Read Rose's story Heartless

As a former secondary school teacher of English and languages, Rose’s main focus has been educational books, ranging from topics such as Australian Disasters to humorous short novels. She has been listed in the Notable Australian Children’s Books and shortlisted for the Environment Award for Children’s Literature in Australia.

Rose combines her passion for children’s writing with other activities. In 1998, she was author-in-residence at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, giving writing workshops to chronically ill adolescents. With the help of teaching staff at the hospital and the public relations office, as well as editing from Rose, a book titled “Sick Humour” has been published this year, featuring the works of young hospital patients.

School visits give Rose the opportunity to meet her fans and encourage young people to read for pleasure. Teaching children’s writing to adults as part of short course syllabus is another avenue for fostering creativity in children’s literature.

Rose is also an enthusiastic member of various writing organisations. She is the editor of the Society of Children’s Writers and Book Illustrators, a full member of the Australian Society of Authors, the Fellowship of Australian Writers and of the Victorian Writers Centre.

July 2000