About Jo

Step Outside the Square!

A cartoon of Jo

I love wearing clothes that reflect the topics that the children are writing about in my Writing Workshops. I now have over 50 hats and costumes in my collection.

I like to encourage everyone to follow their own special individuality and occasionally step out of their own particular square. Have a go at something you wouldn’t think of doing in your normal daily life. Face your fears and think about trying something different. I had to face my overwhelming fear of people and overcome my shyness in order to lead the life I wanted to live. I started working with children and then speaking to groups of people. I was terrified when I began, but now absolutely love what I do. I speak to hundreds of children and teachers and am so happy I made the decision to work through the obstacles that were holding me back.

Looking out the door

I also love using my imagination, not only to write, but to create colour and fun in other areas of my life and my houses. My latest house, ‘LunaSea’ at Venus Bay, is my fifth renovation. I also have a pet banana called Skin, a 14 year old dog called Lily the Lick and a 14 year old sheep called Mary the Mower.

My life made more sense to me when I discovered a book called “The Language of Birthdays”. The title for my birthday, May 16th, is “The Day of Outrageous Flair” and the symbol for this day is a hat.

So follow your passions and keep doing what you love to do, even if at times it seems impossible.

I have overcome many obstacles, personal, physical and financial to live the life I love.