storyteller - Michele Gierck

ABC RN, The Science Show, stars Gladys and Stripey

Posted on November 28, 2023November 30, 2023 by Michele Gierck

Being interviewed by the Science Show host, Robyn Williams, is like having front row seats with a master in the art of interviewing. The stars of this interview were two little native freshwater fish -- Gladys and Stripey. It was fab to discuss my first children's book with Robyn.

A podcast is available on the Science Show website. And I quote from the ABC RN Science Show podcast, ' Michele describes how she is inspired by the natural world, and how she created an adventure story for children based on science and the lives of two little fish.' Here's the link to the podcast.

The book is called, Gladys and Stripey: two little fish on one BIG adventure.

Hope is the thing - a picture book for all ages

Posted on October 25, 2023October 29, 2023 by Michele Gierck

This is a beautiful picture book for our times. Called Hope is the thing, it was inspired by Emily Dickinson's poem, "Hope" is the thing with feathers. Who said picture books are just for kids? All ages will be blown away by this beautifully written and illustrated book. Best to head down to your local bookshop or library, and get yourself a copy.

In 2015, my book about accompanying my mum with dementia, Fraying: Mum, memory loss, the medical maze and me was published. What I discovered, when mum's memory was changing, is that Mum and I loved looking at picture books together, often the garden or nature variety. Mum's earthly journey came to an end over a decade ago, but I'd bet she would have loved this book. The rhyme is as soulful as the illustrations.

If you have someone close to you with dementia, and you read this WITH them, I'd love to hear how it goes. You can contact me via the contact page on my website - www.michelegierck.com.au

The Joy of Learning

Posted on September 26, 2023October 29, 2023 by Michele Gierck

What a blast to read the story, Gladys and Stripey: two little fish on one BIG adventure, then take kids (along with their adults) down to a real fish ladder where scientist John answered questions and told a few of his own stories. Follow that with a make-shift fish ladder, watching kids moving the fish through it. (Big fish in the deeper part. Little ones stopping to rest.) And finish off with some clay modelling. Who would have thought the kids would craft not only fish, but a sculptured fish ladder! Oh, the joy of learning. It's brilliant. And all the time, the kids were just having fun. Adults too.

Where's the real fish ladder? Just behind the sign I'm pointing to, which explains all about Darebin Creek Fish Ladder. I'll include a pic in a future post.

Group of children and their adults, parents and grandparents, learning about a fish ladder, before exploring a real one.

To find out more about Gladys and Stripey: two little fish on one BIG adventure, go to Michele's website: www.michelegierck.com.au

A fab review of Gladys and Stripey

Posted on September 5, 2023October 29, 2023 by Michele Gierck

Read a fab review of Gladys and Stripey: Two little fish on one BIG adventure by author and blogger, Dr Helen Edwards. Perfect timing for Nature Book Week (4 -10 Sep 2023).

Michele Gierck, author of the book, Gladys and Stripey: Two little fish on one BIG adventure, illustrated by Marina Zlatanova.

Michele will be speaking at Darebin Creek, on Sat 9 Sep (10am), as part of Nature Book Week. Along with Victoria from Nature Play Learning, they will then explore the newly-built fish ladder, and enjoy being out in nature. Bookings are essential.

A Wonderful Children's Book

Posted on August 21, 2022October 29, 2023 by Michele Gierck

If you haven't had a read of Marina Zlatanova's beautiful children's book, Charlie's Shell, you are missing something special. The illustrations like the story are a stand out.

I'm delighted to be collaborating with Marina on a new children's book, which will be out in 2023.

Start Writing Your Own Life Story - Memoir

Posted on February 3, 2022October 29, 2023 by Michele Gierck

I hear it often. Wanting to write your own memoir, or life story, but not sure where to start. Here's a tip. Instead of staring at the blank page, wondering where to start, and feeling overwhelmed, why not start writing a personal profile -- an overview of your story in 1000 to 3000 words. And if you can't write it yourself, get someone to write it, or help you write the piece. It's amazing what emerges -- a spark, ideas, a theme, a voice, structure, or even style or tone. I've been collaborating with a couple of business women lately, and it's worked for both of them, even though the story each of them wants to tell is about much more than their respective businesses. Happy writing. Michele Text and image copyright Michele Gierck www.michelegierck.com.au

Mary Karr's Fabulous Memoir

Posted on February 1, 2022October 29, 2023 by Michele Gierck

Memoir - Mary Karr — This is the kind of memoir that lingers long after reading the last page.

