http://www.abc.net.au/message/blackarts/word/s1112512.htm

Associate Professor, Dr Anita Heiss is a member of the Wiradjuri nation of central New South Wales, one of Australia’s most prolific and well known Indigenous authors and a major book review contributor to Message Stick Online.



Anita Heiss


Her published works include the historical novel Who Am I? The Diary of Mary Talence, Sydney 1937, the poetry collection, Token Koori and a work of satirical social commentary Sacred Cows. Adding to her already extensive list of publications, in 2003 Anita launched two more books, Dhuuluu-Yala (To Talk Straight) – Publishing Aboriginal Literature, and a children’s book entitled Me and My Mum. Anita has also edited editions of Southerly, Five Bells and the anthology, Life in Gadigal Country.

Anita is presently Writer in Residence at Macquarie University and writing a drama series with Geoffrey Atherden (of Mother and Son fame). This year she will write and direct her first short-film Checkerboard Love as part of the Lester Bostock mentorship program through Metro Screen in Sydney.

Anita has performed her works nationally (Sydney Writers’ Festival, Perth International Arts Festival, Brisbane Writers Festival to name a few) and internationally (Spain, Austria, the USA, Canada and New Caledonia).

Anita Chaired the literacy organization Indij Readers Ltd, from 2003-2004 and was a member of the Australian Society of Authors (ASA) Committee of Management from 1998-2004.

In 2003 in recognition of her literary achievements Anita was awarded the ASA Medal for Under 35s for her contribution to Australian community and public life.

Anita answers 21 Questions:

My name is Anita Heiss

My nation is mighty Wiradjuri nation (NSW)

I am writing for television and learning to direct

But I'd rather be already qualified at both!

To chillout I sit with friends, eat good food and laugh.

I'm reading Without Reservation: Indigenous Erotica collected and edited by Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm.

I'm drinking H2O of day and a Grenache with dinner

I'm eating out way too much and finishing off left over Easter eggs!

The thing I do best is start the day with a positive affirmation recognising that I am incredibly fortunate.

When I'm in a bad mood I listen to inner voices telling me to chill out and put things into perspective.

When I'm in a gallery I'm most likely drawn to the gift shop!

The piece of technology that has most shaped my life is my computer – I have become addicted to email and communicate over it excessively.

I find inspiration in conversations with like-minded people.

The last website I visited was Children's Book Council of Australia

My favourite film is Bridget Jones Diary, it could be different next week.

My favourite play is Hamlet

My favourite place is my bed (indoors) and Maroubra Beach (outdoors).

You can find me in almost any section of a bookshop except gardening and sports.

The first thing I read in the paper is my horoscope.

The first thing I look at when I meet a person is their eyes

I wish I was able to relax more.

Paradise is lying in the sun with a good book, and a low breeze and not having to worry about deadlines, ringing phones or the reality that the current government may just be returned in the next election.

[more later...]