2 of us

The Age newspaper’s Good Weekend magazine of 26 July 2008 featured Melbourne author of the Phryne Fisher and Corinna Chapman mysteries Kerry Greenwood and her partner David Greagg in their ‘2 of us’ column.

Kerry briefly introduced David when we crossed paths in the green room at the Crime and Justice Festival the week before. David attended her sessions and she referred to him on several occasions, always with love and respect.

I also note David was responsible for drawing up Phryne Fisher’s astrological chart (which figures, given he’s a wizard).

It was a real pleasure to read what they had to say about each other in the Good Weekend. Kerry said, “In my novels, my heroes are always David, though he’s too modest to know. When I want a character of stainless-steel virtue and kindness and courage, it’s always him.”

David described Kerry as “smart as paint, loving, loyal, charming, sexy, wonderful… She still works for Legal Aid, not for the money but because she’s kept faith. It’s who she is. She’s a nicer, cuter version of Horace Rumpole.”

But the line I most loved was Kerry’s: “He’s always been the most interesting person at any party I’ve ever been to.”

That’s exactly how I would describe my partner Andrew Nette.

However, because the men in my books tend to be highly flawed individuals if not anti-heroes, I haven’t drawn on Andrew as a source of inspiration for any characters. At least, not yet.

Bravo to Kerry and David! To quote a Cambodian wedding blessing, “May you be together so long, all your teeth fall out and you can’t even eat bananas”.