If you enjoy reading memoirs, or if you are learning all you can about them, (perhaps even threatening to write one), this is a book you'll want to make sure you get your hands on. I've just finished it for the first time. Feel like I need to read it again, because I was so delighted with the story and the way it was written, the way words and images melded into amazing descriptions, that I charged through it. One of Mary's lines at the end of the book says a lot about the effect this first memoir of hers has had on readers. 'Reading Liars' Club seemed to crowbar open something in people.' I can totally understand why.

Hunkering Down? Get Creative. Start Writing...

Posted on March 17, 2020October 29, 2023 by Michele Gierck

Hunkering down at home due to COVID-19 (coronavirus)? Now might be the perfect time to start that story you've always wanted to tell. Michele Gierck, a specialist memoir writer and professional biographer can work with you, via Skype or phone, to write, or help you write, your story. For those of you who are not sure where to begin, YOU MIGHT ONLY NEED A COUPLE OF SESSIONS WITH MICHELE TO KICK-START YOUR CREATIVITY. If you'd like to discuss your writing project with Michele, please get in touch with her via the contact page on her website. Although based in Australia, Michele has been working with people in the USA and Europe for a number of years. You can check out her author profile at, Amazon or on her website. Recent praise for Michele's writing, or help writing, memoirs: 'Michele genuinely loves what she does. This is evident not only by the finished product but the way she goes above and beyond throughout the process of writing a book. I highly recommend Michele.' (Tracey Hughes - Biography/Family History) "I decided to put pen to paper and write my migrant journey. I am indebted to Michele Gierck for her guidance, incredible insight and structural ability so that my story flowed, resulting in the completion of a magnificent outcome, both as a literary achievement and quality of finished book. I can confidently recommend Michele as a true professional.' Sam Tarascio, Founder and Executive Chairman of Salta Properties, one of Australia's Top 50 privately-owned companies. Image copyright Michele Gierck (Michele speaking at a literary event)

Can You Think of a Title for My New Book?

Posted on November 29, 2019October 31, 2023 by Michele Gierck

The front garden view from my writing room

I'm just about to send the first few chapters of my latest non-fiction book to my agent who loved the earlier draft. All I need is a title. If you can think of one, I'd sure appreciate hearing from you. Just drop a line via the contact page of my website: www.michelegierck.com.au About the manuscript It's a post-injury come-back tale in which the bush, the ocean, a bloke (a fellow) and travel all play their part. Here's the pitch. When Michele, a broken down sojourner, meets Mac, a dedicated river scientist, she is drawn into his orbit, the gravity of which propels her onto an uncharted trajectory. And yes folks, it's a true story! If you'd like to know more about this book, including the title that we choose or publication date, just sign up to the newsletter on my website. Image and text copyright Michele Gierck

We All Have Our Stories

Posted on September 15, 2017October 29, 2023 by Michele Gierck

We all have our stories. But so often our stories are not heard. And if not written down, at least in Western culture, they are often forgotten. I was reminded of this during an early morning visit to the local pool. (I've been swimming at the same pool for nine years.) Today, instead of laps I was walking up and down in the aqua play area, and so was a retired fellow called Joe. We always say hello to each other, but this morning, since we were walking at the same pace, we started chatting. And before I knew it, I was listening to an amazing story. In ten minutes I learnt that Joe was from Italy and had migrated to Australia as a 24 or 25 year old. Married to a woman from his own village, and determined to support his family and have a life, once in Australia, Joe worked in the textile industry -- 7 days a week! And he worked hard. Truth be known, Joe had always worked hard. His parents died when he was seven years old, and his 16-year-old sister -- who had one leg amputated -- had brought up Joe and his younger brother. By nine years of age, Joe was accustomed to walking 35 kilometres to the nearest town to sell goods, and then 35 kilometres back home. All in the one day! And I can just imagine the condition of his shoes. By nine years of age, Joe had become the man of the house. Now a grandfather, when I suggested that Joe write his story, so his kids and grandkids could understand the sheer guts and determination that is part of their family roots, and their DNA, he confided that he'd learnt to read, but not to write. And that got me thinking. (I can't help it. I am a memoir writer, having written two of my own memoirs, and quite a number for other people. I'm always thinking about life stories.) What would be the best way for someone who is not able to write in their second language to record their story? It's an important question because Joe is one of the many many people whose story is so worthy of being on the public record -- not just for the public, but for his own family, and for generations to come. Image and text © Michele Gierck