Write On

9 November 2011

2011-11-20T15:33:00.000+13:00

Fiona Farrell is the 2011 Otago University Robert Burns Fellow. She has recently launched The Broken Book, a book that started off being a travel memoir about walking, but that developed into something quite different in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes, which resulted in her city house being red stickered and changed life at her home on the Banks Peninsula. We’ll talk about The Broken Book, and also her experiences in being the Burns Fellow.

The New Zealand General Election is to be held on Saturday the 26th of November, and in conjunction there is the referendum on the voting system in New Zealand. Dr Philip Temple is a supporter of the existing system, MMP, and has recently formed Writers for MMP, a group of notable New Zealand writers who have also come out to show their support of MMP. We will talk about MMP, the referendum and what it all means.

12 October 2011

2011-11-20T15:25:00.000+13:00

International guests day.

Today I am replaying interviews with two of the special international guests I've had the privilege to chat with, American writers Diana Gabaldon and Annie Proulx.

Diana Gabaldon is an American writer and Best-Selling author of the Outlander series of books which are a winning combination of historic fiction, modern day, science fiction, romance and adventure. Diana was in Dunedin promoting the seventh book in the series, An Echo in the Bone. We talked about the pleasures and challenges of writing such a sprawling saga that covers turbulent times in history from Culloden to the American Revolution.

American author Annie Proulx visited Dunedin in March to promote her new book Bird Cloud, a memoir. I had the opportunity to talk with Annie about Bird Cloud, as well as her other writing.

14 September 2011

2011-11-20T15:14:00.000+13:00

Dunedin writer Paul Sorrell has teamed up once again with photographer Graham Warman ( Fleur’s Place) to produce Trail: Riding the Otago Central Rail Trail. We will talk about the research involved in producing a book like this, the highlights of the rail trail and some of the characters he met along the way.

Dr Poia Rewi is an associate professor in Te Tumu, the school of Maori, Pacific and Indigenous studies at the University of Otago. His book Whaikorero: The World of Maori Oratory won the Best First Book Award in the 2011 New Zealand Post Book Awards. We will talk about Whaikorero, and the story behind the book.

10 August 2011

2011-11-20T15:07:00.000+13:00

Sophie’s Legacy is the recently released book written by Leslie Elliott and William J O’Brien as a tribute to Sophie Elliott, the young Dunedin woman murdered by Clayton Weatherston in 2008. The book describes the events leading up to, and those that occurred on the day of Sophie’s death, and then the harrowing aftermath including the family’s experiences in the justice system. I will be talking with Bill O’Brien about the book and how he approached writing about such difficult and emotional events with the people most affected by them.

Laurence Fearnley has recently been announced as the winner of the 2011 NZ Post Book Award for Fiction for The Hut Builder. I talked with her several months ago about The Hut Builder and her writing, and will replay this interview with the always interesting to chat with Fearnley.

13 July 2011

2011-07-11T19:46:00.000+12:00

Penelope Todd is a Novelist, writer of young adult fiction, editor and now publisher. She has taken a bold step into the new world of e-publishing by forming Rosa Mira Books, an e-publishing company that launched itself onto the literary scene with The Glass Harmonica by Dorothee E Kocks. We’ll talk about what it takes to set up an e-publishing venture and the world of e-books and how it impacts on the book world as we know it.

Raymond Huber has recently launched Wings, the new adventures of Ziggy the bee, who we met in Sting. Raymond is a writer of children’s books and educational books as well as an editor and occasional sculptor. We’ll talk about the new adventures of Ziggy the bee and the importance of making children aware of environmental issues in a fun and entertaining way

8 June 2011

2011-06-08T09:40:00.000+12:00

Laurence Fearnley has recently launched her new novel The Hut Builder. We’ll talk about the book, and the inspiration the mountains and the great outdoors has given to her writing.

Ian Chapman is about to launch Kiwi Rock Chicks, Pop Stars and Trail Blazers which looks at fifty years of inspiring and aspiring women in New Zealand Music. We’ll chat about the people in the book, and how he went about tackling a project with such diverse people.

This is a replay of the November 2010 show, due to the show host being struck down by winter bugs. The Hut Builder has recently been named as a finalist in the NZ Post Book Awards.

To listen to this episode click here.

11 May 2011

2011-05-11T19:29:00.000+12:00

Andrew Porteous is a Dunedin playwright and novelist. His first crime fiction novel, A Political Affair won the 2010 Kinglake Publishing Unpublished Author prize, the prize being publication of the novel. We'll talk about the book, the prize and the process involved as well as Andrews experience as a playwright.

Last month I talked to American author Annie Proulx about her memoir Bird Cloud. After several requests I am replaying the interview with this fascinating writer.

13 April 2011

2011-04-13T15:09:00.001+12:00

Fosterling is the new novel by Dunedin writer and poet Emma Neale. The back cover blurb starts 'A young man is found unconscious in a remote forest. he is over seven-feet tall, his skin is covered in thick hair, which reminds onlookers of an animal's pelt. When he wakes in a city hospital, he is eerily uncommunicative...Speculation begins.

