How a Year as an Electricity Meter Reader Reignited My Writing Passion

In 2011, Wayne Marshall left Melbourne for central Victoria to take a job as an electricity meter reader, a position offered by an ex-bandmate. The role was physically demanding and unpredictable, involving encounters with aggressive dogs, curious horses, and challenging terrain in an old Holden Rodeo. Despite these obstacles, the experience became unexpectedly transformative. While initially seeking distance from his creative pursuits after a difficult postgraduate writing attempt, Marshall gradually found himself jotting down story ideas between meter readings and later dedicating early mornings to writing. The combination of outdoor work, solitude, and exposure to rural landscapes provided both a sense of freedom and a mental reset. Marshall’s year in the Macedon Ranges not only produced memorable stories but also reaffirmed his commitment to a life of writing. Beyond the literary rediscovery, the period marked a personal transition between his academic struggles and upcoming life events, including fatherhood and a health challenge. The narrative captures the blend of adventure, humour, and reflection that comes from engaging with the natural world while navigating an unusual occupation.