Alcoves & Roundtable

Developing an Emerging Writers’ Profile

It’s often the case that those of us who write hesitate to call ourselves writers. We brush it off as a hobby or position ourselves as hopefuls. Yet, writing is both a practice and a career. Australia has many gateways eager to support and build these literary pursuits. In this roundtable, writer & editor Thirangie Jayatilake invites you into an open dialogue, addressing concerns that many emerging writers have: When can you call yourself a writer? How many publications or accolades do you need? What strategies can you use to insert yourself into the Australian literary culture, and build confidence?

Accessibility

Auslan Interpretation may be available on request, Wheelchair Accessible, Accessible Toilet, Quiet Space.

Featuring...

Thirangie Jayatilake

Thirangie is a Sri Lankan creative writer and editor. She writes fiction, poetry and feature articles that address colonisation, ethnicity, gender, liminality, nostalgia and culture. Published in Meanjin, Cordite, Jacaranda, and Postscript Journal amongst others, Thirangie has appeared at Emerging Writers Festival, National Young Writers Festival, and The Next Big Thing. Thirangie was a 2025 Wheeler Centre Hot Desk Fellow, Tempo flash fiction finalist, and an UMSU Writer-in-Residence. She has taught creative writing, media and communications at the University of Melbourne and RMIT. Thirangie also curates events for Editors Victoria on topics aligned on Inclusion and Accessibility.

Accessibility

Thirangie Jayatilake

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