About Rachel Matthews
Dr Rachel Matthews is a Melbourne author, lecturer and teacher. Her debut novel Vinyl Inside received strong press reviews and was highly commended by the Australian Vogel Award judges. Siren, her 2017 novel was part of a PhD at Victoria University exploring sexual violence in Australian football. Never Look Desperate is her third novel. Her short fiction has been published in EQ magazine, educational and writing journals. She has over 15 years’ experience as an educator within a diverse range of learning environments, including lecturing in RMIT’s Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing, ACU’s Bachelor of Creative Arts, international settings, the RVIB and in student welfare at Virtual School Victoria (the largest gov school in the state). Rachel is also a contributor to news media.
Victoria University - PHD (Creative Writing)
A PhD project with Victoria University, examines sexual violence within football culture and the madness of contemporary Australian life.
The project was recently highly commended by examiners in May 2015.
RMIT - Professional Writing and Editing and Screen Writing program
These courses give 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 this course is on learning to work in a self directed way within a community of practice.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
- Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing
- Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting – 11115NAT
I have been a lecturer and teacher in the program for 14 years.
Australian Catholic University - Bachelor of Creative Arts
I have been a lecturer and teacher in the program for five years.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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, for more information go to www.distance.vic.edu.au. This school offers flexibility for students who are challenged by social, emotional, physical and geographical factors and is a leader in classroom technology.
I have worked in the school as a VCE teacher of English, Philosophy and Media and in the Student Wellbeing team for over 15 years.
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.
