough and moved to the country with my parents when I was twelve. My teenage years were spent in the Gippsland bush, where I still live.

What other jobs have you had?

I wasn’t born reading and writing; I’ve worked as a waiter, masseur, delivery truck driver, home dad, counselor and musician. I’m also licensed to handle explosives and venomous snakes!

What themes are recurring in your work?

I write about troubled folk living their lives with gusto. Some of them fall apart when they sneeze, some are flat-out just surviving.

What have been the highlights of your career?

I once played Didjeridu to a room full of Aboriginal kids in Arnhem Land. I was lucky to get out alive – they nearly hugged me to death!