Story Hunter

Coordinator

Emma Carpenter

Emma Carpenter is a creative writing PhD candidate, and published YA and children’s author. She has previously worked as an English teacher and for a local publishing company in administration and cover design. Needless to say, she loves books. Emma believes that writing is a reflection of the creative nature that makes us human, and a way to explore our empathy and curiosity. She loves working with young people to develop their ideas and is excited to be a part of the Story Hunter team.

Jess Black

Jess Black is an award-winning author of more than fifty children's books. Jess regularly teaches creative writing in schools and runs holiday workshops. Jess has written the Tales of Mr Walker series about a dog who comes to live in the fanciest hotel in town. Jess has also written the Kitty is Not a Cat series, Little Paws series and the Keeper of the Crystals series; and is co-author of the hugely successful Bindi Wildlife Adventure series, the Kaboom Kid series and the Animal Tales series. Jess lives in Newcastle with her two daughters, husband and slightly batty cat and dog.

Karen Eastwood

Karen Eastwood is a storyteller, writer, podcast host and educator. She has worked on Newcastle Library's early literacy programs including, Stories Come Alive, (formerly known as The Wacky Wombat Show) as well as the annual Book Week Show. Karen has facilitated storytelling and creative writing programs for all ages. Her mission is to help people have fun building connections through the sharing of stories. She especially enjoys helping children discover how to use the magic and power of words to convey their own unique perspectives and stories.

Catherine Owen

Cath Owen is a primary school teacher and writer who is lucky enough to live in beautiful Port Stephens on Worimi land. She has always loved stories in all forms, whether reading them, writing them or seeing them performed. She is a strong supporter of public education and is thrilled to be able to share her passion for stories and to help students in the Hunter region to develop their own voices. In her spare time, she loves to read, write, sing and to enjoy the natural beauty of Port Stephens with her kids.

Malini Stephen

Malini Stephen is a teacher and writer, passionate about all things reading and writing. Malini has previously lived in Darwin and now resides in Newcastle. Malini believes creativity is important for developing young minds to expand their imagination, and she works to support others with the skills to explore their ideas, create new worlds and make sense of this one.

Jacqueline Wright

Jacqui Wright is a teacher and writer who is a passionate believer in the power of stories to connect, inform, heal and empower individuals, groups, communities and nations. Jacqui's first novel, Red Dirt Talking, was longlisted for the 2013 Miles Franklin Literary Award. Since then, her stories, plays and articles have been published by Radio National, ABC News, Griffith Review, Fairfax, Westerly, Margaret River, Fremantle and Currency Presses. Jacqui's work at ABC Kimberley has shown that there is more than one way to tell a story. Putting words together in all kinds of ways – writing, drawing, speaking and recording via digital technologies – will never lose its magic!