From an episode of IndigenuityPresented by Krystal De Napoli

Interview

Indigenuity: Anita Heiss on First Nations Reading and Writing

Krystal is joined by Wiradjuri woman Dr Anita Heiss amid the publication of her latest rom-com novel, Red Dust Running. Anita is an internationally published, award-winning author of over 20 works of non-fiction, historical, fiction, and children's books. She is an Ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and a Professor of Communications at the University of Queensland.

Together they discuss the trajectory Anita's journey as an Indigenous writer in the publishing industry, and shares her tips for aspiring writers:

"…apart from reading and writing everyday, to immerse yourself in the writing community – join your local writing centre, join a writers group – that will actually encourage you to [whether] every fortnight or once a month to have written something and you share your work … do workshops, find a writing buddy."

Photo credit: Morgan Roberts

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Listen to Indigenuity: Anita Heiss on First Nations Reading and Writing44:416 July 2025