The Writing Life

Deborah Shepard

ISBN 10: 0995109532 / ISBN 13: 9780995109537

Published by Massey University Press, NZ, 2018

About this Item

A unique and intimate survey of the lives and work of 12 of our most acclaimed writers: Patricia Grace, Tessa Duder, Owen Marshall, Philip Temple, David Hill, Joy Cowley, Vincent O'Sullivan, Albert Wendt, Marilyn Duckworth, Chris Else, Fiona Kidman and Witi Ihimaera.As a group they are now the `elders' of New Zealand literature; they forged the path for the current generation. These interviews reveal not just the grand moments of their careers but also the defeats and disappointments. There are also stories about the enabling and symbiotic role of editors and publishers, showing how key industry figures have played a critical role in shaping New Zealand's literary landscape. They also share some advice on writing.Magnificent portraits by distinguished photographer John McDermott complete the package.

Seller Inventory # LU-9780995109537

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Writing Life
• Publisher: Massey University Press, NZ
• Publication Date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0995109532
• ISBN 13: 9780995109537
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Weight: 841 grams

About this title

Synopsis

A unique, candid and intimate survey of the life and work of 12 of our most acclaimed writers: Patricia Grace, Tessa Duder, Owen Marshall, Philip Temple, David Hill, Joy Cowley, Vincent O’Sullivan, Albert Wendt, Marilyn Duckworth, Chris Else, Fiona Kidman and Witi Ihimaera.

Constructed as Q&As with experienced oral historian Deborah Shepard, they offer a marvellous insight into their careers. As a group they are now the ‘elders’ of New Zealand literature; they forged the path for the current generation. Together the authors trace their publishing and literary history from 1959 to 2018, through what might now be viewed as a golden era of publishing into the more unsettled climate of today. They address universal themes: the death of parents and loved ones, the good things that come with ageing, the components of a satisfying life, and much more. And they give advice on writing.

The book has an historical continuity, showing fruitful and fascinating links between individuals who have negotiated the same literary terrain for more than sixty years. To further honour them are magnificent photo portraits by distinguished photographer John McDermott, commissioned by the publisher for this project.

About the Author

Deborah Shepard is an author, teacher of memoir, oral historian and film and art historian. She has also been a Film, TV and Media Studies lecturer at the University of Auckland. Her major publications include Her Life’s Work: Conversations with Five New Zealand Women (2009), Between the Lives: Partners in Art (2005), Reframing Women: History of New Zealand Film (2000), and Giving Yourself to Life: A Journal of Pain, Hope and Renewal (2015). Deborah teaches introductory and Master classes in memoir and is a life writing mentor for the New Zealand Society of Authors.