19 September 2023
More great news for Fragments!
Not only is the anthology feature cut of Fragments screening at the New Renaissance Film Festival in London, but the film has been nominated for Best Feature!
16 September 2023
Wonderful to hear that the Fragments web series has been selected to screen at Sydney Web Fest later this month. Looking forward to walking the ‘Pink Carpet’, connecting with other creatives and watching some fabulous films.
13 September 2023
Thrilled to announce that the anthology feature cut of Fragments has received an Honourable Mention (Merit Award of Awareness) at the 2023 Awareness Film Festival in Los Angeles. So proud of the Team Fragments and this incredible work.
11 September 2023
I’m baaaack!
Delighted to be back at the Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers’ Centre in Perth for a two-week Fellowship. This wonderful opportunity offers the gift of time and space, creative freedom, an inspired setting, a sense of history, comfy accommodation, writing workshops/ classes and a welcoming community. Look forward to diving back into my memoir manuscript.
1 September 2023
In a burst of creative procrastination (fuelled by a healthy dose of curiosity), I’ve just completed my qualifications as an art therapy practitioner. I don’t plan to work in this capacity, but I didn’t think I’d be exec producing a music video and award-winning web series either. So never say never, I suppose.
21 August 2023
Enjoyed a fabulous day observing, brainstorming, planning, creating and writing with the wonderful students of Monteagle Public School, which I have the pleasure of sponsoring for Books in Homes Australia. I love everything about this school β its passionate staff, curious and courteous students, natural setting, supportive community and so much more. I can’t wait until my next visit!
14 July 2023
Tonight is the World Premiere of Stay β the song and music video inspired by my Fragments monologue, Now You See Me. What a thrill to work with the amazing rap artist, The Profit and the visionary Victoria (Fi) Hopkins. You can stream on Spotify or click HERE for the YouTube video. πΆ
24 June 2023
Had a blast launching What Will You Make Today? with illustrator Triandhika Anjani and author-friend Amelia McInerney, who stepped in as host when the publisher was unwell. Dairy Road proved to be an ideal venue β such a relaxed vibe in an organically creative space β and the weather gods blessed us with sunshine. A busy but oh-so-fun day!
Pick up a copy of WWYMT? here!
18 May 2023
My new picture book is here!
What Will You Make Today? comes straight from my heart (and childhood). This unique and timely book poses a series of open-ended questions that empower children to be active participants and changemakers. Check it out!
23 February 2023
The Fragments web series was launched on 23rd February at the National Film and Sound Archives in Canberra by the ACT Arts Minister, Tara Cheyne (pictured above next to Dan Sanguineti, Producer). An audience of nearly 150 was the first to view the full cut of the web series, followed by a Q&A with members of the creative/production team, moderated by Canberra documentary director, Michael Lawrence-Taylor. For more photos and highlights from the night, visit ‘Books and Films’ on this website.
Photo: Photox β Canberra Photography Services
19 November 2022
Thrilled to announce that Fragments was awarded best Script/Screenplay and Best TV/Web Series in the Canberra category at the Canberra Short Film Festival. Huge thanks to the amazing team of hard-working creatives and production peeps who brought their A-game to this project, tackling challenge after challenge (thank you, COVID-19). Special thanks to producer, Dan Sanguineti, and to the ACT Government (artsACT) for their support. I can’t wait to bring this work to the public in early 2023. Stay tuned!
6 November 2022
Honoured to sit alongside these talented filmmakers, including Canberra’s Joshua Koske, at the Canberra Short Film Festival. The Q&A, superbly facilitated by local documentary director/storyteller, Michael Lawrence-Taylor, followed the screening of ten films (including Short Circuit from Fragments) from Australia and around the world on the theme of Masculinity and Mental Health. Five other Fragments episodes are screening at the festival, which runs till 20th November.
