What year did you
graduate?
I left school at Grade 10 in 2007.
What have you done
since graduating?
Soon after
graduating, I moved to Melbourne with Nick to continue writing the Zarkora
series while he auditioned for roles. I’ve recently achieved a Certificate III
in Childhood Education and Care, and I am currently halfway to earning my Diploma.
Aside from that, I’ve had several jobs in retail, hospitality and in childcare.
These jobs have always supported my career and passion for writing. Since
graduating, I’ve co-written the first three books in the Zarkora series and
we’re currently working on the final Zarkora book and the first book in our new
series.
What do you do for
a living now?
My fiancé
and I recently bought a house so I’m currently working full-time as a Childcare
Educator to pay off the mortgage. In my spare time, I’m working on the final
Zarkora book with Nick and the first book in our new series.
Do you think your
time at Holland Park State High School helped you to pursue this? If yes, how?
Definitely!
I spent the majority of my breaks in the school library reading books with my
friends. I would always borrow loads of books from the library, all of which
fuelled my passion to become a writer. Deltora Quest and Harry Potter were
definitely huge influences on me.
What did you do in
the year immediately after graduating?
I was already
co-writing the Zarkora series in my final year of high school, so when I left
in Grade 10, I was really able to throw myself into my writing career. To
support myself financially, I got a casual job working at Crazy Clarks. Soon
after that, I moved to Melbourne with Nick to continue working on the series.
By the time we moved back to Brisbane, we had completed the first draft of Zarkora
- The Fyrelit Tragedy.
Do you still live
locally?
Yes, I love
living in Brisbane. Both my family and my fiancé’s family live in Brisbane.
Recently, we bought our first home here. But I also love travelling around
Australia exhibiting Zarkora at conventions.
Did you enjoy your
time at Holland Park?
I
thoroughly enjoyed my Art and Drama classes. I also loved spending time with my
friends at school and having a library full of books at my fingertips.
Do you still
remember your favourite teacher?
I think Mr
Mitchell was my favourite teacher. His classes were really fun!
What was your most
memorable moment as a student?
I think
mostly just hanging out with my friends, chatting in the sun or hanging out in
the school library.
What was your
funniest moment as a student?
The
funniest moment for me was this one time in Drama class. We had to do a group
clown show and dress up in really huge colourful clown outfits. It was good
fun.
Are you still
friends with anybody you met at Holland Park?
I’m still
very close with my best friend Tara, who has stuck with me through all these
years. I also hang out with my friends Brighde and Tahlia occasionally, and
bump into Elly from time to time.
Do you feel that Holland Park has changed much since you graduated?
Like Nick mentioned, we haven’t really seen much of the school since
graduating, but it sure does look great from the outside! Every time I drive
past, it brings back fond memories
Anyone wanting
to read the Zarkora series can purchase the books through Dymocks stores or
online at www.zarkora.com.