2. What is your nickname?
Vettie. When I was little my parents called me 'chops'.
3. What is your greatest fear?
I really, really, really don’t like leeches! I fear finding them between my toes.
I really, really, really don’t like leeches! I fear finding them between my toes.
4. Describe your writing style in ten words.
A poetic, playful, messy thing that doesn't always make sense.
A poetic, playful, messy thing that doesn't always make sense.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Sensitive, creative, interested, learning, excited.
Sensitive, creative, interested, learning, excited.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
Anne of Green Gables - because she is so unashamedly herself. She is full of wonder, drama and joy.
Anne of Green Gables - because she is so unashamedly herself. She is full of wonder, drama and joy.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I’d go back to Grade 5 (the '90s). I loved primary school at my little school by the river. We used to jump into the river in our full uniform on the walk home just because. It was a time of no obligations where I felt myself.
I’d go back to Grade 5 (the '90s). I loved primary school at my little school by the river. We used to jump into the river in our full uniform on the walk home just because. It was a time of no obligations where I felt myself.
8. What would your ten-year-old self say to you now?
Remember to make time for fun, to play, dance and make art.
Remember to make time for fun, to play, dance and make art.
9. Who is your greatest influence?
My pop. When he told stories his eyes would sparkle.
10. What/who made you start writing?
I just always wrote. I mean teachers must have taught — credit to the amazing public school teachers — but I just always remember writing (diaries, stories and poems).
11. What is your favourite word and why?
I like the word 'shadow'. It holds so much. It can be a relief, it can be a little bit spooky, it might be suggesting the soft change from day into evening.
I like the word 'shadow'. It holds so much. It can be a relief, it can be a little bit spooky, it might be suggesting the soft change from day into evening.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. I love it for kids and adults.
The little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. I love it for kids and adults.
Yvette Farmer is a writer and primary school teacher with an academic background in psychology and health science. She has worked with the University of Western Sydney on research exploring how nature-based interventions support children's wellbeing. Yvette is passionate about the connection between nature, creativity, education and wellbeing. She loves visiting schools and running nature-based workshops. For more information, see www.yvettefarmer.com.au
