Tim Winton

As you know, we will be looking at the novel, Blueback this term. The author of this book has been described in the past as “a world-renowned author” (N.T. News, 25/9/2008) and “Australia’s most lauded” writer (The Australian, 2012). Today, we will be taking a close look at Tim Winton’s biography (his life and work).

Instructions!  

1)   Read the biography and follow the links throughout to find information on Tim Winton

2)   Copy the questions below into Microsoft Word

3)   Answer the questions

4)   Email completed answers as an attachment using Microsoft Outlook to c3088420@uon.edu.au

Tim Winton was born in Karrinyup, Western Australia on the 4^th of August, 1960.  He began his first novel, An Open Swimmer (1982), at the age of 19, while on a Creative Writing course at Curtin University in Perth. This book won the Australian/Vogel National Literary Award. Since winning this award, he has made a living as a full-time writer! Winton has also won the Miles Franklin Award four times. He was also awarded the Centenary Medal for service to literature and the community. Tim Winton has lived in Italy, France, Ireland and Greece but currently lives in Fremantle, near Perth, with his wife and three children.

 

Winton often writes about the coast!

Tim Winton is famous for his unique writing style and his ability to capture the audience on their own level. His writing often contains messages or themes which act as an ‘eye-opener’ to his audiences. Winton draws his prime inspiration from landscape and place, mostly coastal Western Australia. As with most authors, Winton’s life has impacted upon his writing. As such, many of his novels for young readers have a coastal setting and deal with concerns relevant to this setting. Winton's writing reflects his passions and interests.

Winton is actively involved in the Australian environmental movement. He is a patron of the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) and is passionately involved in many of their campaigns, notably their work in raising awareness about sustainable seafood consumption.

Winton keeps away from the public eye, unless promoting a new book or supporting an environmental issue.

Tim Winton: Writer and Environmentalist

Questions (copy these into Microsoft Word and answer them in full sentences there)

Where and when was Tim Winton born?

Where does he live now? 

Who does he live with?

List the names of five of his books and the year they were published

http://www.bookbrowse.com/biographies/index.cfm/author_number/774/tim-winton

Name three awards that Tim Winton has won

http://literature.britishcouncil.org/tim-winton

How has Tim Winton’s life influenced his writing? (HINT: think about the setting and characters)

Extension Activity 1

Choose one of the following interviews with Tim Winton and explain in 200 words why you thought it was an interesting interview.

http://www.bytimbaker.com/recent_works/tim-winton-interview/

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/jun/28/saturdayreviewsfeatres.guardianreview9

http://sydneyanglicans.net/news/indepth/a_beautiful_mind_an_interview_with_tim_winton/

Extension Activity 2

Write an email (200 words) to Tim Winton asking him to come to St. Pius X to speak with your class about his life and his writing. Provide strong reasons why you think it would help the class understand his novel, Blueback.