A Man Of Substance begins
Read Christian’s life, from thirteen to empire, a saga spanning decades.
January 1973. Inland heat, a belt on a hook, a jam sponge no one lights, Elvis on the telly, the river breathing like a second set of lungs. Christian Tambor turns thirteen in Wagga Wagga. He learns how to be quiet, then meets a girl who does not. This is the first step in a long life, written year by year, tender and unflinching.
What this is
A Man Of Substance is a lifelong novel told in yearly books, beginning with 1973. Each year stands alone, yet the shape of the man is only revealed across the decades. It is literary, queer, and fiercely human. Faith and friendship. Violence and care. Writing as witness. A boy who refuses to disappear.
Companion guides
Every chapter sits beside two companions:
The Aussie Board, to explain cultural and historical details
The Scrapbook, to capture the month’s headlines and emotional weather
Together, they deepen the story without demanding study.
How to read
The story unfolds slowly, in rhythm with the week.
Wednesdays – Ink & Bone
My author memoir, free for all subscribers. Reflections from the desk, the drafts, and the years between.
Thursdays (fortnightly) – The Aussie Board
A companion piece exploring the Australian context of the upcoming chapter.
Fridays (fortnightly) – The Scrapbook
Headlines and historical notes from the month surrounding each chapter, offering real-world echoes to Christian’s world.
Saturdays (fortnightly) – New Chapters
The next instalment of A Man of Substance releases here, following its supporting essays.
If you would rather not wait, you can buy the first book now, directly from Rowan and read the full first year, 1973, today.
Content care
⚠️ This work contains domestic and family violence, coercive control, and a child’s fear.
Please read with care, take breaks when needed, and visit the Reader Care page if you want support.
Welcome in
You are warmly invited to read, comment, and share.
If something strikes you, say so.
If someone you love reads like this, send it their way.
Your attention allows me to release this life with patience and truth.
Start with January. New chapters follow in sequence. The rest of 1973 will roll out here over the coming weeks. If patience is not your flavour, buy the book and read the full year now.