WELCOME TO OUR BLOG PAGE

Welcome to my blog — a space where I share insights from my writing journey, behind-the-scenes stories, and the historical background that shapes my novels. Whether you’re interested in the events that inspire my novels and characters, the craft of historical fiction, or the joy that writing can bring to you and others, I hope you’ll find something here that both informs and entertains.

If you would like to be automatically advised of any new blogs, please complete the Blog Subscribe form below.

If you would like to receive and participate in future blog posts, please complete the subscribe form below.

When Global Geopolitics Becomes Personal

Over recent weeks there has been growing media discussion in Australia surrounding the AUKUS alliance, rising strategic tension in the Indo-Pacific region, and the increasingly fragile relationship between China, Taiwan, and the United States. As global geopolitics increasingly dominates international headlines, issues once viewed as distant strategic concerns are beginning to feel far more immediate and relevant to ordinary Australians. At the same time, reports continue to

Michael Chalk

5 days ago2 min read

Image of blond haired lady holding a copy of No Clean Exit.

NO CLEAN EXIT - NOW AVAILABLE

A brief intro video about Michael Chalk's latest novel, No Clean Exit.

Michael Chalk

Apr 211 min read

Zimbabwe’s 46th Independence Anniversary: Promises, Outcomes, and the Prince Edward School Motto

This week marks the 46th anniversary of Zimbabwe’s independence . On 18 April 1980, the country stepped into the sunlight of majority rule amid scenes of celebration and genuine hope. For many Zimbabweans — black and white — independence carried the promise of reconciliation, prosperity, true democracy and a new national beginning. In reflecting on that moment, I am reminded of the motto of the senior school I attended from 1968 to 1973 — Prince Edward School, Harare : Tot fa

Michael Chalk

Apr 183 min read

No Clean Exit - now available

No Clean Exit by Michael Chalk is a geopolitical thriller exploring AUKUS, nuclear submarines, intelligence agencies and the personal cost of global strategic rivalry.

Michael Chalk

Apr 171 min read

Zimbabwe at Constitutional Crossroads (again)

Introduction My blog titled Zimbabwe at a Constitutional Crossroads was first published on 19 February 2026 , shortly after the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill was gazetted. I have now updated that blog following the commencement of nationwide public hearings and the controversy that has surrounded the consultation process. When I wrote the original blog in February, I was already deeply sceptical about the real objectives behind the proposed amendments. My

Michael Chalk

Apr 88 min read

Bringing Zachary's Cry to Life - A New Promotional Video

One of the realities of being a self-published author is that the work does not end once the manuscript has been written and the book published. In many ways, that is only the beginning. The next challenge is helping readers discover the story. With that in mind, I have recently updated the short promotional video for Zachary’s Cry . The novel, set on the stunning Yorke Peninsula in South Australia, tells a deeply human story of trauma, justice, compassion, and redemption. It

Michael Chalk

Apr 42 min read

Intelligence and Geopolitics

In this blog I reflect on how my interest in Intelligence and Geopolitics gradually developed, and how those observations ultimately helped shape the themes behind my forthcoming novel No Clean Exit.

Michael Chalk

Mar 153 min read

AUKUS | Nuclear-powered Submarines | The Changing Indo-Pacific

Over the past few years, the AUKUS partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States has become one of the most significant strategic developments in the Indo-Pacific. Most public discussion about AUKUS focuses on submarines. That is understandable. The agreement includes a long-term plan for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines and to develop advanced defence technologies with its closest security partners. But AUKUS is about far more than n

Michael Chalk

Mar 93 min read

Zimbabwe at Constitutional Crossroads

This blog examines Zimbabwe's upcoming constitutional reforms and what they mean for the country

Michael Chalk

Feb 194 min read

CAN YOU PIECE THIS PUZZLE TOGETHER?

Some stories are revealed slowly — piece by piece. I’ve created a small interactive puzzle using one of my books. See if you can put it together.

Michael Chalk

Feb 141 min read

An abstract image of a thought or idea that does not easily resolve.

If You Only Read One Book This Year ....

A reflective message on choosing books that unsettle, linger, and matter — rather than those that simply fill a list.

Michael Chalk

Feb 32 min read

What the Book Viral 2025 Millennium Award Represents for

Long listed for Book Viral’s 2025 Millennium Award, Zachary’s Cry marks a proud milestone for my third self-published book.

Michael Chalk

Jan 14 min read

Words of encouragement for 2026

I hope these words of encouragement in the video clip below will strike a chord with you this year . Words of encouragement for 2026

Michael Chalk

Dec 17, 20251 min read

An image showing the author and a few quotes relating to his forthcoming Memoir.

An Ordinary Life in Extraordinary Times - Seven Decades of Sekuru’s Stories

An Ordinary Life in Extraordinary Times is Michael Chalk's powerful memoir spanning seven decades, from colonial Rhodesia to Australia. A story of family, identity, migration, resilience, and extraordinary change.

Michael Chalk

Dec 8, 20251 min read

Zachary’s Cry: A Powerful Medical–Legal Drama Set in Rural Australia

Zachary’s Cry is a powerful medical–legal drama set in rural Australia, exploring medical ethics, legal accountability, and the extraordinary resilience of a child who defied the odds. Perfect for readers who enjoy emotionally rich fiction like Jodi Picoult and Ian McEwan.

Michael Chalk

Nov 17, 20252 min read