Mark Smith
Mark is an award-winning author who offers a unique insight into reading and writing – he came to both late, but has now published five books, including The Road to Winter, which is taught in schools around Australia. His first adult novel entitled Three Boys Gone, was published in 2025. His next book, Where Truth Ends – another adult thriller – will be released in June 2026.
The second book in the Winter Trilogy, Wilder Country, won the 2018 Australian Indie Book of The Year for YA. Mark combines his love of surfing, the outdoors and travelling with adventure stories teens love. A teacher with more than thirty years’ experience, his storytelling, humour and insights will keep students enthralled online or in-person.
Mark is also an award-winning short story writer who offers writing workshops for middle-school and senior students wanting to develop their craft. He is also available for residencies, offering the opportunity to engage with students in workshops and presentations across multiple year levels.
Meet the Speaker
Where were you born?
I was born at the Mercy Hospital in Melbourne where, due to him fathering nine kids, they eventually gave Dad his own car park.
What other jobs have you had?
I’ve done a variety of things outside of writing: Campus Director, outdoor educator, Executive Officer in the not-for-profit sector, surf instructor, canoe instructor, paper boy (in descending order of merit and proficiency).
What themes are recurring in your work?
There are a few themes that recur in my writing, often when I don’t even mean them to: climate change, environmental issues, social justice (particularly indigenous and refugee issues), the resilience and loyalty of young people, relationships and love.
What have been the highlights of your career?
Signing a three-book deal with Text Publishing after the manuscript for The Road To Winter was picked out of the slush pile and passed around the office. The resultant phone call changed my life.
Where have your works been published?
The Road To Winter, Wilder Country, Land Of Fence, If Not Us and Three Boys Gone have all been published in Australia, New Zealand, the US and Europe.
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about the environment, refugee issues, protecting our oceans, surfing, writing – and pretty much life in general.
Haven’t I seen you before?
I have five brothers – it could have been any one of us.
Anything else you’d like to share with us?
I have a habit of breaking bones (my own), especially fingers, ribs and toes. But also, my neck, twice in the one year. No, really.
The Road to Winter has been shortlisted for the following prizes:
- Indie Book Award for Young Adult, 2017
- West Australian Young Readers' Book Award, 2017
- Western Australian Science Fiction Foundation's Aurealis Award, 2016
- Readings Young Adult Book Prize, 2017
- Queensland Literary Award: Griffith University Young Adult Book Award, 2017
Speaker Type
Audience
Locations
Sessions
Writing a Great Short Story
Lots of writers would like to write a novel but usually life gets in the way – so short stories are a great way to sharpen...
Getting Past the Blank Page
The hardest part of writing is getting started.In this workshop, Mark leads students through some simple and fun exercises to...
Creating Believable Characters in YA Fiction
The Road To Winter revolves around three central characters – Finn, Rose & Kas. Finn is 16, shy but resourceful and...
The Road To Winter
In this session, Mark takes students through the process of writing the book, from his first scribbled notes to...
Would I Lie To You? Truth, Fiction and Everything in Between.
In this session Mark begins by telling a true story. Or is it? Students need to listen carefully and will have the chance...
Help! How do I start my story?
In this session Mark takes students through a series of quick, fun exercises that help them get a piece of creative writing...
Senior Student Writing Workshop
Drawing on his experience curating two short story collections based on the songs of Paul Kelly and Nick Cave, Mark leads...
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