Meet David Whish-Wilson

Between them Fremantle Press dads have done everything from panning for gold in the jungles of Laos to being named a Western Australian State Living Treasure. But what does Father’s Day involve for them?

David Whish-Wilson left Australia aged eighteen to live for a decade in Europe, Africa and Asia, where he worked as a barman, actor, street seller, petty criminal, labourer, exterminator, factory worker, gardener, clerk, travel agent, teacher and drug-trial guinea pig. These days, David lives in Fremantle with his family, and coordinates the creative writing program at Curtin University. His most recent book, Derby: WA Footy Fans on the Game’s Greatest Rivalry, which he co-authored with Sean Gorman, was launched to a buzzing crowd at Subiaco Oval in April. A prolific crime writer, David is currently working on his next novel with Fremantle Press.

What’s your best Father’s Day moment?
Father’s Day is great. I get to sleep in and then my creative kids leap on and show me the things they’ve made to celebrate the day – cards and sculptures and the like. Breakfast in bed and half a cup of tea (the tea spilt down the hall on the way from the kitchen). Always, I get to read a book in the afternoon, and then if the dog isn’t barking too loudly I’ll enjoy a siesta. Heaven.

What’s on your to-be-read pile at the moment?
I’ll be enjoying reading Ian Maguire’s The North Water this Father’s Day – a little context to make me feel grateful for what I’ve got.

Is there a book both you and your kids enjoy?
We all like Paddington and Tintin and joke books – lots of jokes on repeat.

In your opinion, where’s the best place to read in the world?
A book is a world in itself, and the best place to read a book is everywhere.