Phyllis McDuff

Bio Phyllis McDuff
A spinner of yarns
A weaver of webs
A dreamer of dreams
A knitter of threads

Phyllis was born in Hillston, Western New South Wales. The experience of extensive family travel through Europe, Africa, and Asia re-shaped her early education. Her Australian family lived in Vienna under the occupation of the Allies at the time when the 'Iron Curtain' descended across Europe.

Phyllis's early career of training horses was based on instruction at the famed Spanish Riding School of Vienna. This, combined with a passion for teaching, developed successful strategies for young riders. It also formed the basis for her fascination with the human communication process. The challenge is; 'How do I take an idea out of my head and put it into your head? Completely?'

This challenge has been met through public speaking, poetry, writing fiction and non fiction as well as working as a professional storyteller. Phyllis has earned significant awards in each of these fields.

The best-selling memoir, A Story Dreamt Long Ago, is now in its sixth print-run. Published by Random House it is a laughing, crying, compelling read, recording the impacts of the author's early experiences and presenting some of the conclusions she has reached after a lifetime of 'connecting'.

A Story … is now destined for international publication and presentation in opera format.

Her second book The Gift, to be released in 2006, is a history-romance-spy-thriller revealing connections between the Queen Victoria, the Mendl family of Vienna and the deep deposit boxes of the tiny principality of Lichtenstein. Phyllis is now working with an Austrian-Australian co-production documentary film team on a TV series which focuses on new elements of the Mendl family history. Filming should be completed in 2009 with an international release planned for 2010.

Writing Memoir Workshop

Based on the author's experience this one-day workshop discusses:

• Gathering material
• Sorting material
• Sequencing material
• Choosing a structure
• Choosing a voice
• Nailing it down ¾ the editing process
• Publishing pitfalls and options

The material presented is interwoven with creative writing excercises.

As an experienced presenter Phyllis has designed this workshop to be appropriate for an audience of 10 to 100 participants. Each segment will be tailored to the needs of your particular audience.

Awards

• Inaugeral Elenora Award for Poetry Again - Again
• ABC Funny poem award Danger
• B.E.C.H award for prose The Emperor's New Phone
• Shortlisted for Nita - Kibble literary award A Story Dreamt Long Ago
• Phyllis McDuff was selected to judge the Logan City 2005 International Short Story competition and is the current Logan City 2005 Citizen of the Year.