Wendy Harmer
"I've always believed where there's a chance, you have to take it . . . or invent it."
Wendy Harmer is a woman of many talents. She is an Australian author, a children’s writer, a journalist, playwright, comedian, television personality, and a radio show host.
What began as a career in journalism quickly blossomed into a busy schedule as a feature writer, comedian, any television star. She also started writing novels early in her career.
Her first adult book was It’s a Joke Joyce, which she followed with Love Gone Wrong, and So anyway: Wendy’s words of wisdom (this was a collection of some of her best columns from the Sydney Morning Herald). She then started writing modern fiction, including Farewell My Ovaries, Nagging for Beginners, Love and Punishment, Roadside Sisters, and Friends Like These.
Not to mention, Harmer has also release a number of children’s books as part of the Pearlie the Park Fairy series, including Truly Ruly Pearlie and Pearlie and the Imperial Princess. She also more recently penned her own memoir, Lies my Mirror Told Me.
Meet Wendy Harmer
Wendy Harmer was born in Yarram, Victoria in 1955. At birth, she had a severe facial deformity, and grew up moving around the state as her father regularly took new job postings. As a result, she learned ways to make friends and fit in.
She received reconstructive facial surgery in her teens, and went on to study journalism at the Gordon Institute of TAFE and Deakin University. She worked as a reported for the Geelong Advertiser before moving on to The Sun News Pictorial in Melbourne and the Melbourne Times. During this time, she worked as a stand-up comedian on her days off, and was soon headlining her own shows.
What followed was many years of success, from being on the board of the first ever Melbourne International Comedy Festival, to appearing on television series including The Gillies Report and hosting The Big Gig.
Harmer is currently married with two children, and is a co founder of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Angels, a female supporter group for the local rugby league club.