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Write Space Literary news, views and reviews http://taurangawriters.org.nz |
Writing for children is a wonderful, though at times isolating, occupation.
It's rewarding then to get the chance to meet with other writers and share experiences and advice. I had this opportunity recently when I attended the Spinning Tales national children's writers and illustrators' hui held in Auckland from the 1st to 3rd of April.
 Susan Brocker and friend, Barney. |
Storylines http://www.storylines.org.nz/ and Kiwi Write4Kidz http://www.kiwiwrite4kidz.co.nz/ planned and organized the conference to cater for both established writers' and illustrators' for children and young adults, and for new and emerging writers' and illustrators'.
The conference opened with the Storylines Margaret Mahy Day when some of our finest writers and illustrators achieved awards in recognition of their successes. Kate de Goldi, recipient of the 2011 Storylines Margaret Mahy Medal, gave a glorious, richly woven speech entitled 'Legends of the Swamp.” Kate spoke about how writers are propelled by puzzlement and fancies, and reading is a telescope on the undiscovered, complex world around us. Her inspirational words warmed us up for the two days of workshops and sessions ahead.
The excellent workshops that followed included useful advice and techniques on novel writing; how to present a successful manuscript to publishers; and scriptwriting for theatre and screen. Other workshops addressed the business of writing with sessions on using new technologies and on-line media; tips on giving talks and media interviews; and applying for grants and understanding copyright.
My next novel The Wolf in the Wardrobe is due out in June, and at a special 'Sneak Preview” event those of us about to launch books had the rare opportunity to promote our work to teachers and librarians. Others had the chance to pitch their new ideas to publishers at a nerve-wracking one-on-one, three-minute slam.
 One of our tables at our Literary Feast dinner after an impromptu illustrating session. Photo: Yvette Carol |
One of the highlights was meeting with the publishers themselves. In a special one-hour session, a panel made up of our top publishers gave their inside views on the publishing process. We had the chance to ask burning questions about slush piles and contracts and put them in the hot seat. Some of the news was sobering. It is getting tougher to see your book in print given the present economic climate and uncertainties in publishing. But on a positive note, all the publishers say New Zealand writers continue to produce some of the finest children's books in the world.
The greatest gift of the conference was the opportunity to chat with fellow writers and illustrators. We heard words of wisdom from some of our greats, including Margaret Mahy, Tessa Duder, Gavin Bishop, Lynley Dodd, William Taylor, and David Hill. On the Saturday night, writers and illustrators treated us to a Literary Feast of food and fun. After an evening of wit and hilarity from the guest speakers, the illustrators picked up their crayons and set our tablecloths aflame with colour.
We all came away from the weekend awed and inspired by both the talent and generosity of New Zealand's creative community.
