Jillian Robinson once saw a self-portrait by an artist who was adjusting to life with glaucoma. It set her thinking about creative energy and ageing. A self-portrait is part of her response to that painting. During 2023 she met with another writer every two weeks. Over coffee they dreamed big dreams and, more importantly, encouraged and challenged each other to write. This is when A self-portrait came to life.
In 2008 Jillian completed the Whitireia Graduate Diploma in Creative Writing. Several of her short stories have appeared in the 4th Floor Journal under the pen name Fay Cameron. Others have been shortlisted for or won competitions and have been included in anthologies. She was awarded an NZSA manuscript assessment for her draft novel One Photo, Twice in 2021. Earlier in 2024, her story My Alice won the English section of the 2024 Te Tauihu Awards. Jillian Robinson lives in Ōtaki within earshot of the sea and sight of the Tararua Range.
By Jillian