Books help turn back the clock

By Rebecca Fraser
PAKENHAM Upper author Jutta Goetze loves nothing more than returning to the magical world of her childhood.
As a writer of 15 published books, she has enjoyed plenty of opportunities to revisit and share the experiences of her past.
Ms Goetze has also worked as a screenwriter on some of Australia’s top television dramas.
She began writing at an early age – writing her first novel by the time she was 14.
In 1971, and as reported in the Gazette, the then Form 3 student was awarded best story in the Pakenham Rotary ClubPakenham Gazette Literary Contest.
“You could say my literary career began aided by your paper,” she said.
The 49yearold, who went to Pakenham Secondary College, will launch her latest book, Snow Wings, at Falls Creek later this month.
She says her writing style had changed greatly over the years.
“The story that won the competition was called Fallada and was an adventure story about a girl and a horse.
“Back then I was so into television; TV was the babysitter.
“It was such an American story and was really a mirror of what I had seen on television.
“I think when you are younger you take on other people’s voices but now I have my own experiences to write about and I have become more confident with language,” she said.
Ms Goetze said writing books was an outlet that allowed her to retain her voice and make sense of an increasingly complex world.
“I have written 15 books all up, ranging from small picture books for young readers to chapter books and novels to books about animals, about autism, and a novel, LunaC, which is a story about how a young adult deals with fame,” she said.
She has always loved to write about animals and has also written eight books for an RSPCA series.
“So many kids live in the city and don’t see or experience animals.
“It’s important that they have this experience and I hope my books provide this.
“What I also like about writing is the exploring and giving something back.
“I had a lovely childhood and lots of people had a creative impact on me when I was growing up.
“It is really a magical world when you are little and things are much more innocent.
“I try to get back to those magic times, I guess, in my writing,” she said.
Ms Goetze has written for many Australian television shows, including McLeod’s Daughters, Always Greener, The Saddle Club, The Flying Doctors and Cop Shop.
She has also travelled extensively and said the three years she spent in the German ski fields greatly influenced her latest book.
“I fell in love with skiing and that is how this book came about,” she said.