From the time I could write, I did. I’ve always loved it. I started writing for publication when my four children were pre-schoolers. I was looking for stories about children like them, but couldn’t find any books relating to Tongan people or their culture – so I decided to write them.
What type of work do you produce? (This can include work that is not for children)
I write all sorts of things, including short stories for adults, which have appeared in magazines and anthologies, and readers for adults who are learning to read. I write both fiction and non-fiction for children – including poems, jokes, riddles, plays, activities, articles, readers and books. My work has appeared in print (books, anthologies, journals, poem cards, readers etc) and has been broadcast on the radio. It has been translated into multiple languages (even Danish!) and most of my commercial books are also available in Te Reo Māori. I do a lot of educational work, both here and overseas, and write lots of Ready-to-Read readers and pieces for the School Journals. Plus, I write for the commercial market – these are the books sold in bookshops. I love to write, so if someone is prepared to pay me for it, I’ll have a go at writing it!
How hard is it to think of new ideas?
Not hard at all. Ideas are all around us, we just have to get into the habit of noticing them. I keep notebooks to ‘collect the world.’ I write about things that happen to me or other people, things I find funny or embarrassing, or things I read, watch or hear. My What is a…? series came about because I read somewhere that any creature with feathers is a bird. That made me wonder if I could define the other vertebrate animal groups with one sentence. I often ask myself, ‘What if…?’ The Santa Fairy came about because I asked myself, ‘What if the tooth fairy and Father Christmas swapped jobs? I work on the theory that if I’m interested in an idea, then other people will be, too.
How do you come up with character names?
Sometimes, I choose names to suit or contrast with the character. (Eg: I wanted Tyson in Lest We Forget to have a really strong name. Candy in Freaky Fish has a sickly sweet name because she is anything but!) Sometimes I put my own children’s names into stories. (Eg: Braden in Freaky Fish) Sometimes people ask me to use their names. (Eg: Room 13’s Day Off was based on children who, at the time, were in Room 13 at Marian School.) And I always use Tongan names, wherever I can.
How do you know your book is finished? How do you stop adding and changing words?
Sometimes, I have to stop adding and changing words because I have a quick-turn-around deadline to meet. But if I’ve got time, I read everything out loud, over and over again, until it sounds right. I’ll also put it away for a while and look at it with ‘new eyes.’ I’m prepared to do this endlessly, until it flows smoothly, says what I want it to say and is the best that I can make it.
Where do you work?
I work mainly at home, but, if I have a deadline, I can work pretty much anywhere.
What do you find the most satisfying part of your work?
I love to have written! Writing itself is hard work, but I love the thrill of the finished piece – especially when I see it published.
And the most challenging?
When I was a full-time writer, the most challenging part was getting started – I’m a champion procrastinator! Now that I write around a full-time job, the most challenging part is getting some brain-space. My head is so full of my job, that sometimes I don’t have space left for ideas to simmer away in my subconscious.
What are you working on at the moment?
Because of my work commitments, I’m mainly writing educational scripts, on commission. This means I know I’m going to be paid, before I start writing.
Do you have any exciting projects planned for the future?
I have a children’s novel that I’m half-way through writing, so I’d be very excited to get some uninterrupted time to work on that!
Did you like writing and drawing as a kid? Were you good at writing and drawing at school?
I always loved drawing and writing – and still do. I was good at both at school, but when I went to university, none of my subjects had drawing in them.
Who was your favourite children’s writer or illustrator when you were a child?
I LOVED Enid Blyton. I read everything of hers that I could get my hands on. (I still have nearly 300 of her books…) Then I went through a Carolyn Keene phase (Nancy Drew), before branching out to other mystery/adventure writers. I also loved Naomi Marsh and Agatha Christie. As a teenager, I loved to read historical fiction, mystery stories, biographies and classics.
Which writer’s work do you admire now?
I love New Zealand authors, especially Maurice Gee, Hone Tuwhare, Patricia Grace, David Hill, Kate Camp, Joy Cowley, Janet Frame, Eleanor Catton, Brian Turner, Catherine Chidgey… the list goes on and on! I also like Bill Bryson and Clive James. I read eclectically. I love literary and popular fiction, non-fiction, poetry, short stories and writing for young adults and children – anything that’s well-written. I even enjoy academic writing. The only thing I can’t stand is romantic fiction – it makes me roll my eyes and think sarcastic thoughts!
Where do you live and what do you work at (if you have another job)?
I live in Hamilton and work as a teacher.
Is it possible to make a lot of money from writing or do you need another job too?
It’s possible to make lots of money from writing, but it’s very rare. Apparently, the average income for a NZ writer is less than $15,000 a year. When I was a full time writer, I made enough money over the year, but I didn’t make it at the right time to pay bills. Royalties are paid twice a year and other payments depend on individual contracts. It was feast or famine – I would have lots of money coming in and then I would have none. Someone told me once that writers need a job to ‘support their habit’ and I think that’s probably true.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love reading, writing, drawing, craft-work and listening to audiobooks and podcasts.