Deborah Robertson
Preston
Summary
Writer, teacher, journalist – these words summarise my job titles over the years, but they don't fully convey the deep passion I have for effectively communicating thought and experience, as well as the privilege I feel in learning about the unique lives and perspectives of other people. Whatever form it might take, my work is always a dedication to enriching others – through education, sharing of knowledge and understanding, nurturing potential and creativity, and connecting on a meaningful level – the enrichment of giving one's true attention to another.
Overview
43
43
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Course Director and Tutor, Nonfiction Writing
Faber Academy
01.2022 - Current
- Created a new 26-week course in Nonfiction Writing that incorporated a wide-range of exemplary and inspirational materials to broaden student understanding and knowledge.
- Developed lesson plans that aligned with department goals, contributing to overall program success.
- Fostered an inclusive classroom environment that supported open dialogue among diverse learners with varying perspectives.
- Coordinated guest lectures from industry experts, enriching course content and expanding students' professional networks.
- Developed the potential of each student by a closer understanding of their needs through one-on-one consultations.
- Encouraged students' awareness of the ethics and personal responsibilities involved in nonfiction writing.
Tutor, Professional Writing and Editing Associate Degree
RMIT
01.2014 - 12.2021
- Motivated students towards learning and studying to build self-confidence and reduce fear of failure.
- Increased student comprehension by utilizing personalized teaching methods and adapting to individual learning styles.
- Enhanced students' understanding of subject matter by incorporating examples of diverse and exemplary writing into lessons.
- Promoted critical thinking skills through engaging activities and consistent reinforcement of complex concepts.
- Provided constructive feedback to students, promoting self-reflection and continuous improvement in their work.
- Adapted teaching strategies to accommodate shift to remote learning, ensuring continuity in education during challenging times – in this case, Covid.
Writer
Random House Australia (under Contract)
01.2010 - 12.2013
- Wrote nationally and internationally published fiction and contributed to advertising material for publisher's use in promoting my work.
- Received critical acclaim for compelling examinations of contemporary social concerns through complex characterisation, creative storytelling, and an evocative but accessible writing style.
- Gained recognition by being awarded several literary prizes, along with the short and long-listing of my work for other notable awards.
- Worked with copyediting and development editors to enhance development and presentation of manuscript.
- Conducted readings, signing and launch events to promote books and build audience loyalty.
- Delved into unique themes and subjects with each work to enhance artistic growth and skill.
- Networked with other authors at conferences and literary events to share knowledge, resources, and support each other's careers.
- Collaborated with designers and illustrators to create visually appealing book covers that effectively represented the story within.
- Mentored aspiring writers through workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions, fostering their growth as storytellers.
- Engaged readers with thought-provoking themes that resonated on both personal and societal levels, contributing to meaningful discussions among fans.
- Achieved best-seller status for a novel in Australia and Israel.
Senior Lecturer (tenured), Creative Writing and Journalism
Murdoch University
01.1999 - 12.2009
- Increased the number of student enrolments by the creation of four new Creative Writing subjects at undergraduate level, along with the introduction of Honours, Masters, and PhD programmes.
- Mentored junior faculty members, contributing to their professional growth and development.
- Designed course materials such as reading lists, lecture notes, and assignments that aligned with both programme outcomes as well as course-specific objectives.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary courses.
- Conducted research in relevant field, integrating findings into course content and enriching student understanding of subject matter.
- Implemented active learning techniques in the classroom, increasing student participation and critical thinking skills.
- Evaluated success of teaching methods via regular collection of feedback from both peers and students.
- Supervised graduate student projects and advised on focus, methodology and report generation to meet required standards.
- Coordinated study abroad programs, broadening student horizons through international exposure.
- Nurtured the well-being and academic progress of a new cohort of international students from South-East Asia, India, Scandinavia and the US.
- Oversaw the introduction and development of our university's Creative Writing programme in KDU, Kuala Lumpur (now UOW Malaysia).
- Developed and implemented innovative teaching strategies to engage students in lectures and coursework.
- Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
Lecturer, Creative Writing
Murdoch University
01.1997 - 12.1998
- Selected and designed lesson plans and curriculum to meet academic objectives.
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, providing detailed feedback for improvement and growth.
- Developed strong relationships with colleagues, collaborating on curriculum development and sharing best practices in teaching strategies.
- Contributed to departmental meetings by sharing insights on effective teaching strategies and proposing solutions for addressing common challenges faced by faculty members.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methodologies and techniques.
- Developed and implemented innovative course materials, significantly increasing student interest in subject matter.
- Fostered supportive and inclusive classroom environment, leading to improved student engagement and participation.
- Enhanced student comprehension of complex theories through engaging lectures and interactive discussions.
- Created materials and exercises to illustrate application of course concepts.
Tutor, Creative Writing
Murdoch University
01.1992 - 12.1996
- Increased student comprehension by utilizing personalized teaching methods and adapting to individual learning styles.
- Collaborated with fellow tutors to develop effective strategies for addressing diverse student needs and abilities.
- Provided constructive feedback to students, promoting self-reflection and continuous improvement in their work.
- Fostered safe and inclusive classroom environment where all students felt valued and able to contribute.
- Mentored and coached students with focus on developing independence and self-confidence.
- Used variety of teaching methods to successfully help wide range of students.
- Provided one-on-one tutoring sessions, tailoring instruction to meet the specific needs of each student while promoting independent learning skills.
Journalist/Editor
International Thomson Publications
01.1982 - 12.1991
- Researched and gathered information to develop accurate and credible stories.
- Developed story ideas and conducted interviews with industry experts.
- Conducted thorough fact-checking of all written materials, maintaining the integrity of published content.
