NZ Society of Authors Newsletter Friday 10/5/13 Issue 12 Volume XII

For an application form and criteria please download from our website www.authors.org.nz or contact NZSA
National Office: office@nzauthors.org.nz
Applications to be sent to: PO Box 7701 Wellesley Street, Auckland 1144
Clippings from the Internet
The importance of instilling a need to read
Reading for pleasure at the age of 15 is a strong factor in determining future social mobility. Indeed, it has
been revealed as the most important indicator of the future success of the child. That was the startling finding
of research carried out by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development on education and
reading, and their role in promoting social mobility. It highlights why getting teenagers to read for pleasure is
more than a sepia-tinted ambition for frustrated parents. It is a fundamental social issue. The research
findings need unpicking. A distinction is being drawn between different motivations for reading – whether it is
done for its own sake, or whether it is the result of being cajoled by carrots and sticks. Research suggests
those who read for pleasure demonstrate an intrinsic desire to engage with stories, texts and learning.
Reading for pleasure therefore reveals a predisposition not just to literature, but to the sort of lifelong learning
that explains increased social mobility. More..
Telling Stories: A Winter Writing Programme in Wellington
Life stories and memoir: Fiona Kidman will again lead a life writing course for those
who want to record their own stories,or those of others, whether as personal record, a
history to leave for family, or for potential publication. It is not confined to older people.
Young people have histories too.
Participants don’t need previous writing experience, but reasonable literacy skills and
an interest in reading would be useful starting points. You will be encouraged to
explore the past in a constructive and creative way. As the writing of memoir,
autobiography or biography often draws on the shape and structure of good fiction, in
order to to construct an absorbing narrative, some basic fiction writing craft will be introduced. The course will
provide a safe, supportive environment to explore life stories. Online support will be available to those working
on extended projects.
The guest speakers are: Harry Ricketts, internationally acclaimed biographer of Rudyard Kipling (The
Unforgiving Minute), Mary McCallum, author of best selling and award winning novel The Blue, Craig Cliff,
winner of Best First Book Commonwealth Fiction Prize ( A Man Melting), Julia Millen, historian, biographer and
fiction writer, will discuss how to get the best use from research facilities and publisher Stephen Minchin will
talk about publishing options.
The group meets on Saturdays twice a month from June through to August (8 June, 22 June, 6 July, 20 July, 3
August, 17 August), upstairs at the historic and comfortable Thistle Inn, Molesworth Street, Wellington. 9.30
a.m.- 4 p.m.
Go to www.fionakidman.co.nz for further information and an application form. For personal inquiries email
fiona@fionakidman.co.nz (put words Writing Programme in header)
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Seeking a Secretary/Treasurer
A small literary organization requires a secretary/treasurer. Must have accounting skills and enthusiasm for
books and writing. An honorarium is paid. Wellington based. Full job description will be supplied on
application.
Contact: faulknernz@gmail.com
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