Paul Jennings - Untwisted: The Story of My Life

As generous, sensitive, perceptive and honest as its author, Untwisted is a fascinating collage. In deceptively simple prose, Paul Jennings uses key moments and events to make a vibrant, funny and moving picture of an amazing life. If you want to know what makes a writer, read this.

Emily Rodda

This wry and moving account of a life, from humble beginnings in 1940s Britain to literary superstardom in Australia and worldwide, is ingeniously constructed, quietly confessional, sweetly endearing, and, of course, often wildly hilarious.

Carmel Bird

Paul stands with O. Henry, Wodehouse and Dahl, the great short-story writers. The originality of his imagination and humour shine, but there is a wonderful darkness underneath. This memoir goes some way to explaining that darkness.

Terry Denton

Courageous in his craft, Jennings is unafraid of the dark corners, drawing out stories that give voice to things absurd, peculiar and strange. Somehow, hes able to take a readers hand often a very young reader and walk them through landscapes of vulnerability, finding tenderness and humour in the most unexpected places. In this, his memoir, Jennings gives us the story behind the storyteller, untwisting the threads of his own life with generosity, humility and candour. Untwisted is Jennings at his best tall and twisted, terrifying and true. This is a tale most memorable. Has Paul Jennings been listed as a National Living Treasure yet? He should be.

Gabbie Stroud, author of Teacher and Dear Parents

A bare-your-soul memoir with brutal honestly from a man who just keeps giving. A raw glimpse into the person and his craft. This book is a must for lovers of the childrens literature world and those who wish to contribute to it.

Louise Park, author of 7 Steps to Get Your Child Reading

Poignant, courageous and sometimes funny, this is the story of a kind, gentle and deeply thoughtful man who is also one of Australias best-loved childrens authors. I read it in one sitting; it was just wonderful. Having read Pauls kids books, I was surprised. Hes a beautiful writer for adults as well! And I got such a sense of Paul in his writing. It was like he was in this room talking to me about his life.

Debra Van Tol, Penguin Australia

A personal invitation into the remarkable head of a quirky genius and one of Australias most beloved writers. Achingly honest, full of writing wisdom and insights for educators. Essential reading.

Megan Daley, author of Raising Readers

Generations of Australians have grown up reading Paul Jennings deceptively simple tales. In Untwisted, Paul is telling a new story that of the unique and varied chapters of his own life. Honest, raw and revealing, Pauls story features the twists, turns and surprises weve come to expect of this iconic writer.

Jane Godwin, author of When Rain Turns to Snow

First published by Allen & Unwin in 2020

Copyright Lockley Lodge Pty Ltd, 2020

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publisher. The Australian Copyright Act 1968 (the Act) allows a maximum of one chapter or ten per cent of this book, whichever is the greater, to be photocopied by any educational institution for its educational purposes provided that the educational institution (or body that administers it) has given a remuneration notice to the Copyright Agency (Australia) under the Act.

Allen & Unwin

83 Alexander Street

Crows Nest NSW 2065

Australia

Phone: (61 2) 8425 0100

Email:

Web: www.allenandunwin.com

ISBN 978 1 76052 582 8

eISBN 978 1 76106 047 2

For teaching resources, explore

www.allenandunwin.com/resources/for-teachers

Cover and text design by Sandra Nobes

Cover illustration by Geoff Kelly

Back cover photo by Jack Wilkins

Set by Sandra Nobes

Artwork, photographs and images reproduced with kind permission from Helen Ulmann (pvi), Penguin Random House Australia ( reproduced with kind permission from Magpies magazine. Every effort has been made to acknowledge the original source of copyright material contained in this book. In the event of any errors or omissions, the publisher will be glad to make necessary changes in future printings and editions.

www.pauljennings.com.au

To all the dear people who have helped me along the way but have not been mentioned in this book. Among them are many of my friends, office managers, publishers, editors, illustrators, book designers and publicists. You know who you are and so do I. Thank you so much for being there for me.

My marriage had come to an end. And there I was, suddenly a single father with four young children living in a dilapidated house perched on the edge of a wild cliff a terrifying drop to the swelling Southern Ocean. Besides renovating our home, I was lecturing full-time and studying for my Masters degree.

I just cant finish my research project, I said to Bruce Jeans, dean of the education faculty. He already knew of my family situation and was aware that I was an emotional wreck, close to a breakdown. He looked at me with concern.

Things are changing, Paul, he said. The writing is on the wall. Deakin University is planning to take this place over and youll have no future here if you dont get your Masters and then a PhD.

He started to walk away but then he turned and gave me a sympathetic smile.

Is there anything else you could do?

1983

Bruce was a man of great integrity who always called things the way they were. I could tell that he saw the disappointment on my face as I told him that I had to discontinue my studies. I loved lecturing and working with the other staff and students at the Warrnambool Institute of Advanced Education, and I was also passionate about my two lecturing subjects Reading Education and Children with Special Needs.

The loss of my marriage had left me barely able to function. The thought of losing my job as well filled me with despair. The future seemed bleak and hopeless.

My research project involved travelling around the state testing children with reading problems. Now I was faced with either making a contribution in a different way or losing my job. I needed something I could do at home in the evenings while I was looking after the kids.

Bruce was waiting patiently for my answer. He was never one to rush things. I had an answer but I knew that it was one that wouldnt really fit into an academic gown.

Id like to write fiction, I blurted out.

He looked at me with a raised eyebrow. I elaborated, too quickly.

Ive already published a couple of little educational books for reluctant readers. What if I wrote something for the wider trade market?

He thought about it. I could see that he sensed my desperation.

Are there any writing courses you know of that you could take?

My pulse quickened. I felt my face redden as I gabbled out my reply.

Theres a series of classes in short-story writing run by the Council of Adult Education in Melbourne. Its once a week for a full term.