American author Annie Proulx recently visited Dunedin to promote her new book Bird Cloud, a memoir. I had the opportunity to talk with Annie about Bird Cloud, as well as her other writing.

To listen to this episode go here.

9 March 2011

2011-04-13T15:05:00.000+12:00

Bronwyn Wyllie-Gibb is one of the fantastically knowledgeable staff at The University Book Shop and regular on the show. We'll chat about the latest books, the finalists and winners in some recent competitions, what's hot and what new books are coming.

Kyle Mewburn is the 2011 Otago University College of Education Children's Writer in Residence. He is the writer of award winning children's books such as Kiss! Kiss! Yuck! Yuck! and Old Huhu. His latest picture book Hill and Hole has been named as a finalist in the NZ Post Children's Book Awards.

To listen to this episode go here

9 February 2011

2011-04-13T14:51:00.002+12:00

Emeritus Professor Helen Leach is best known for sorting out the question of who came up with the pavlova first - Kiwis or Aussies? She has recently released From Kai to Kiwi Kitchen, a book about New Zealand culinary traditions. We will chat about New Zealand cuisine, from earliest Polynesian traditions to the modern day.

Vanda Symon has just released Bound, the fourth novel in her Detective Sam Shephard crime series. Tania Roxborogh interviews Vanda about the book, the joys and challenges of writing a series, and where to now?

To listen to this episode go here

12 January 2011

2011-01-17T20:30:00.002+13:00

This show is a summer selection of a couple of interviews with international authors who came visiting in 2010

Scottish Crime writer Val McDermid was in Dunedin recently to promote her latest novel Trick of the Dark. McDermid is internationally renowned for her crime fiction and in particular her Wire in the Blood novels, which have been made into a television series by the BBC. She was the recipient of the 2010 Cartier Diamond Dagger Award of the Crime Writers Association. We talk about her life in crime writing as well as her new novel.

British born, Canadian living crime writer Peter Robinson was in New Zealand recently promoting his new Detective Chief Inspector Banks novel, Bad Boy. I had the opportunity to talk with him about the book, music and his novels getting to television.

To listen to this episode go here

8 December 2010

2011-01-17T20:20:00.001+13:00

Jim Flynn is emeritus professor of politics at Otago university, and an avid reader who has recently had published The Torchlight List: Around the World in 200 Books. We’ll chat about why he felt the need to embark on such an endeavour, and, of course, about the books and his reasons for choosing the books that made the cut.

David Eggleton is a man of many talents. He is a poet, non-fiction writer and critic. He has also produced short films and documentaries. We’ll talk about his new collection of poetry – The Time of Icebergs, and also about his recent appointment as the editor of Landfall.

To listen to this episode go here.

10 November 2010

2011-01-17T20:16:00.001+13:00

Laurence Fearnley has recently launched her new novel The Hut Builder. We’ll talk about the book, and the inspiration the mountains and the great outdoors has given to her writing.

13 October 2010

2011-01-17T20:09:00.001+13:00

Tania Roxborogh has recently released Bloodlines, the second book in her Banquo's Son Trilogy, the first of which recently won the Young Adult Fiction category in the LIANZA Book Awards. We'll talk about Bloodlines, and the pressures and joys of having to deliver a trilogy of books to an eager audience.

British born, Canadian living crime writer Peter Robinson was in New Zealand recently promoting his new Detective Chief Inspector Banks novel, Bad Boy. I had the opportunity to talk with him about the book, music and his novels getting to television.

To listen to this episode click here.

8 September 2010

2011-01-17T20:03:00.001+13:00

Dunedin writer Sue Wootton has until now been known as a poet and short story writer. She is now adding Children’s Book Writer to her list of achievements, with the publication of Cloudcatcher. We’ll talk about her experiences in writing work for children as well as her passion for poetry and short fiction.

To listen to this episode click here.

11 August 2010

2010-08-23T11:21:00.005+12:00

Neville Peat is a writer of fiction and non-fiction books that relate to his love of the natural environment. He was the 2007 recipient of the Creative New Zealand Michael King Writer's Fellowship which he used for the research involved in his latest book The Tasman: Biography of an Ocean. We talk about the huge undertaking it is to write a biography of an ocean and all of the facets he had to cover.

Philip Temple published his memoir Chance is a Fine Thing in 2009. I will replay an interview I did with Philip at the time where we talked about the book and some of the stories in the life of this outstanding and respected writer in his long and fruitful career.

To listen to this episode click here.

14 July 2010

2010-07-14T05:40:00.004+12:00

Bill O'Brien is the writer of many books for children and adults. Bill is a retired police officer and has written several books relating to police issues including Aramoana - Twenty-two hours of Terror, and Invisible Evidence - Forensics in New Zealand. We'll talk about his writing and his new book - Blue Adrenalin - Life in the New Zealand Police.

