In Conversation With… Malcolm Sutton
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Journalist, playwright, musician and author Malcolm Sutton opens up to Monty about his inspiration, life lessons and his new rock opera, SNOUT.
What book are you currently reading?
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole after it was recommended by a friend who’d just read Twitchers. I’m enjoying it – a sprawling, humour-filled plot and one which I’m guessing the author jumped into without any rules.
Best piece of advice you’ve received?
“Almost all of those people are full of shit.” (from the film Donnie Darko)
How do you start your day?
Always a bowl of cereal, or if it’s been a big night and I’m not going to the office, eggs on toast. That first cup of tea is a winner, too.
What’s the most interesting or enjoyable part of your job?
I like the craft of writing, which is why I got into journalism in the first place (and because making a living as an author, if it’s even possible anymore, was clearly going to take time). While my favourite stories are those that help people, such as highlighting a bureaucratic/corporate injustice or environmental issue, it’s the writing that keeps it alive for me, day in, day out.
Where do you draw inspiration for your novels from?
Often, when I’m in a good environment, like a cliff over an ocean and all is well, I get an overwhelming urge to write. I get that feeling most mornings, too. The actual ideas come from the never-ending regurgitation of existence, which is constantly spewing sour somethings into our face that we have to shape and mould into useful articles before we die. I’ve more ideas than sense and I’ll never use half of them.
When was the last time you cried?
Occasionally, when you’re involved in producing a news story about some rotten animal treating children in unforgivable ways, it can really get to you. Evil exists.
Describe living in Adelaide in three words?
Beautiful, frustrating, expensive.
What is your greatest guilty pleasure?
Late nights out.
Drink of choice?
Guinness.
Biggest lesson you’ve learnt over the journey?
Everything takes time, so much bloody time, and you never get it back. Ten years can pass in a fortnight.
What is your favourite time of day?
The mornings. There’s so much potential.
Favourite travel destination and why?
I don’t believe I’ve been there yet, as there’s so many places I want to see. For now, however, the Yorke Peninsula is God’s country.
One thing you can’t leave the house without?
A good pair of shoes or boots.
What are you most grateful for?
The food we eat and the fresh water on tap. We’re so lucky to have more than enough here.
If you weren’t a writer, what would you be doing?
A professional musician.
What are your goals for the rest of 2025?
I’m producing an original rock opera to premiere at the Adelaide Fringe Festival in 2026. It’s called SNOUT. That’s taking all my creative energy at the moment, which is kind of annoying as I’d like to start a new novel, but it’s looking and sounding really good!
Favourite childhood memory?
It’s hazy, but I remember seeing a production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Flinders University Theatre and it blew my mind. My parents also took us to see Starlight Express when it toured in a tent and that was equally mind-blowing. Trains, on roller skates! And when I looked over the back of seats where the performers were skating around to the other side of the stage, a couple of the girls gave me a wave and big, happy smiles. It was a whole other world to me and I wanted to be a part of it.
Malcolm’s Essential Australian Reads
Collected Stories by Peter Carey: His short stories are among my favourite pieces of contemporary literature and a massive inspiration for me.
Rise & Shine by Patrick Allington. A surreal novel that’s both science fiction and satirical social commentary. It’s a great read for people seeking something different in an era of publishing that only rarely allows such books through.
The Rules of Backyard Cricket by Jock Serong. A cool, fictional story portraying a dark underbelly to professional cricket that’s very believable.
Breath by Tim Winton. His descriptions and portrayal of the surfing world are sublime and presented in a way that only another surfer could. Great story too.
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent. Such a large and sweeping story that’s incredibly well done and researched.
