Three Months on an E-bike (what could possibly go wrong) received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with authors Glenn Reddick.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
The book is called Three Months on an E-bike (what could possibly go wrong). It was published July 2021.
What’s the book’s first line?
“I wouldn’t exactly describe myself as a hoon driver; funnily enough, I’m not actually fond of driving fast.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
Staring up at the two police officers after being stopped for speeding, I knew I was in trouble, and I was. My driver’s license was suspended for three months! To top off the year that was thanks to Covid, how on Earth would I get to work 18 kilometres each way without a car! From this point follows the hilarious journey of a middle-aged non-cyclist E-biking his way through stampeding cattle, deadly snakes, and a multitude of hair-raising adventures on his not so trusty E-bike.
Hold on to your seat as rural Australia throws everything it has at this hapless rider, who fortunately finds the funny side every time.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
That’s easy.. losing my drivers license for three months for speeding. The hilarious reactions from my friends, family and colleagues when I told them about my adventures riding my new e-bike to work for three months convinced me to write this book. My misadventures became a topic of conversation each day at work. Typical questions included: “How was the ride today?” “Chased by anything lately?”
I decided to change the names of some of the characters so as not to offend anybody, but the events certainly happened. I wrote the stories over the three month period I was riding to work and around the area. Writing this book was a great distraction and gave me something different to do on weekends and evenings. It is my first attempt at writing a book, and other books may follow, you never know. I really enjoyed writing it and hope you enjoy reading it. I hope this book encourages others to get out there, enjoy nature and possibly visit some of the places I wrote about. I live in a beautiful part of Australia, and if you decide to ride along the rail trail in the story you will see some of the things I mention in this book first-hand.
There are a lot of people to thank who supported me and encouraged me to write it down, and without them I would never have done it. In particular, I would like to thank my partner Jo for putting up with me. Thanks also to local artist Caroline Healey, who brought the book to life with her cover design and the beautifully illustrated map of the area.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
I guess the IndieReader review sums up that one rather well:
“Glenn Reddick’s memoir THREE MONTHS ON AN E-BIKE (What Could Possibly Go Wrong) is filled with humor, and his descriptions of the Australian countryside provide the perfect backdrop for what turns out to be an optimistic story of embracing change and learning from adversity–the perfect balance of entertainment and reflection.”
“First and foremost, THREE MONTHS ON AN E-BIKE is a very witty book.”
“Between Reddick’s sense of humor, his rich descriptions of “the solitude of the Australian bush”, and his optimistic message, THREE MONTHS ON AN E-BIKE is an absolute pleasure to read and will appeal to any reader who enjoys memoirs, adventure stories, or travel writing.”
If they made your book into a movie, who would you like to see play the main character(s)?
Gosh that’s a tricky one.. initially anyone but me! I think the Aussie actor Shane Jacobson would fit the bill.
When did you first decide to become an author?
The first few days of riding the bike. I could tell immediately it was going to be an adventure, hair raising and hilarious and I certainly wasn’t wrong
Is this the first book you’ve written?
Yes.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I work in local government in Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
It’s been about 6 months writing, editing and fine tuning the book. I’m wring some music at the moment as I play piano, which I have no idea what I will do with at this stage. Maybe I will make a short video of the places and scenery and use the music as a backdrop. So I’m not writing stories at the moment to concentrate on the music.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
Being a newbie I don’t really know yet.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
Possibly, it really would depend on the circumstances. I’d love it if the book became really popular but it wasn’t my motivation for writing the book. It was really the challenge and the enjoyment of actually doing it. As people are reading it I’m getting great satisfaction from their reactions. I am loving the joy it is bringing to peoples lives.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
Not really. I don’t know if I could manage either!
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
There are too many really, I love Bernard Cornwell’s work, Tolkien inspired me particularly as a young boy, closer to home the Australian writer Colin Thiele.