20 October 2022
So excited to announce that six of the eight Fragments episodes have been selected for the Canberra Short Film Festival. Honoured to be a part of this exciting event, showcasing the work of local, national and international artists throughout November. Check out the CSFF website for the festival program and to book.
19 October 2022
Did you know the second edition of Fragments will be released on 1 March 2023? Unlike the original edition, printed in play format last year, the second edition (YA fiction) has a hybrid format with graphic elements, new content and more. I really enjoyed putting together the visuals for this (thank you Canva!), which exercised a different part of my brain, while adding further depth and meaning to the story.
Cover design/typesetting by Nicola Matthews, Nikki Jane Design
17 October 2022
I am thrilled to share the official trailer for Fragments, the web series. This project has been a massive undertaking, complicated by the pandemic and associated delays, but I could not be more proud of the work and the amazing team that made it happen. Stay tuned for details regarding the series launch, scheduled for 23 February 2023 at the National Film and Sound Archives, Canberra.
14 October 2022
I’m honoured to have been nominated for an ACT Mental Health Month Award. Mental health is a mooring of sorts, a tethering that allows us to ride the waves safely, no matter the conditions. I find that sense of connection in many ways, including writing, and I’m heartened that others have found meaning in my work.
7 October 2022
How would you like to enjoy this view every day? Well, thanks to an arts residency at the Salamanca Arts Centre for the month of October, I get to soak up picture-perfect vistas like this. I’m here working on a new novel (memoir/creative nonfiction), while juggling other projects. It’s been the perfect mix of creativity, relaxation, exploration and inspiration.
22 September 2022
The Book Bench Project is the proud recipient of an ACT Children’s Week 2022 Grant. These funds, along with a book donation from The Book Cow, Kingston, will see The Book Bench Project deliver a wide range of kids’ titles throughout Canberra from 10 October to 6 November.
1 July 2022
I had the pleasure of meeting with these fabulous young people today at Campbell High School, where we talked books, what it’s like to be a young person in today’s increasingly complex world and ‘shadow judging’ for the CBCA Book of the Year Awards. So impressed by their intellect and engagement. Thrilled that Fragments resonated so strongly with them.
14 June 2022
Delighted to screen an episode of Fragments at the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) National Conference. Even more thrilled to share the stage with ΓΌber-talented, Jade Breen, who features in one of the episodes.
3 May 2022
When I’m not busy writing, I’m busy running The Book Bench Project, a community initiative I founded during lockdown and launched earlier this year. Each week I place three books on park benches throughout Canberra, with a card that invites people to take them home and share after reading. You can find out more about the The Book Bench Project on The Big Ideas Press website.
30 November 2021
Great news! I’ve just signed a contract for a non-fiction picture book with the amazing team at Affirm Press! I can’t wait to bring this new work (about a subject very dear to my heart) to the public in 2023. Stay tuned for details!
15 September 2021
When writing Fragments I aimed to produce a work that would appeal to, and have meaning for, young people, their families, educators and health professionals. So I’ve been particularly pleased with positive early reviews that highlight both the relevance and versatility of the work.
19 November 2021
Image: Lyndsey Turnbull Day 1 of production for the Fragments web series! Thrilled to be working with such a passionate and capable team to bring this work to life. Huge thanks to artsACT for their ongoing support.
29 October 2021
With Kellie Nissen (Just Right Words), a key contributor to the Fragments Study Guide and launch coordinator. Fragments: Journeys from Isolation to Connection was launched on 29 October at my favourite Canberra bookstore, The Book Cow. COVID-19 restrictions limited the event to 25 people in store with others joining the livestream on Facebook. I produced a short film for the occasion, outlining the journey of Fragments from concept to play to book to (in 2022) web series. Fragments is available at all major retailers and online booksellers. Click here to preview or purchase a copy.
15 October 2021
Thrilled to be selected for The Street Theatre’s Early Phase program to develop an idea to the concept stage. My new work tackles complex issues at the end of life. Joining me on this exciting adventure are Liam Budge, Farnoush Parsiavashi and Emily Clark, each developing their own work.
