What was the most beneficial aspect of your course/research at Deakin?
Toni: Deakin was entirely supportive of my non-traditional methodology–I felt encouraged every step of the way.
Did you complete any study abroad?
Toni: With Deakin’s support, I attended an international conference on romantic fiction in Majorca, Spain. I met wonderful people and had my mind expanded by fantastic research I’d never considered before.
Tell us about your experience with Deakin’s academic staff.
Toni: My supervisor, Maria Takolander, is an acclaimed poet and fiction writer; I’m very fussy about the kind of feedback I accept and I was fortunate to have her advice.
Describe your current professional role and career goals for the next five years.
Toni: I’m a novelist, and will continue to be a novelist. I did the PhD in order to tackle a non-commercial, intellectually demanding piece of work in a supportive environment. The PhD has shaken off the cobwebs of my creative thinking and expanding the possibilities of my fiction.
What advice would you give graduates wanting to pursue a similar profession?
Toni: Read more, write more. Don’t expect to be good right away, just keep going.
