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
Remembering James Russell McWilliam AO
Jim McWilliam was a pioneering agricultural scientist and the first Director of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (1982–89), where he built lasting partnerships between Australian researchers and developing countries. James Russell McWilliam AO Born near Leyburn, Queensland, Jim studied forestry at the University of Queensland and in the US, completing a PhD at Yale. He worked with the Queensland Forestry Service, CSIRO and later as Professor of Agronomy at the…
Boarding is who we are
Our boarders make up nearly one third of our student cohort from Years 5 to 12, which enables us to consider the boarding experience in all that we do at the School. Every boarding experience at TGS is about equipping boys with the skills to function as a student and preparing them for their future.
Making a Positive Impact with Homework Assistance
The Anglicare Homework Assistance Program (HAP), run in conjunction with Darling Heights State School, sees many of our boys volunteer their time on Wednesdays after class to help many young refugee and primary school students facing challenging times with their homework, or to chat and play games. Our boys thoroughly enjoy meeting, supporting and learning about the lives of the younger children. This forges community connections and fosters inclusion for the Darling Heights students; it also…
Fresh Faces Guide - TGS Sportsmen into the Fray
With their dedication to excellence and player development, TGS athletes are in good hands as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of competitive sports.
Honouring Tradition, Preparing for the Future
They will invariably be inspired by effective teaching and the satisfaction of personal achievement will always be motivating. At Toowoomba Grammar School, the power of high-quality instructional practices has resulted in the development of a strong academic culture that has endured for nearly 150 years. Preserving core principles provides stability and continuity. However, we must be open to continuously adapting our methods so that our students are well-prepared for the ever-changing world…
We See You - Mitchell Wilkes
That was the heart-wrenching diagnosis for Year 10 student, Mitchell Wilkes, right on Christmas in 2021. Mitchell’s mum noticed he wasn’t reading properly and had a gut feeling that there was something wrong with his eyesight. A trip to the optometrist revealed a thinning in the retina, and further tests showed that Mitchell had a genetic condition called Stargardt Disease, a juvenile macular degeneration illness that results in slow central vision loss.
Correcting our School's official record commemorating World War I and World War II
On the eve of our 150th year, we're calling on the School's alumni, parents, past parents and greater community to aid us in correcting the record of our involvement in two watershed geopolitical events of the 20th century. For the last four years Toowoomba Grammar School Museum Volunteers, Mrs Ann Hallam and Mrs Sue Palmer, have been updating the School records on Old Boys, staff and Trustees for the World War I and World War II theatres of war. Over the years several staff and volunteers have…
A Pioneering Woman of TGS
My late husband was a teacher, and our four children are all teachers, which we encouraged them to do because it is the best job in the world. It’s hard to believe I’ve been here for 36 years, working under four Headmasters: Mr Bill Dent, Mr Hugh Rose, Mr Peter Hauser and now Dr John Kinniburgh. I still drive into the School each day and smile, looking at the beautiful place it is — magnificent ovals, gracious trees and historically significant buildings. It is difficult to express the…
NZ Rugby Tour success, more than winning matches across the Ditch
The teams were undefeated and it was a trip the players will never forget. This tour was years in the making and heralds a new era of touring and hosting different rugby schools to give our players opportunities for growth as athletes and as people. Head of Sport - Rugby, Mr Lincoln Clapham, explained they selected 46 students to take part in the ten-day tour and began training last year. From Term 1 onwards, the squad trained twice weekly on the oval plus two and sometimes three gym sessions…