28 September 2021
It was such a pleasure to chat with 15 author, Cameron Macintosh about Fragments, how and why I write and everything in between. I hope my answers do justice to his considered and insightful questions. You can read our chat here.
21 August 2021
It’s just over a month until the release of Fragments: Journeys from Isolation to Connection (pbk). Delighted to be partnering with The Children’s Book Review for the Fragments Awareness Tour, commencing in early September. There will be interviews, reviews, giveaways and much more. Click here for the jam-packed tour schedule.
30 June 2021
Oh, my goodness! What’s better than a Story Walk? Two Story Walks!
I was thrilled when the wonderful people at Libraries ACT selected The Trouble in Tune Town for a second Story Walk, this time as part of Canberra City Renewal’s Wintervention festival. Running during school holidays (until 11 July), the Story Walk features a musical reading of The Trouble in Tune Town, along with the story text, and Sophie Norsa’s delightful illustrations, on large placards at each of the nine stops β an easy one kilometre walk through Civic, ACT.
The fantastic thing about the Story Walks is that families can walk and read (or listen) together as they’re out and about doing their daily activities. Literacy + exercise = fun.
Join me on a guided Story Walk on 1, 3 and 5 July at 11am, starting at Stop 1, Canberra Museum & Gallery).
DOWNLOAD YOUR STORY WALK MAP HERE AND COME ALONG!25 March 2021
Seeing your book in a bookshop window, or on a shelf, is a gift for any author. But seeing your words come to life in the great outdoors is indescribable. COVID-19 has forced a rethink for everyone and everything, including arts practices. Libraries ACT has taken up the challenge, bringing stories to families in a safe outdoor space. I was thrilled to see many umbrellas bobbing down the story walk path in Gungahlin earlier this week. Now that the skies have cleared, what better time to enjoy a fun and friendly walk through Tune Town? For more information, visit Libraries ACT or the Gungahlin Community Festival.
28 January 2021
I’m thrilled to announced that my play, Fragments has been published by Australian Plays! Tackling issues like anxiety, depression, body dysmorphia, neurodivergence, gender dysphoria, isolation identity and more, Fragments moves from a place of disconnectedness to connection and is more relevant than ever. I’m immensely proud of this work and would love to see it performed in schools (suggested audience: ages 12+). The script, accompanied by a Study Guide, is available for preview and purchase here.
10 January 2021
Delighted to see my poem, ‘Today’ published in The Caterpillar, Ireland’s magazine of poetry, stories and art for children. The poem, in the magazine’s winter edition, is available to purchase from the publisher. If you’re not already familiar with The Caterpillar, I highly recommend having a look. The magazine features a unique blend of original, often quirky artwork, poems and stories created by adults for children.
3 January 2021
In this age of technological everything, letter-writing is becoming a lost art. I’ve been writing letters β to myself and to others β since I was in primary school. Many of the letters were never delivered but the mere act of putting pen to paper was cathartic, challenging, insightful, therapeutic and more. When Cicerone Journal put out a call for its Living Letters project, I knew who I wanted β needed β to write to. So pleased to see my letter, penned last June, in Cicerone here.
15 December 2020
Zoom conferencing is now firmly entrenched in educational and other sectors, thanks to COVID-19. What a hoot it was to e-visit students with author Chris Collin and Funky Chicken at Monteagle Primary, the school I sponsor for Books in Homes Australia. It’s always a highlight to see the smiles on students’ faces when they receive the free books they selected. Looking forward to visiting the school early next year (pandemic-permitting!).
8 December 2020
Credit: Creswick Collective, courtesy of The Street THIS IS BIG! I’m stunned and delighted to announce that I have received major funding from artsACT to develop and produce a digital adaptation of my play, Fragments in 2021. I am eternally grateful to artsACT for their tremendous support of my work and arts practice in recent years. More on this exciting new work as it unfolds. The full list of current funding recipients can be found here.
