Michael Mohammed Ahmad wanted to be an actor before he decided to become a writer.
The author is now known for his three semi-autobiographical novels (two of which were shortlisted for the Miles Franklin), and for founding literary movement Sweatshop, which is dedicated to helping other Western Sydney-based people of colour write authentically about their own lives.
But his career as a writer may have panned out differently if he hadn't gotten his "big break" and been inspired to change direction.
