Read our interview with intrepid bully beater Ann Neville and find out (plus some of the other exciting things that this intrepid Hamilton author gets up to)
When did you start writing?
I've been writing nonfiction for years - for education purposes e.g. Violence... not in our school, and biographies for people - everyone has amazing stories to tell and it's sad that some people don't take the time to tell their unique story for their children and later generations. I've only recently started writing fiction - heck, I didn't even like English at school and certainly never saw myself as a writer!
What type of work do you produce?
Biographies, books that I think will help kids lead happy, self-assured lives, and books just for fun. So some books are for adults and some are for kids and teenagers.
I also run workshops for children who want to write and illustrate their own book. A friend who is an artist and I work together to help the kids. Then I set up the book file and publish the book. The kids get one copy for themselves and one for their school library.
Where and when do you work?
My office is at home overlooking Lake Rotokauri - which can be a bit of a distraction sometimes! How can I work when the lake is twinkling sunshine or the clouds have turned the water black?
What do you find the most satisfying part of your work?
The end!!! Sometimes a book takes ages to write, edit and then get to the published stage so it's very satisfying to hold the finished product in my hands. Then I decide to have a break... but that doesn't last for long - I get antsy so have to start the next project.
And the most challenging?
The beginning and trusting the characters. Some writers know how the story is going to go before they begin. I usually only have a vague idea of where the story is going. But somehow the characters know, and they lead me and tell me what to do!
What are you working on at the moment?
I am off the London Book Fair in April so all my energy is on getting sorted for that. I am taking books over for several New Zealand authors so need to be well organised so I do the best job I can in promoting their books.
Do you have any exciting projects planned for the future?
When I get back to New Zealand I will start a new book - probably a Young Adult book set on the Otago gold fields. The story has been buzzing around in my head for a couple of years. It's time to let the characters out and see what adventures they have in store for me.
Who was your favourite children’s writer or illustrator when you were a child?
Emily Bronte - I was in love with Heathcliff (but don't tell my mother!)
Which illustrator’s or writer’s work do you admire now?
Author - Mandy Hager - she writes great books for young adults
Illustrator - Scott Pearson - there is so much detail in his work and I love his hilarious sense of humour.
What do you work at (if you have another job)?
Apart from writing, I also publish the books of other people. I love watching a book progress of the (often) pretty awful first draft through to the final product.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Hang out with my grandchildren
Ann's website is www.createbooks.co.nz. Check it out for more information about Ann, but watch out for that guy in the suit!
When did you start writing?
I've been writing nonfiction for years - for education purposes e.g. Violence... not in our school, and biographies for people - everyone has amazing stories to tell and it's sad that some people don't take the time to tell their unique story for their children and later generations. I've only recently started writing fiction - heck, I didn't even like English at school and certainly never saw myself as a writer!
What type of work do you produce?
Biographies, books that I think will help kids lead happy, self-assured lives, and books just for fun. So some books are for adults and some are for kids and teenagers.
I also run workshops for children who want to write and illustrate their own book. A friend who is an artist and I work together to help the kids. Then I set up the book file and publish the book. The kids get one copy for themselves and one for their school library.
Where and when do you work?
My office is at home overlooking Lake Rotokauri - which can be a bit of a distraction sometimes! How can I work when the lake is twinkling sunshine or the clouds have turned the water black?
What do you find the most satisfying part of your work?
The end!!! Sometimes a book takes ages to write, edit and then get to the published stage so it's very satisfying to hold the finished product in my hands. Then I decide to have a break... but that doesn't last for long - I get antsy so have to start the next project.
And the most challenging?
The beginning and trusting the characters. Some writers know how the story is going to go before they begin. I usually only have a vague idea of where the story is going. But somehow the characters know, and they lead me and tell me what to do!
What are you working on at the moment?
I am off the London Book Fair in April so all my energy is on getting sorted for that. I am taking books over for several New Zealand authors so need to be well organised so I do the best job I can in promoting their books.
Do you have any exciting projects planned for the future?
When I get back to New Zealand I will start a new book - probably a Young Adult book set on the Otago gold fields. The story has been buzzing around in my head for a couple of years. It's time to let the characters out and see what adventures they have in store for me.
Who was your favourite children’s writer or illustrator when you were a child?
Emily Bronte - I was in love with Heathcliff (but don't tell my mother!)
Which illustrator’s or writer’s work do you admire now?
Author - Mandy Hager - she writes great books for young adults
Illustrator - Scott Pearson - there is so much detail in his work and I love his hilarious sense of humour.
What do you work at (if you have another job)?
Apart from writing, I also publish the books of other people. I love watching a book progress of the (often) pretty awful first draft through to the final product.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Hang out with my grandchildren
Ann's website is www.createbooks.co.nz. Check it out for more information about Ann, but watch out for that guy in the suit!