When did you start writing? I started earning a living writing at 20 when I worked as a reporter for Radio New Zealand in Dunedin after completing a Diploma of Journalism at Wellington Polytechnic (now Massey University in Wellington). I was a radio sports reporter in Christchurch for many years and started writing for children after completing a Diploma in Creative Writing at Whitireia Polytechnic in 1998.
What type of work do you produce?
My day job is in the communications office at the University of Waikato where I write media releases, book chapters and articles, student profiles, research brochures, etc, etc. I’ve written novels (Knocked for Six, Finding Isabella and Rocket Shoes) and short stories for children, and surprised myself this year by having two poems published in an online journal.
Where and when do you work?
I do my own writing at night and on my one day off during the week. I have a lap top set up at the top of our stairs and too often I look out the window and watch the birds and people coming and going while I wait for ideas to wiz into my brain.
What do you find the most satisfying part of your work?
The best thing is when someone has read something I’ve written and they tell me they’ve liked it, or they read it and cried. That means the story has worked.
What type of work do you produce?
My day job is in the communications office at the University of Waikato where I write media releases, book chapters and articles, student profiles, research brochures, etc, etc. I’ve written novels (Knocked for Six, Finding Isabella and Rocket Shoes) and short stories for children, and surprised myself this year by having two poems published in an online journal.
Where and when do you work?
I do my own writing at night and on my one day off during the week. I have a lap top set up at the top of our stairs and too often I look out the window and watch the birds and people coming and going while I wait for ideas to wiz into my brain.
What do you find the most satisfying part of your work?
The best thing is when someone has read something I’ve written and they tell me they’ve liked it, or they read it and cried. That means the story has worked.
And the most challenging? Getting published. When you think something is great and the publisher doesn’t.
What are you working on at the moment? I have a couple of things on the go. A novel, which feels like it’s aimed at 9-13 year olds and a couple of short stories.
Do you have any exciting projects planned for the future? Apart from an overseas trip to see my son in London, no!
Who was your favourite children’s writer or illustrator when you were a child? When I was a teenager I read The Pigman by Paul Zindel. I have read it several times since, and many of his other books. I had a holiday job in a bookshop when I was a teenager in Napier. I loved Ezra Jack Keats’ books. Still do.
Which writer’s work do you admire now? Oh, that’s a hard one. So many. I think Bernard Beckett is an extremely clever writer. Genesis in particular stands out. I’ve enjoyed all Kate de Goldi’s novels and Geraldine McCaughrean writes a good story, especially versions of old classics. Right now, I’m reading Wonder by R J Palacio – you should too.
Where do you live and what do you work at (if you have another job)? I live in Hamilton. My children have left home, so my husband and I rattle round in the house and work in the garden. Alongside my university job, I sometimes write stories for English Language Partners, and proof proposals and articles for students who are clever, but who struggle writing English.
What do you like to do in your spare time? I am going to do a half marathon soon so have been training for that, only I wrecked my knees running so I’ll be at the back of the pack when the day actually arrives. A group of us go for tramping weekends every now and then. Most recently, we climbed Mt Karioi near Raglan. That was tough but the views from the top were breath-taking.
I’m also in an art group, where we try to educate ourselves about New Zealand art and artists by reading, visiting different galleries and exhibitions and listening to artists’ talks. We also buy pieces that we share around, which is lovely because the pictures on my walls are always changing.
Do you have a website where we can find out more? I am a slow coach. My daughter is supposed to be doing a webpage for me, but she’s always “far too busy”. So it looks like I’ll have to kick myself in the butt and create my own. That’s on the cards for this year.
What are you working on at the moment? I have a couple of things on the go. A novel, which feels like it’s aimed at 9-13 year olds and a couple of short stories.
Do you have any exciting projects planned for the future? Apart from an overseas trip to see my son in London, no!
Who was your favourite children’s writer or illustrator when you were a child? When I was a teenager I read The Pigman by Paul Zindel. I have read it several times since, and many of his other books. I had a holiday job in a bookshop when I was a teenager in Napier. I loved Ezra Jack Keats’ books. Still do.
Which writer’s work do you admire now? Oh, that’s a hard one. So many. I think Bernard Beckett is an extremely clever writer. Genesis in particular stands out. I’ve enjoyed all Kate de Goldi’s novels and Geraldine McCaughrean writes a good story, especially versions of old classics. Right now, I’m reading Wonder by R J Palacio – you should too.
Where do you live and what do you work at (if you have another job)? I live in Hamilton. My children have left home, so my husband and I rattle round in the house and work in the garden. Alongside my university job, I sometimes write stories for English Language Partners, and proof proposals and articles for students who are clever, but who struggle writing English.
What do you like to do in your spare time? I am going to do a half marathon soon so have been training for that, only I wrecked my knees running so I’ll be at the back of the pack when the day actually arrives. A group of us go for tramping weekends every now and then. Most recently, we climbed Mt Karioi near Raglan. That was tough but the views from the top were breath-taking.
I’m also in an art group, where we try to educate ourselves about New Zealand art and artists by reading, visiting different galleries and exhibitions and listening to artists’ talks. We also buy pieces that we share around, which is lovely because the pictures on my walls are always changing.
Do you have a website where we can find out more? I am a slow coach. My daughter is supposed to be doing a webpage for me, but she’s always “far too busy”. So it looks like I’ll have to kick myself in the butt and create my own. That’s on the cards for this year.