As senior feature writer for Queensland's premier weekend magazine, Q Weekend in the Courier Mail and much loved columnist for the Sunday Mail, Frances Whiting is one of Australia's best known and most popular writers.

Her column in the Sunday Mail has been a reader's favourite for 14 years, making people laugh, cry, and smile from Bondi to Bundaberg and beyond. Also a bestselling author, Frances's two books, Oh to Be a Marching Girl in 2003, and That's a Home Run, Tiger! in 2006 proved an instant hit with readers, appearing on national best selling lists and proving to be book club favourites!

Frances's first work of fiction for publisher Pan McMillan, Walking on Trampolines, was released in 2009.

Frances is also an accomplished, witty and warm public speaker who connects with her audience to provide a humorous and uplifting look at life. Also a polished emcee, Frances has hosted many events from the prestigious Pride Of Australia awards to industry dinners and corporate conference events.

A keen advocate for improving literacy in schools, Frances mentors would-be-writers, visits schools regularly and also speaks to University students regularly about journalism as a career choice.

A former school teacher, Frances's keen interest in children is reflected in her charity work. As an ambassador for the Make a Wish Foundation, the Cressbrook Committee and the Queensland Emcee for all the Kids Help Line Breakfast series each year, Frances is also the Ambassador for the Motor Neurone Disease foundation and regularly lends her support to many other charitable organisations.

Married to John, an event producer, Frances has two children Max and Tallulah, who she believes are the best looking and most intelligent children in Australia. Her favourite pastime is reading, of course, and she adores fresh flowers, walking in Noosa National Park and body surfing. She also plays guitar very badly.