Joan Bishop is a cooking writer for The Otago Daily Times and the writer of Joan Bishop's New Zealand Cock Pot and Slow Cooker Cook Book which was first published in 1985 and has recently had a new edition produced with more recipes. We'll talk about the joys of slow cooking, and also the art of the food writer.

9 June 2010

2010-07-14T05:38:00.000+12:00

Paddy Richardson has recently released her third novel, Hunting Blind, a psychological thriller which starts out with the disappearance of a little girl in Wanaka, and moves around Dunedin, and other familiar locations in the South Island. We'll talk about Hunting Blind, the allure of writing crime fiction, and the perception of crime fiction in the writing world.

Bronwyn Wylie-Gibb from Dunedin's The University Book Shop is a regular guest on the show. Join us as we chat about current books, trends and whats hot in the book world.

12 May 2010

2010-05-11T21:07:00.004+12:00

Penelope Todd has recently released her novel Island. It is a story set on a 19th century quarantine island, a story of love and of death. We talk about her new novel, and the journey from being a very successful writer for young adults to writing a literary novel for adults.

Karen Trebilcock is the 2010 Otago University College of Education Children's Writer in residence. Under the pseudonym Ella West she has written the Thieves trilogy for young adults. We'll talk about her books, the residency and her new foray into writing for the stage.

14 April 2010

2010-05-05T11:02:00.003+12:00

Kyle Mewburn is a finalist in the New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards for 2010 with his picture book Old Huhu, illustrated by Rachel Driscoll. We talk about the book, his other publications and the busy life of a children's writer.

Tania Roxborogh is also a finalist in the New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards, with her young adult fiction novel Banquo's Son. I replay an interview I had with Tania in September last year, where we talked about Banquo's Son, and the pressure that comes with writing a sequel to Shakespeare's Macbeth.

10 March 2010

2010-03-10T20:14:00.004+13:00

Michele Powles has recently arrived in Dunedin from Auckland to take up her position as the Robert Burns Fellow at the University of Otago. Last year she had published her first novel Weathered Bones, a tale of three women past and present. We talk about the novel and what the fellowship means to her

Bronwyn Wylie-Gibb from Dunedin's The University Book Shop is a regular guest on the show. Join us as we chat about current books, trends and whats hot in the book world.

10 February 2010

2010-02-09T23:08:00.000+13:00

My first guest is jeweler, print maker and painter John Z Robinson who has recently had his book Red Studio: Forty-Five Prints published. We'll talk about print making, and art, and the process of having art transformed into a book.

Paddy Richardson has recently released her third novel, Hunting Blind, a psychological thriller which starts out with the disappearance of a little girl in Wanaka, and moves around Dunedin, and other familiar locations in the South Island. We'll talk about Hunting Blind, the allure of writing crime fiction, and the perception of crime fiction in the writing world.

13 January 2010

2010-01-21T11:28:00.001+13:00

Raymond Huber’s children’s novel Sting buzzed out into the world earlier last year. Raymond had previously written science books for school children, and this is his first work of fiction.We’ll talk about Sting and bees and the pleasures of combining art and science.

Joanna Orwin was the 2009 Otago University College of Education Children’s Writer in Residence. She is an award winning writer of many children’s fiction and non-fiction books. We’ll talk about her writing and the residency, and also about her more recent works including My Story, Kauri In My Blood. The Diary of Laura Ann Findlay. The Coromandel, 1921-24.

9 December 2009

2009-12-09T10:07:00.003+13:00

Vanda Symon has just released her latest Sam Shephard Crime Fiction novel, the third in the series. Guest interviewer Tania Roxoborogh will talk with Vanda about the new book, the pleasures of writing a crime series, and the fun to be had with writing books set locally.

Anthony Tedeschi is the Rare Books Librarian at the Dunedin Public Library. The library has had many wonderful collections donated to it over the years, including the McNab Collection, and the AH Reed Collection. We replay the talk we had in September about some of the benefactors, and where we discussed some of the treasures held in our public library.

11 November 2009

2009-11-10T09:24:00.005+13:00

Ian Chapman is a mild mannered university academic by day, and transforms into Dr Glam by night, ok, and by day too, if occasion demands. We talk about Glam rock, and about his recently released book Glory Days, which celebrates the 1970's as seem through the eyes of some of its prominent participants.

Diana Gabaldon is an American writer and Best-Selling author of the Outlander series of books which are a winning combination of historic fiction, modern day, science fiction, romance and adventure. Diana was recently in Dunedin promoting the seventh book in the series, An Echo in the Bone. We talked about the pleasures and challenges of writing such a sprawling saga that covers turbulent times in history from Culloden to the American Revolution.

Listen to the podcast here.

