Born in Perth in 1960, Tim Winton is the author of thirteen books, including novels, short stories, non-fiction and books for children. He began publishing fiction in his teens and his first novel, An Open Swimmer, won the 1981 Australian/Vogel Prize. He has won the Miles Franklin Award three times, for Shallows in 1984, Cloudstreet in 1991, and Dirt Music in 2002 and his other awards include the Banjo Prize, the WA Premier's Prize, the DEO Gloria Award (UK), the Marten Bequest, the Christine Stead Award, the goodreading Award and the Wilderness Society Environment Award. In 1995 The Riders was shortlisted for the Booker Prize.

Tim Winton has lived in Greece, France and Ireland. He lives in Western Australia with his wife and three children.