About Me

I live in Wollongong, New South Wales. I enjoy writing poetry and prose for adults and children. I always try to write a little every day. Science fiction and fantasy are special interests, so many of my stories explore themes within these genres. I also write stories about the wildlife I observe around me. Two examples are: Yikes! Sharp Spikes! – a story about an echidna, and A Thief in the Forest – a poem about a bowerbird.

I am actively involved in promoting children’s literature in the Illawarra. On the 26th of June, 2020, I participated in the CBCA (Children’s Book Council of Australia) NSW Branch Lunchtime Storytime Live, reading my picture book, “Paint with Magic” (Big Sky Publishing, 2019). I also presented a few sessions at the Kidsfest Shellharbour early in 2020, and attended the Illawarra-South Coast Sub-Branch CBCA Children’s Literary Lunch.

From 2008 to 2012, I served as Treasurer of the Illawarra-South Coast Sub-Branch CBCA.

My passion is reading and writing children’s stories that excite the imagination and inspire creativity. I also regularly contribute to the NSW (New South Wales) School Magazine.

My recent achievements include a story about a real dragon!

Published works

2022 – A Dragon Tale (non-fiction article about water dragons). NSW School Magazine (Blast Off, vol.107, no.5)

2022 – The Dragon (poem). NSW School Magazine (Blast Off, vol.107, no.5)

2021 – Arachnophobia (short story). NSW School Magazine

2019 – Paint with Magic (picture book). Big Sky Publishing

2017 – Cosmos (collection of poems). NSW School Magazine (various issues) (reprints -various issues)

2015 – Checkout (short story). Short and Twisted: Stories and Poems with a Twist, Celapene Press

2014 – The Bush Thief (poem). NSW School Magazine (Reprinted: Blast Off 6 (July 2021))

2013 – Weatherbound (poem). NSW School Magazine (Countdown, vol. 98, no. 4)

2012 – The Librarian (short story). NSW School Magazine (Orbit, vol. 97, no. 6)

2010 – Paint with Magic (poem). NSW School Magazine (Countdown vol.95, no.10 (reprinted 2016)

Awards

2010 – 2nd place, Chapter Book Category: CYA Conference Children’s & Young Adults Writers and Illustrator’s Competition

2010 – 1st place, short story: Nairda Lyne Award (Fellowship of Australian Writers Tasmania)

2009 – Highly commended, short story: Nairda Lyne Award (Fellowship of Australian Writers Tasmania)

2008 – Short-listed picture book: Ipswich Festival of Children’s Literature Writing for Children Competition

2007 – 3rd place, Picture Book Category: CYA Conference Children’s & Young Adults Writers and Illustrator’s Competition