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Writers sow seeds of new careers
A horticulturist who “hadn’t written more than a postcard since school” has now finished her first novel after enrolling at the University of the Sunshine Coast and winning a spot on a nationwide mentorship program.
Undergraduate Andrea Dudley, of Maroochydore, was among six USC academics and students showcasing their creative writing expertise alongside the best in the industry at the Brisbane Writers Festival which finished Sunday.
Associate Professor Gary Crew, who has published more than 40 novels for young adults and has recently published his first book for adults, ‘The Children’s Writer’, chaired two panels involving his USC colleagues.
A crowd of about 50 listened to USC Creative Writing Lecturer Ross Watkins and Andrea explain the benefits of one-on-one feedback.
Ross mentored Andrea’s book after she successfully applied for an Australian Society of Authors program, separate to her studies. As part of the application, Andrea's work was judged independently by six industry professionals.
At the second panel, Associate Lecturer James Forsyth, student Ben Conquest and tutor Naomi Stekelenburg joined Ross in reading their own works.
“The ASA program and the Writers Festival participation are examples of the University’s links with industry,” said Ross, who is again participating in the ASA program as a mentor this year.
“The festival is Queensland’s premier literary event and it’s important for students and staff to gain insight into the commercial aspects of the publishing industry. The experience also contributes to teaching and learning processes in the classroom.”
Ross expects to submit his doctoral novel in January, a narrative exploring melancholy, connections of landscape and memory, and writing as a collecting process.
Andrea said his encouragement, both through USC courses and the ASA program, had reinforced her confidence in her abilities.
“I’d always liked the idea of writing but didn’t have the discipline to start,” she said. “In 2007 I attended a public lecture by Gary Crew and I was so impressed I enrolled the following week in the USC creative writing program.
"I decided formal study would give me the motivation to finally write."
Andrea, who grew up in England, said her contemporary fiction novel was set at the beach and portrayed the intersecting lives and relationships of several characters.
– Julie Gatehouse