In Conversation with BlackWords - Kerry Reed-Gilbert

In Conversation with BlackWords

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Kerry Reed-Gilbert In Conversation with BlackWords
Image courtesy of Kerry Reed-Gilbert

In the twelfth of this series of interviews, Anita speaks to Kerry Reed-Gilbert.
Kerry Reed-Gilbert is a Wiradjuri writer and poet from central NSW who is based in Canberra. Her totem is the 'white cockatoo' (the messenger) and it's through her writing that Kerry believes she is giving meaning to her totem.
Who’s your mob? Where did you grow up?

I’m Wiradjuri - Condobolin was the main place for us as a family, but as people of the paddocks we moved fairly regular following the fruit seasons, so I guess in a way I grew up all over Wiradjuri country.
What was your favourite book growing up?

The Diary of Anne Frank.
What book has had an impact on your life and why?

I like to read the life stories of the world’s greatest people - John F. Kennedy, Nelson Mandela. I just read the book, Mrs Kennedy and Me, written by her body guard - it took me days to read the last couple of pages because I knew what was coming and I knew I would cry. These stories are important and hopefully we learn from the stories that are told.
What’s the last book you read?

Blood by Tony Birch.
Is there a book you just couldn't finish?

Tim Winton, Dirt Music - if you can’t feel the book in the beginning, then you can’t really know the story.
What book have you read more than once?

A Fortunate Life by A. B. Facey, and Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell.
What book(s) do you think every Australian should read?

Because a White Man'll Never Do It by my father, Kevin Gilbert. Kim Scott, That Deadman Dance. The Macquarie PEN Anthology of Aboriginal Literature by Dr. Anita Heiss and Dr. Peter Minter - there’s just too many to name. Any book by Henry Reynolds - it’s time for people to know the truth of this country.
Of all art forms, why literature?

I think the stories have to be told and people need to hear the messages.
How did you start writing?

Talkin' About Country by Kerry Reed-Gilbert

I guess I always wrote in some kind of way even as a child. Then when I came to Sydney in 1990 and met up with the deadly Anita Heiss who convinced me to bring my poetry out of the cupboard and thanks to her now I present and perform my work as well as publish.
Did you do anything to help you learn to write or did it just come naturally?

guess it came naturally but the thought of allowing yourself to put your pen to paper can be a very hard thing to do sometimes and so I think as a young person I never had the confidence to think that my writing and having something to say by way of pen and paper would be seen as anything other than silly until I read the poetry of Oodgeroo (Kath Walker).
What do you love about writing?

I like the whole process of having something important to say. I love telling the story.
What’s your aim as a writer?

The Strength of Us as Women : Black Women Speak edited by Kerry Reed-Gilbert

Like all writers - write a best seller (maybe one day). Seriously I want to finish my story about my family and who we are as a people and where we come from. I want to keep writing and using that writing as a way to address the lack of human and equal rights we have here in this country as a people.
Who do you write for?

I guess for all peoples - Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.
What do you think makes a 'good writer' and who are some of your favourite authors?

One that will make me want to read that book until 3am in the morning. I have a few favourites - Anita Heiss; Melissa Lucashenko; Bruce Pascoe; Kim Scott; Jared Thomas, and for the non-Aboriginal authors, Kate Grenville; John Grisham; Jodi Picoult.
Do you have a writing role model or inspiration?

Quite a few, and I think I’ve mentioned them all a few times, and even the ones not as well known such as Barbara Nichols, Cathy Craigie, Ellen van Neerven, Lorraine McGee-Sippel.
What’s your writing process?

Scribble words, lines, comments on little bits of paper, chuck them in the handbag, and then get them all together, sit down and start writing. Or when I’m organised, pull the book out and start writing.
Is it difficult to move between genres?

I write in a few genres so it’s pretty easy. Finding the time and space is my challenge.
What’s the best tip you were ever given in relation to writing?

Write it no matter what. You really do have something to say and people do want to read it.
Do you have any advice you could offer on writing and publishing?

Don’t give up and really don’t make excuses for why you haven’t written. Just do it. I would also tell everyone to join or start a writers' group – support for each other is very important.
What are you working on right now?

Ora Nui : Special Edition : A Collection of Maori and Aboriginal Literature edited by Kerry-Reed-Gilbert and Anton Blank

I am still trying to finish my story and I’m also working on a new collection of poetry. I have just co-edited Ora Nui with Anton Blank as a part of the collaboration between First Nations Australia Writers Network and NZ. I have also co-edited By Close of Business, a collection of poetry and prose by the Us Mob writers group that I belong to here in the ACT with Samantha Faulkner, Lisa Fuller and Jeanine Leane.
You can read more about Kerry at her website.

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