14 October 2009

2009-10-13T20:30:00.005+13:00

Liam McIlvanney's first fiction novel All the Colours of the Town was released earlier this month. Set in Belfast and Glasgow it follows the fortunes of Glaswegian journalist Gerry Conway as he follows the sniff of a story across to Belfast and discovers hatred and sectarian violence. Liam McIlvanney is a recent arrival to New Zealand from Scotland to take up the Stuart Chair of Scottish studies at the University of Otago. We'll talk about what drove a Robert Burns specialist to write crime, and the picture he paints of the two cities.

Tania Roxborogh is the writer of over twenty books for adults and children and is a woman with a passion for Shakespeare. This passion has lead her to write Banquo's Son, a sequel to Macbeth. We talk about taking over the story of Fleance where the bard left off, and the journey she has taken to get this book published.

Listen to the podcast here.

9 September 2009

2009-09-07T09:28:00.004+12:00

Dr Chris Brickell is a senior lecturer in Gender Studies at The University of Otago and his recent book Mates & Lovers: A History of Gay New Zealand won the Montana Award for Best First Non-Fiction book at the 2009 awards. The book looks at the history of gay men in New Zealand, and we discuss the perception of same sex relationships over the centuries and the impact law and psychiatry had on the lives of men.

Anthony Tedeschi is the Rare Books Librarian at the Dunedin Public Library. The library has had many wonderful collections donated to it over the years, including the McNab Collection, and the AH Reed Collection. We talk about some of the benefactors, and discuss some of the treasures held in our public library.

Listen to the podcast here.

10 August 2009

2009-08-11T16:35:00.005+12:00

Longacre Press is a Dunedin publishing house whose titles have been making big waves in the book world. I’ll be talking with Annette Riley about the world of literature from the publishers perspective.

Brian Turner is one of New Zealand’s best loved poets and essayists, and a Central Otago legend. We’ll chat about his writing, and his latest books, Into the Wider World: A Back Country Miscellany and Just This: Poems.

Listen to the podcast here

8 July 2009

2009-07-07T16:47:00.003+12:00

Michael Harlow is a poet and the 2009 University of Otago Robert Burns Fellow. He has recently released his sixth collection of poetry The Tram Conductor's Blue Cap. We'll talk about his new collection, what it means to him to be the Burns fellow, and also be resident in Castleberg House.

Graham Bishop is a geologist, writer and poet and has published seven books. His latest is a biography of New Zealand geologist and telephoto lens pioneer Alexander McKay. We talk about the man behind the book, The Real McKay.

10 June 2009

2009-06-10T10:23:00.004+12:00

Raymond Huber’s children’s novel Sting buzzed out into the world earlier this year. Raymond had previously written science books for school children, and this is his first work of fiction.We’ll talk about Sting and bees and the pleasures of combining art and science.

Joanna Orwin is the 2009 Otago University College of Education Children’s Writer in Residence. She is an award winning writer of many children’s fiction and non-fiction books. We’ll talk about her writing and the residency, and also about her more recent works including My Story, Kauri In My Blood. The Diary of Laura Ann Findlay. The Coromandel, 1921-24.

13 May 2009

2009-05-10T16:27:00.005+12:00

Laurence Fearnley is a highly regarded writer who was the 2007 Robert Burns fellow at the University of Otago and has had two of her novels shortlisted for the Montana New Zealand Book Awards. She has recently had released her 7th novel, Mother's Day, which is the final book in her Southern Trilogy.

We'll talk about the new book, and how it feels to reach the end of a themed trilogy and to be looking forward to something different.

Huberta Hellendoorn wanted to tell the courageous story of her daughter Miriam, who has Down Syndrome. Huberta has recently self-published The Madonna in the Suitcase, after being unable to find a mainstream publisher for the book. We talk about the pleasures and difficulties in writing such a personal tale about her family, and the difficult road to publishing it. Further details about the book, including how to purchase it can be found here.

8 April 2009

2009-04-09T10:47:00.003+12:00

Sue Wootton is a poet and short story writer. She recently helped year 5 students at a local school with writing poetry, and they then went on to publish a collection of their work for the school fair. We recorded some of the students reading their poems, so you can enjoy listening to them on the show. Sue and I will talk about children and poetry, and also about Sue’s work, and her year as the 2008 Robert Burns Fellow at the University of Otago.

Philip Temple has recently had published his memoir Chance is a Fine Thing. We talk about the book and some of the stories in the life of this outstanding and respected writer in his long and fruitful career.

11 March 2009

2009-03-27T15:54:00.002+13:00

Joanna Woods is the author of three biographies. In 2005 she was the Research Fellow at the National and Turnbull Libraries where she did much of the research for her recent book Facing the Music: Charles Baeyertz and The Triad. The Triad was a journal devoted to literature, art, science and music that Charles Baeyertz established in Dunedin in 1893. We chat about The Triad, and Charles - an amazing and almost forgotten character from out past.

