Jesse has appeared in international and Australian literary festivals as a panelist, solo presenter, chairperson, and presenter for children.
“Jesse was one of our most featured writers at the inaugural Australia and New Zealand Festival of Literature and Arts 2014, and for good reason. Her work is multifaceted and it doesn't matter what she's talking about - people listen! She's engaging and passionate on the craft of writing, travel, history and children's literature.” Michelle Newell, AusNZ Festival, London
“Jesse has the ability to forensically analyse and dissect a topic,
then construct a session that gets under the skin of her guests and encourages
them to engage with each other. It takes
confidence and skill to do this: Jesse has both. And she makes people laugh. Audiences
adored her.”
Jeni Caffin, Byron Bay Writers’ Festival.
“Jesse, I wanted to say the feedback about your Antarctica event has been
fabulous - have had a few people say it was one of their favourite events.” - Jemma Birrell, Sydney Writers’ Festival.
“Jesse’s captivated a
mixed age group of children with her book
reading of Stay, she wowed audiences as part of the intelligent and
inspiring ‘Into the Light’ panel discussing women’s stories and women’s
identities and her Antarctica presentation drew comments such as ‘utterly
stunning’, ‘inspiring’, ‘excellent speaker’. Jesse’s story definitely created a
buzz amongst festival patrons. Overall she drew 5 stars in all our evaluations.”
Ann-maree Ellis, Write
Around the Murray.
“Jesse's contribution to our
session on Australians writing about the Antarctic was fascinating and
inspiring. And despite being first up on an early Sunday morning,
her session was heaving with enthusiastic festival-goers... a delight, and
relief, for any Festival Director!”
Michaela Bolzan, Southern Highlands Writers' Festival.
“Jesse was a thoughtful, engaging and
generous panellist. It was clear she had prepared for her events and audiences
were won over.”
Rosemarie Milsom, Newcastle Writers Festival.