- Home
- Success Stories
- No matter how small you feel or how big your dreams, with determination and practice your dreams can come true
Success Stories
Genevieve Hopkins
Australian Children's Author
No matter how small you feel or how big your dreams, with determination and practice your dreams can come true
Genevieve was born in Townsville, Australia but spent most of her childhood living in developing countries around the world. She first started exploring her abilities and love for the arts (drawing, writing and music) when she was a small girl. Her report cards are filled with teachers lamenting that she would excel academically if only she would stop day dreaming in class.
Her creative and contemplative nature continued through high school but stopped abruptly when she chose to move her life in a more 'worldly' direction. Genevieve completed a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations (2000), Post Graduate Certificate in Primary Health Care in Developing Countries (2005) and finally, a Bachelor of Nursing (2008).
Genevieve has worked in the international development, education and health sectors as a project manager, and researcher. She has also worked as a carer for frail aged and disabled people, and as a registered nurse in operating rooms. Genevieve currently works as a Veterans and Family Support Officer for Soldier On, when she is not busy working and work on her writing projects in-between motherhood, work and consulting.
It was not until 2011 that Genevieve's creative streak re-emerged, when stories of brave and adventurous mice began popping into her head after the birth of her son. These stories, mixed with her love of military history and research into the Australian War Memorial archives, finally coalesced into her first book, 'The Adventures of William Brambleberry: Aviator Mouse.' 'Aviator Mouse' has already achieved great success, and is currently sold at the Australian War Memorial, the Military Shop, and on her own website www.verybrambleberry.com.
Genevieve has also produce a soft toy 'William Brambleberry,' giving children (and her) the chance to cuddle and play with their very own little aviator mouse. She is currently preparing the second edition of 'Aviator Mouse' in hard cover, with a new cover design and more photos and information about 453 Squadron and pilots.
Genevieve's second book in the 'Tales from Brambleberry Farm' collection is being illustrated right now and is scheduled for publication in October 2017. 'Bianca: The Greatest Spy Mouse That Ever Was' tells the amazing story of Australian/New Zealand WWII hero, Nancy Wake, who at one time was the most wanted person in all of France, and was code named 'White Mouse' by the Gestapo.
Genevieve now lives happily in a small country town just outside Canberra, Australia's Capital City. She treasures the time she spends at home and in the garden with her husband and son, socialising with friends and enjoying the company of her cherished pets: Tin Tin the dog, Marmalade the Cat, and her four hens (Doris, Daphne, Deidre and Delilah).
Genevieve dreams of one-day, owning the farm next door and turning it into her very own Brambleberry Farm, with its own homestead, market gardens, orchards, horses and of course, row upon row of bramble berry vines, strawberries and blueberry bushes: enough to supply her berry eating habit for years.