I am a consumer, creator and curator of stories.
Particular areas of passion are:
- young adult fiction
- speculative fiction
- new media, technology, and online learning and engagement
- feminism
- gender identity, sexuality, and body positivity
- autoimmune diseases (since acquiring my own in 2011)
…which could possibly be summarised as a passion for equality, technology, and the flesh.
I'm a writer and an LGBTIQA+ support worker, based in Naarm/so-called Melbourne.
So how did I get here?
My experience engaging young adult audiences and my in-depth knowledge of the YA industry particularly grew through my work with the Centre for Youth Literature. There I helped develop and deliver programs and events championing young adult literature - from the InsideaDog website and social media for young people, to the Shift Alt Story online course for teachers; from mentoring Inky Awards judges and editing teen writers, to helping authors shine on stage at conferences and festivals.
I went on to support LGBTIQA+ young people in regional Victoria, facilitating a range of social support and advocacy youth groups, and upskilling professionals across the education and community sectors who worked with LGBTIQA+ young people.
My working background is a mash-up of libraries, customer service, and administration & tech support.
I completed a BA in Professional Writing at the University of Canberra.
I discovered the world, and myself, through reading and writing zines.
I grew up in the country with a pen and notebook in one hand, and a library book in the other.
I was born into a loving, supportive, and socially conscious family.
Photographer: Ihab Photos