The writing space of Walter Mason.
Who writes here?
Walter Mason
Who’s that?
Walter Mason is a writer, a spiritual tourist, lifelong dilettante and the author of Destination Saigon, a funny, touching and truly unique journey through contemporary Vietnam (named one of the ten best travel books of the year by the Sydney Morning Herald). His latest book Destination Cambodia is a colourful adventure to one of the world’s hottest new destinations; a fascinating literary journey in which Cambodia is vibrant and its people excited about the future while never denying their haunted past.
Where can I read more about this fabulous author?
Extra Notes:
My monitor sits on a box my cousin made in High School wood shop. When I was 16 I attempted to decoupage it with my favourite bands and sayings clipped from magazines. I did a shocking job. But when I glance at it I see images of the bands Curiosity Killed the Cat, the Bauhaus and Australian 80s legends Pseudo Echo. It’s a retro riot. Inside the box is all the treasures from my colourful and misspent youth: lots of statement jewellery, a Comme Des Garcons shirt, a pair of fishnet stockings I once wore and who knows what else. I haven’t opened it in years. On top of the box is a bottle of frankincense oil to get me feeling holy and a bottle of liniment from Malaysia for my constant headaches and aching neck. Also a silver turtle from Laos and, on top of my monitor, a tiny bronze statue of Lord Ganesh and a card reminding me to always be loving when I communicate with people. On the wall above my monitor is an image of the Buddha Amitabha whose blessings are meant to help me develop a greater capacity for kindness. To the right of my monitor is a statue of Kwan Yin, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, and to the left my current favourite inspirational literature. At the moment it’s Ram Dass’ “One-Liners,” Shirley Maclaine’s “Going Within” and the Essential Teachings of Zen Master Dogen. The desk is tiny, a 1950s chrome and laminate kitchen table I bought at Vinnies. I have written two books and a doctoral dissertation in this space. I keep telling myself to get a bigger desk but there isn’t actually any room left in my tiny room that is crowded with books. It’s hard to move in here, and I have been hurt several times by falling piles of books!
Whose writing space can we see tomorrow?
Deb Kalin
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