"Will Small is not just a poet, he is a poet who pours his life into others. .."
JOEL McKERROW, Leading Australian Poet, Writer and Educator

Hey, welcome!

I'm Will. 

I grew up and accidentally became a poet.

My fancy pieces of paper include a BA Hons, (English & Philosophy), a Grad Cert Divinity and an MA (Christian Leadership).

Day to day, my life moves between an eclectic mix of beautiful and ordinary things. I write poetry, interview people, produce podcasts and short films, facilitate workshops, nurture spaces for people to exchange their stories, read to my kids, hang out washing, walk my dog, hold hands with my wife, and try to use my words to bring a little hope where it's needed.

Much of my work comes down to listening to peoples stories, and finding creative ways to honour and share those stories, to help build a kinder and more inclusive world. ​

A few years ago I started Lead by Story, my business/creative playground for collaborating with other creatives and organisations to produce media content for social impact.

Some friends and I also facilitate inclusive spaces and conversations for Christian spirituality and community through Meeting Ground, a church for those who feel like ‘Spiritual Misfits.’ In this space, I host a podcast and write reflections for those who haven't always felt welcome at the table.

I tend to write about: 
Finding my way as a Dad.
Faith & theology from the fringes. 
Being present to the wonder and creativity of life on this spinning rock. 

I increasingly find myself speaking about and advocating for: 
Young peoples mental health and wellbeing.
LGBTQI+ inclusion in faith communities.
Gender equality, and kind, compassionate manhood.
Autism families (like mine).
​
On this website you can:
Read my words.
Buy my books.
Watch my videos.
Listen to my podcasts.
Book me to speak or commission my creative services.

If you want to collaborate on creative media for social change, check out what my team and I do at Lead by Story.

"We’ve had Will in to do performance poetry workshops with Year 9 over the last couple of years. Each time I have been amazed by his ability to engage even the most recalcitrant and self-conscious students. It’s so exciting to see kids who have never loved poetry write their own meaningful pieces... and perform them in front of their peers! It’s why we keep asking Will to come back: he helps teenagers find their voices and use them powerfully. It’s an awesome thing to witness."
​
​HANNAH GIERHART, Head of English, Wyong Christian Community School

LEARN ABOUT SCHOOL SERVICES

"Will creates, serves and communicates with a humble heart and with immense skill. He is truly present at events and masterfully weaves together themes from the whole conference throughout the carefully crafted words that he shares. His poetic reflections on society, faith and the human condition cause us to pause, to feel seen, to be challenged, to celebrate,  and to move forward with hope.  We can’t recommend him highly enough."
​
​​DAN AND ELLIE BEASY, Lifewell Conference Directors 

Make a BOOKING or INQUIRY

"Will Small is a talented and moving spoken word poetry performer. From the first time I saw him perform, many years ago, it was clear he had something special. I was not alone in thinking this — he has since won many poetry slams and impressed audiences all over the country, including at the National Poetry Slam Finals at the Sydney Opera House. Not only is his talent evident, but his passion for the written and spoken word is infectious, as proved by the numerous students and young people whose poetry has flourished under his tutelage and encouragement.”

OMAR MUSA, former Australian Poetry Slam Champion and best-selling author of 'Here Come the Dogs'