A Man's Got to Have a Hobby

William McInnes is a talented writer and a natural storyteller. A tail-end baby boomer, he recalls summer holidays that seemed to go on forever, when he and his mates would walk down to fish in the bay; a time when the Aussie battler stood as the local Labor candidate and looked out for his mates; and a time when the whole family would rush into the lounge room to watch a new commercial on TV.

He writes about his father - a strong character who talks to the furniture, dances with William's mother in the kitchen, and spends his free time fixing up the house and doing the best for his family. In William's writing you can hear his father speaking and listen to his mother singing.

This is a book about people who aren't famous but should be. It's about cane toads and families, love and hope and fear, laughter, death and life. Most of all, it is a realistic, down-to-earth book by a man who had a great time growing up. His warmth and humour come through on every page. This Australian memoir tells of a time that will be familiar to many readers and a delight for all.

Winner of ABIA Australian Newcomer of the Year (Debut Writer) 2006
Short-listed for ABIA Australian Biography of the Year 2006

“a perfect balance between humour, humility, seriousness and light, laughter and tears - Sunday TelegraphThis will make you laugh till you cry - The AgeMcInnes applies a deft touch to a swag of recollections, shaping a yarn that should be listed with the national treasures' - The Courier-Mail”

a perfect balance between humour, humility, seriousness and light, laughter and tears - Sunday Telegraph

This will make you laugh till you cry - The Age

McInnes applies a deft touch to a swag of recollections, shaping a yarn that should be listed with the national treasures' - The Courier-Mail

William McInnes is one of Australia's most popular writers and actors. His books include the bestselling memoirs A Man's Got to Have a Hobby and That'd Be Right. In 2012 his book Worse Things Happen at Sea, co-written with his wife, Sarah Watt, was named the best non-fiction title in the ABIA and Indie Awards.

Also an award-winning actor and best known for his leading roles in Blue Heelers, SeaChange, Total Control and The Newsreader, William has won two Logies and two AFI/AACTA Awards for Best Actor in the film Unfinished Sky and Best Supporting Actor in The Newsreader.

William grew up in Queensland and lives in Melbourne.

William McInnes is a talented writer and a natural storyteller. A tail-end baby boomer, he recalls summer holidays that seemed to go on forever, when he and his mates would walk down to fish in the bay; a time when the Aussie battler stood as the local Labor candidate and looked out for his mates; and a time when the whole family would rush into the lounge room to watch a new commercial on TV. He writes about his father - a strong character who talks to the furniture, dances with William's mother in the kitchen, and spends his free time fixing up the house and doing the best for his family. In William's writing you can hear his father speaking and listen to his mother singing. This is a book about people who aren't famous but should be. It's about cane toads and families, love and hope and fear, laughter, death and life. Most of all, it is a realistic, down-to-earth book by a man who had a great time growing up. His warmth and humour come through on every page. This Australian memoir tells of a time that will be familiar to many readers and a delight for all.

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