“wonderfully generative and freeing and encouraging”
“a great balance between information sharing and allowing us to create/ reflect/ listen.”
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Ground writing
A one-day workshop in native bushland, for writers interested in moving beyond observation.
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Knowledge & poetry
An online group using narrative therapy approaches to uncover and write the powerful knowledge in your life stories.
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Chainsaw poetics
Rage and grace.
A feminist poetry workshop for any body.
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Speaking with the dead
An online workshop that investigates how to write with, about and to generations and lives passed.
The Understory
“The lure of writing is the lure towards deep listening.” – Kate Prendergast
Sustained by the woodland ecology of Dja Dja Wurrung land, this business takes its purpose from the understorey – where what is hidden meets what is known, a place of diversity, colour, nourishment and surprise.
The Understory Collective is a place for writing with purpose and curiosity. Whether you are a mid-career author seeking mentorship, or someone with a story to share who is unsure where to begin, work with me, Dr Bonny Cassidy, to find or develop your voice.
For aspiring or established writers, I run an ongoing series of private workshops. My interests include art writing, nature writing, poetry and nonfiction. As well as my own methods and expertise as an acclaimed writer, I bring extensive teaching experience to a changing series of writing walks, retreats and groups. I’ve been privileged to lead non-profit workshops for kids and community groups, as well as 15 years as an awarded Creative Writing lecturer and internationally published researcher of Australian literature. I’m an Honorary Fellow at RMIT University and member of its non/fictionLab research group. I’m also a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters and MainFM community radio. Have a look at what’s coming up or contact me with a suggestion.
For folks who are yet to find their writing voice, I also use narrative practice methods in groups. I am fascinated by the ways that writing uncovers what feminist psychologist Carol Gilligan calls “the story under the story”. I use writing-centred techniques informed by phenomenological psychology, creative therapy and narrative therapy, to find new ways of seeing our experiences. Current groups are posted above. I hold a PhD (Arts) and BCA (Hons), am currently completing a Grad Dip. (Psychology) and have undertaken training in Narrative Therapy at the Dulwich Centre. I’m a member of the Australian Psychological Society and Psychology for a Safe Climate.
The Understory is a female-owned business and is largely run on renewable sources of energy and water. It is currently developing towards a social enterprise supporting youth mentorship, regional community arts and land restoration.
I’m always interested to discuss individual needs and custom enquiries, as well as collaborations, so get in touch.