“I often went for a walk straight after my writing and editing time, to blow cobwebs away and to reconnect to the here and now, to smell roses and rosemary and lilac and jasmine in the beautiful gardens of East Orange.”

For over a decade, Writing NSW has been paying tribute to writers who had a truly profound influence on Australian literature in our series of events, Honouring Australian Writers. Watch the video of our event celebrating Jessica Anderson here, and read on for a collection of resources for those interested in learning more about the acclaimed writer and her work.

In the Honouring Australian Writers series, Writing NSW pays tribute to writers who have made an important contribution to our literary culture. In this event, we paid tribute to Oodgeroo Noonuccal (1920-1993), Australia’s first published Aboriginal poet. Watch the video of our event here, and read on for a collection of resources for those interested in learning more about the acclaimed writer and her work.

As part of the Honouring Australian Writers series, Writing NSW paid tribute to Henry Handel Richardson, the pen name of Ethel Florence Lindesay Richardson. Watch the event featuring director Bruce Beresford, author Sophie Cunningham, historian Anna Clark and Professor Michael Ackland discussing Richardson’s life and work, and browse resources about the writer and her work.

“The life of a writer is precarious so its diversify or watch your career go down the gurgler.”

‘I think in order to write a compelling memoir, you need to leave your ego at the door and be vulnerable. That’s the most important element. I couldn’t have written Hip Hop & Hymns if I was too worried about what other people would think of me.’

‘I really believe there’s a lot of ancestral knowledge that pertains to the power of storytelling. It’s not only a way to bridge cultural gaps but also a way to teach, critique systems, and build community.’

‘Writing fiction means imagining yourself into the shoes of your characters. In those deep places you find very personal stuff, confronting and meaningful and enlightening.’

‘Sometimes a poem just needs to “find the right home”. I believe it’s crucial to remain optimistic and never give up on your craft. Be true to your own unique experience: what you know, feel, and wish to communicate — and the manner in which you want to do it.’