Sharon Holt is one of the Waikato's gems. She writes fun, accessible books and resources in te reo Māori, with music, and performs them (with the help of her husband) too. Teachers, schools and learners love her. We asked Sharon how she does it...
I am inspired by my passion for reading and my love for children’s books. I am also inspired by the many teachers, parents and children who contact me with positive feedback about the work I do.
How do you know your book is finished?
When I think it’s finished, I leave it for a few days or a few weeks and then come back to it again. If I like it after being away from it for a while, then it’s finished. However, if I think it needs some changes, I work on those.
How hard is it to think of new ideas?
It’s not hard for me at all. I always have more ideas than I can ever use. Ideas come to me from my family, friends, pets, things people say and things I read about in the news.
Who is your favourite character?
My favourite character in one of my own books is Skipper the dog. My favourite character in another author’s book is Edward Tulane from the book by Kate DiCamillo called The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. You must read it!!!!
If you were not an author, what would you have been?
I would probably have been a school librarian. And one day I still might do that!
Where do you write?
I have a laptop so I can write anywhere. I prefer to stand when I’m writing, as it’s healthier than sitting for long periods of time. I have had a standing desk for many years and I often write there. Sometimes I write on my laptop at the kitchen bench which looks out onto our pond. I also like writing in cafes.
What was your favourite book as a child?
That’s easy. It was Jenny by Paul Gallico. It’s an amazing story about a boy who changes into a cat.
How do you come up with character names?
It’s a bit like naming real life children! It takes a while to find the right name. I try out different names for a while and see which one fits the character. I love getting name ideas from the children I meet in schools. Recently I met a boy called Zephyr! I love that name for a character.
Did you like writing as a child?
Yes, it was my very favourite activity apart from reading. I loved it when the teacher said it was time to write a story in class, and I often wrote stories in my spare time at home. I also entered story writing competitions and often won prizes.
Can you make a lot of money from writing or do you need another job too?
Writing is not a good way to get rich! But it’s a very satisfying job. Most authors in New Zealand don’t earn much money at all. Many of them have another job, or a partner who works full time. However, if you find a niche market and publish your books as well, you can possibly make enough money to be a full time writer. But it’s extremely hard work and takes up all your time during the week and weekend because people who publish their own books also have to figure out how to market and sell their books! It doesn’t leave much time for family life and is very stressful.
When did you start writing?
I started writing and sending stories to competitions when I was about 7 or 8 years old. However, I started writing as a children’s author when I was 40 years old.
Do you have any exciting projects planned for the future?
I don’t publish my own books any more, which gives me more time to travel around New Zealand with my husband, performing our Te Reo Singalong books to children in schools and preschools. We have a very low income doing that, but we are happy and busy. We will be touring the South Island while the Between the Lines exhibition is on.
What do you do in your spare time?
I love reading, baking and doing jigsaw puzzles. I also love visiting op shops. We live in Te Aroha so we also love walking along the mountain tracks and doing various walks to waterfalls in the area.