Bookanook Studios was first established in 2018 by M.J. Reidy (Michelle). Michelle is passionate about using writing and art as a tool for personal, political and social change.
Michelle formerly worked in the non-clinical mental health sector for 7 years in NSW and QLD, working as a counsellor, mentor and manager. In 2006, she graduated from QUT with a Bachelor of Social Science ( Disability services) with Distinction.
Her award winning stories have appeared in: Elle, INK3, Award Winning Australian Writing, Melaleuca Blue, Grieve, Newcastle Short Story Prize anthology, Monologue Adventures Voices of Women Project, Australian Poetry Slam and the ABC, amongst others.
Michelle is also an artist and designer of bespoke book clutches. She has worked as an arts facilitator with Art in the Park Wyong ( sponsored by the Central Coast Council). She runs writing workshops on the Central Coast and Hunter region, working with adults and children. In 2020, she worked as a volunteer for the Maitland Indie Festival, an inaugural writing festival for emerging writers and coordinated their social media campaign.
PICTURED: Mixed Media sculpture 'Dreaming of Travel' by Michelle Reidy.
