Ingrid Laguna

Where were you born?

I was born in Darlinghurst, Sydney.

What other jobs have you had?

I was the Education Advisor for the Melbourne Writers Festival Schools’ Program over two Festivals, ensuring presenting author sessions were closely related to Victorian curriculum, creating classroom resources to accompany author sessions and liaising with school leaders.

I had the privilege of teaching at an intensive English language school for migrant and refugee-background kids, predominantly from Iraq and Syria, based in Broadmeadows for five years. My students’ resilience and courage inspired me to write Songbird and Sunflower.

In the Australian film industry, I worked as a crew member on numerous television commercials, a telemovie and a short film.

While in Central Australia, I directed the NT Youth Film Festival and was integral to the Kunka Career Conference for Aboriginal Women, the Indigenous Music Awards, and music programs for Aboriginal youths.

As a percussionist, singer and songwriter, I have toured Europe, Asia and Australia, recorded several albums, and taken percussion and song writing workshops. With performance group Ruby Fruit Jungle, I supported Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, playing at Australia’s biggest entertainment venues.

What themes are recurring in your work?

Recurring themes in my work include identity, radical empathy, resilience, own voices, local activism, consent and respectful relationships.

What have been the highlights of your career?

Feedback from young readers (and teachers) of Songbird and Sunflower, two of my children’s novels, inspired by the courage and resilience of my Iraqi and Syrian students.

Publication of my memoir, a story that took great courage to write but that reminded me of my passion for writing.

Touring Europe and Asia with a dynamic, percussion-based performance group, and playing at festivals all over Australia, as well as in Europe and Asia.

Working with Aboriginal youths as Director of the NT Youth Film Festival

Working with a team to develop the Kunka Career Conference for Aboriginal women in Central Australia.

Where have your works been published?

My work has been published in Australia, New Zealand, the US and the UK.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about connecting with people, laughing my head off, dancing, live music, good speeches, exploring ideas, trying to be courageous, reading and writing.

I am also passionate about finding creative ways to engage young people in writing and reading and finding a voice. I am committed to the journey of perpetually honing my writing craft and exploring the power of the written word.

Haven't I seen you before?

I have carried out author visits to schools, libraries and festivals throughout Victoria. I presented at the Perth Literature & Ideas Festival in 2020 and the ALEA national conference in 2019.

As a musician, I have performed on stages throughout Australia, Europe and Asia. I have run song writing and percussion workshops at festivals and community centres around the country.

News

Songbird shortlisted for Speech Pathology Australia’s Book of the Year Award 2021

Songbird - featured title with Reading Australia 2022

Sunflower shortlisted for ABDA

Sunflower shortlisted for 2021 Children’s Peace Literature Award