Pic from 2016. This event at @wheelercentre (organised by @FlindersLane & others) changed my life. I learnt abt writers agents & publishers. Met @slamup, and also live tweeted. Afterward @Jacinta_DiMase DMd me, thanking me. 4 months later she became my agent. Got me 2 book deals.

I talk about this event a lot. About having a public writing presence. The importance of connecting with writers, and the writing industry. About sharing information and networking. About saying thanks and staying in touch. About following up when you have an opportunity.

. @Jacinta_DiMase was aware of my writing as I had done years of it, publicly.

By live tweeting the event I was sharing info for those who couldn’t make it.

I don’t recall speaking to Jacinta in person that day. But we connected online.

In early 2017, I had TWO publishers approach me to write a book. I contacted @Jacinta_DiMase asking if she remembered me from @wheelercentre, seeking advice about book deals.

She did. And she signed me up to her agency.

. @Jacinta_DiMase also works with @danielle_binks who also knew my work then. I later became *her* author.

Together we worked on a book proposal for two months.

Jacinta came up with the title Say Hello. Danielle advised me a lot about #OwnVoices & the themes in the book.

And then we pitched the book. Five publishers said yes to our pitch. @danielle_binks came with me to meetings with publishers. When it came to choosing (that was like picking a puppy! I wanted them all!) @Jacinta_DiMase helped me make the decision with lots of facts.

I chose @HarperCollinsAU - @Jacinta_DiMase told me @catherinefmilne was a “very cool publisher” & the HCP office has great views (both true!).

Jacinta and @danielle_binks have continued to advocate for my work - not just book deals but speaking up to the media & accessibility.

And in addition to the professional guidance and support in writing and publishing books, @Jacinta_DiMase and @danielle_binks have become wonderful friends. These women have changed my life, thanks to that day at the Diverse Women’s Writers event. So glad I went

. @slamup asked me to write for Growing Up African in Australia. That same day, I asked @Jacinta_DiMase if we could pitch Growing Up Disabled in Australia to @BlackIncBooks. I wrote a short pitch, then @danielle_binks and I met with @kiweditor & she said yes! Life changing event.

My book was launched at @wheelercentre in January 2019, by @BobEvansMusic.

What a full circle.

@danielle_binks was there cheering me on.

I am grateful I went to the Diverse Women’s Writers event that day in September 2016. I hope other attendees were as lucky as me.