This week we chat with well-known Bendigo writer and journalist, Lauren Mitchell<\/p>\n
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What initially motivated you to become a writer?<\/strong><\/p>\n The books I read as a child. The good teachers who encouraged me. The retail job I was bored with after three years. The persistent energy within that told, and continues to tell me, to get to the page.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n How would you describe your writing style and how did you develop it?<\/strong><\/p>\n It changes whether I\u2019m writing a feature article, piece of memoir or tinkering with fiction. I hope my writing generally skips along lightly and fluidly and always puts the story first. I\u2019ve developed my voice via practice and bravery over 20-plus years of writing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Which other writers inspire you and why?<\/strong><\/p>\n Locals! The brilliant local journalists I\u2019ve worked with, the talented local novelists, poets and children\u2019s authors I read. The many local writers laying down words in the wee hours. They inspire me because they\u2019re all living their truth, with integrity and creativity. It\u2019s not an easy thing to do. We\u2019re fortunate to have a beautiful, inclusive writing culture and community in Bendigo.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What are some highlights or fond memories you have from your career so far?<\/strong><\/p>\n Being published alongside Paul Kelly, Tim Winton and Charlotte Wood in Slow Magazine was very cool. As was my first article in The Australian<\/em>. I\u2019m looking forward to reading my upcoming children\u2019s book to my little boy, although I think he\u2019s sick of hearing about it! Really, the highlights are always driving home from an interview with someone amazing, with that wonderfully energising feeling of having discovered a cracking story to write. There\u2019s nothing quite like it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n