Demet Divaroren

Where were you born?

I was born in a small village in Adana, Turkey in a room that doubled as a kitchen during the day and a bedroom at night!

What other jobs have you had?

Hard ones, easy ones, tiring ones…so many! I have been a receptionist (a distracted one!), a car rental representative, sales and marketing co-ordinator, a spruiker for a two-dollar shop, a mail officer, an educator, a learning advisor…all invaluable jobs that have helped me realise my dream of being a writer.

What themes are recurring in your work?

Love, friendship, identity, belonging, family, migration and displacement, the power of unity, challenging injustice, gender-based oppression and the many layers of the human connection.

What have been the highlights of your career?

Having my unpublished manuscript shortlisted for the 2008 Vogel Literary Award. Even though it was never published, the shortlisting was a heads up from the universe to keep writing and pursuing my dream of becoming a published author.

Winning the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards for Living on Hope Street in 2018 still feels surreal!

Writing and publishing my second novel Blood Moon Bride took 7 years. It was the most challenging, rewarding and transformative project/time of my life.

What are you passionate about?

I believe in the power of words to connect and inspire unity. I believe that raising and owning our unique voices can build bridges and create positive change in our lives and in the world. I am passionate about identity and belonging and exploring what it means to be human.