Philip Neilsen

Creative writing in recovery from severe mental illness

There is evidence that creative writing forms an important part of the recovery experience of people affected by severe mental illness. In this paper, we consider theoretical models that explain how creative writing might contribute to recovery, and we discuss the potential for creative writing in psychosocial rehabilitation. We argue that the rehabilitation benefits of creative writing might be optimized through focus on process and technique in writing, rather than content, and that consequently, the involvement of professional writers might be important. We describe a pilot workshop that deployed these principles and was well-received by participants. Finally, we make recommendations regarding the role of creative writing in psychosocial rehabilitation for people recovering from severe mental illness and suggest that the development of an evidence base regarding the effectiveness of creative writing is a priority.

The Cambridge Companion to Creative Writing

Creative writing has become a highly professionalised academic discipline, with popular courses and prestigious degree programmes worldwide. This book is a must for all students and teachers of creative writing, indeed for anyone who aspires to be a published writer. It engages with a complex art in an accessible manner, addressing concepts important to the rapidly growing field of creative writing, while maintaining a strong craft emphasis, analysing exemplary models of writing and providing related writing exercises. Written by professional writers and teachers of writing, the chapters deal with specific genres or forms - ranging from the novel to new media - or with significant topics that explore the cutting edge state of creative writing internationally (including creative writing and science, contemporary publishing and new workshop approaches).

The Other Way Out [Book Review]

Review(s) of: The Other Way Out, by Bronwyn Lea, Sydney: Giramondo, 2008, ISBN 9781920882488, 96 pp, A

Latecomers [Book Review]

22.00.

Queensland children's literature

Review(s) of: Latecomers: St Lucia, by Jaya Savige, Queensland Press, 2005, ISBN 0702235199, 112 pp.,

The problem of the exegesis in creative writing higher degrees

22.95, Winner of the New South Wales Premiers Literary Award, 2006 and the Kenneth Slessor Prize For Poetry 2006.

Imagined Lives: A Study of David Malouf

Literature written for children and adolescents still has not been treated with due seriousness by standard Australian literary histories and companions. This is despite a growing number of critics over the last two decades who have pointed out how much of the genre is ‘good literature’ which can withstand any critical scrutiny. Whatever its conventional literary merits, writing for children and young adults is a major industry and an important cultural practice that requires as much attention as adult literature. Of particular interest is the relationship between childrens reading and the reproduction of social attitudes and behaviour.