Gabe Chong was born and bred in the East-West melting pot of Singapore, and lives on the Gold Coast, Australia. East of Woodley is his debut novel, published in 2020.

A conflict history buff, architect and a former army officer, he scripts stories circling the World War Two era. In each, he explores the bygone setting, focusing on its essences, among them the sensory, while weaving his vibrant characters and their ethos, cultures and fares into a richly crafted plot. He delves into their ethnic likeness and fissures. Quirks too. Drawing on his awareness of the arts, he covers facets of architecture and music as well. And while his tales span across the seas, they cycle back upon Southeast Asia.

Creating such narratives, where fresh renditions meld with the charm and events of days past, delights him.

A lasting reader of history and cultural works, besides war, romance, spy, and crime and thriller novels, his jaunt in books started with John Vader’s Spitfire. Thereafter, he ventured into writings by luminaries such as Barber, Kipling, and Dickens, along with Forsyth, Ludlum, le Carré and Clavell. Likewise McCullough and Christie. Many leading lights have since followed.

Beyond writing, he craves travel, skiing, and capturing moments on his DSLR, besides prowling for delectable, authentic street fare, craft java and chocolates. Salubrious, rich and dark, if you please. When he is (or not!) roving planet earth wearing out his Merrell hikers, he relishes tarrying in a cafe pâtisserie shored by black forest torte and flat white coffees. Envisioning tales and plots. Naturally…

A proud dad of self-assured daughters, and a lover of Siberian huskies, he regards himself as blessed to call Down Under home, where he shares a pleasant lifestyle with his wife; a mochi, croissant and espresso ‘fiend.’ While bound to his adopted land, he enjoys a profound affinity to the region of his origin. It persists in captivating him.