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In Conversation with BlackWords

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  • Jackie Huggins in Conversation with BlackWords

  • Jackie Huggins in Conservation with BlackWords

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    Image courtesy of Jackie Huggins

    In the fourteenth of this series of interviews, Anita speaks to Jackie Huggins.

    Jackie Huggins is a Brisbane-based historian, researcher and writer. She is the author of a collection of essays titled Sister Girl: The Writings of an Aboriginal Activist and Historian. In 2001 she became a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her service to the Indigenous community, particularly in the areas of reconciliation, social justice, literacy and women's issues. She is currently writing short stories.

  • Who’s your mob? Where did you grow up?

    My mob are Bidjara (mother’s side) and Birri Gubba Juru (father’s side) and I grew up in Brisbane. I was born in Ayr, north Queensland.

  • What was your favourite book growing up?

    Growing up I liked to read Georgette Heyer novels.

  • What book has had an impact on your life and why?

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    Auntie Rita by Jackie Huggins and Rita Cynthia Huggins

    Auntie Rita, my first book, because Mum (Rita) and I wrote it together.

  • What’s the last book you read?

    Currently reading The Swan Book by Alexis Wright.

  • Is there a book you just couldn’t finish?

    Plenty. The Bible.

  • What book have you read more than once?

    The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle (suggested by Oprah) is a book I have read more than once.

  • What book do you think every Australian should read?

    This Whispering in Our Hearts by Henry Reynolds.

  • Of all art forms, why literature?

    Literature is the most engaging of art forms and being able to produce something in a book assists literacy and reading.

  • How did you start writing?

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    Sister Girl : The Writings of Aboriginal Activist and Historian Jackie Huggins by Jackie Huggins

    I began writing in primary school as I had several pen friends overseas and couldn't wait to send off letters. In university I loved to write and would get my assignments in three weeks beforehand! One of my tutors said to me that I should become a writer and I did.

  • Did you do anything to help you learn to write or did it just come naturally?

    Writing came naturally and I loved the thrill of matching and experimenting with my words. Gladly my son John has inherited one of his Mum’s good traits.

  • What do you love about writing?

    I love the fact that you have an idea or image in your head and you create that visual for all who read it. Amazing though how interpretations can be different. Also I love the camaraderie and support we have as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers. That's why I have agreed to become a patron of the First Nations Australia Writers' Network.

  • What’s your aim as a writer?

    My aim is to educate people.

  • Who do you write for?

    I write for everyone who cares to read it.

  • What do you think makes a 'good writer' and who are some of your favourite authors?

    A good writer comes to terms with their craft and is able to convey very important messages to the public. I like profound writing in all its genres. Amongst my favourite writers are Anita Heiss, Ruby Langford, Alexis Wright, Melissa Lucashenko, Audre Lorde and bell hooks.

  • Do you have a writing role model or inspiration?

    The last two above are my inspirations for my early writing as there was no one then writing in Australia who did it for me but look now at my favourite writer list.

  • What’s your writing process?

    I have to have a lot of space in my life to write, that is, in my personal and professional life. I find that when I am busy being a public person it doesn't happen. I love listening to music when I write as it creates a path for me, for example, I played Phoebe Snow over and over when I wrote Auntie Rita.

  • Is it difficult to move between genres?

    Not sure how difficult it is to move but I hope to do that within the next year, either short stories or fiction.

  • What’s the best tip you were ever given in relation to writing?

    Stick with it and don't give up until it is finished as the result is worth it.

  • Do you have any advice you could offer on writing and publishing?

    The scene has changed from when I first wrote and there is much assistance to Indigenous writers like the black+write program so use them and other experts in the field.

  • What are you working on right now?

    I am working on the possibility of getting a few ideas for books in my head out and published. I need a kick start and believe this will happen next year. Watch this space.

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