A sense of curiosity and even uncertainty, coupled with excitement and determination: these are the qualities that draw me to a student’s work.
Writing can be at once tough and exhilarating, and I look for signs of resilience, passion and commitment, a sense that this is work, but work with rich personal rewards.
More than anything, I look for signs of a writerly voice, one I want to enter and follow, and a love of story.
Applications for second round offers for Writing a Novel in Brisbane close on 16 February.