I am pleased to announce my creative non-fiction piece, 'Matriarch', will appear in the upcoming anthology, Under the Paving Stones, the Beach from the Centre for Stories.
Under the Paving Stones, the Beach is the culmination of a year-long mentorship program I and 18 other writers undertook with the Centre for Stories in 2021.
As per the blurb (and if I don't say so myself!):
Under the Paving Stones, the Beach uncovers what lies beneath surfaces, connecting us to deeper moments and ways of being. Touching on themes of belonging, family, culture and identity, Under the Paving Stones, the Beach expresses the here and now with clarity, insight and humour.
As part of the mentorship program, I was lucky enough to be paired with the talented, delightfully passionate, witty and wonderful Rashida Murphy, author of The Historian's Daughter and The Bonesetter's Fee & Other Stories. Her stewardship and encouragement allowed me to explore my authorial voice in new ways, and her suggestions, prodding and guidance are undoubtedly what made 'Matriarch' into the piece I am proud of today.
Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the anthology launch last weekend, but I am very grateful to have had my family attend in my stead. Thank you to my dad Jim, mum Alice, aunty Anna, sister Leanna and her partner Reece for making my presence known (if only through being the most predominant force in the Center for Stories house!). 'Matriarch' is about family so I'm very happy you were all able to enjoy the evening, even without me!
Thank you to the Centre for Stories for giving me this wonderful opportunity.