Lois Kuhle spends some time in John van de Ruit’s world . . .
“My childhood would have bored people to tears, and they are disappointed when they realise the dislocation between me and the characters,” admits author John van de Ruit.
The astounding success of the Spud books (Spud, The Madness Continues and Learning to Fly) has been overwhelming for John. However, it’s his dad I feel sorry for – not Dad Milton who epitomises the dysfunctional parent who never ceases to embarrass, and has a liking for liquor, but real dad, Dave! I spotted Dave at a very sober Anglican service in Umhlanga and was surprised to see a very handsome, clean-looking fellow.
“Wombat is probably the only character who is close to the real thing. She has become South Africa’s favourite granny, even though she was a tricky woman,” admitted John van de Ruit. In fact it’s in Wombat’s flat in Durban that all the Spud books have been written.
Although the books are not an autobiography, Spud Milton does have John’s soul and sense of wonder. For seven years John has been “getting into Spud’s character”.
“I knew from the beginning that I was going to write four books, taking Spud through the steps of adolescence,” said John, knowing that five books would be too much of a stretch. We reminded him that he would have been writing the fifth book close to his 40th birthday, which almost sent him flying off his chair. Ah, so there is a young boy trapped in a maturing body!
“I never intended to be a teenage role model, and sometimes I like to push the boundaries.” His post launch schedule involves school tours, and true to Spud humour, he often likes reading the scene when Boggo emerges from his room with his morning glory accidentally on full display, much to the horror of two young ‘Wrexham’ girls. This sends the audience of teachers and students into a state of flurry.
More exciting, is that Spud is to be made into a movie, with John Cleese pegged for the role of Guv. John van de Ruit has been a professional actor, playwright and producer since 1998, after he completed a Masters degree in Drama and Performance at the then University of Natal.
“I loved being on stage, but don’t like the lifestyle,” explained John. “I am involved as a creative consultant for the movie and party to decisions giving feedback on the script that Donald Marsh is adapting for the screenplay.” He may have a cameo role in the movie.
John will take a breather before writing the fourth and last Spud book.
“I like to take a step out of the world between books,” which he has just done, having returned from two months in South East Asia. “Otherwise it’s like having another baby after coming back from hospital with the last one!”
After that, life is a bit of an open canvas for him. John is also aware of not letting his ego take over and enjoys being in the bush to ground himself.
“My books are more famous than I am,” he said, although being labelled a world famous author is sending him kicking and screaming into becoming a celebrity and national hero, and originally from Durban North, nogal.
In the Acknowledgements in Learning to Fly John gives special thanks to Julia, his lady love “who has walked this journey with me every step of the way. Her influence is unseen, yet I doubt Learning to Fly would be what it is without her love, clever brain and the bountiful joy she brings to my life.”
What’s not to love about Spud/John?