AUTHOR

Sonia Orchard is a freelance writer and author with a background in classical music, marine biology, teaching (music and environmental education), cooking, scuba-diving and an impressive range of menial jobs that enabled her to travel through thirty-odd countries during her twenties. As a freelance writer, she has written for a range of magazines and publications, including The Age and Lonely Planet.

Sonia’s first book, SOMETHING MORE WONDERFUL (Hodder Headline Australia, 2003), a memoir about the year in which her close friend Emma, a single mother, was diagnosed with, and lost her life to cancer, hit 3rd on the national bestseller list for biography.

In February 2009, Sonia’s debut novel, THE VIRTUOSO (Fourth Estate, 2009), was released to rave reviews. The Age called it ‘outstanding’ and Bookseller and Publisher gave it 5 stars. Sonia spent years researching, both in Australia and London, to write this novel, inspired by the brilliant and tragic life of Australian pianist Noël Mewton-Wood. THE VIRTUOSO vividly evokes the artistic world of post-war London in a novel of striking illuminations about music and imagination that is also a compelling and deeply moving love story.

Sonia has a PhD in Creative Writing from RMIT, where she also teaches in the Professional Writing and Editing Diploma. She lives in Melbourne with her husband and two young daughters.

Sonia has plenty of experience as a presenter and educator and has taught both children and adults in a range of fields. Her colourful background and diverse interests help enable her to write in a variety of styles, relate well to students and constantly draw upon life experience for her writing and teaching.

"Sonia has a unique ability to make people feel comfortable in their environment, even when they are traditionally out of their comfort zone, and having to read out their written work in front of a crowd."
- Memorable Memoirs, Pakenham Library