About Rachel Matthews

Dr Rachel Matthews is an Australian author and lecturer known for blending tragicomedy with powerful social commentary. Her debut, Vinyl Inside, was highly commended in the Australian Vogel Awards, and her PhD novel, Siren, tackled sexual violence in Australian football. Her most recent novel, Never Look Desperate, a tragicomedy, was named among 2023’s ‘Best New Australian Fiction’ by The Australian and The Guardian.

Her writing appears in The Age and Sydney Morning Herald. A regular ABC radio contributor, Rachel shares insights into storytelling. Michael Pavlich from ABC Radio Overnights says: “Rachel Matthews is a vibrant communicator whose engagement with the audience has provided listeners with a wonderful insight into writing and writers. We always have fun when she comes on the radio with us.”

Rachel leads Readers Are Writers workshops across Australia and internationally, including a recent workshop in Nepal. With 15+ years of teaching at RMIT and ACU, and experience in student welfare, she empowers others to share their stories.

Victoria University - PHD (Creative Writing)

A PhD project with Victoria University, examines sexual violence within football culture and the madness of contemporary Australian life.

https://vuir.vu.edu.au/36461/

The project was recently highly commended by examiners in May 2015.

RMIT - Professional Writing and Editing, and Screen Writing Program

This program gives you an opportunity to develop a written work to industry readiness through discussion and workshopping. By redrafting, and refining your work, you strengthen your writing skills and learn to make independent decisions about the development of your project. You think critically about your own work and provide constructive feedback to others on their work.

The focus of the program is on learning to work in a self directed way within a community of practice.

I have been a lecturer and teacher in the program for 14 years.

For more information:

Australian Catholic University - Bachelor of Creative Arts

I have been a lecturer and teacher in the Bachelor of Arts program for five years.

For more information: https://www.acu.edu.au/course/bachelor-of-creative-arts

Virtual School Victoria

The VSV is a Victorian Government F-12 school and the leading provider of primary and secondary distance education for Victorian students.

This school offers flexibility for students who are challenged by social, emotional, physical and geographical factors and is a leader in classroom technology.

I worked in the school as a VCE teacher of English, Philosophy and Media and in the Student Wellbeing team for over 15 years.

For more information: https://www.vsv.vic.edu.au/

I feel I have grown as a writer. I’m sure others would testify similarly. It must be a huge challenge taking on diverse groups like ours, yet I think Rachel succeeded brilliantly in keeping our attention and engagement as one group, as witnessed by our attendance rates. Rachel is a wonderfully attentive and empathetic listener. She can pick out the gems from the gravel, give them back as shining diamonds, and deliver criticism constructively and positively.