Completing my Master of Arts degree in Writing and Literature solidified my lifelong commitment to storytelling and the craft of writing. As an Australian author, playwright, and educator, I’ve spent over two decades exploring the power of words across multiple mediums.

In 2002, I launched my copywriting business, Jacq of All Trades, Master of Writing, while simultaneously teaching drama, writing plays and film scripts, and landing occasional roles in film, television, and theatre through my agent.

My award-winning plays, Little Red Meets the Dingo and Goldisocks and the Three Koalas, were adapted into 20-minute short films, which I produced and directed. Both premiered to a full house at Sawtell Cinema, showcasing my passion for bringing Australian stories to life on screen.

Another opportunity to direct and act was presented when Verandah Post Films produced the short films, Outside the Square, which won Most Popular Film at the Cool Bananas Film Festival in 2003, and Hydro Scheme, further expanding my experience as a film director and screenwriter.

In 2005, Ready-Ed Publications commissioned me to write the Lights, Camera, Action series—four educational books on filmmaking and theatre production. These resources are suitable for Australian or International primary schools.

While teaching drama, I met Shirley Barnett (née Broadway), whose parents were vaudeville performers in Victoria during the Great Depression. Her captivating life story inspired my historical fiction novel, When The Glitter Fades, developed as part of my Masters degree research project. The story is loosely based on Alf Broadway’s Pantomime Players and real events from Shirley’s life. The novel blends Australian entertainment history with murder, mayhem, and dazzling vaudeville performances that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

I continue to pursue my passion to write inspirational stories based on true events, and present memoir writing workshops that empower others to leave a legacy by sharing their life experiences.