About

As Anni Webster-Wright (previously Anni Webster/Dr. Ann Webster-Wright), I write non-fiction: narrative essays, prose poetry and performance pieces, drawing on Eastern and Western philosophy to explore how people make meaning from their life experiences.

Recent News:

2022: Varuna Mick Dark Flagship Fellowship for Nature Writing awarded for 3 weeks to work on my book “The Texture of Time.’

2021: ‘Understanding Leopards,’ an essay on Purpose published in the New Philosopher magazine.

2021: Tryptich of poems, ‘Women’s Voices,’ published in Rabbit Non-Fiction Poetry Journal.

 

I’m currently finaising my book, The Texture of Time –a  hybrid memoir weaving together women’s history, philosophy, and the notion of daring to dream – at any age. It was one of 10 finalists in the 2017 ‘Hard Copy’ Manuscript Development program at the ACT Writers’ Centre.

I’ve had essays published on topics ranging from Hope to Peace, Authenticity to Mindfulness, in Griffith Review, the Ethics Centre, and Literature in North Queensland. I’ve been one of 10 international finalists in the New Philosopher award on 6 occasions, writing on topics of communication, power, family, time and death in everyday life. In 2019, an essay from my book was published in Bjelke Blues, edited by Edwina Shaw. In 2017, another essay from the book won first prize in the Society of Women Writers’ national non-fiction competition.

As a knock-kneed nerdy philosopher, I learnt to dance when I turned sixty – a lifetime dream. I joined WaW Dance, a creative ensemble of mature-aged women creating innovative responses to issues facing women. We performed at QPAC with Expressions Dance Company, and Powerhouse with  Vulcana Women’s Circus.  Some of these performances drew on my poetry  (There Comes a Time). I’m currently part of the Mature Ensemble of the  Australasian Dance Collective at Judith Wright Centre.

As well as dancing and writing, I’m passionate about supporting younger women, especially those facing domestic abuse or workplace inequities in all their forms. I’m also energised by facilitating mature-aged women to transition between their professional career and a meaningful, active life beyond traditional work as part of a network of ageing activists.