Welcome to a special series of episodes, where WestWords Academy alumni interview their favourite creatives.

In this episode, Academy alumni Elizabeth speaks to Michelle Hamadache in depth about her written works, and together they share strategies and ways to continue one's own creative writing journey while maintaining a busy career and home life. Michelle talks about how her role as course director of Creative Writing at Macquarie University uniquely situates her within the arts industry, surrounds her with creative writing skills and practice day in and day out, and the fulfilment gained by working with other writers. But how does Michelle maintain focus and energy towards her own creative works? Take a listen to learn more

Michelle Hamadache is Course Director of the undergraduate and Master of Creative Writing programs at Macquarie University. She has worked as editor of Southerly, Australia's longest running journal, and of Mascara Literary Review. She has published short stories, essays and poems in US, UK and Australian journals. She was longlisted for the 2018 Elizabeth Jolley short story prize and the 2021 Overland Sidney Neilma Short Story prize.

Elizabeth Walton is a freelance writer, musician, and photographer. Elizabeth has contributed writing to The Guardian, New York Times, ABC, The London Reader, ArtsHub, OzArts, The Australian, Huffpost, Penguin Books, The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Reuters, WIN TV, The Independent, Timber and Steel as well as newspapers and magazines in Europe, North America, Australia and Asia.