30 November 2020
Honoured to be shortlisted for the 2020 Anne Edgeworth Writer’s Fellowship. Congratulations to the shortlisted writers and huge thanks to the ACT Writers Centre, the judges and the Anne Edgeworth Trust.
15 November 2020
Grateful beyond words to artsACT for funding under the HOMEFRONT program to undertake research and development for a digital adaptation of my play, Fragments. Creating during a pandemic is challenging, to say the least, and programs like HOMEFRONT help to support individual artists. Excited to see where the process takes me.
28 October 2020
I was asked to record a video of my poem, On the Farm, written for Share Your Story’s anthology, Tell ‘Em They’re Dreaming: Bedtime Ballads and Tall Tales from the Australian Bush. Spearheaded by the wonderfully energetic Michelle Worthington, the anthology is a fundraiser for the NSW Rural Fire Service. Check out my video here.
23 August 2020
In a year that defies description, the arts sector is digging deep to find ways to connect. Nillumbik Shire’s innovative installation, ‘Written in the Time of COVID-19’ is great example. I was delighted that two of my poems, ‘Survivors’ and ‘Walk with Me’ were selected from nearly 200 submissions for stencilling onto Nillumbik’s trails and walkways. The poems also appear in These Tiny Threads Remind Me: The Written in the Time of COVID-19 Anthology.
8 August 2020
Credit: Creswick Collective, courtesy of The Street So grateful for additional support from artsACT to revisit and reimagine my play, Fragments with director, Shelly Higgs and a young actor. Moving from disconnection to a place of connectedness, the play and its motif of isolation seem particularly relevant during these unprecedented times.
15 July 2020
I’m not sure if I was looking inside out or outside in for this piece for Cicerone Journal. Perhaps both. That’s one of the many challenges of writing memoir β digging deep to find truth, even when seemingly elusive, to give meaning to the here and now.
5 July 2020
I don’t know how to code. If I did, I’d write a new code for 2020 β for the past few years, in fact. Instead, I wrote a poem about it, which appears in the current issue of Cicerone Journal.
8 May 2020
Mother’s Day started over a hundred years ago as a daughter’s tribute to her mother, but what does it mean today? I explore this question and more in a feature for Canberra Weekly.
16 March 2020
Just before Covid-19 changed our daily lives, I had the pleasure of visiting some amazing small schools in country Victoria, where I spoke about reading, writing and my author’s journey. The students blew me away with their curiosity and love of reading. With shutdowns imminent, educators are trialling new online methods to nourish children’s love of learning and their strong, confident relationships with peers and teachers.
10 March 2020
Arkfest, Lilydale Victoria’s annual short theatre festival, paid dividends this year for my monologue, Pretty Stupid, which the adjudicator selected to go through to the final round. There, it received Highly Commended for the Best Script Award, while talented young actor, Hope Cunningham received the Adjudicator’s Award for her top notch performance in the piece. A great event for both the local arts communities (14 independent theatre companies participated) and the public.
3 March 2020
Thrilled that my short story, My Dog is a Cat (inspired by Millie, pictured) received Highly Commended in the 2019/20 Greenleaf Buds Unpublished Picture Book Competition.
21 November 2019
A powerful and telling review of Fragments in this weekβs New Territory by Rosalind Moran
26 October 2019
Credit: Creswick Collective, courtesy of The Street Couldnβt be happier with the support for Fragments from the Canberra media. Check out City News, the Canberra Times and Rock City Jester.
24 October 2019
Credit: Creswick Collective, courtesy of The Street Another great review for Fragments from ArtsHub!
21 October 2019
Credit: Creswick Collective, courtesy of The Street Talking about youth mental health in todayβs Her Canberra.
21 September 2019
Credit: Novel Photographic Lovely to talk to Barbie Robinson at Living Arts Canberra today about Fragments in the lead up to its production next month at The Street Theatre (23-27 October).
