Dave Tomlinson discusses his new book, “Around the World in 80 Tales”

For Dave Tomlinson, the greatest fulfillment in being a travel writer is the potential to inspire the wanderlust that others may see the world for themselves.  If the world is a book, Dave wants you to read more than just the page you are on now.      Dave has passion for travel, outdoor adventure and cultural understanding.  This has seen him explore over 50 countries across 5 continents of the world.  He’s used his love of travel to create a website and write two books.  Travel Unravelled is a guide book for travelling the world on a budget and Around the World in 80 Tales is a collection of his experiences doing exactly that.

D.O: Thanks for joining us today on Authors' Curtilage Book Dialogue, and welcome.

DT: Thank you, it’s nice to be here.

D.O: The audience would like to know which part of the world you’re joining us from.

DT: Down under.  I’m originally from the south island of New Zealand but now living in sunny Brisbane in Australia.  

D.O: Thanks for joining us. When did you know you wanted to become a writer?

DT: When I realised that I could string words together in a way that informs, educates and entertains readers.

D.O: What are the various craft you've studied before you came into the entertainment industry or do you just possess some natural tendencies to write stories?

DT: I think travel and writing are intrinsically linked.  I always feel inspired to tell others about the people, places, the unique cultures and experiences that exist beyond their own horizons.   

D.O: What are the steps you took to develop your book from a rough draft into a published novel?

DT:  The interesting thing about this book was that originally it never going to be a book.  It evolved from a series of true stories I was writing based on my adventures.  When the title of Around the World in 80 Tales occurred to me, the book was developed from that. 

D.O: What did you do differently in your book to make readers feel fear, concern, sadness, love and laughter?

DT:  I felt a sense of obligation to describe my travels in the most real way that I could.  Like painting a picture that makes people realise that for all the wonderful rewards, there are also some gritty realities that I’ve experienced along the way.     

D.O: What sensitive materials does your book deal with?

DT:  A couple of my stories shine a light into some of the darkest events in our history.  I relate my experiences of visiting the Killing Fields in Cambodia and the museums dedicated to the bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima in Japan.  These were emotional experiences and that I’ve described objectively and didn’t sugar coat.         

D.O: That’s good. What's the subject matter of your book?

DT:  The highs and lows of travel through five continents of the world.  Through 80 unique tales, I’ve written about a diverse range of experiences in no particular order.  This makes for light, easy and enjoyable reading.   

D.O: What is the underlying theme that explored truth or moral in your book?

DT: The theme of the book is adventure that embraces the good, bad and ugly of travel.  It’s an insight into the life of a backpacker as he makes his way from one experience to the next.  Not always comfortable but always loving the journey.   

D.O: What town or city does your book story portray and what is the feeling we have in this dwelling places?

DT: A range of different towns, cities and places, each with their own atmosphere and daily rhythms.   

D.O: Having a unique point of view in telling a story provides your story with intention. From how many characters' viewpoint is your entire book seen from?

DT:  This is the world seen through my eyes. 

D.O: What do these points of views infuse into each of the chapter in your book?

DT: By nature, I’m an optimistic and happy person and I think that’s reflected in my writing.  I always try to see the good in people and places but feel it’s also important to be honest in my opinions.

D.O: What does the lead character of your book want most in the world?

DT:  To feel a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment through his cultural exchanges and experiences.  

D.O: What does he do to achieve this goal?

DT:  Travel the well-established tourist trails and also to some remote corners beyond them.  Often the most memorable experiences are gained on the road less travelled.    

D.O: How do you think your book will influence reader’s growth positively?

DT:  For me, the greatest fulfilment in being a travel writer is the potential to inspire the wanderlust others that they may see the world for themselves.  If the world is a book, I want them to read more than just the page they are on now.      

D.O: Any hint about your next book?

DT:  Around the World in Another 80 Tales?  No, I’ll probably need to create something different but I’m sure that the spirit of adventure will stimulate that.

D.O: [SMILES] definitely it will. What better effort do you suggest writers, put into their writing to have great sales in the ever-changing economics of the entertainment industry?

DT:  Pay attention to the detail of spelling, grammar and general readability.  Be professional in your approach and you’ll be rewarded accordingly.  

D.O: Thank you once again for joining us on Authors Curtilage Book Dialogue. We wish you the publishing best and hope that all good things come your way with your book.

DT:  Thank you.  It’s been a pleasure and I appreciate the opportunity.  Best wishes to you also.  

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READ SUMMARY OF AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 TALES

Dave Tomlinson joined Authors’ Curtilage Book Dialogue via email from Sunny Brisbane in Australia.