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ABOUT ME

I have loved writing from an early age, but didn't like to show anyone because I was a very bad speller and didn't like the way people laughed at how I spelt things.  My spelling improved and by the time I was in high school my favourite subject was creative writing.

In 1993 I discovered that I wanted to be a writer when my story about a fumble-brained funnel-web spider was printed in the school newsletter.  Ever since, I have loved the ‘other worlds’ that words create, and my mission is to create these worlds for many years to come.

Professionally, alongside writing and editing, I was a casual primary school teacher with the NSW Department of Education for 8 years, and now I am a tutor in a private coaching college, teaching English and Creative Writing.

I was involved in amateur theatre as a member of Pymble Players INC, located on the upper north shore of Sydney, for 9 years.  During this time I was frequently stage manager, props collector, prompt and fulfilled front of house duties.  I was also elected as a committee member for three years where I took on the roles of social secretary, front of house coordinator and newsletter editor.

Headshots (Penny) - Ben Fan Creative -35.jpg

Courtesy of Books on Tour PR & Marketing for this author video.

Dated 29th November 2020.

General Interests and Knowledge:

Astronomy, anatomy and biology, disabilities, forensics, gardening and nature, health and wellbeing, ancient and world history, human rights, Indigenous cultures, photography, and visual arts (mosaics and still life).

Qualifications and Learning Experiences:

 

I have completed many different forms of study, from short evening classes, to certificates, to degrees.  I like to broaden my knowledge through learning.  Here is a list of my learning achievements.

  • Master of Creative Writing (Macquarie University) - In Progress

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Editing and Publishing (University of Technology)

  • Bachelor of Arts/Diploma of Education (Macquarie University), Exchange Program (University of Sunderland, UK)

  • Diploma of Forensic Science (International Careers Institute) - In Progress

  • Course in French Beginners 1 (WEA Sydney)

  • Course in French Beginners 2 (WEA Sydney)

  • Statement of Attendance for Sign Language 1 (The Deaf Society of NSW)

  • Statement of Attendance for Sign Language 2 (The Deaf Society of NSW)

  • Certificate III in Education Support - Teachers' Aide (Special) (TAFE)

  • Statement of Attainment in Basic Counselling Skills (Hornsby KU-RING-GAI Community College)

  • Certificate III Community Services (Disabilities) (Excelsior College)

  • Certificate III Centre Based Care (Infants) (TAFE)

 

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I wish to acknowledge the Garigal people and the Gayamaygal people, who are the traditional owners of this land where I live and work. Also to the Darramurragal people, where I previously lived and worked. I pay my respects to elders past, present and emerging.

© 2020 - 2025 by Penny Macoun

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