What is the name of your hometown and where did you grow up?
Australian born, I spent most of my childhood in Gordonvale…a little town that smelled of molasses due to the Mulgrave sugar mill—and fresh bread—due to Spurrier’s bakery. My family moved to the Atherton tablelands when I was a teenager, and it was quite a shift of landscape and lifestyle. From a suburban street we found ourselves on farmland growing a menagerie of animals, fruits and flowers, and surrounded by bushland! As an animal lover, I was more than happy with the change…country life suits me best.
What inspired you to pursue a career as a writer and artist?
Art has always been a huge part of my life. I was reading and writing poetry from a young age, sketching fantasy characters, and then I discovered clay in high school and turned those visions into sculptures (fairies, goblins, dragons!) I was always encouraged by family; my grandmother bought me my first set of artist colouring pencils and my first poetry book. I like escaping to other worlds and into the imagination; art facilitates the Pisces in me beautifully.
How did your passion for pottery, painting, and poetry influence your creative journey?
Well, I think one form of art influences another. The flow state achieved by painting or working with clay can be a great state to be in for writing. I really enjoy ekphrastic poetry, also. There’s a great sense of collaboration when I take inspiration from the painting—for example—of another artist.
Can you tell us about your background in counselling psychology and art therapy? How does this background inform your artistic work?
My study of psychology and counselling influences all facets of my life and art. Understanding people and the self is key to both healthy relationships and self-expression, but it also makes for authentic writing. I also gained heightened self-awareness that I express through poetry. I believe fearlessness of expression is key to relatable writing that connects with readers and has an emotive quality.
What sparked your interest in the mysteries of the universe, and how does this fascination manifest in your writing and artwork?
My love of books –in general—and my fantasy/Sci-fi passion has always been present. I gravitate to these genres and unexplained mysteries. In all ways I like to look beneath the surface or what is presented because there are always layers. Poetry is a way to show these layers though metaphor and figurative language. I have written many poems in the Sci-fi genre. One of my personal favourites is “The Denouncement of Pluto” …a little tribute to the theft of a favourite planet! I love the moon in all her phases and stargazing—there is much inspiration to be found in the heavens. Poets would be lost without the cosmos.
What was the inspiration behind your poetry book, "Apples for Sappho"? Can you share any particular themes or messages that readers can expect to find in your poems?
“Apples for Sappho” is a culmination of a lifetime love of poetry and my desire to share that love with anyone interested. I’m inspired by many great poets and Sappho has certainly been one of those. Her lyric verse overflows with beauty, sensuality, honey and flowers…all the sweetest things, but her writing is also smart and meaningful –timeless. I hope my book reflects that in some way. Naturally, a lot of my poetry comes from life experience—my own, experiences witnessed, and those shared. My brilliant poetic friends have been a great source of encouragement.
What was the process like for creating your first poetry book? Were there any challenges or memorable moments along the way?
I truly loved the process of creating my first poetry book. There were some “quirks” that mainly came down to formatting and tweaking, but it didn’t diminish the joy I felt bringing my book into physical form. Let’s just say I’m grateful for the option to receive a draft copy before the final publishing! I was a little surprised when Amazon declined to advertise my book because apparently the cover was a little too risqué…given the material out there on various arenas, I was baffled, especially when you see more at the beach. I wouldn’t change my original cover because I love it!
How do you approach balancing your artistic pursuits with your role as a mother to Jake?
My life is well-balanced. Work is important, of course, but I believe it’s equally important to find time for creative pursuits, and family always comes first. My son and I have a great bond and relationship, and as he is a young man now, he works and has his own interests and pursuits—including video games and Jack Reacher! Everything has its place and I’m simply grateful for him—he keeps me grounded and I love him to bits.
In what ways do you feel your unique location in North Queensland, Australia, influences your creative process?
Australia is such a beautiful country, and I’ve always felt privileged to live here. The flora and fauna are unique, and I find endless inspiration in the eucalypts and lorikeets, the gumnuts, and the colours of the seasons. My nature poetry is strongly influenced by the landscape. A 5-legged spider found his way into my bedroom recently and made a great metaphor for a poem. I think the way I write and my style is also influenced by Aussie “language” …the lingo and idioms, etc.
What do you hope readers will take away from reading "Apples for Sappho"? Are there any specific emotions or thoughts you wish to evoke in your audience?
As long as my readers feel something, I’m happy. I would hope they relate in some way, have a moment of warm nostalgia, or find appreciation for a loved one or partner. If sadness is an emotion felt, I hope it’s cathartic because that’s healing and sometimes we have to face the shadow. Many of my poems are of a sensual nature, so I hope there are some flushed cheeks and roses scattered on the bedroom floor!
A lot of authors have a distinct writing style that sets them apart from the rest. What would you say characterizes your writing?
I think it’s my creativity and unique metaphors. I don’t try and write what is “trending.” I just write my own truth and from the heart. My voice and my passion.
How much time does the research period usually last?
If I was writing a novel, I’m sure I would be living in Hogwarts library, but typically, poetry doesn’t require a great deal of research. Having said that, I have researched topics and facts for various poems in the past when I’ve been uncertain. Poetry requires depth to be interesting, and it’s not enough to just write simple and plain—you have to excite the reader’s imagination. A lot of modern poetry is more like flash fiction, in style. So, if you’re going to use the cricket’s mating ritual as a metaphor, you should learn about his swagger.
As an artist and writer, what advice do you have for aspiring creatives who may be hesitant to share their work with the world?
I know it’s cliché but just do it! Fear of being “seen” receiving criticism or “failing” are all common issues for anyone that puts themselves out there in any field, but these psychological blocks stop you expressing yourself, your passion and all the wonderful and positive things that come with sharing. Whether it’s writing, painting, playing an instrument—if it’s a part of you and your life, share it with others. The definition of success is different for everyone, but my definition is having the strength to be and show yourself—who you are, and be proud of your passions.
Finally, can you share any advice or words of wisdom for aspiring writers who are interested in exploring poetry?
Absolutely—go for it! Poetry has many benefits…the simple act of writing a poem is satisfying, but it’s also therapeutic and like creative journalling. There is a stream-of-consciousness style that is like free writing. You can come back and edit it later. How personal you want to go is entirely up to you. Just like in any type of writing…. essay, novel…you should just write first and get the draft down. Poetry is no different. My poems are revisited over many days until I feel they reflect my intention. Poetry and the use of metaphor and figurative language is typically present in fiction and non-fiction writing, also, so writing poetry will enrich whatever you choose to write. Read the greats and read modern poetry—see what calls to you.
How were you first introduced to AllAuthor? Do you have any feedback?
AllAuthor was suggested to me by a friend when I first published my book, and I think it’s a fantastic resource for writers. I have had a completely positive experience, receiving great communication and the promotional tools are wonderful. I find AllAuthor to be very interactive with opportunities for writers and ongoing support. Thank you to the team.