28 July 2019
Hooray for Hollywood! Iβm thrilled to learn that my monologue (titled βSheβ) has just been shortlisted from nearly 500 entires for Short+Sweet Hollywood.
Final selections are underway. Whether or not the work is picked up for production, Iβm happy to have made it this far!
20 March 2019
Iβm excited to be named Artist-in-Residence at Bundanon Trust, where Iβll be finalising the script for Fragments, my youth monologue project on mental health, for production and publication. Details here. Iβm grateful for two weeks of creative time and space in such a unique and inspirational setting β over 1,000 hectares of rich landscape on the Shoalhaven River, inhabited by native plants and wildlife. Who knows what creative ideas will pop into my head when surround by such natural wonder? Thank you to the renowned artist, Arthur Boyd, and his family for an enduring gift to Australia of such cultural and environmental significance.
12 March 2019
A lovely review of The Trouble in Tune Town today from Sarah Wallace at Kidsβ Book Review. Itβs hard to believe that I launched this title nearly a year ago β so much has happened since then. Iβm heartened by the many messages of support and thanks, especially from young children and their families. It seems that my kids werenβt the only ones who struggled with music lessons! Iβve learned so much on this journey and Iβm grateful for the many opportunities that seem to be coming my way. Stay tuned for some exciting news.
6 December 2018
Iβm thrilled to announce that I have won the ACT Writing and Publishing Award (Childrenβs category) for my debut title, The Trouble in Tune Town. The ACT Writing and Publishing Awards, administered by the ACT Writers Centre (ACTWC) across four categories, βrecognise excellence in published writing by ACT region authorsβ. In presenting the award at the ACTWC Christmas party on 6 December, ACTWC Director, Paul Bissett, described The Trouble in Tune Town as βa gorgeous picture book that tells a fun story with a lovely message for children along the way, and provides a perfect introduction to the world of musicβ. Earlier this year the book was named Joint Winner, Best Illustrated Childrenβs E-Book, Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY) 2018 and Finalist, Childrenβs Picture Book (Hardcover Fiction) for both the International Book Awards and Best Book Awards. Yay!
20 November 2018
Double good news: The Trouble in Tune Town has been named Finalist in American Bookfestβs Best Book Awards in the Childrenβs Picture Book β Hardcover Fiction category. The book has also been selected by Bluebell Books for its new online shop of specially curated kidsβ titles. If youβre looking for great holiday gift ideas for the holidays, check out their website and tell your friends!
17 November 2018
Wow! What a thrill to watch such passionate and talented young actors bring my words to life on stage. Thank you to the cast and crew of Fragments, to director James Hartley for his vision, and to all who came to see the show. I was heartened to hear that the work resonated with the challenges and experiences faced by so many people. Mental health issues donβt discriminate but people do. Fragments aims to shatter stigmas and to start a conversation. Judging by feedback from the enthusiastic audience, Iβm confident that it did that β¦ and more.
14 November 2018
Itβs opening night! Thrilled that Fragments will be performed tonight at the Pioneer Theatre, Castle Hill with shows over the next four days. Creative dynamo, James Hartley (director) has assembled an impressive artistic team. I attended rehearsals last week and was blown away by the talent of the eight young actors. Iβm looking forward to catching the show on Friday and Saturday night β itβs always exciting to see my work come to life on stage.
15 October 2018
Time is not my friend lately but Iβm trying to offer my help where I can with literacy activities. I recently joined the Childrenβs Book Council of Australia (CBCA) review team and enjoyed immensely the first two titles they sent me. Here are my two reviews, one a picture book, the other a middle grade novel. You can read my reviews here: My Life and Other Failed Experiments (Tom Weekly #6) and Puffin the Architect.
19 September 2018
Great news: Fragments has secured funding for creative development (5-8 October, Ainslie+ Gorman Arts Centres, Canberra), supported by artsACT! The development will dig deep into the eight interconnected monologues to explore their potential as individual pieces and as part of a unified work, culminating in a development showing (in the form of a rehearsed reading) for a small but diverse audience. Iβm quietly confident about bringing Fragments to the stage in Canberra in 2019 β stay tuned!
