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How it all began
It began with a gorilla named 'Lulu'. As part of a drama assignment, I had to perform a piece about a gorilla. So I penned my first poem called, ‘Lulu the Gorgeous Gorilla’. Little did I know that a poet was soon to be born.

Qualifications
Graduate Certificate Applied Linguistics, Griffith Uni, Brisbane, Australia
Masters of Education (International), Monash Uni Graduate Diploma Secretarial Studies
Diploma Primary Teaching, Victoria, Australia
Certificate IV Small Business Management (2013)

Writing Qualifications
Diploma In Writing, with ‘The Writing School’ (formerly, NSW Writing School).
Freelance Journalism Level I

Awards
First prize (Children’s poetry category) in the 1993 OZ waves Award and University of Queensland Press Book Prizes for my humorous poem, ’Magpie Mania’, and a number of 'placement' awards for children's poetry. Yes, I know this is a long time ago now, but have only just started entering competitions again.

Arts Grants
2007 awarded a RADF grant (Regional Arts Development Fund) through the Queensland Government/Arts Qld and Logan Council (Brisbane, Australia) to undertake professional development in the area of illustrating and writing children’s picture books Mentored under Dr Virginia Lowe, 'Create-a-Kids Book' courses.
In 2010 received 2nd RADF grant to attend SCBWI Sydney conference
2009 appointed on Logan City Council's RADF committee representing portfolio of writing.

PUBLICATIONS:

2013 RELEASE
'A Christmas Tail' co-authored by Donna M Smith and Helen Ross (me). Illustrations by Aaron Pocock

2010 RELEASE
'10 Yellow Bananas' Published by Little Steps Publishing, Div of New Frontier, NSW. Bubbly illustrations by Dee Texidor.
Charming reverse counting rhyme of teddy bears that are stolen by ten bananas goes hilariously down the number chain, through all types of fruit. A colourful and creative tale ending in cooperation and friendship.

NEW version (NEW publisher, NEW pictures, SHARPER verses, NEW ending from original published 2006)

2009 release-'Bubble Gum Trouble and other Giggle Poems', published by Little Steps Publishing, Division of New Frontier. Bright, bubbly illustrations by Dee Texidor.
'Bubble Gum Trouble' is a compilation of humorous poems for children of all ages.

My first two children's books were successfully self-published in 2006: 'Ten Yellow Bananas' (original version) and 'Santa is in our Chimney'. '

'Santa is in our Chimney' will be reprinted in the future (new edition)

Two poems published by JelliBeanz Publishing in Packed Lunch Series. Volume 1 - Hopscotch. 2011

Have also written giggle poetry for Cherububble (Primary/Early childhood education on-line resource), written articles for Australia Bookseller and Publisher magazine.
Had a number of self publishing articles published online.
My heart-felt poetry published in anthologies.
Five of my giggle poems (rhyming verses) for children selected for a book for the kids at the Namara District School in Fiji (2009) - A wonderful project put together by Morgan Hayton and Sally Odgers.
Acted as resident writer for a local community magazine (August - December 2010)

Taught at TAFE Queensland for 17 years in the Business Directorate (communications subjects) and English in language/literacy programs (ESL).

I live in Brisbane with my humorous husband and our beloved pets.

My website: http://www.helenross.com.au

For more information, please follow my blog: http://misshelenwrites.wordpress.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/HelenRossauthor
I am also on FaceBook

or

email me at: [email protected]

How it all began It began with a gorilla named 'Lulu'. As part of a drama assignment, I had to perform a piece about a gorilla. So I penned my first poem called, ‘Lulu the Gorgeous Gorilla’. Little did I know that a poet was soon to be born. Qualifications Graduate Certificate Applied Linguistics, Griffith Uni, Brisbane, Australia Masters of Education (International), Monash Uni Graduat... More