- Evaluated and followed up on news leads and news tips to develop story ideas.
- Edited and proofread articles to achieve peak accuracy and quality.
- Cultivated strong relationships with sources and other contacts to support leads and story development.
- Enhanced audience engagement with compelling storytelling and in-depth investigative reporting.
- Increased readership by consistently producing content that resonated with target demographic.
- Participated in editorial meetings to discuss story ideas and content.
- Attended press conferences and other media events to gather relevant information and quotes for stories.
- Collaborated with design, editorial and marketing departments to meet desired content goals.
- Selected relevant images to accompany content for maximum impact.
Education
PhD -
Murdoch University
Perth, WABachelor of Arts - Double major: English and Creative Writing
Curtin University
Perth, WACertificate IV - in Training and Assessment
TDI
Melbourne, VictoriaSkills
- Proficient Computer Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Ability to work both collaboratively and independently
- Attention to detail and the memory of an elephant
- Strong work ethic
- Problem-solving abilities
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Professional ethics
- Organizational skills
- Analytical thinking
- Interpersonal skills
- Storytelling skills
Certification
Working with Children Check
0950624A-01
Teaching Awards
- Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence, Murdoch University, 2005
- Legend Lecturer Award, Murdoch University, 1999
Major Fiction Publications
- Sweet Old World, Random House, Sydney, 2012 (a novel)
- Careless, Picador, Sydney, 2006 (a novel)
- Careless, Louis Braille Audio, 2007
- Careless, Sceptre, London, 2007
- Careless, Macadam/Cage, San Francisco, 2008
- Careless, Keter Books, Tel Aviv, 2009
- Proudflesh, Fremantle Arts Press, Fremantle, 1997 (a short story collection)
Other Fiction Publications
- 'The Transfer of Tracy Green', White Knuckle Ride, Fremantle Arts Press, Fremantle, 2014
- 'His Blue Period', The Best Australian Stories 2008, Delia Falconer, Black Inc., Melbourne, 2008
Nonfiction And Journalism
- 'A Private Matter', Best Australian Essays 2012, Romana Koval, Black Inc., Melbourne, 2012. First published as ‘Shadow of a Father,’ in Good Weekend, The Age and Sydney Morning Herald, September 2012.
- 'Poles Apart from the Picture', The Weekend Australian, June 2023
Writing Awards
- Nita B. Kibble Literary Award, 2007, winner for Careless
- Colin Roderick Award, 2006, winner for Careless
- Arts Queensland Steele Rudd Award, 1998, winner for Proudflesh
- Katherine Susannah Prichard Story Award, 1996, winner for ‘Babyhead’
Award Shortlistings
- Miles Franklin Literary Award, 2007, for Careless
- Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, South East Asia and Pacific Region, 2007, for Careless
- Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA), Literary Fiction Book of the Year, 2007, for Careless
- The Age Book of the Year Award, 2007, for Careless
- New South Wales Premier’s Awards, Christina Stead Prize, 2007, for Careless
- Western Australian Premier’s Prize, 2007, for Careless
- Western Australian Premier’s Prize, 1998, for Proudflesh
Award Longlistings
- International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, 2008, for Careless
- Orange Prize for Fiction (UK), 2007, for Careless
Writing Grants
- Australia Council Creative Fellowship, 2011
- Australia Council Residency, The Tyrone Guthrie Centre, Ireland, 2000
- Murdoch University Research Grant, 1999
- Eleanor Dark Foundation Varuna Writers’ Fellowship, 1996
- West Australian Department for the Arts Writing Grant, 1991
Public Speaking
- 2012, Sydney Writers’ Festival: ‘Meet the Author’ session on Sweet Old World. Panel discussion: The Female Authorship of Male Character
- 2012, Adelaide Writers’ Festival: Panel discussion: Masculinity in Australian History
- 2012, Melbourne Writers’ Festival: Panel discussion: Expatriate Writing
- 2012, Brisbane Writers’ Festival: Panel discussion: Fathers in History
- 2008, Adelaide Writers’ Festival: Panel Paper: ‘The Legacy of Germaine Greer’. Panel Paper: 'Remembering the Dead'. Author Presentation: ‘Careless and the Lost Child in Australian History’
- 2008, Melbourne Writers’ Festival: Panel Paper: ‘Writing Class and Social Difference’. Reading Presentation: ‘Kurt Vonnegut, Dresden Witness’
- 2008, Byron Bay Writers’ Festival: Panel Paper: ‘Creative Process and the Novel’
- 2007, Perth Writers’ Festival: Panel Paper: ‘Research and Fiction Writing’
- 2007, National Library of Australia, Canberra: Author Presentation: ‘Mourning a Nation’s Children’
- 2007, Miles Franklin Award Regional Tour/Tasmania: A series of public talks about Australian literature and the role of the writer
- 2000, The Irish Writers’ Centre, Dublin: Reading: ‘The Human Kiss’ from Proudflesh
Timeline
Course Director and Tutor, Nonfiction Writing
Faber Academy
01.2022 - Current
Tutor, Professional Writing and Editing Associate Degree
RMIT
01.2014 - 12.2021
Writer
Random House Australia (under Contract)
01.2010 - 12.2013
Senior Lecturer (tenured), Creative Writing and Journalism
Murdoch University
01.1999 - 12.2009
Lecturer, Creative Writing
Murdoch University
01.1997 - 12.1998
Tutor, Creative Writing
Murdoch University
01.1992 - 12.1996
Journalist/Editor
International Thomson Publications
01.1982 - 12.1991
PhD -
Murdoch University
Bachelor of Arts - Double major: English and Creative Writing
Curtin University
Certificate IV - in Training and Assessment
TDI
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