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Creative ID: 305

Art form(s): Literature
Language(s): English
Based in: Auckland
Where I'm available:
Auckland
Anywhere in Auckland
When I'm available: As I work from home, I am generally available on weekdays during school hours in term time, with Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays best for me. I have some school visits and events booked in over the rest of the year but these can be worked around. I would also be able to take part after hours on weekdays, or on occasional weekends if necessary.

My arts or creative practice (including details about my specific focus within that art form/practice and my strengths)

I write children's fiction, including picture books, short stories and novels. I am a regular Writers in Schools visitor, give talks, and run creative writing workshops for both children and adults across the different forms. I am comfortable with any size crowd and any age group and have nearly twenty years' experience writing and over fourteen years' experience talking about and teaching creative writing with students.

My track record of experience and success - or the track record of experience and success of the creative or artist that I will partner with

I have thirteen titles published and two more on the way. I have been a finalist for a number of awards, and five of my titles are Storylines Notable Books. My second picture book won the New Zealand Post Children’s Choice Award, and was shortlisted for the Sakura Medal. A novel won Librarian's Choice at the LIANZA Awards and another picture book was a White Raven Selection. My short stories have appeared in trade and educational publications in New Zealand and Australia and my collection,was published last year and is a finalist for the Wright Family Foundation Esther Glen Award for Junior Fiction at the NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. I have studied both adult’s and children’s literature at University level. I was a University of Otago College of Education Creative New Zealand Children’s Writer in Residence, have appeared at writers festivals across New Zealand, and blog on writing and I’m one of ten New Zealand writers who run an innovative online writing experiment for children.

Describe the experience you have had working with children or young people, teaching or facilitating creative processes

I have visited many schools, (primary, intermediate, and high schools) over the fourteen years I have been a published author. I have participated in Storylines Festivals in Central and South Auckland, and their Tours in Northland and the Blenheim/Marlborough region, speaking at multiple schools each day over the course of the tour. I was also involved for three years in Read NZ's Otahuhu Project which involved six days of visits at a single decile-one school to work with the students on a specific writing project. I participated in multiple Read NZ 'Speed Date the Author' events which give many schools the opportunity to have keen creative students in their school hear from a range of authors and illustrators over the course of a day.

Why I want to be part of the Creatives in Schools programme and how my involvement will link to my creative practice

Reading and books are not just the cornerstone of education, but provide lifelong skills and benefits to the mental and emotional well-being of readers, and vastly improved prospects to those who embrace books. Every child has the potential to love books and if I can help them find and grow this love, then not only am I helping them toward successful outcomes, I am also introducing them to the wonder that is New Zealand literature and showing them they too can be an author if they choose. In teaching them writing skills I hope to enable future generations to tell their own stories which is critical to a diverse community better understanding and appreciating each other.

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