ms.stellar

About...

Name

ms.stellar

A bit about

ms.stellar is my online pseudonym. I am commonly known as Shasha Ali and have lived in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland since migrating from Singapore in 2002.

I have
- a bachelor's degree in women's studies, from the University of Auckland. My academic interests were in cyberfeminisms, postcolonialism and social media
- three years of work experience in corporate events management, marketing and sales

Some of my creative accomplishments include:
- having an essay published in New York-based Altar Magazine in 2004.
- selling my sketchbook print entitled 'Sarah' for USD90 to a North American guy, who is the great , great grandson of the man who pioneered Anchor butter (I remember validating his profile through the Anchor freephone; it is true). He spotted my online portfolio through Yahoo-ing in 2002
- setting up a freelance party business called 'Stellar Productions' in May 2008
- closing down 'Stellar Productions' in September 2009
- producing 'The Return of Glam Rock', a genre-tribute show with musicians from The Exiles, Infinite Flying Kick and The Mystrons (Sept 2008)

Prior to life in Aotearoa, I was also
- editor of Singapore-based music zine Puink! and independent newsletter 'attn:scene' (2002 - 2005)
- moderator of a Singaporean feminist creatives' community called Singafemmes on Livejournal.com (2003 - 2006)

I have just finished
- editing and printing 'Tea Party Diaries & The Lady's Guide to Flatting' zine, which launches in December 2009

I am currently working on
- my portfolio submission for Creative Writing postgraduate programmes in 2010
- editing my poetry collection entitled 'My Girl Friday'
- writing as a regular contributor for 'Mellow Yellow Aotearoa', a community blog for NZ migrant writers
- writing two short stories (yet to be entitled) for the AUT Creative Writing competition, to win a laptop
- a novel.

I am seeking
- work opportunities in writing and publishing
- contacts, information and resources to set up my own media company specialising in youth literature, e-learning and online magazines.

I am also reading on
- Sufism.

Big Idea

Wouldn't it be interesting to unleash the creative potential of our nation to the world through an economy of educational resources? I would like to learn and gain experience in the fields of media, arts management and public relations, towards my ultimate career goal: a new media brand that portalises a boutique publishing house, e-learning intranets for young readers and authors and revolutionise arts education through initiatives like youth literature annuals and internationally recognised artists' residency programmes.

History

Member for

2 years 25 weeks

Connected With

Community

Writing & Publishing

Auckland Region

Auckland

Manukau

Waitakere