Pamela Mariko - Author

Hi, I’m Pamela Mariko.

I heard once that the only difference between a published writer and an unpublished writer, is the that the unpublished writer gave up. My scribbling journey started many years ago, about age seven, writing booklets, stories bulging through dialogue boxes likes balloons from the mouths of my hand-drawn characters.

Many moons later, freelance journalism worked in well with travel. After walking the Inca trail (last in line) and climbing the pyramids of Mexico, (a perpetual ‘step’ class) my articles about these treks were published in most Australian newspapers and led me into working for magazines. Yet that yearning for the creation of my own stories lingered. I wrote romance, was a finalist in a contest with Romance Writers of New Zealand in 2008, then went on to study writing academically. Universities aren’t really into romance, and thus, a new book began, which eventually became Red Moon: secrets of a sixties schoolgirl.

I grew up near UK’s brisk Yorkshire Moors, about 300 metres above sea-level, where Red Moon: secrets of a sixties schoolgirl, is initially set. Later, we moved south near to London, depicted in the latter part of the book.

A section of the early book titled Winter World gained placement in a short story competition, and was published in the Sunshine Coast Writers’ Group Inc. anthology of 2006. The book (then titled Red Moon Rising), later won a contest with Varuna, the Writers’ House in 2008, and, the Olvar Woods Fellowship Award in 2010. The latter entailed excellent one-on-one mentorship with Nike Bourke/Sulway. Following this, the book made semi-finals in the worldwide Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest in 2011.

To be in the first 2000 was pleasing. When my name appeared in the top 250, I was elated, and when finding it still there in the top 50 - I was over the moon. The five-star reviews that my book attracted from panel editors and reviewers were extremely encouraging.

Every step of the way I have learnt, and continue to learn, from lecturers, editors, and agents at Queensland Writers’ Centre and other editor and agent associations.

These days I am busy with others novels: an adult women’s fiction, a romance, and some non-fiction. I have lived in many countries and I’m now blessed to live on Australia’s Sunshine Coast with a wonderful man, great friends, and magical beaches.

When not writing or involved in family life…
Since 1985 I have been a yoga teacher. Although recently retired from teaching, I still practice it.

For as many years, I have also been a member of AMORC, which inspires my yoga, my writing, and more.

I am passionate about all living systems and the ethical treatment of our animals, including the feathered and finned. There are many organisations and people helping their plight, such as PETA Australia, Animals Asia and the following:
Animals Australia,  Coast to Coast Animal Friends, and the Animal Justice Party.