Polymath (n): a person of wide knowledge or learning, from the Greek.
This term and its definition certainly applies to local resident, Michael Burge. Michael is a journalist, author, publisher and artist who lives at Deepwater. He also holds a design diploma from NIDA. And he runs a popular book club and writer’s group in Deepwater, publishes books, does the publicity for his own work and has a strong online presence. Lots of fingers, in lots of pies.
In late 2019, Michael published his debut novel, Tank Water. It’s sequel, Dirt Trap will be released in November. These novels explore rural life, and more particularly growing up gay in a country area.
Through these works, Michael has played a part in the renaissance of queer literature in Australia, helping to put a distinctive voice more firmly on the written word map.
Also in November, he has another novel coming out, Watchnight. In a departure from his previous works, Watchnight stems from his job as a tour guide in the Jenolan Caves and the multitude of early stories surrounding the Caves. It has been described as a gothic crime thriller. He is tapping into First Nations stories as well as those of the Wesleyan Methodists who were early settlers in the area.
Michael worked for Guardian Rural for many years and still does freelance journalism. He is also very involved in the workings of the Maker’s Shed in Deepwater with his husband, the creative, Richard Moon.
How does he do all this? Michael has a strongly developed love affair with words stemming from when he was very young, has developed a solid writing regime, has a supportive husband, and a room of his own to write in (the writer of this article just added that last line. Very Virginia Woolf.)
For more information about Michael and his work, visit www.burgewords.com on the internet or drop in at the Maker’s Shed at 80 Tenterfield Street, Deepwater.
