Monika is a Melbourne based writer and researcher. Life’s intricacies and curiosities inspire her to write and give voice to stories that haven’t been heard. She’s particularly interested in lost industrial communities and communities that have been isolated or segregated, and interpreting these stories of past communities before they’re lost forever. She once practiced as a metal artist and painter and as such, writes like an artist creating texture on metal or canvas.
Monika was shortlisted in the Ada Cambridge Writing Prize, has written several short stories, articles and various publications, and presents regularly at international forums. She wrote the social history of Melbourne’s first sewerage farm community as part of her PhD research into sewerage ghost towns and how these communities flourish in their abject margins. Her novel, The faraway land of the house and two cows, and song, A land faraway, will be released in July 2022. You’ll find details of her novel here.
Monika’s currently part of a research team uncovering the history, personalities and science of the State Research Farm in Werribee, Australia, where a small community once lived and worked. The site is of state heritage significance for scientific research and advancement of agricultural practices in Australia and illustrates a change from European agricultural practices to practices specific to Australia's climate and conditions. Monika will write the social history of this community as a next literary nonfiction and has begun writing The jewel falls from the crown, the sequel to The faraway land of the house and two cows.
For any consultancy, research, speaking engagements or presentations, please contact Monika via the contact form below.
