Archie Fusillo


Archie is an internationally published author and speaker, delivering both author talks and creative writing workshops to adults, teenagers and children. He has spoken at Writers Festivals, Educational Seminars, schools and universities all over Australia and overseas, including on several international cruises. 


Archie's latest book, Tribal Lores (2020) has won the Australian Family Therapists' Award for Children's Literature for the Older Readers category. Several of his new books stayed in print for decades, being reissued many times. His novel The Dons is in development as a feature film. 

Meet the Speaker

Where were you born?

I was born in Melbourne, Australia.

What themes are recurring in your work?

Family, mateship, the migrant experience, and adolescence. Peer pressure and the impact of same on teenagers – and their families. Ethnicity and cultural diversity and the role of positive self-image and resilience.

In particular, the focus of much of work is on the ways these elements interact in the lives of young people – the resulting tension, the importance of their roots. 

What are you passionate about?

The importance of story in helping to clarify, define and pass on key cultural and personal events and how they shape our society-indeed our self-image.

What have been the highlights of your career?

Where to begin! Being awarded an International Literature Fellowship. Being awarded the prestigious Tricolore Italian Literature Award. Being a world-record holder for my role in a live staged music concert. Having my novel The Dons optioned as a Feature film, and having several of my novels short-listed or awarded Book Of The Year Awards. It has been a very rewarding career.

Where have your works been published?

My short stories have appeared in many Australian magazines and journals. My books have been published in Australia, the United States and China.

What other jobs have you had?

I have been both primary and secondary teacher. I was a Features Writer for 3 international magazines and an editor of a luxury car company’s magazine. I have been a Master of Ceremony for corporate events all over Australia.

Haven’t I seen you before?

I have been in public speaking and author presentation since the publication of my first book back in 1995.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I enjoy the interaction with an audience and the energy generated by shared

moments of revelation.

Find Similar Speakers