All Is Given ─ A Memoir in Songs

Linda Neil is an Australian writer, songwriter and documentary producer. Her work has attracted critical acclaim, particularly her memoir, Learning How to Breathe (UQP, 2009), which critics said ‘sets a high standard for future Australian literature’ (Courier-Mail) and is ‘a vital woman’s story’ (Sydney Morning Herald). Neil has a PhD in Creative Writing and has taught Creative Writing, Cultural and Media Studies, as well as Film and Television, at the University of Queensland. Trained as a classical violinist, Neil has performed with orchestras and rock bands, and recorded and toured with some of Australia’s leading independent artists. Her radio documentaries have been shortlisted for the United Nations Media Peace Prize (The Asylum Seekers (2004)), awarded Gold and Bronze medals at the New York Radio Festival (The Long Walk of Brother Benedict (2011) and The Sound of Blue (2008)) and her script for the multi-award-winning documentary The Long Walk of Brother Benedict was also nominated for best documentary script at the 2011 Australian Writers’ Guild Awards.