Will John Milton (alias Spud) survive his 10-year school reunion? You will have to read the book to find out. But in the interim, we get to discover what makes the popular Glenwood author John van de Ruit tick.
For a decade, after his 11-year magical Spud journey, John van de Ruit took a break to adventure and breathe. Last year, satisfied with his nature-infused hiatus, the best-selling South African author returned to his trusty notebook and penned a witty new sequel to his much-loved series, just in time for the hols!
Genial, optimistic, absurd, determined and passionate, John van de Ruit is a master of his craft. For more than a decade, he’s been riding the wave of writing success – that remains elusive to so many – since the release of his 2005 comedic novel, Spud, which was so popular it was adapted into a hit film starring John Cleese, and inspired three sequels – The Madness Continues, Learning to Fly, and Exit. Now, travelling 10 years into his beloved character’s future, Spud – The Reunion continues this bestselling series and John, who has spent the last 18 months almost confined to his study, is revelling in its release.
“Despite what some might think – that I disappeared – I never stopped being creative. I simply stepped off the Spud magic carpet ride that I had been on for so long so that I could try and return to a somewhat anonymous life and breathe again. My partner of 19 years, Jules, and I travelled and explored. The places we saw! I will never give up on my dream of having a home in the bushveld,” says John who confesses to being a birding nut and says the best thing he ever did in his life was take a year off to do a birding Big Year – an informal competition among birders who attempt to identify as many species of birds as possible by sight or sound.
“My father introduced me to nature and birds as a child and I’ve always loved it. Over the last six years it’s become a great passion, and it complements our lives because our getaways have a focus and a sense of mission about them,” says John, who shares that as an ambassador for Wildlife ACT, he’s passionate about supporting their efforts to save KZN’s vultures from extinction.
As a playwright and actor, John also spent a large part of his time out from writing returning to theatre.
“I’ve been involved in three sketch shows, co-written a one-man show, worked on an experimental novel, and have been developing Spud the Musical with a talented team of creatives. In May last year, after feeling pretty content about everything, I returned to my study, and to Spud, and began writing his ten-year reunion.”
For those who are blissfully unaware of the skill it takes to write fifth bound-to-be popular book in just under a year and a half, a day in the life of an author like John goes something like this …
“Me, writing nine hours a day from 9am to 6pm, taking short breaks every 80 minutes or so. After writing, I read my day’s work back to Jules and discuss it with her. I stay in the Spud headspace until bedtime, which means I’m always immersed in it. It’s intense but it’s the way I like to work,” says John who adds that an advantage to living in a wooded and quiet little piece of old Durban is that it allows him to have a natural outlet, even when chained to the writing desk for long periods.
“We live in Glenwood, in a four-bedroom Tudor house which is more than a hundred years old. And we are surrounded by an indigenous garden that attracts birds and wildlife. Just the sort of things kitties devour. LOL! I love that my study overlooks the garden. Speaking of my desk, it isn’t really a desk but Wombat’s old bridge table. The antique style and shape adds a creative touch to my working area, which just feels right.”
Regaling us with tales of his childhood that include discovering in Grade 4 that he should have been left-handed, John says what he misses most about his youth was the simplicity of it.
“I’m one of those lucky people who does what they always dreamed of doing. I wanted to be a professional actor. The irony is that when I was a professional actor, I discovered that my true calling was writing,” says John who admits to being a compulsive observer of people.
“I love watching how they interact in everyday situations and what that reveals about their characters and the wider world. Some people lack tact or awareness or common sense, others reveal their insecurities, stresses and personal trials, while others strive to give nothing away but often do. These observations feed my craft and deepen my understanding of human nature and the absurd aspect of daily life.”
And speaking of life, John says if there was a slogan for his it would be ‘The road less travelled.’
“We love exploring the wild, natural bits of Durban rather than malls, so we end up in all sorts of places like the Umgeni mouth or Mount Moreland. My favourite local spot to dine is Col Tempo, where I struggle to avoid their meatballs and all the scrumptious Italian fare in their deli. Our family has always loved Al Firenze in La Lucia, where avoiding their ravioli next to impossible. Oh, and I’m extremely partial to a late night Sunrise Chip ‘n Ranch roti, even if it takes me three days to finish it. And if I’m cooking, it’s a good old South African braai potjie – it’s more than just cooking. It’s creative and atmospheric too.” says John.
If he could eliminate one thing from his daily schedule, John says it would be sleep.
“I do enjoy sleeping but it chews up a third of your life. Here’s the thing I’ve worked out about myself … grief, failure, shock, a tough creative challenge, visiting a new country in the developing world, and a Spud publicity tour all take me out of my comfort zone. Hell, just leaving my house after 18 months of writing feels pretty wild. Whenever I’m agitated, irritable, impatient, peeved or pessimistic, then I’m acting out. My natural way is to attack my negativity with humour, even sarcastic or black. This is not to avoid them, but to put those challenges in their rightful place because those aren’t the things that should be occupying my mind.”
John says while he could easily give up on a little shut eye to get things done, he wouldn’t trade it if it meant missing out on Summer’s cool and glorious early mornings.
“Durban Summers are definitely vibrant with their multifaceted characteristics, but once that fierce sun and the hordes of holidaymakers wake up, it all goes backwards at a rate of knots,” says John when asked to share his views on and his plans over the upcoming holidays.
“There are two sides to our family. My side and Jules’ side. This takes some planning. With my family we head off into the bush to relax, commune and celebrate. Jules’s side of the family take Christmas very seriously, so we return home and spend time with them having feasts and gatherings. My sister Cathy live in the USA, so she usually makes it out at this time and I try to spend some quality time with her too. This year, I’m going to be on a publicity onslaught for many weeks through December, so come the festive season, relaxing body and mind will be high on my list too.”
ABOUT THE BOOK
It’s 2003. 10 years since Spud Milton’s class of 93 matriculated and the boys went their separate ways. Despite their seemingly unbreakable bond, the Crazy Eight – Rambo, Mad Dog, Vern, Fatty, Garth Garlic, Boggo, Simon and Spud – have not kept in touch. Or at least, not as far as Spud knows. When he receives an invitation to attend the school’s reunion weekend, he is determined to avoid the event at all costs. At 28, Spud is stuck in a one-third life crisis. Reflecting on a decade of spectacular non-achievement, at a point where he’s coming to realise that his glittering stage career might have stalled before it’s even begun, casts him into deep gloom. For the former scholarship kid, the prospect of once again having to measure up to his blue-blooded school friends has him riddled with anxiety. Not only that, but Spud also still doesn’t have a serious girlfriend and circumstances have forced him to move back in with his parents and senile grandmother. After a wildly unsuccessful fishing trip with his father, as well as a return to his old way of figuring things out – writing in his diary – Spud finds his reunion resistance crumbling. Curiosity and courage win the day. It’s just a weekend, after all … what could possibly go wrong? R350.
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