Chris Hammer

Author

Chris is the author of Scrublands– the bestselling Australian crime novel set in a drought-ravaged town – and The River – an account of his journey through the Murray-Darling Basin.

Now a full-time author, Chris was a journalist for more than 30 years, covering federal politics and travelling as a roving foreign correspondent.

Where were you born?

Longford, Tasmania

What other jobs have you had?

Formerly a television, print and online journalist with more than 30 years experience – my career was divided between covering federal politics and being a roving foreign correspondent.

What themes are recurring in your work?

Drought, hardship, perseverance.

Love, betrayal, redemption.

Trauma, violence, forgiveness.

What have been the highlights of your career?

The publication of Scrublands and it quickly becoming the #1 bestselling fiction book in Australia – and having international publishers bidding to publish Scrublands.

Where have your works been published?

Publications include Meanjin and The Bulletin and my Australian book publishers are Melbourne University Press and Allen & Unwin.

My books are available in the US, UK, the Commonwealth, France, Germany, Russia etc

What are you passionate about?

Writing. Reading. Life.

Also like wine, swimming, cycling, skiing, photography, film.

Haven’t I seen you before?

I was a television journalist for many years, reporting for SBS TVs Dateline and World News, as well as for the Sydeny Morning Herald and The Age websites.