“I think whatever happens, we have to figure out a way to protect our imaginations. Stories and poetry do that. You need a language in this world. People want words, they want to hear their situation in language, and find a way to talk about it. If you give kids a language, they can use it. I think that’s what these educators fear. If you really educate these kids, they are going to challenge you with your own language.”
Jeanette Winterson

About

I was born and raised in Melbourne, by Italian parents and lived in Norwich, UK for 17 years. I currently live in Castlemaine, Victoria.
pulp.net/lisa-d-onofrio

Work

I am a literacy/literature activist, promoter and educator with over 20 years experience in reader/writer development.

In 2011 I founded Write As Rain, which promotes and supports writing and reading in order to improve and enhance creativity, literacy, connectivity and well-being using a multi-artform and collaborative approach. My focus is on literacy, creativity, wellbeing and connectivity.

I am the founder/director of the Castlemaine Children’s Literature Festival The emphasis of the Festival is on the children themselves; as creative producers and active participants.

Writing

My work is informed by issues raised by identity, misplacement, gender and domesticity. I have performed poetry on television and on national radio both in Australia and the UK; my work has appeared on trams, trolleys, internet magazines and beer mats. I have three chapbooks published and poems have appeared in magazines in the UK, Australia and USA. I have supported John Cooper Clarke and Benjamin Zephaniah, as well as reading at Glastonbury and other festivals.
There’s been a few prizes along the way too.

I’m very interested in creative writing with pre-school children and the connection between arts and health.