The understory

“The lure of writing is the lure towards deep listening.” – Kate Prendergast

The Understory is where Bonny works with others on writing for purpose, curiosity and craft. It combines all of her passions – writing forms, image and language, listening, reflection, critical discussion, psychology, social change and ecology. Sustained by the woodland ecology of Dja Dja Wurrung Djandak, Bonny’s practice takes its purpose from the understorey – where what is hidden meets what is known, a place of diversity, colour, nourishment and surprise.

For aspiring, emerging and established writers, she runs an ongoing and changing series of private workshops and courses. Have a look at what’s coming up, above. Bonny’s award-winning work includes art writing, nature writing, poetry and nonfiction. As well as her own creative methods, she brings extensive teaching and facilitation experience including non-profit creative writing workshops for kids, art museums and festivals, as well as 15 years as an awarded Creative Writing lecturer, supervisor and internationally published researcher of Australian Literature. Bonny holds a PhD (Literature) and Bachelor of Creative Arts Honours (Creative Writing), and is an Honorary Fellow at RMIT University and member of its non/fictionLab research group.

For individual writing mentorship and consultation, Bonny can work one-on-one to develop your drafts, guide your craft knowledge or consult on creative process. She is also a creative youth mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Bonny is interested in the ways that narrative uncovers what feminist psychologist Carol Gilligan calls “the story under the story”. She collaborates with fellow practitioners and organisations on place-based community and public events that use storytelling to address social, historical and environmental issues. See what community projects she is currently exploring, below.

Bonny’s practice is largely run on renewable sources of energy and water. Featured as a 2025 Mount Alexander Shire Climate Change-maker Business, it supports youth mentorship, regional community arts and land restoration. Unlike organisations which charge high fees for administration costs, Bonny charges only standard industry rates for delivery and is able to offer more individually responsive, diverse and economical writing tuition and mentorship.

Bonny’s always interested to discuss individual needs and enquiries, as well as collaborations, so get in touch.