I'm a writer, and I live in Queensland, Australia, in a lovely valley in a rural area. Our long drought is virtually over and the land is now flushed with green. Some of the birds and other wildlife who usually share this space with me have returned. Hopefully others will soon follow.

My passion is ...

My children, my animals, reading and writing, travelling and meeting new people.

I know too much about ...

nothing ... I'm always open to learning more, about everything. Right now, I'm learning Italian (trying to!)

My parents always told me ...

Never to leave home without a clean hanky and clean underwear.

My childhood ambition ...

To write the kind of books I loved to read. Publishers, please note, I have a few mss ready!

My favorite memory ...

The birth of my two daughters.

Why I write ...

It defines me; besides, I can't 'not write'.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

Currently, I am reading "Thursday Next" by Jasper Fforde. My favourite music is always anything classical. I rarely watch movies, preferring books.

My first job ...

My first PAID job was at Woolies, behind the counter.

My best moment ...

It hasn't happened yet, but to date, receiving the university medal when I graduated.

My inspiration ...

My daughters, who have overcome much.

Jobs & Careers > Professionalism How to speak confidently in public

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Fear of public speaking can be overcome; I am testament to that.

My experience began when I enrolled at university as a mature-aged student, where I was given a list of assignments for one of the writing units I was studying. On it was one item I had not expected - each student was required to lead a tutorial. For someone who blushed and stuttered whenever more than one person looked at her, this was my worst nightmare.

I knew my subject and the preparation for a topic of my choice would be a walk in the park (sorry about the cliche, and those that follow) but there was no way I cou...

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Writing:

• Marketplace Premier Writer
• Creative Writing Bronze