Why I say I've been a writer since 1958 is because that's when I wrote my first notable poem, read on the ABC Children's Hour, radio, the only social media we knew back then!
In 1973, however, I began experiencing being compelled to write. I loved Joni Mitchell's songs and wrote reams, which are now tucked up safely in a filing cabinet.
From December 1974 to January 1979 I was overseas, first of all wandering around Europe and working where I could as a cleaner or waitress or almost-manager of a mail-order tourism office. Desperate to find sunnier climate once more, I joined a large contingent of contract teachers and spent 3 years teaching Geography (for which I was qualified) in a remote part of Zambia.
Back in Melbourne in 1979, I joined the Melbourne Poets Union and met Rosemary Nissen. Abalone Press published my first collection of poetry, The Cast Changes, which was runner-up in the Anne Elder Award 1986, and I began teaching Poetry and Short Story Writing at Frankston TAFE's Professional Writing course. I had, earlier in the 1980's, studied fiction writing with Gerald Murnane and script writing with John Power, as well as feature writing, and had some articles published in educational magazines and a piece in The Age!
But it was in 1987 that my life as a Poet really took off, as I developed a passion for and a skill in, writing poetry on the spot for people anywhere any time. Six thousand poems from 6 years work - I earned a living from my small enterprise - Poetic Licence - and met so many wonderful people at arts festivals, schools, on tour, in cafes, markets ... I ran Freehand Writing classes and trained apprentices in the art of On-the-Spot poetry.
In 1994, I ended that game and began working full-time with Landmark Education. I've had a couple of years off, but the work is satisfying and fulfilling and I'm not ready to retire yet.
I love the effectiveness, accomplishment and aliveness I've gained through Landmark, since it has lasted and given me a remarkable journey.
In 1973, however, I began experiencing being compelled to write. I loved Joni Mitchell's songs and wrote reams, which are now tucked up safely in a filing cabinet.
From December 1974 to January 1979 I was overseas, first of all wandering around Europe and working where I could as a cleaner or waitress or almost-manager of a mail-order tourism office. Desperate to find sunnier climate once more, I joined a large contingent of contract teachers and spent 3 years teaching Geography (for which I was qualified) in a remote part of Zambia.
Back in Melbourne in 1979, I joined the Melbourne Poets Union and met Rosemary Nissen. Abalone Press published my first collection of poetry, The Cast Changes, which was runner-up in the Anne Elder Award 1986, and I began teaching Poetry and Short Story Writing at Frankston TAFE's Professional Writing course. I had, earlier in the 1980's, studied fiction writing with Gerald Murnane and script writing with John Power, as well as feature writing, and had some articles published in educational magazines and a piece in The Age!
But it was in 1987 that my life as a Poet really took off, as I developed a passion for and a skill in, writing poetry on the spot for people anywhere any time. Six thousand poems from 6 years work - I earned a living from my small enterprise - Poetic Licence - and met so many wonderful people at arts festivals, schools, on tour, in cafes, markets ... I ran Freehand Writing classes and trained apprentices in the art of On-the-Spot poetry.
In 1994, I ended that game and began working full-time with Landmark Education. I've had a couple of years off, but the work is satisfying and fulfilling and I'm not ready to retire yet.
I love the effectiveness, accomplishment and aliveness I've gained through Landmark, since it has lasted and given me a remarkable journey.
A favourite collaborator over many years now!
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