Life’s Shadows

PERTH-BASED Barbara Gurney's writing has been described as lyrical with strong narrative. Often news items influence her poems while over-heard life experiences are hidden in longer works. She says, 'I'm fascinated by the impact history has on people's lives - both of country and of family. I also believe there are some spiritual, or supernatural, aspects of the world which are constantly in the background, waiting to affect our lives.'She joined Gosnells Writer's Circle in 2008 & Writefree Women's Writing Group at the KSP Writers' Centre in 2009 and values the shared knowledge and friendships.Since 2009, her work has been recognised in several competitions and anthology selections: local, nationally and internationally - both short stories and poetry. In her non-writing life Barbara has been a drummer, bagpiper, swimmer, secretary and a debt collector - amongst other boring nouns. An unusual 'claim to fame': In the 1960's, she defeated Bon Scott of AC/DC in a snare drumming competition prior to his notoriety. Barbara retains a program and medal as provenance.Barbara likes nothing better than to tap away on the computer, creating stories worth remembering, enjoying the challenge of crafting characters and emotional storylines - most likely of the every-day person. And, be warned, the unconscious creative voices haven't finished with her yet!

Life's Shadows continues the melancholy journey begun in Footprints of a Stranger. Barbara Gurney's poetry expresses others' hurt with a caring voice and a message of hope. Grieve with 'The Ticket Home', overcome fear with 'Conquering' and finally, 'Sing Loudly'.