Heya! My name is Emily, and I’m an Australian author and academic. I have two published books: Within the Ward and The Whirlpool. Within the Ward is about mental health in a dystopian future, while The Whirlpool is a picture book, illustrated by Helene Magisson, about a polar bear’s journey through life’s highs and lows. Both books are published by Wombat Books/Rhiza Edge, and are stories of hope.
My parents are proud to tell people that I’m a doctor… and I am, but don’t ask me to do anything medical! I hold a Doctor of Creative Arts (Creative Writing) from the University of the Sunshine Coast, which basically means that I love and study stories and storytelling. As my partner Josh points out, if someone was choking on a plane, and people called for a doctor onboard, I wouldn’t be able to save someone with the heimlich maneuver… but I could possibly write their eulogy.
I mostly write fiction, with a smattering of poetry, and my writing for teens and adults has been published in Australian and international literary journals.
I love tutoring Writing, Literature, and Communication at The University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology College, and holding writing workshops for the Queensland Writers Centre. I’ve also been lucky to present at international writing conferences.
As a huge nerd, my free time is spent reading; discussing Horcruxes, magic cupboards, and the best method of time travel with family and friends; and having long conversations with my characters. Also, playing D&D.
I believe stories have the power to transport, inspire, and entertain, and maintain that reading is the best way to gain a fresh perspective.
Thanks for visiting!