CANDICEBOYLE
THE words of Footscray author Heather Marsh are set to gain the attention of publishers and industry professionals.
Ms Marsh has been awarded a prestigious mentorship as part of the Australian Society of Authors (ASA) Mentorship program for 2007-08.
The picture book author was just one of 20 successful writers chosen from nearly 500 entries to the program.
On accepting the mentorship, Ms Marsh will have the choice to source a mentor from a wide range of established professionals.
As part of the program Ms Marsh will be able to develop her manuscripts to the highest professional standard.
A variety of day jobs, from scientific curiosity shop owner to arts administrator, have helped to shape her poetry, short fiction and picture books.
Ms Marsh is currently creating the illustrations for her children’s picture book called Eupholus Swoon, about the adventures of an eccentric weevil, while also balancing the completion of pen and ink drawings for The Gift of Hindsight — ‘a Memento Mori’ box with portraits of 64 endangered birds.
The mentorship program is part of the ASA commitment to the professional and artistic interests of Australian authors and promoting Australian writing and literary culture.
The program also aims to give selected participants the opportunity to read their work, or participate in panels at state and regional writers’ festivals.
Each area of the program works towards bringing the work of writer’s like Ms Marsh to the attention of publishers, literary agents and future readers.
