Presenter
Fear of public speaking amounted to terror for me, until I managed a remote Aboriginal art centre in the Kimberley for 18 months. Then I realised that the public speaking required there was not about me. It was about getting the message of my artists’ stories across by finding the best way to connect with my audience.
Here’s some information about my speaking, workshops and radio segment.
Speaker & MC
I’m currently speaking with media and interested groups about my two books. I’d be delighted to discuss the important topics they cover. Perhaps it’s about opening up conversations about dying? If it’s about living with cancer, my publisher can facilitate.
Previous: keynote speaker, Society of Women Writers (NSW); MC, Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues; President addresses, Editors Victoria, now a branch of IPEd; Manager, Warmun Art Centre.
Dance Steps for the Self-Employed
On demand, live or online
I first presented this freelancer course in 2012 to teach business skills to editors in the wake of the publisher move to freelance, rather than in-house, editors. Dance Steps is a colourful, creative way to design a business plan and after presenting regularly to Editors Victoria and interstate, I’ve since adapted it for writers through Writers Victoria, developing training of varying lengths and delivery modes. The latest course we developed at Writers Vic focuses on report writing, which we tailor to specific organisations on demand – more info here.
‘Engaged and focused. Very enjoyable, worthwhile workshop.’
Wordy-Gurdy on the Radio
PBS106.7FM, 9.30–10 a.m., 3rd Wednesday
This is my monthly radio spot on PBS106.7FM, focusing on music and great music writing. It’s a curated show that scours the last 100 years for rare and excellent blues, jazz, country and beyond, and the writing that captures it. Since the first segment way back in 2006, it’s become a regular fixture on Helen Jennings’ Roots of Rhythm. With listeners both live or online who can listen at any time, we have an international audience. Find playlists and scripts here.
This followed my years as Associate Editor of Rhythms magazine, and led to judging blues music competitions for Music Victoria (2021 and 2022) and Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society (MBAS Blues Awards 2022 and MBAS International Blues Challenge 2004–19).