Senior Research Fellow at University of Queensland, inaugural President of Popular Culture Association of Australasia (in other words I started it). Australia Day Ambassador (for services to popular culture), President's Award for Contribution to Popular Culture. But before I was an academic, I worked in several advertising agencies, cosmetic companies and even had my own personnel agency in Sydney. Oh those were the days! I had the money now I wanted to develop my mind. I went back to University as a mature-age student. I love it but didn't like my first degree (Speech Pathology). Believe me humanities is much easier. I went on to do two Masters and a PhD.Phd in serial fiction (19th century US, Australian and British) and MA thesis on Dickens; research interests include popular fiction (romance, detective fiction and westerns particularly) and popular culture. Currently working in pulp fiction and fashion areas. I have taught many many subject but most enjoy teaching creative writing. My writing CV: Judge for romance (RBY), crime (Ned Kelly)and speculative fiction (Aurealis). Management Committee Brisbane Writers Festival, qualified editor (Society of Editors)and freelance writer. Paris Writers Workshop. Various literary festivals in Australia and overseas. Taught creative writing for 15 years. In 2013 I am planning a writing retreat in Venice - so feel free to email me if you are interested. Now I am working in radio -- I have a regular spot on local radio, host a monthly book panel and am a guest on several programmes.