Stories - Heartlines

"Every time I write, I get to experience and learn about something new, things I probably would have never known about in my day-to-day life."

"I write because, since the country of my birth, Timor-Leste became independent in 2002, I have wanted to share the stories of how our people have survived. Such stories are still too few and far between, especially in English."

"It actually doesn't matter where or how you start, just that you do and you don't give up. What may look pathetically embarrassing one day, may make for great editable material the next day, at nothing else, it may make you laugh one day."

"When I think of the Centre for Stories, two Māori concepts come to mind: manaakitanga and whanaungatanga. Manaakitanga is the process of showing respect, generosity and care for others while whanaungatanga is a relationship that’s developed through shared experiences and ultimately results in a shared sense of belonging."

"I use writing to express my thoughts about the world and raise awareness on human rights through creative writing. It overwhelms at times to hear things and as a Muslim I’d like to raise more awareness about the discrimination we face and bring a new, positive perspective on my faith."

"I just realised, wow, I can do this. I can keep on writing stories. In the past I’d finish a story and wonder if I would ever complete a story again...was it just a stroke of luck that I came up with an ending? But I’ve realised it isn’t luck, it’s time and it’s hard work."

"When I first started writing it was because I heard some hip hop I fell in love with as a kid and it quickly became a fun and cool thing to do for me. I later figured out that writing actually helps me to be able to process and express any emotions I may be struggling with and it can help in a big way when it comes to mental health."

"Centre for Stories allowed me to meet fellow writers and creatives - some of which I now consider friends - to share my experiences with. I learnt that I am not alone on this writing journey and that my stories are valid and people do indeed care."

"It was by talking to other fellows when I realised how important these spaces are to getting voices and stories that we wouldn’t usually hear, out there. I heard about some interesting projects that wouldn’t otherwise get airtime and I hope to see them out in the world one day."