I enlist the help of guest interviewer Tania Roxborogh to talk with me about my new novel The Ringmaster, by Vanda Symon. The Ringmaster is the second novel in the Sam Shephard detective series and is set in Dunedin.

We talk about the novel, and the importance of characters, particularly in crime fiction. Series enable an author to develop characters, so we talk about this and other advantages in writing a series.

11 February 2009

2009-01-28T19:24:00.004+13:00

For our February show I’ll be talking with David Howard of The Otago University Press, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary. Well talk about the humble beginnings of the press and how it has built into a notable publishing house which publishes around twenty books each year. We’ll talk about the kinds of books they publish and also about life in the publishing industry, particularly in these uncertain economic times, and with the effects of the digital age.

The second guest will be Kath Beattie, a Dunedin writer who has recently had her book published by Scholastic, titled My Story: Poor Man’s Gold: The diary of Reuben Radcliffe, Northland, 1899-1900. Kath was a guest on Write On Last year when we talked about a book she had self-pubished, titled Walking backwards into the future: coping with grief through continuing bonds. We’ll be talking about her new book which is about a boy working on the Kauri Gum swamps of Northland, and also we’ll talk about how the process of self publishing went for her, whether she thought it was worthwhile doing it and what advice she would offer to other people considering self-publishing their books.

14 January 2009

2009-01-24T10:18:00.001+13:00

I'm having a little summer break, so this show is a replay of one from earlier in the year.

Alison Ballance is a natural history writer and award winning wild-life documentary film-maker with Natural History New Zealand. Her 'days at the office' have included being in snow and ice trying to film tigers in Far East Russia, sitting inside gers in Mongolia to wading through leech infested waters in Thailand.

She has written many books, including Dancing with Cranes, in 2005, which tells of some of her film-making adventures, and most recently, the beautiful Southern Alps, which has been named as a finalist in the 2008 Montana New Zealand Book Awards. We'll talk about her recent books, and adventures in a challenging industry.

Janet Frame is New Zealand's most distinguished writer. The recent publication of her novel Towards Another Summer, to critical acclaim, was a decision that had to be made by The Janet Frame Literary Trust. I'll be talking with Pamela Gordon, the Chair of the trust about Janet, and about the pleasures and difficulties in managing the literary legacy of such an important writer.

To listen to this show click here.

10 December 2008

2008-12-10T15:54:00.005+13:00

With Christmas looming and with it thoughts of gift buying, I talk with Bronwyn Wyllie-Gibb of the University Book Shop about books that have stood out during the year, local books and some of the wonderful choices available for Christmas and your reading wish list.

Earlier in the year I interviewed Geoff Walker, and I have had a lot of requests to replay this interview. Geoff Walker is the Publishing Director or Penguin New Zealand and has been involved in the publishing industry for a very long time.
We talk about the publishing industry in New Zealand, trends and recent changes. We also talk about the effect on the digital age on how books are published and the effects on writers.
Geoff also talks about the process of publishing - how they look at the hundreds of manuscripts submitted each year and what you can do to improve the chances of being picked up.

To listen to this show click here.

12 November 2008

2008-11-11T09:04:00.008+13:00

Paul Sorrell is a writer, editor and photographer who has edited several publications, including Murihiku - The Southland Story. His latest project was to write the recently released Fleur's Place, the book about the popular Moeraki restaurant and its vibrant owner Fleur Sullivan. We'll talk about Fleur's Place, and the art of bringing together chefs, photographers and personalities in a project to create a book.

Martha Morseth is a writer, poet and playwright who has had a collection of poetry published - Staying inside the Lines, as well as Yeah, a book of stories for teenagers, and Let's Hear it for the Winner, a book of three plays. Her new collection of short stories for teenagers, A cut of unreal, has just been released and is a mix of ghost and science fiction stories.
We'll talk about the fun of writing about cutting edge technology and ghosts, and also about seeing her play The Trials and Tribulations of Emily performed on stage last year by St Hilda's Collegiate School.

To listen to this show click here.

October 8th 2008

2008-10-07T09:47:00.005+13:00

Dr Philip Temple is a highly accomplished and versatile writer, whose list of achievements includes over 40 books published, receiving a Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement, being made an ONZM for services to literature and has been the recipient of numerous writing fellowships, including the Robert Burns Fellowship.

We will be talking about the recent new editions of two of his books, Beak of the Moon which was a bestselling novel in 1981 and Presenting New Zealand: an Illustrated History. Both of these books contained considerable re-writes in light of new research, and in Presenting New Zealand, new illustrations.

We'll also talk about the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Robert Burns Fellowship, held in Dunedin this week, which Philip has been involved in organising.

Paddy Richardson is also a past Robert Burns Fellow, and has had recently released her second novel, a psychological crime thriller A Year to Learn a Woman. This is a departure from her previous novel and collections of short stories. We talk about the book, and why crime?

To listen to this show click here.