13 August 2018
It was my pleasure to hand over the βLittle Libraryβ this morning to Julie Wiley, Principal of St Thomas Moreβs Primary School in Campbell. Iβve been interested in starting a street library for quite some time and, thanks to a motivated tradesman, have finally found a cost-efficient way to build one using excess material. The design was easy β I wanted something that would blend into the bushland surrounds, be waterproof, and have two levels, whether to sort books for younger and older readers, or for kids and adults. In Campbell, elderly residents, have lived here since the suburb was established in the 1960s, thrive alongside young families. My hope is that the Little Library brings young and old together, promoting community and conversation amidst a shared love of reading.
28 May 2018
Another accolade for The Trouble in Tune Town, which has just been named Finalist in the Childrenβs Picture Book Hardcover Fiction category of the 2018 International Book Awards in the U.S. The book was a labour of love in many ways and itβs so gratifying to see it acknowledged within the industry.
20 May 2018
Thrilled to learn that Fragments, my youth monologue project on mental health issues, has been selected by the Australian Cultural Fund from 140 applications for their βBoostβ program. This means if the project raises at least $2,000 by 30 June, ACF will match funds with an additional $2,000. The project was recently workshopped in Sydney with a young cast, and I was heartened to see them animate my words with passion, support and commitment. The aim is to produce the work in Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne, pending funding.
Further details can be found here: Fragments β Australian Cultural Fund.
17 May 2018
I was honored to attend a performance of my monologue, Picture Perfect (from the larger work, Fragments) in Sydney as part of The Monologue Adventure, led by NIDAβs Lliane Clarke. With the theme of Secrets, Longings and Desires, The Monologue Adventure ran for three nights, showcasing womenβs voices from all walks of life in an inspirational, provocative and moving piece of theatre.
6 May 2018
The launch of The Trouble in Tune Town β a day that in so many ways I thought would never arrive β came and went with much fanfare, enthusiasm and relief! The highlight for me was the involvement of Music for Canberraβs young musicians in the form of two ensembles β the MFC youth strings ensemble and Peg Mantle Strings β and also the open, light-filled space of the National Library. My son and daughter spoke about their challenges with music, especially when learning difficult new pieces, and I enjoyed an authorβs reading then meeting and signing books for many budding young musicians, followed by music-themed craft activities. All in all, a great day and the first, I hope, of many book launches.
4 May 2018
A big thank you to Romi Sharp at Just Write for Kids for a fantastic two-week blog tour via Books on Tour in the lead up to the launch. Romiβs hard work, endless creativity and good humour made the journey so rewarding and fun. Check out the Tune Town Blog Tour for Q&As, book reviews, the book trailer, craft activities, photos and loads more!
10 April 2018
Wow, I wasnβt expecting this! The Trouble in Tune Town has just been named Joint Winner, Best Childrenβs Illustrated E-Book, Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY) 2018. Great timing for the book launch on 6 May at 2pm at the National Library of Australia. The book, my first, was a labour of love in so many ways, and Iβm thrilled that it has received this international recognition.
15 March 2018
The big day is nearly here! The Trouble in Tune Town is being launched at the National Library of Australia in Canberra at 2pm on Sunday, 6 May, in association with Music for Canberra. There will be a special music performance by Peg Mantle Strings, conducted by Tim Wickham, an authorβs reading (of course!) and book signing, along with plenty of activities for kids. The event is free but RSVPs are appreciated: Book here!
15 November 2017
Great news! Iβve just been awarded a Fellowship to spend two weeks at the Katharine Susannah Prichard Writersβ Centre in WA next March to develop Leaving into a full length play.
Hoping the change of scenery brings inspiration for fourteen productive days to my cabin in the woods.
