Throughout my whole life, I have always had a deep passion for writing.
I really think my enthusiasm began in the younger grades, when an annual writing competition encouraged all boys to think creatively. This was where I was first truly introduced to writing fiction. These competitions planted a seed of creativity in my mind that would later grow.
That seed first flourished in Years 5 and 6, when I wrote my first book with help from a friend called Sorcerer Termina. Then, in Year 7, I wrote both Ninth Age and, in the second half of the year, Forsaken Divinity, which was a direct result of reading Stephen King’s The Dark Tower and Ursula K. Le Guin’s A Wizard of Earthsea.
The Dark Tower and A Wizard of Earthsea are really some of the best books I have read, and they also really assisted my fantasy writing. I love reading stories like these as they help me gain inspiration to write and provide a simple starting point from which my stories can develop and create their own identity.
My next idea for a novel (which I picked up walking to school) is called Psyche. The story is set in a fictional version of the Wild West and is centred around two psychics and their sense of justice in a twisted frontier of psychic abilities. I like to think of it as a Western with an interesting supernatural twist.
These stories would’ve never come into full realisation without the help of a huge group of supportive people who have assisted on my journey. Firstly, my mum always encouraged me and was willing to listen to my lunatic rants on story ideas I had come up with.
Additionally, Mrs MacFarlane, a Junior School teacher, always read and gave feedback on the stories I concocted. Moreover, the librarians Mr Crook, Mr Wilson and Miss Walsh, who bought my published books for the library, have all significantly contributed to my writing journey.
This is why I believe that outside support is massively important, and although I’m still developing my craft, my advice to anybody who is willing to pursue the fabulous art of writing is to believe in yourself and be grateful for those who believe in you.
Latest Blog
In memory of Light Horse Field Ambulances
Toowoomba Grammar School would like to acknowledge our admiration for the loyalty, service and bravery exhibited by TGS Old Boys who so valiantly served. We are all the beneficiaries of their sacrifice, and their selfless actions continue to inspire a spirit of service amongst our current students. Today we focus on the contribution of one TGS Old Boy who made a significant contribution to World War I. Here is some of the incredible story of Major Avery, DSO and if you visit the School Museum…
New Caledonia, new horizons and travel through an educational lens
The opportunity to travel not only opens doors to new experiences but also fosters an increased intercultural understanding and empathy, both essential qualities for navigating and existing within our diverse world. For a group of language students travelling to New Caledonia, our recent French Language and Cultural Tour was a unique opportunity for such experiential learning, where language acquisition went beyond just learning vocabulary and grammar - and instead became a gateway to connect…
Erik Sheppard - making TGS Army Cadet Unit history
The 2024 Dining in Night was made even more special with the appointment of the first Toowoomba Grammar School Army Cadet Unit (TGS ACU) Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) Erik Sheppard who was awarded his rank and pace stick by the 16th Battalion Commanding officer MAJ (AAC) Gary MacLachlan. WO1 Sheppard enlisted in the TGS ACU just before the COVID shutdown in 2020. Although this was not the ideal way to begin a cadet career, he was able to adapt and overcome the virtual…
The Big Six Reading Tips
Unlocking Literacy - The Big Six Elements for Your Child’s Reading Success Literacy skills are a core component of each day for our students, and parents often ask how they can support this from home. I am delighted to share with our parent community the essential components that underpin successful reading development. These elements, known as the Big Six, provide a solid foundation for your son’s literacy journey. These critical building blocks include: Oral Language: Communication skills are…
Boarding - Building Men of Good Character
Over the past five years, we have found one of the most valuable lessons that boarding can teach teenage boys is the ability to self-navigate and overcome challenges. Entering a boarding house is the first time many boarders have stepped away from the comfort and security of their parents and guardians. Although this can be a daunting experience, one of the things that this unfamiliarity creates is the ability to organise yourself. With a larger workload than previous years, a greater number…
The Learning Pit
Learning is at our core and covers all subject disciplines, co-curricular pursuits, personal development and interest areas. Helping our Toowoomba Grammar School boys view learning as a disposition that goes well beyond the classroom context is incredibly important. Learning has a life-long value in all we do. We also acknowledge that learning can be challenging at times, and it can be uncomfortable, but also wonderfully inspiring and fulfilling. Appreciating the full range of feelings and…
Leap Before You Look
The boarding journey offers students a plethora of opportunities to step outside of their comfort zone and take advantage of new environments, relationships, and opportunities during their time at Toowoomba Grammar School. We often talk about “character education” – a theory that originated in the US and has been increasingly embraced by leading schools globally. It is encouraging all students to develop new approaches to their learning, including aspects of morals and ethics, thinking,…
Literacy at TGS: A research-informed approach
A recent Grattan Institute report has shared that one-third of Australian students are failing to learn to read proficiently, referring to the situation as a ‘preventable tragedy’. In addition, the report identifies evidence-based approaches utilising structured literacy programs with phonics and explicit instruction as the most effective methods of teaching literacy. At Toowoomba Grammar School, we implement a structured synthetic phonics approach to teaching spelling and reading that…
Past Mothers, Present Supporters
Any Old Boy will tell you the Blue and Gold is part of their blood. They love the history, the traditions, the memories, and the lifelong friends they made during their time at Toowoomba Grammar School. Well, it seems the same can be said for many TGS mums. The Past Mothers’ Group was formed in 1979 by Mrs Mary Campbell who contacted as many past mothers as she could and invited them to meet at her home where the Past Mothers’ Group was officially formed with the intention of retaining links…
