Ben Peacock

What is the key message of your book? 

That life throws some nasty, unexpected things at you but if you can keep a positive attitude you can not only survive but come out the other side stronger and happier than before. A cliché, I know, but I think we humans do need constant reminding.

What inspires you to write?

I’m useless with a video camera. 

What advice would you offer readers of your book? 

When you’re faced with a life and death situation you realise that time with friends and family are all that really matter. 

What are you passionate about?

If everyone in Australia would kindly buy my book I would gladly spend my days surfing, playing guitar, hanging with my family and writing another book.

What interests you most about health? 

The underexplored connection between mind and body and how a good attitude can help you stay healthy or deal with an emergency should it arise.

If you could have a conversation with anyone (alive or not) who would it be and what would you talk about?

I’d love to: play a few songs with Michael Franti, travel a country with Bill Bryson, shoot hoops with Obama, drive Highway 69 with Johnny Cash and take a helicopter ride with Leonardo Da Vinci. I am sure I would be too gobsmacked to know what to say to any of them.

What motivates you?

When my time comes I want to leave this earth feeling I used my energy wisely and in a positive way.

What is your advice to aspiring writers?

Speak, don’t write. A book is a conversation on a page so use the same tone, phrasing and way of speaking that you would use to a friend. Make up your own grammar and words if you like and don’t worry about details like commas, your editor will put them in for you later. It’s all about taking the reader on a journey.

What are you looking forward to?

My daughter being able to stand on a surfboard so I can pass off three hours in the waves as babysitting.