September 10 2008

2008-09-04T10:25:00.004+12:00

Tania Roxborogh is a writer, teacher, family gal and all round very busy person. She had a new book, Kids Behaving Bravely: Raising a resilient Child, launched earlier this year. This is a follow up to No it’s not OK: How to stop the cycle of bullying released last September.
We talk about how parents can instil inner resilience in their children, so they can cope with what life throws at them.
Tania also has a children's novel Space Gum to be released later this month.

Joanna Woods is the author of three biographies. In 2005 she was the Research Fellow at the National and Turnbull Libraries where she did much of the research for her recent book Facing the Music: Charles Baeyertz and The Triad. The Triad was a journal devoted to literature, art, science and music that Charles Baeyertz established in Dunedin in 1893. We chat about The Triad, and Charles - an amazing and almost forgotten character from out past.

To listen to this show click here.

August 13 2008

2008-08-05T15:53:00.007+12:00

Geoff Walker is the Publishing Director or Penguin New Zealand and has been involved in the publishing industry for a very long time. I caught up with Geoff when he was on a recent trip to Dunedin.
We talk about the publishing industry in New Zealand, trends and recent changes. We also talk about the effect on the digital age on how books are published and the effects on writers.
Geoff also talks about the process of publishing - how they look at the hundreds of manuscripts submitted each year and what you can do to improve the chances of being picked up.

I enlist the help of guest interviewer Tania Roxborogh to talk with me about my new novel The Ringmaster, by Vanda Symon. The Ringmaster is the second novel in the Sam Shephard detective series and is set in Dunedin.

We talk about the novel, and the importance of characters, particularly in crime fiction. Series enable an author to develop characters, so we talk about this and other advantages in writing a series.

To listen to this show click here.

9 July 2008

2008-07-01T13:05:00.007+12:00

Alison Ballance is a natural history writer and award winning wild-life documentary film-maker with Natural History New Zealand. Her 'days at the office' have included being in snow and ice trying to film tigers in Far East Russia, sitting inside gers in Mongolia to wading through leech infested waters in Thailand.

She has written many books, including Dancing with Cranes, in 2005, which tells of some of her film-making adventures, and most recently, the beautiful Southern Alps, which has been named as a finalist in the 2008 Montana New Zealand Book Awards. We'll talk about her recent books, and adventures in a challenging industry.

Janet Frame is New Zealand's most distinguished writer. The recent publication of her novel Towards Another Summer, to critical acclaim, was a decision that had to be made by The Janet Frame Literary Trust. I'll be talking with Pamela Gordon, the Chair of the trust about Janet, and about the pleasures and difficulties in managing the literary legacy of such an important writer.

July marks the celebration of Montana Poetry day, so we will also be talking about Janet Frame the poet and her collection The Goose Bath.

To listen to this show click here.

June 11 2008

2008-06-16T14:01:00.004+12:00

Penelope Todd has had a busy time of late. She has recently released Digging for Spain. This book is part travel memoir, part autobiography and about journeys, both physical – relating her experiences on a fellowship to Can Serrat in Spain, and personal – in life and writing. We’ll talk about her experiences, and also about her writing of young adult fiction. The third book in her Watermark trilogy, Zillah was a finalist in this year’s New Zealand Post Book Awards.

Emma Neale has also had a productive year, with the release of her collection of poetry Spark, and also of an anthology of New Zealand Poetry she has edited titled Swings + Roundabouts. We’ll chat about her work, and also the challenges faced by an editor in selecting works for an anthology representing so many people’s writing.

To listen to this show click here.

May 14 2008

2008-06-16T13:51:00.004+12:00

First I’ll be chatting to Helen Leach about her latest book The Pavlova Story: A slice of New Zealand’s culinary history. Helen is a Professor of Anthropology at the University of Otago who has enjoyed studying the cultural history of food and recipes and how they evolve. Pavlova is dear to all our hearts, and stomachs, and we’ll chat about the fascinating history of this dish.

Lloyd Davis is a zoologist, writer and film maker, and science communicator, dedicated to making science popular and assessable. He has written numerous books on penguins, for adults and children. Looking for Darwin was released last year and he co-wrote the recently released The business of Documentary Filmmaking. We will chat about his books and his new role as the Stuart Chair in Science Communication at the University of Otago.

To listen to this show click here.

April 9 2008

2008-06-16T13:45:00.004+12:00

This month I’ll be chatting with first time novelist Louise Moulin about her recently released book Saltskin. Set in late eighteenth century and modern day Riverton, this is a novel tying the present and the past in the pursuit of love. It is a colourful story full of lively characters and mariners fables.

I’ll also talk with our 2008 Robert Burns Fellow, Sue Wootton about what the fellowship means to her, and her recently released second collection of poetry, Magnetic South.

To listen to this show click here

March 12 2008

2008-06-16T13:38:00.003+12:00

Bill O’Brien is a very busy writer of fiction and non-fiction for adults and children and is the 2008 Dunedin College of Education Writer in Residence. We’ll chat about his works, including his recently released book Invisible Evidence : Forensics in New Zealand.

