Macro photograph of a silver fern frond unfurling in the damp undergrowth of the Waitākere Ranges, soft diffused forest canopy light, deep moss greens, 35mm
Macro photograph of a silver fern frond unfurling in the damp undergrowth of the Waitākere Ranges, soft diffused forest canopy light, deep moss greens, 35mm
Selected writing

Aileen Wallace

Empirical science, human stories,
creative storytelling.

I am a freelance writer with a bachelor in natural sciences, a masters in counselling, and a life time of writing.

My practice is grounded in storytelling, research, and human experience.

My world is made up of stories just waiting to be told. Let me share them with you.

Freelance writer

My Core Philosophy

The human heartbeat inside the data.

Good science communication does not dilute the research.
It honours the complexity while finding the simplicity.
It grounds the evidence in our shared human experience.

Good communication helps everyone understand.
It bridges the gap between empirical observation and emotional truth.

Creative storytelling takes you there.
It helps you feel the sunlight on your face and smell the earth beneath your feet.

Areas of Practice

The threads of creativity

As a wild child growing up in rural New Zealand, I wanted to be a writer or a naturalist. I didn't know I could be both.
I wrote short stories, and poured through scientific encyclopaedias. I read voraciously.
Later I studied theatre, and earned a diploma in journalism, a bachelors of natural science, and a masters of counselling. I learned all about the natural world, and people, and stories - especially stories and the power they hold (who knew we were biologically wired to love them).
Through everything I wrote stories - wildlife documentary scripts, encyclopaedia entries, short stories, poetry, corporate communications, scripts, news paper articles, children's stories, advertorials, and technical documents - weaving science, communication, and creativity, with storytelling - creating a tapestry of tales across multiple genres.
Like the tapestry woven by the Moirai, I will always keep writing and weaving. I think that is what my thread is in this life - to be a story teller - and I think the wild child I was would be thrilled to know that it is possible to be both a writer and a naturalist - and so much more.

Science Communication

Creative Fiction

Empathetic Prose

Translating complex research into clear, compelling narratives for easy consumption.

Whatever comes out - plus a whole heap of researching, drafting and redrafting.

Deeply researched writing, informed by psychological frameworks and a profound respect for the human condition.

Initiate inquiry

Discussing new commissions

Currently accepting commissions for scientific communications, corporate communications, and creative work. Based in Brisbane, working with publishers and organisations worldwide.