‘Writing is a tough and lonely journey, but also immensely satisfying and fun. Seek out those who can travel alongside you and continue to make use of all the workshops and opportunities available. Together, we form our own communities.’

‘Re-writing is the most powerful tool any writer has. Be prepared to kill your darlings.’

‘[I wanted] to show the complexity of our relationship with pools as much more than places where we learn to swim and cool off in summer… the pool has inspired imaginations, built courage, fulfilled dreams, provided a refuge and, for some, has been a type of church.’

‘Just write. Even if no one ends up reading it, every piece of writing you produce goes towards honing your craft!’

‘[Collaborative writing] can work wonderfully. Having someone you trust give an opinion about your latest idea helps a lot.’

‘Try to get words down if you can – every little bit adds up. But don’t be hard on yourself if some days it doesn’t happen. I’ve had plenty of days that have been wiped off and I’m still trying to tell myself that ‘it’s okay’.’

‘I believe that most writing comes from the body, and so I try to tap into that in early drafts. Music and photography, the visual and aural — and most of all, emotion — help me in that process.’

‘I promised myself I would always work towards understanding and being an advocate for Black Rights.’

Each month we shine a spotlight on a member of the Writing NSW community to learn more about their writing journey, achievements, and inspirations. This month we featured not one, but two members, Kel Butler and Pamela Cook, the team behind the Writes4Festivals podcast.