Claire Beynon is an Artist and Poet and has recently combined her love of words and images in Open Book: Poetry and Images. Claire has had many fascinating adventures, including a two month stint with a scientific group in Antarctica, and more recently on The Breaksea, in remote Western Fiordland. We’ll talk about the effects of her environment on her images and poems and how the two are intertwined.

February 13 2008

2008-06-16T13:24:00.002+12:00

My holiday continues, well, truth be told, I'm doing a Forensic Biology course at the Otago University Summer School, so I'll be replaying a requested show from late last year.

This month I have the pleasure of chatting with first time novelist Maxine Alterio about Ribbons of Grace. We’ll be chatting about the excitement of seeing that first novel in print and what goes on behind the scenes to get it there, and of course about the book itself, what inspired it and it’s fascinating characters.

Tania Roxborogh is a writer, teacher, family gal and all round very busy person. She has a new book, No it’s not OK: How to stop the cycle of bullying released in September. This is a very topical subject and we chat about bullying, and the difficulties facing children and their parents in this modern age of technology.

January 9 2008

2008-06-16T13:17:00.003+12:00

Everyone needs a holiday break, including me, so I will be replaying two interesting interviews from earlier in the year.

Sandy M cKay has written many books for children of all ages, including titles in the very popular Kiwi Bites books. Her book Recycled won the Junior Fiction category in the 2002 NZ Post Book Awards. Her most recent work Losing It is directed at teens and tackles friendship, family and anorexia. This year Sandy has also had published the biography One Stroppy Jockey: The Christine Lawn Story.

Jill Caldwell is a market researcher and social trends analyst, who, with co-author Christopher Brown wrote the recently released 8 Tribes – The Hidden Classes of New Z ealand, which takes a contemporary look at New Zealanders, grouping them into social tribes based on what motivates and is important to them.

December 12 2007

2008-06-16T04:49:00.003+12:00

I chat with Judith Cullen about her latest cook book Dinner in a Basket, Judith Cullen cooks from the market. We'll chat about her buy locally, cook seasonally mantra and, of course, about food for the Christmas table.

I caught up with international bestselling crime writer Ian Rankin on his recent trip to New Zealand and got to talk about writing crime fiction, his latest book Exit Music, and life with and without his creation Detective Inspector John Rebus.

November 14th 2007

2008-06-16T04:43:00.003+12:00

This month I talk to local writer Philippa Jamieson about her recently released book The Wild Green Yonder. Philippa tore herself away from the joys of Dunedin to experience New Zealand travelling on the WWOOF scheme (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms.) Over two and a half years she volunteered at 40 locations. We talk about her exploits and the wonderful people she met along the way.

Carl Nixon hails from Christchurch and is an award winning writer of plays, short fiction and novels. His novel Rocking Horse Road was released this year. He most recently won the BNZ Katherine Mansfield Short Story Competition with his story My Beautiful Balloon. I caught up with Carl when he was in Dunedin recently as part of the writers in schools programme.

October 10 2007

2008-06-16T04:37:00.003+12:00

This month I have the pleasure of chatting with first time novelist Maxine Alterio about Ribbons of Grace. We’ll be chatting about the excitement of seeing that first novel in print and what goes on behind the scenes to get it there, and of course about the book itself, what inspired it and it’s fascinating characters.

Tania Roxborogh is a writer, teacher, family gal and all round very busy person. She has a new book, No it’s not OK: How to stop the cycle of bullying released in September. This is a very topical subject and we chat about bullying, and the difficulties facing children and their parents in this modern age of technology.

September 12 2007

2008-06-16T04:28:00.004+12:00

Laurence Fearnley is this year’s Robert Burns Fellow at the University of Otago and her latest novel, edwin + matilda has recently been released. Sub-titled an unlikely love story it is the second of a trilogy of books set in the Otago and Southland areas.

Walking backwards into your future: coping with grief through continuing bonds is a book by Kath Beattie, on dealing with grief. Kath uses the experiences of real people about how they coped or didn’t cope with the loss of a loved one. We’ll talk about grief and the continued journey of life for the bereaved.

August 8 2007

2008-06-16T04:21:00.004+12:00

I’ll be talking with College of Education Writer in Residence Vince Ford about his books and writing for children and teens. We’ll also talk about how to capture the reading imagination of that elusive group – boys.

Barbara Else was in Dunedin recently to talk about her new novel Wild Latitudes. I caught up with her while she was here and we chat about the book, set in Dunedin in 1864, and the joys of writing rollicking historic fiction.

July 11 2007

2008-06-16T04:13:00.002+12:00

To kick off the show I’ll be talking to Emma Neale. Emma has had several novels and collections of Poems published and it is in her capacity as poet that we’ll be chatting. Montana Poetry Day is on Friday the 27th of July so to get people in the mood we’ll talk about poetry and our favourite poems.

