Who is Stuart Rosson?
An ex-science journalist and naturopath, Stuart Rosson lives in Torquay, Victoria where he runs a guesthouse, writes fiction and surfs with his three grown-up sons. His previous books form two parts of a post-apocalyptic action trilogy. His third book, Framed, is a fictionalised exposé of the theft of Picasso’s Weeping Woman in 1986.
Throughout the mid-80s he was the science writer for the Sun News-Pictorial, covering news and features on science, health and medicine. Moving to the Surf Coast, in the early 90’s he worked as an operations manager for a global surf company until 2001. After leaving the surf industry he studied natural medicine, and went on to practice as a naturopath until 2009.
His first book, East – a post-apocalyptic action adventure – was published in 2018. His second book, a prequel to East, set in mid-21st century Melbourne, was all but completed, when he switched track to write Framed; the fictionalised ‘true’ story of the theft of Picasso’s Weeping Woman from the NGV in 1986 – a crime for which his brother was framed.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Let sleeping dogs lie… Maybe.
Who inspires you and why?
My partner Lisa, for whom nothing is impossible. She inspires me with her positivity and her verve for life. Without her, life is black and white; she brings the colour and the passion.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Love our children and grandchildren and teach them to care for others and for their world and reject the rhetoric of corporate patriarchy.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Walking the Kumano Kodo – an ancient pilgrim trail in the wilds of Wakayama, Japan. Because it was a unique mix of physical endurance and spiritual harmony in an idyllic wilderness.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The Great Ocean Road walk, or if they are surfers, to my favourite surf break whose name cannot be revealed.
What are you currently reading?
Wifedom. Anna Funder’s revelation of the life of George Orwell’s hitherto forgotten wife, Eileen. Brilliant.
What are you currently listening to?
Puccini, Jazz, Led Zeppelin… Anything really!
Happiness is?
Getting barrelled at the aforementioned secret surf break. Nothing I like better than a first-light surf with my sons at our favourite break. Sometimes we paddle out in the pre-dawn starlight.
What does the future hold for you?
A semi-retirement travelling and living life with my beautiful partner, seeing the world, having fun and still writing, until I drop.
Stuart is the Author of Framed – The ‘True’ Story of the Theft of Picasso’s Weeping Woman – which is is published by Brolga Publishing and available from all leading book sellers including Booktopia.
Image: Stuart Rosson (supplied)