AUTHORS

Vanessa Gordon is a Tolai woman from Bitapabeke Village in East New Britain, Papua New Guinea. Born in Papua New Guinea and raised in Hawaii, Vanessa now lives on Yugambeh Country (Gold Coast, Australia.) As a published poet, Vanessa is deeply passionate about storytelling and cultural preservation. Her creative writing draws inspiration from the Gunantuna (Tolai) people, weaving narratives that reflect their rich heritage. The stories of migration, history, ceremonies, legends, societies, and moieties are significant themes in her work. Through her poetry and prose, Vanessa aims to share these important cultural narratives with her readers, inviting them on a magical journey filled with the beauty and depth of her heritage. Vanessa's commitment to storytelling not only honours her roots but also serves to connect diverse audiences with the vibrant traditions and histories of the Gunantuna people. She believes in the power of words to bridge cultures.

Deborah Salle is a practising linguist, translator and language tutor. She is from Woginara and Palimbe villages in East Sepik province, Papua New Guinea. She enjoys science fiction because she loves crazy ideas and her favourite movies are those where linguists or translators get to save the world - because they literally do! She aspires to get more Papua New Guineans involved in teaching their 800+ Indigenous languages before it is too late. She currently manages a small language business and lives with her two daughters in Port Moresby.

Martha Schulze is a mixed race woman from Papua New Guinea. When asked about her heritage, she refers to herself as a panda: ‘I am Black, White and Asian’. Born in New Ireland but raised in West New Britain, this "Kimbe kid” spends her days immersed in the written word and plotting weekend dive escapades.