When John Rook of Buff Point found himself requiring dialysis 15 hours a week, he knew he needed to do something to occupy his time and his mind.
The former TAFE teacher retired to the Central Coast with his wife Marilyn in 2007 after being diagnosed in 2006 with renal failure due to a long-term diabetes condition.
A transplanted kidney lasted nine years before his body rejected it, so in 2017 he found himself confronted with five hours of dialysis for three days a week to keep his body clear of fluid and toxins due to the absence of kidneys.
“Owing to the fact that I would spend 15 hours a week on dialysis, I was determined to occupy the time constructively so at the behest of my wife I began writing a novel set in ancient Rome,” he said.
Taking about six months to write, the novel, A Senseless Death in a Dying Republic, was published in the UK in 2022 and can now be ordered through the major book sellers.
The novel incorporates Rook’s strong interest in Roman history with a story about a young man who joins the Roman army during a period of bitter tensions during the last years of the Roman republic and features historical characters such as Sulla, Marius, Pompey, Cicero and Catalina.
While Rook was thrilled to have his book published, he also wants his experience to be a message to others.
“I would like to convey the simple truth that no matter how dire your circumstances are, there is scope for creativity,” he said.
It was his creative urges that led him on a very interesting career path.
Leaving high school at the age of 14 with no formal recognition, he went on to become a TAFE teacher teaching professional photography after spending nine years serving in the Royal Australian Navy as a cameraman, handling both 16mm cine and all formats stills film.
He later worked as a freelance photographer and wrote reviews for several photography magazines.
On his retirement, he achieved a degree in Journalism and a Masters in Adult Education.
He still finds time to enjoy the Coast with its beaches, theatres and shopping centres and enjoys writing and taking photos.
He now hopes to follow on the success of his first novel and currently has three novels in the draft stage.
Denice Barnes