Adelaide-based poet and Medical Radiations academic Nadine Ellis has released her first full-length poetry collection, The Grey Between, a poignant exploration of trauma, family dynamics, and the emotional complexities woven through everyday life.
Drawing on her personal experiences, Ellis uses her poetry to illuminate the “grey shades” — the ambiguous, in-between moments — that define human existence. The title reflects her professional background as a Radiographer, where she works with shadows and reflections, metaphors she applies to the emotional shadows left by life’s challenges.
“I named the book The Grey Between because I’m fascinated by the subtle, often overlooked spaces in life — the shadows that represent what is, but also what isn’t,” Ellis said. “This collection is semi-autobiographical, spanning pivotal moments in my life: sacrifices, rebuilding dignity, love, and the bitterness that sometimes follows.”
Ellis, who recently discovered she is dyslexic and autistic in her late fifties, writes with a focus on resilience and self-understanding. Her work underscores a universal search for meaning amid trauma and anxiety.
She began writing poetry in her twenties as a therapeutic outlet during a difficult period of marital breakdown while raising three young children. Over the past 30 years, poetry has remained a vital tool for processing intense personal experiences.
Ellis’ academic achievements parallel her literary pursuits. After completing high school as an adult in 2001, she earned a degree in Medical Radiations and a master’s qualification, subsequently lecturing at the University of South Australia for more than a decade.
“While my poetry started as a private form of therapy, I hope it encourages readers to connect with their own experiences — to find recognition, validation, and the courage to rebuild their lives,” she said.
Her poetry has been published internationally and throughout Australia in journals and anthologies. The Grey Between is her debut collection, published by Hill of Content Publishing and available from 16 July 2025.
Book Details:
Title: The Grey Between
Author: Nadine Ellis
Publisher: Hill of Content Publishing
Release Date: 16 July 2025
ISBN: 978-1-7637882-0-6
Pages: 136
RRP: $26.00
For more information, visit nadineellis.com.
