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
A Bright Start to our Rising and Leading Series
More than 150 members of the Toowoomba and Darling Downs community joined us to hear from leading demographer and data commentator Simon Kuestenmacher, whose presentation sparked fresh thinking about the decade ahead.
Women of Grammar Luncheon
A Tribute to the Heart of the School Originally scheduled for International Women's Day but rescheduled (thanks, Cyclone Alfred!) to the eve of Mother's Day, the timing felt serendipitous. It was a day to honour the women—past and present—whose quiet strength, tireless support and enduring love have shaped the School's legacy and the lives of its boys for 150 years. The marquee was beautifully appointed for a day of merriment
Lachlan Stuart's Marathon Feat
Mr Stuart will return to TGS again for the event held on Wednesday, 28 May to support the Year 12's significant fundraising G150 Gift Run event. The boys are running 1500km in a relay format to honour a 1968 TGS Interact Club fundraising project that will help upgrade the original School gates on Herries Street, along with raising funds for the Nerve Connection Foundation.
Remembering Private Colin Stirling, a TGS Old Boy (1899-1900)
This was the headline that screamed out on the pages of the Toowoomba Chronicle and Darling Downs General Advertiser on Thursday, 15 August 1901. With ANZAC Day just last Friday, this week we continue to honour many of our Old Boys who gave the ultimate sacrifice including Private Colin Stirling, a TGS Old Boy (1899-1900) and our first former student lost in the Boer War. The story began with: “News was received on Tuesday afternoon that in an engagement at Kopjesfontein, on the 6th instant,…
Honouring Tradition: Toowoomba Grammar School and ANZAC Day
This year marks 98 years since TGS and the 13 Army Cadet Unit (Toowoomba Collective Unit) first participated in ANZAC Services in Toowoomba. The School's commitment to these services is a testament to its deep-rooted military traditions and the enduring spirit of remembrance. Mounties out the front of School House in 1908. A Legacy of Service Toowoomba Grammar School's military traditions date back to its early days. The School's Cadet Unit, formed in 1892, has been a cornerstone of its…
Outdoor Pursuits and Activities Week - Developing Good Character Beyond the Classroom
We offer a range of enrichment activities for our boys, but the last week of Term 1 is a very special opportunity for all of our Senior School students. It's Outdoor Pursuits and Activities Week, which provides age-appropriate physical challenges in a safe, well-supervised environment. Activities on the various camps may include ropes courses, rock climbing, bodyboarding, surfing, mountain biking and canoeing. The aim is to foster a love of the outdoors and an appreciation of the environment.…
Stories behind key TGS staff helping shape our students
It was my great privilege to join TGS as Head of House - Boyce Boarding in 2024. The opportunity to lead these young men of character on their TGS journey carries great weight but is also enormously exciting. Embarking upon this project alongside my wife Meg as Boyce Boarding House Manager strengthens the team further. I am hopeful that we will demonstrate to the boys how positive relationships can foster a warm and supportive environment. I know that many of our boys are familiar with strong…
More Than Just an Education and That Makes All the Difference
Toowoomba Grammar School excels in its extensive co-curricular programs, particularly in performing arts and sports. Our boys learn that success comes from hard work and dedication. This ethos is inspired by quotes like “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great,” “The harder I work, the luckier I get” and the words emblazoned on our P.B. Hauser Aquatic Centre wall “Success is the celebration of preparation.” These opportunities allow students to excel in programs…
Stewardship: Leading the Way in Safety, Sustainability and Security
However, the challenges facing the Director of Facilities, Mr Bengie Dickeson and the Director of Information Technology, Mr Ron Robinson certainly are. This month's weather has been nothing if not unpredictable and it's in those conditions that both these men's skills come to the fore. With Tropical Cyclone Alfred and its threat to our School campus and community - Mr Bengie Dickeson and Mr Ron Robinson played integral roles in keeping everyone and everything on our 150-year-old campus safe.…
