AFTER developing a passion for storytelling in the South East, Gregory Bryan has gained recognition in the United States of America for his literary achievements.
Mr Bryan’s book Paul Goble, Storyteller, has been awarded the Midwest Independent Publishing Association 2018 Book Award for best biography.
The book tells the story of the award-winning picture book author who was born in England, but lived much of his life in South Dakota.
Sadly, Mr Goble passed away shortly before the biography was released, but he was able to read the finished product before his death.
“I have been living in North America now for around 25 years and have been a fan of Paul Goble for quite some time,” Mr Bryan said.
“He was an author and illustrator who mainly published Native American content.
“I was aware that his life story had never been told and knew that it was something that should be.”
Mr Bryan worked alongside Mr Goble for five years producing the book, which Mr Bryan said was a rewarding period in his life.
“I began the process admiring Paul as an artist, but we eventually became friends,” Mr Bryan said.
“I am very humbled to receive the award and recognition for my efforts, but the best part of the experience was getting to know a great man and a great illustrator like Paul.”
This is the first award Mr Bryan has received, but he is already accomplished in the literary world, having a total of six books published.
As well as his biography about Goble, Mr Bryan has also written two books on the life of Henry Lawson.
“Henry Lawson’s life and work has always been a great passion of mine and I often find myself referring back to him,” he said.
With the world becoming more accessible online, Mr Bryan believes Australian art and media are becoming more popular than ever.
“The world is getting increasingly smaller and people are able to source information from wherever they like,” he said.
“I think that with all of this information available, Australians are realising what great content we have coming out of our own country.
“Every time I head back I always bring a suitcase full of Australian books, films, music and of course, chocolate with me.”
In addition to being an author, he is also a professor of children’s literature and literacy education.
Working from the University of Manitoba in Canada, Mr Bryan said he was lucky to be able to do what he loves every day.
“I think it is everyone’s dream to have a job that does not feel like work every day,” he said.
“It just happens that two of my great passions in life are children’s literature and education, so I was able to create a career from both.”
Mr Bryan said his Australian heritage is apparent in many aspects of his teaching.
“I do try to hide my bias, but my students are aware of my love for our literature,” he said.
“I have always said ‘though there may be better out there, I believe that Australian illustrator Shaun Tan’s work is the best I have ever seen’.”
Mr Bryan has recently returned home to the Limestone Coast for six months to complete his next two books, which are both works of fiction based in our region.
“The majority of my writing has always been biographical or non-fiction,” Mr Bryan said.
“But fiction is something I have always been meaning to explore further.
“It is a little bit out of my comfort zone, but the biggest rule in literature will write what you know, so I am trying to stick to that.”
One of the books he is currently working on takes place in the Grampians while the other revolves around the Tantanoola Caves.
Mr Bryan said the South East was still a huge part of his identity and he wanted to create something from that part of his life.
“I still call Mount Gambier home,” he said.
“I draw a lot inspiration from growing up in the region and find it very easy to create here.
“I think Australian life and culture is a very unique thing, so I have a lot of pride in being able to share that with the world.”
