Margie Jenkin

A bit about Maura

Maura is an emerging Tasmanian author. She graduated with a Masters of Creative Writing from the University of Tasmania in 2013 and supports her creative career by working as a freelance writer, editor, writing mentor, and tutor.

Maura is currently developing two major literary works; Almond - a novel, and Bridge - a cross-genre memoir that explores the intergenerational impact of her Scottish grandmother’s life, and death by suicide, in 1956.

Career development

In 2020, Maura was signed to respected Australian literary agency, Left Bank Literary. In 2022, she was shortlisted (from a pool of 400+ submissions) for a Residential Fellowship at the Varuna Writer’s House – the foremost institution for literature development in Australia. Varuna subsequently offered Maura a week’s Invited Residency at Varuna, which she is undertaking in late March 2023 to develop her current book, Bridge. Maura is self-funding that residency.

Writing residency at Cove Park, Scotland

The Varuna Writer’s House has an established relationship with Cove Park – an international artists’ residency centre located on the west coast of Scotland. Cove Park residencies support the development of new work by national and international artists, groups and organisations working in all art forms. Cove Park is located in an area of Scotland of profound significance to Maura’s Scottish ancestors, and to the story of Bridge.

In May this year, Maura is travelling to the UK with family. She hopes to extend her stay so she can spend time in Scotland to continue her research for Bridge and undertake an independently funded one-week writing residency at Cove Park. This residency will enable Maura to complete Bridge, as well as establish important professional relationships for her long-term career development.

This campaign aims to raise $2,500.00 to cover the costs of Maura’s Scottish residency. This includes accommodation, meals and incidentals. The time and space dedicated to writing will enable Maura to finish writing Bridge.

This Pozible campaign has been initiated by Maura's friends: Margie Jenkin, Anja Boot and Annabelle Sweetman, in conversation with Maura. 

We are enormously grateful for whatever support you can provide. Thank you so much.