The man touted as Australia’s publishing boy wonder will share his story in Maitland this week as part of the city’s Look Who’s Talking program.
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International best-selling author Matthew Reilly has penned 12 action adventures that have sold five million copies worldwide.
On a typically slow day, Reilly’s heroes scuttle Typhoon class submarines, level buildings, launch ballistic missiles and save the world from annihilation.
Surprisingly, Reilly was not always a big fan of reading.
“I actually disliked reading in my early high school years,” he said.
“I was given very dry, old classics in year 7 and it was only after I read To Kill A Mockingbird and Lord of the Rings in year 10 that I realised reading could transport you to another world.
“Once I figured that out, I went out and found all the action novels I could.”
Reilly started writing his first novel, Contest, at age 19 while studying law at university.
After being rejected by the all the major publishers, he self-published the novel in 1996 and printed 1000 copies. He then caught the attention of Pan Macmillan, who signed him up to a two-book deal.
His next novel, Ice Station, sold more than 170,000 copies and made him an instant success in the publishing world.
City librarian Keryl Collard said few writers had a fan base as diverse as Reilly’s.
“From reluctant young readers to the more experienced, Matthew’s books appeal to people of all ages and all walks of life,” Ms Collard said.
* Reilly will appear at the Maitland Repertory Theatre on Friday from 6pm until 8pm. For more information visit maitland.nsw.gov.au/library or phone 4933 6952.