‘The finding of one’s poetic voice is a curious process as, to my mind, it is more an uncovering of what is already there.’

‘Dreams have multiple functions and the symbols they carry have multiple meanings, so there are many ways we can use them in story – as inspiration, as a setting, to adding depth to our characters, to build tension . . . It’s simply a matter of learning some techniques and opening our imaginations up to all the possibilities inherent within dreams and their symbols.’

‘But, honestly, the only reason one ‘studies’ narrative structure at all is to train the conscious self in possible (and optional) patterns of story-telling, so that the merging of the unconscious self (where stories truly begin) and the conscious self happens, all by itself.’

Writing has brought me so much joy and peace. There’s something incredibly liberating about stepping into your creative mind- away from pressure, away from deadlines- and learning new skills, building worlds, and giving life to characters you believe deserve to exist. It’s an exceptional feeling.

Check out some of the wonderful literary events happening in Sydney and around NSW (and online) this September!

‘Our job as creative writers isn’t necessarily to capture 50 years of research in a ‘teaching moment’, but to evoke the senses of place and perspective and to ask questions.’