Jill Jones Residency

Jill Jones reading at Museum of the Riverina

Poet, Jill Jones was in residency at Booranga in September and during that time conducted a writing workshop at Booranga as well as a public reading at the Historic Council Chambers in Wagga Wagga. Jill read a wide variety of poems from her previously published books as well as works in progress.

The workshop was very popular with poets travelling from as far away as Albury to attend and learn new skills from Jill. 

Jill's residency provided a bonus for Wagga poet, Claire Baker, when she was able to have a one-on-one mentoring session at Booranga with Jill.

A Dilemma Solved

by Claire Baker

Grandmotherly duties at my youngest grandson’s birthday or attend a writing workshop with Jill Jones – a predicament that could lead to only one outcome. But I’d been so looking forward to meeting Jill and flexing my writing skills under her guidance, especially after reading a recent anthology published by the Poetry Union which Jill co-edited.

Then I scrolled down the reminder email sent by Kathryn, Booranga’s Creative Director, prior to the workshop – for financial members the chance to have a consultancy with Jill. The answer to my dilemma if I was lucky enough to be given the nod. And I was.

I’ve been working on a small collection of poems inspired by “The Elsewhere” travelling exhibition, curated by Dr Sam Bowker, and was wondering if I’d achieved a variety of theme and cohesion within the poems. I don’t know about other writers, but sometimes I’m too close to the words on the page and start to doubt what I’ve written.

Being able to discuss these works with Jill, in the hour or so we spent at Booranga, helped me to re-focus on each piece so that their individuality could shine. Jill provided me with some pertinent suggestions and opened my mind to possibilities that improve the poems while referencing various artworks in the exhibition. Jill treated me as an equal, even though she has been published many times, which made me feel that my efforts were worthwhile.

I’m still working on these poems and enjoying the process. I would encourage any writer who is a financial member of Booranga to apply for a consultancy from the writer in residence when the opportunity arises.

Oh, and the birthday party was a lot of fun too!

Jill Jones and Claire Baker at Booranga

Workshop

Workshop

Workshop