A Conversation with John Steel on: The Story Behind the Story

John Steel is the author of Migrant Crisis, a provocative and thought-driven work of fiction that explores complex contemporary issues through the lens of storytelling. His writing does not seek easy answers; instead, it invites readers into uncomfortable spaces, asking them to reflect, question, and engage. Beneath the tension and narrative momentum lies a deeper intention: to spark conversation.

The Conversation

What first sparked the idea for Migrant Crisis? Was it a moment, a feeling, or something that stayed with you over time?

I think the answer to this question lies in the original acknowledgements page of Migrant Crisis — which I later removed because it might have seemed too political — and, admittedly, watching too much TV news.

I originally wrote:

“I am grateful to the political establishment, both past and present, for losing control of our borders and allowing the highly dangerous and ruinously expensive escalation of uncontrolled immigration to occur. This has perfectly set the scene, and provided the inspiration, for this work of fiction.”

That combination of observation and concern ultimately became the foundation for the story.

Is there something about the story that readers might not immediately see, but that matters deeply to you?

Migrant Crisis was purposely written from an apolitical point of view because I did not want to marginalise readers, whatever their beliefs. The goal was to make people think and to generate discussion.

That said, I began writing with a deep concern about the broader social impact of illegal migration — including its cost, its effect on communities, and the risks involved for everyone concerned, including the migrants themselves.

The solution proposed in the Epilogue is, in my view, not extreme but rooted in what I consider common sense, though I recognise that it stands in contrast to the ideology of those currently in power.

Did the story change as you were writing it? If so, how?

Yes, very much so. As I progressed, my natural instinct to understand the characters more deeply began to shape the narrative. This led to a more balanced outcome, both in terms of plot and character development.

Dex, the smuggler, became one of the most “honest” characters — fully aware of his role as a criminal — while those in positions of power often appeared more conflicted or ambiguous.

Each character brought a different dimension:

• The intelligence operatives were focused solely on results, with little regard for moral considerations.
• The Prime Minister struggled internally but ultimately prioritised political survival.
• The ex-SBS operative faced a profound moral dilemma when tasked with actions that challenged his own sense of right and wrong.

As I explored the lives of the migrants themselves, the story expanded in unexpected directions.

Was there a part of the book that felt especially difficult or personal to write?

The early chapters were the most challenging. They required careful groundwork — setting the scene and establishing multiple threads before they could meaningfully converge.

It was only later, when the characters began to interact and the competing interests came into play, that the writing became more engaging and fluid.

Looking back now, what does this story represent for you?

For me, the greatest achievement has been the conversations the book has generated. If it has encouraged readers to reflect more deeply or reconsider their perspectives, then it has fulfilled its purpose.

I also take great satisfaction in knowing that people have genuinely enjoyed reading it.

The issues at the heart of the story remain unresolved, and the solution I outline in the Epilogue differs from current approaches. Seeing meaningful change in that direction would, for me, be the ultimate outcome.

A gentle invitation

Stories like Migrant Crisis are not meant to offer simple comfort; they are meant to challenge, to question, and to open dialogue. If this conversation sparked a thought or reaction, we invite you to share it. Sometimes, the most important stories are the ones we continue together.

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Some stories don’t seek agreement ... they seek engagement.