A celebrated Indigenous author, Ellen van Neerven has enjoyed a myriad of literary success since graduating from QUT in 2011. During this time, they have published three books and edited a number of collections spanning the genres of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.
Of Mununjali and Dutch heritage, van Neerven’s work draws inspiration from lived experiences, culture, and the environment.
Their most recent poetry collection, Throat, won 2021 Book of the Year, the Kenneth Slessor Prize for Poetry, and the Multicultural NSW Award at this year’s NSW Premier’s Literary Awards. The hat trick of awards adds to an already long list of accolades, including the inaugural 2020 Quentin Bryce Award, 2019 Queensland Premier’s Young Publishers and Writers Award, and the 2019 Peter Blazey Fellowship at the University of Melbourne’s Australian Centre Literary Awards.
From Creative Writing alumnus to award-winning author and editor, Ellen shares their journey thus far.
1. What did you do after graduating from QUT?
Three months after graduating, I was successful in being selected as one of two inaugural trainee editors at a project that was just starting: black&write! Indigenous writing and editing project, founded by Sue Abbey. I received on-the-job training as one of Australia’s only First Nations editors that specialise in editing fiction and poetry. While working with writers such as Ali Cobby Eckermann, I was inspired to write as well as edit. I wrote my first book, Heat and Light, between 2011 and 2013. It was published in 2014 and my writing career kicked off from there. Nowadays I combine my writing life with some editing, community work, and teaching.
2. What do you enjoy most about your job?
Making others feel seen and safe with my writing. I also enjoy helping other writers find their voice.
3. Tell us about your career journey
I published my first book, a novel-in-stories Heat and Light in 2014. I wrote from a queer, genderqueer Murri experience that at the time wasn’t really represented in any media. It’s been a book that’s meant a lot to so many people.
My following books were two poetry collections, Comfort Food and Throat, which came out in 2016 and 2020 respectively. I moved from Meanjin (Brisbane) to Naarm (Melbourne) for two years from 2017 to 2019. In 2019, I decided I wanted to come back home. I currently live in Meanjin and am really passionate about my South East Queensland community.
4. What are your future goals?
I am currently working on two plays, a novel, and a non-fiction work. That’s my next three years. I need a lot of time and space to write. Sometimes projects percolate for five to ten years. I have periods of thinking and periods of intensive writing.
5. What do you think has contributed to your career success?
I am constantly reading and consuming art and media. My literary influences come from all over the world. I’ve been lucky to travel as a writer to many different countries and gain a broader perspective on storytelling. At the same time, my biggest inspiration comes from South East Queensland.
When I work on a piece of writing, I obsess about it and try to perfect it like a chef working on a specific dish. It’s not unusual to have twenty different drafts of the same work.
6. What advice would you give to others who are inspired by your success?
Keep going and be yourself.
More about Ellen
Ellen van Neerven graduated from QUT with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Creative Writing Production) in 2010 and Graduate Certificate in Creative Industries (Creative Writing) in 2011. They are an author, editor, and educator as well as co-host and creative producer of two podcasts. Visit Ellen’s website to find out more about their work.