Looking forward to meeting the other Fellows and to being part of such a wonderful creative community.
10 November 2017
Accepting the award from James Kellow, HarperCollins CEO (AUS & NZ) Surprised, elated and grateful to have been named Winner of the Charlotte Waring Barton Award and the CBCA Aspiring Writers Mentorship Program 2017!
Here I am accepting the award last night in Sydney, from James Kellow, HarperCollins CEO (AUS & NZ).
Iβm looking forward to getting started with HarperCollins and my mentor next year.
28 October 2017
Thank you, Hawker Primary School!
They invited me to read The Trouble in Tune Town yesterday to nearly sixty super well behaved, very clear and all around lovely Year 2 students.
A fun and fantastic first author reading, and I canβt wait to do more!
October 2017
A big thank you to LJ Hooker Canberra City and property manager extraordinaire, Susie Weaver, for supporting my work.
So happy to see The Trouble in Tune Town bringing a smile to peopleβs faces. Thanks Susie and LJ Hooker Canberra City for supporting local artists!
31 August 2017
The Trouble in Tune Town, my firstchildrenβs picture book, is now available!
Free e-book with purchase of the hardback edition!
The e-book will be sent to the email address used for your book order.
Read more about The Trouble in Tune Town over here.
20 March 2017
Congratulations to the entire Tapping Out team!
The play was awarded Third Place, Best Production at the Short+Sweet Theatre Gala Finals in Sydney on 18 March.
A great outcome, given over 750 scripts were considered for the competition.
Director Cecile Payet was awarded the Best Director gong β a fantastic achievement and well deserved.
8 February 2017
I was thrilled to be in the audience when Tapping Out was awarded Judgesβ Choice at Short+Sweet in Sydney on 5 February.
A huge thank you to the visionary director, Cecile Payet, choreographer Genevieve Morris and the amazing cast for their inspired performances.
Fingers crossed for the Gala Finals, 16-18 March!
21 November 2016
So close, yet so far! I was pleased to see Freefalling (under its original title, True North) be named Runner Up for the NSW Writers Centre Varuna Fellowship, a lovely recognition by industry judges amidst some very stiff competition.
The prize includes a book pack and the opportunity to submit my manuscript to publisher, Meredith Curnow.
November 2016
A wonderful testimonial for my YA manuscript, Freefalling from Samantha Tidy, award-winning author of The Happiness Jar (Storytorch press, 2013):
On first reading, Freefalling struck me as being a rare gem of a story.
Maura brings insight into the challenges that teenagers face and a rare humour that young people respond to in text.
Her story is strong and well-crafted; her voice unwavering and relevant.
23 October 2016
Accepting my award from Karen Bradley, MPS Travel + Tours What a confidence boost!
In October 2016 I received the MPS Travel+Tours Performersβ Award, Capital Arts Patronsβ Organisation (CAPO), to write a series of dramatic monologues this year on the theme of mental illness.
The monologues aim to increase public awareness of mental health issues, with a view to reducing stigma.
Here I am accepting my award.
8 September 2016
βTapping Outβ wins SOLO Monologue Competition!
Very excited that the original (monologue) version of Tapping Out won the SOLO Monologue Competition in the published category.
The competition, an initiative of HotHouse Theatre, La Trobe University and Write Around the Murray, was held at the Butter Factory Theatre in Wodonga.
Read More on Hot House Theatre
2 August 2016
Some lovely words from the multi-talented Terry J Cassells, lead performer in Tapping Out, Brisbane Powerhouse, 20-23 July 2016.As a performer you are always searching for a theatre piece that delves into your soul.
Maura captures the desperation of loss in Tapping Out and I felt honoured to be presenting her work.
8 January 2015
I was delighted to learn that the first-draft of my YA novel, Freefalling, has been shortlisted for Varunaβs highly competitive Publisher Introduction Program.
News like this is heartening and gives me the confidence to keep going with a story of love and loss, friendship and fitting in, and finding your place in the world.