Who is Gary Todd?
Gary Todd is an international best selling author and screenplay writer. He is originally from the tough streets of Scotland but now lives in Sydney with his wife and they have 3 grown up kids.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I would like to have more hours in the day to mentor street kids and help them believe in themselves so they can reach for the stars.
Who inspires you and why?
Ordinary people who do extraordinary things inspire me.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
That is a tough question as it’s never going to be an easy fix but I would say if I could, I would spend more money on real life training programs and mentoring at schools that lead to a traineeship / apprenticeship. These large corporations / construction companies are making big money and it should be a mandatory obligation for them to invest in ordinary kids. Not every kid can go to private schools and then uni and there is a lot of kids that just don’t get or see the opportunity. We need to give them a chance to fly. There is a lot of kids who are lost.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Hiking in the Scottish mountains with my wife in the cold and wind. There is something about it that warms my heart.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I’m lucky to live where I live in Sydney. Taking them anywhere along the rugged east coast.
What are you currently reading?
Right now, I’m reading Dracula.
What are you currently listening to?
Music has always been a huge part of my life. When I was writing Annie’s Boy, I went through the years and certain songs stuck with me so when I finished it, I made a playlist. I’ve been listening to that. (The Carpenters, Shirley Bassey, the O’Jays, Sex Pistols, Madness and the Cutting Crew).
Happiness is?
Happiness for me is when I know my wife and kids are all good. Personal happiness is the simple things in life like walking the dog with my wife.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m hoping to still have the fire in me for a long time and I would like to tell my story and hopefully it makes a difference. Yer a long time dead and I’ll never die wondering.
Gary is the Author of Annie’s Boy – a coming-of-age story as seen through the eyes of a boy and his mum living in Scotland in the 1970’s and 80’s where fear, violence and struggle was an everyday part of life – published by New Holland Publishers and available from all leading book retailers including Booktopia.
Image: Gary Todd (supplied)