Hello and welcome to my world as an author, artist and educator. Most of my childhood years were spent growing up around Lake Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia. Exploring the bush trails and foreshores was part of our everyday life, and I distinctly remember the enjoying the sights, sounds, and sensations along the way. I am constantly drawn to Nature’s wonders and enjoy focusing on new discoveries to include in my stories, poetry and art.
I completed my education and tertiary studies in Newcastle before venturing to Melbourne, Wagga and Townsville. Eventually, I settled in Toowoomba with my husband and four children. Together, we have created a haven for the family and the wildlife around us.
I have always been involved in education in some form. My teaching career began in Newcastle, followed by several years as an Education Officer in the RAAF. While raising a family, I took a side step from full-time teaching and taught dance as a hobby instead. Once all my children were school age I re-established myself as a teacher for Education Queensland.
In recent years, encouraged by my husband, family and friends, I have combined my passion for art, writing and working with children in my new venture as a children’s book author, illustrator and publisher. My first book, Wot-si-u and the Whispering Wattles, was published in 2014 and the artwork exhibited at the Cobb& Co Museum, Toowoomba. My second book, The Laughing Tree, was launched the following year. Finding the whole process challenging, yet rewarding, I continued with creating new stories and trialing watercolour illustrations in Nana Maisie and Leonardo da Finchi. I enjoy learning new techniques and varying both writing and illustration styles. Looking back over my development as a writer is exciting for I realise there is always more to learn and skills to polish.
Aside from writing children’s books, dabbling in poetry and late night scribblings, I relish spending time at my easel, painting whatever has caught my interest, and expressing myself through a variety of media and applications. Art is often a means of escape from the hustle and bustle of work and parenthood, and an easy way to lose track of time and reality. I cherish the moments when I can immerse myself in the arts, paintbrush in hand, music in the background and a small space to dance in. My ambition is to further my skills, be both student and teacher, and encourage others to leave the door open to learning and self-improvement.
“We are so lucky to be given talents to develop and gifts to share. There is always something new to learn and pass on to our children and I never tire of doing so.”