'I just happen to be an author'

 “My job is essentially that of an entertainer, no different to that of a musician, no different to that of an actor. I just happen to be an author.” – Bryce Courtenay 

A South African novelist who also held Australian citizenship. Courtenay, was born on this date in 1933 and became one of Australia's best-selling authors, particularly from his South African-based book The Power of One.

Despite Courtenay's fears that The Power of One would be a dud it became a worldwide best-seller, has had a successful children's edition, and was made into a popular feature film. 

The author of 23 books, mostly novels, Courtenay - who died in 2012 - was one of Australia's most commercially successful authors. A career advertising director, he helped build his own success over the long term by promoting himself and developing a relationship with readers while marketing his books.  Each year he would give away up to 2,500 books to people he randomly met in the street.

  

Many of his works are written from first person narrative, allowing the reader to put himself or herself into the lead role as if the story were their own.  

 “I like to share my thoughts and perspectives,” he said.  “And remember, the only thing that's authentic about what a writer writes is his work.  Everything else belongs to us all.”