Imagine relocating after more than six decades in Johannesburg to the tranquil coastal town of Hermanus.
For David Alston this move was the beginning of a new chapter, not just in his life but in his writing career. Having spent most of his life in South Africa’s vibrant metropolis, this author now calls the peaceful town of Hermanus home, where the natural beauty of the area and the relaxed pace of life continue to inspire his work. He recently published the book Travels, Trails & Tribulations – an Octogenarian’s Odyssey.
After spending more than 60 years in Johannesburg, Alston and his wife made the life-changing decision to “emigrate” to Hermanus two and a half years ago. While many may think of emigration as a move to another country, for them this was a fresh start in the same country, a decision rooted in their desire for a slower pace and connection to nature.
“The move was a leap towards something more peaceful, where we could embrace the beauty of nature and enjoy the calm that Hermanus offers,” he said. “This change of scenery has not only provided a stunning backdrop for personal rejuvenation, but also shaped my writing.”
Venturing into writing was not a sudden one. English was Alston’s best subject at school, and over the years he developed a passion for documenting his travels. Whether exploring new places abroad or reflecting on moments closer to home, he would often write accounts of his experiences, spinning stories based on them, ones that capture the essence of those trips.
He finds this form of travel writing more enjoyable, a spark that has morphed into a deeper commitment.
“In fact, several of the stories in my book originated as shortened versions for newspapers and travel magazines.”
In their later years Alston and his wife started their own business, publishing an insurance magazine. He not only wrote a considerable amount of content, but also honed his editing skills. This experience nurtured his love for writing and set him on a path to retirement, so he can dedicate more time to his craft. The culmination of all these years of writing and experience come in the form of a book, a collection of stories born from his varied life.
Asked what his preferred genre was, Alston confidently stated that he sticks to short stories. “All my stories are based on real events,” he explained, “although sometimes I add a touch of embellishment to make them humorous.”
He finds the short story format ideal for his style of writing, as it allows him to capture the essence of an event or moment without getting bogged down in the complexities of a novel.
For this author, writing short stories feels more natural. “Things continually pop up that I can write about succinctly,” he said, “and I don’t feel I have a novel in me.”
Short stories give him the freedom to explore various ideas and experiences while keeping them manageable and relatable to his audience.
Asked what his favourite part of being a writer is, Alston said it is the process of “re-creating” real incidents to make them more engaging to readers. “I enjoy taking an actual event and turning it into something more enjoyable, often with humour,” he pointed out. This ability to reframe reality into a compelling and often amusing story is one of the hallmarks of his writing style.
He cited several literary influences, each of them shaping his approach to storytelling. He admires James Thurber for his knack for turning the most mundane happenings into humorous tales, such as in “The Dog That Bit People”.
“I’ve always loved how Thurber could take a simple incident and transform it into something truly amusing,” he reflected.
Other authors who have inspired him include Graham Greene, known for his insightful observations and layered narratives, and John Irwin, whose work is characterised by a sharp sense of wit and deep understanding of human nature. These influences can be seen in the writer’s own stories, where humour often meets a more serious, reflective core.
While writing occupies much of his time, the author has a rich array of interests that contribute to a well-rounded life. He also enjoys music, particularly jazz, a very great passion, reading, bird watching and walking in the natural surroundings of Hermanus.
His fascination with wildlife and steam trains also adds dimension to his pursuits, and he loves spending time at the cinema and attending theatre productions.
“People are another great interest of mine,” he added. “The stories of others, the different personalities and experiences that shape lives; there’s so much to learn from everyone you meet.”
As he continues on his writing journey he remains inspired by the simplicity and beauty of the world around him, always ready to turn the next story into something meaningful and enjoyable for those who read it.
