Ingrid M. Smith

Ingrid M. Smith was born in the New South Wales (Australia) country town of Moruya, famed for providing the granite for the four pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The daughter of European immigrant parents, she began writing very early, winning prizes whilst still at primary school.

The many and varied experiences of her own life provide the basis of her numerous non-fiction short stories and articles, although she has been known to turn her hand to light-hearted science-fiction and the occasional poem.

'Where the Waratahs Bloom' is her first novel and was inspired her daughter's long battle with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. A multi-generational background in horse breeding, training and just about every form of competition from rodeo to flat racing provided the equine component for this Australian saga. Love of the native bush and of a way of life that is fast vanishing contributed additional colour.

Ingrid's first book, 'Little Australian Pony Girl,' tells the true tale of a young girl growing up on a small pony farm and is illustrated with over 100 photographs and drawings.

Ingrid strongly believes that writers should be the conscience of the world.