Queen’s students were thrilled to meet with Fiona Inglis (Wyvern 1979), in early May. As Managing Director of Curtis Brown, and Founding President of the Australian Literary Agents’ Association, they gathered, appropriately in the Featonby Library, to chat about the publishing industry. Fiona represents household names such as Tom Keneally, Jane Harper, Markus Zusak, and Christos Tsiolkas.

For Avi Walsh-Davis (2^nd year Arts) it was another author from FIona’s stable who sparked particular interest.

“We had a lovely moment when Fiona discussed some of the authors she represents, and mentioned Andy Griffiths. Of course, all of us know him, because we were raised on his books. It’s so lovely to think about the passage of time and how Fiona was behind the literary force of the ‘Treehouse Series’ that was a massive part of all of our childhoods.” 

Gabriel Donaldson (3^rd year Creative Writing, RMIT) jumped at the chance to engage with Fiona.

“When I heard about Fiona’s visit to Queen’s and the opportunity to talk to her about the publishing industry, I signed up straight away. What struck me most was Fiona’s passion and commitment to her work. After years of working in the industry and the hardships she has faced, it was clear from the way she spoke that she had no regrets pursuing a career in publishing.”

When students and Wyverns have the chance to connect, finding common ground, is always easy.

Jas Kurtz (2^nd year Arts) helped facilitate the visit.

“I knew a little about the role of literary agent, as it is a career I have been thinking of pursuing, so I was incredibly excited to meet Fiona. I know she is a Wyvern, which in itself is amazing, as we had a shared experience to connect over, and it’s inspiring to think of people who walked the same halls as you, doing great things with their lives.”