Alumni Stories
The alumnus’ guide to becoming a published author
When University of Canberra alumnus Mark Mupotsa-Russell released his debut novel The Hitwoman’s Guide to Reducing Household Debt, he had no idea that it would soon become the centre of an international bidding war for screen rights.
The thriller novel is the culmination of almost 20 years of work for Mark, who graduated from with a Bachelor of Arts (Professional Writing) in 2004. He was part of the first graduating cohort for the degree, and still keeps in touch with his classmates from his time at uni.
The book centres around superstitious protagonist Olivia Hodges, an ex-Spanish crime syndicate killer, and explores the moral dilemma that Olivia faces when she decides to seek revenge on a criminal gang.
Mark describes the story as fun, yet dark – with a sprinkling of action and revenge throughout.
“I actually came up with the idea when I was just out of uni,” he says.
“Initially it was a screenplay, because I was really into screenwriting back then.”
He says the book is a more realistic, grounded version of a typical crime thriller.
“There is a bit of a cliché in pop culture of contract killers – you know, poisoning the ambassador or shooting them from a kilometre away – and I don’t think that’s the reality of the world,” Mark says.
“I think it’s much more likely that a contract killer would be working for a drug cartel or the mafia or something like that.”
If the sound of the book piques your interest, you aren’t the only one. While much of the negotiations are being kept under wraps, Mark has hinted at a screen adaptation in the future.
“It is still a bit hush-hush , but basically I got incredibly lucky in around February when some international scouts got a hold of the manuscript,” he says.
The scenario is a dream come true for Mark, who spent years trying to find the perfect career that would allow him to express his creativity and fulfill his passion for writing.
After graduating, he wrote for BMA Magazine and The Canberra Times, wrote copy for real estate, and then joined to the Australian Public Service. He also spent time screenwritin though faced some rejections.
Over the past seven years though, he’s had the support of his wife – and more recently, his son. During the first year of his son’s life, Mark and his wife each worked part-time to ensure their son was cared for. Now, he’s the primary carer and is proving that you can do it all.
“I wrote most of the first draft of this with my son strapped to my chest, bouncing on an exercise ball to keep him napping,” Mark says.
“It’s just about finding time again, and grabbing any little moment possible, but it’s definitely a juggle.”
The Hitwoman’s Guide to Reducing Household Debt was released in August 2024 and has received overwhelmingly positive feedback and reviews since its release.
Mark says he has no plans of slowing down.
“My next book is actually already written and should be coming out next year,” he says.
Words by Elly Mackay, photos supplied.