I have been writing 'seriously' on and off for the better part of nearly twenty five years. (That's a quarter of a century, as I was cheekily reminded in a birthday card when I turned 25. Thanks Don, but I'm not 50 yet!) Initially my genre of choice or disposition was poetry. Several of my poems were published in independent journals and I was also involved with the spoken word scene as a regular participant.
While studying Professional Writing and Editing I hooked up with an intimate cohort of like-minded individuals to produce a small press independent literary journal, PELT, which published short fiction and poetry. An early decision was made that we would not contribute our own work (good as it was), but rather edit and publish the work of others to foster the development of aspiring young writers from around Australia.
Since then I have divided my time and creative energies between continuing to produce works of short fiction and poetry of my own (primarily for my own edification, development and amusement) and making a living to support my simple tastes and lifestyle.
My 'professional' life has taken a circuitous route from local government, public broadcast media, to the library & information sector and education.
I am currently working in the the library & information sector and the education system while tinkering with the ideas for a couple of works of longer fiction.
Back home in Oz now for just over a couple of years after working in China for four-and-a-half years, I am beginning to wonder where the time has gone.
Apart from the wonderful experience of living in the Middle Kingdom and learning so much more about its rich culture and history, my time there resulted in the writing of my first novel. Two years to write and nearly three since I completed the first draft. Strangely enough, this work has absolutely nothing to do with Chinese culture and history, or anything related to my experiences while there.
Suffice to say that the kernel of an overarching idea had been popping about inside my skull for a couple of years before I even put pen to paper or fingertip to key. I suppose all it took was a change of scenery to open up the possibilities and suggest a challenge that otherwise may have remained dormant.
Now to get it published...
