Tatia Powe

 At age ten, I was reading Stephen King horror stories, alongside Jackie Collin's raunchy romances. It goes someway to explaining my interest in exploring controversial concepts.

My grade nine English teacher read one of my short stories and asked if I could sign it, because she knew I'd be a renowned author one day. Sure, it's taken me more than three decades to put pen to paper, but I'm determined to prove her right. 

I write dramatic, provocative, sometimes funny, human stories that challenge ideals and explore social taboos. My stories focus on women, relationships and the resilient heart. 

Years of working with women who lost their spark for life, struggle with mental health, negative body image and self purpose has influenced my desire to write stories that celebrate strength, resilience and compassion. 

Nearing my fiftieth birthday, I found out I have combined type ADHD and it inspired my novel, Living Small, which shortlisted for Queensland Writer's Centre's Publishable competition. 

I'm an eternal optimist, who knows how it feels to struggle with depression and anxiety. It keeps life interesting.