Georgina White was the 2006 Caroline Plummer Fellow on Community Dance and her recently published book Light Fantastic – Dance floor courtship in New Zealand was the culmination of that work. We’ll talk about her book and the role dances had in shaping relationships and our society over the years.

June 13 2007

2008-06-16T04:04:00.004+12:00

Sandy McKay has written many books for children of all ages, including titles in the very popular Kiwi Bites books. Her book Recycled won the Junior Fiction category in the 2002 NZ Post Book Awards. Her most recent work Losing It is directed at teens and tackles friendship, family and anorexia. This year Sandy has also had published the biography One Stroppy Jockey: The Christine Lawn Story.

Jill Caldwell is a market researcher and social trends analyst, who, with co-author Christopher Brown wrote the recently released 8 Tribes – The Hidden Classes of New Zealand, which takes a contemporary look at New Zealanders, grouping them into social tribes based on what motivates and is important to them.

May 9th 2007

2008-06-16T03:51:00.005+12:00

Penelope Todd was one of my guests for the very first Write On radio show, when we talked about her book Box. I am delighted to have her back to talk about Zillah, her new book released this month by Longacre Press. Zillah is the final book in the Watermark Trilogy which is written for young adults. I’ll be chatting to Penelope about her writing, the book, and how it feels to let go at the end of a trilogy.

Kiss! Kiss! Yuck! Yuck! is a a favourite picture book in our household and it has been named as a finalist in the New Zealand Post Book Awards and as a Storylines New Zealand Noteable Book. Kyle Mewburn calls Millers Flat home and in 2005 Kyle was awarded the Joy Cowley award to develop Kiss! Kiss! Yuck! Yuck!. I will be talking to him about his experiences with the Joy Cowley Award and his love of writing children’s books.

April 11th 2007

2008-05-30T14:15:00.004+12:00

Elizabeth Pulford describes herself as a writer and gardener, enjoying both from her home in Waikouaiti. She has a large number of books published, including books for children, junior and young adult novels and Castello Italiano – an adult fiction novel. We’ll be chatting about her writing and her latest books – a young adult novel Sea Dreamer and a children’s book Castlecliff and the Fossil Princess.

I’ll also be talking to Dunedin writer Ella West about her young adult novel Thieves, which has been named as a finalist in the 2007 New Zealand Post Book Awards and as a Storylines Notable Book. Ella has a background in journalism, so as well as talking about her book, we’ll be talking about how her journalistic skills translate to writing fiction.

March 14 2007

2008-05-30T14:02:00.003+12:00

My first guest is a visitor from across the Tasman. Pam Bayfield is in Dunedin this week to launch her book A Leading Lady, The Story of Mary Jolly. Mary Jolly was a respected star of the Dunedin Repertory Society from the 1930’s to 1950’s. Pam will be chatting about Mary Jolly and her book. We will also talk about the pros and cons of self-publishing as this is the fifth book Pam has self-published.

My other guest is going to be me! In a bit of a role reversal I will be on the business end of the questions as Tania Roxborogh interviews me about my crime fiction novel Overkill. We’ll be talking about the book and also the joys of having your first novel in print and the process involved in making the dream a reality.

February 14th 2007

2008-05-30T13:51:00.004+12:00

Neville Pe at is one of New Zealand’s leading nature writers. He has written over 30 books and is also a photographer, providing many of the images for his works. Most of his titles are on natural history, including Wild Dunedin, which won a Montana Book Award in 1996, and his most recent publication Kiwi – The Peoples Bird. He has written two biographies of Sir Tim Wallace, Hurricane Tim and Winging It, specifically for young people. He has also developed and written museum exhibitions, including Antarctica – the big ice, currently on display at the Otago Museum. Neville has recently returned from Antarctica where he was researching a book on the 50th anniversary of United States/ New Zealand co-operation on the continent. Neville serves on the Otago Regional Council, and is its deputy chair.

Dunedin Author Jackie Ballantyne is having her first novel published by Random House this month. Set in rural south Otago in 1961 How to Stop a Heart from Beating tells of life through the eyes of Solly, a nine-year-old girl. I’ll be chatting to Jackie about her book, and the joy of being published for the first time.

January 12th 2007

2008-05-28T20:42:00.004+12:00

I'll be talking with Otago University Special Collections Librarian Donald Kerr about his recently released books. The Smell of Powder is a history of duelling in New Zealand, and yes, it did happen here! Amassing Treasures for all times: Sir George Grey, Colonial Bookman and Collector, tells of another side to Sir George Grey - the book collector.

Robyn Belton's children's book illustrations particularly those of our family favourite Greedy Cat will be familiar to many of you. Robyn was the 2006 recipient of the Margaret Mahy Medal for children's literature. I'll be talking to her about life as an illustrator and her most recent books, Greedy Cat and the Sneeze, and Marta and the Manger Straw.