Ivan Southall (1921-2008) was an Australian writer, he had to leave school at 14 as his father died. He then took up work as a copy boy. During the war he flew Sunderlands and worked as a war historian in England after it had finished before moving back to Australia. This review of a book called Falling Out of Love With Ivan Southall by Gabrielle Carey suggests he was something of a workaholic and very dedicated about replying to fans letters to the extent where he sometimes neglected his own children. However, I haven't read the book and wider thesis so can't particularly comment on this with nuance. It was interesting to read in this about his having a daughter with Downs Syndrome and the influence that had on his writing.