Having taught most of my working life I embraced my love of writing and research again in my 50s—never too old to change your spots. Since then, I’ve published a middle-grade thriller, Simon Goes to Spain (2019), and an adult thriller, Wellworth, which was published in July 2023. In 2021 I won the prestigious national Lane Cove Literary Award for memoir. And in 2022 Mona Magazine published Barbed Solitude a poem. My love of education sent me back to university and I completed a Graduate Certificate in Writing & Literature. Keep up with my latest publications and works in progress on my socials.
What inspired you to be a writer?
As a young child, I had imaginary friends and we played made-up games. When I was older, I continued to make up games but this time I had real friends to play with. Once I learnt to read and write I was forever reading another Famous Five Book or writing a mystery of my own on small scraps of paper and stapling them together. One even ended up in one of the many primary school libraries I attended.
What prompted you to write 'Wellworth'?
Wellworth—which always has a red line under it in Word—came to me whilst I was researching historical Australian Institutes for children for an article I wrote. Much of Wellworth is set in school settings—somewhere I’m familiar with. After thirty years of teaching, I have a lot of “what if…” scenarios and could write ten books about school and what happens behind the scenes.
Much of Wellworth is set in school settings—somewhere I’m familiar with. After thirty years of teaching I have a lot of “what if…” scenarios and could write ten books about school and what happens behind the scenes.
Do you have any more books in the pipeline?
Yes, I’m currently writing three! Well, it’s a bit like baking. I have one I’m ‘kneading’ another that is ‘resting’ and the other is in the oven! And then I like to add to the pressure by entering short story competitions and writing poetry for the Mudgee Poetry Circle.
What is your professional background?
I’m a teacher with three decades of experience. Writing to me is another way to teach. I love that ‘aha’ moment my students and readers have.
Any advice you’d like to give aspiring writers?
Don’t give up. Writing is difficult. Not only is it a solitary activity it is also soul-destroying. But perseverance pays off—not only does your writing continue to improve, but your resilience in the face of rejection increases.
Who/what inspires you?
I love Margaret Attwood—her books and her sincerity in what she writes. She is an authentic human – something I aim for.
Emily Maguire—whose teachings have never left me, her books are brilliant, and she is another authentic human.
Charlotte Wood—because I love her work.
What are your hobbies, interests and favourite books?
I always have difficulty answering ‘What is my favourite book’! I read a lot (you need to if you want to write) and the most recent book I read is generally my favourite. But I suppose The Handmaids Tale is up there. Anything written by Maguire or Wood and most recently Lola in the Mirror by Trent Dalton—he brought to the mainstream the issues of homelessness for women and from domestic violence backgrounds.
How can readers contact you?
Blog: https://eilajamesonavey.com/
Linktree: linktr.ee/eilajamesonavey
Instagram: @eilajamesonavey
Contact via: Hawkeye Contact Page
