Oh how I envy you! Not everyone has the chance to face the unspeakable terrors of the great unknown …
It really is the last minute now – the Auckland Writers and Readers Festival proper starts on Thursday night with a Gala evening, and before that the schools’ programme is presenting two whole days for kids and teens, with a brilliant line-up of national and international talent.
I’m lucky enough to be going up early to cover the schools’ programmes, and I’m really looking forward to starting off Wednesday morning with a session featuring bestselling Irish author Eoin Colfer, creator of Artemis Fowl, evil boy genius, closely followed by an interview with the man himself.
Over the course of Wednesday and Thursday, I’m also checking out sessions with Emily Rodda, Paula Morris, Oliver Jeffers, Hinemoana Baker, Anthony McCarten, Fleur Beale, and a whole lot of other multi-talented writers, poets and performers. And that’s all before the main Festival even starts on Thursday night. It’s no wonder that Owl’s song from the Disney movie Pooh’s Grand Adventure has been constantly in my head for the last few weeks.
Today’s the day – in only a matter of moments we’ll all be on our way. What lurks around the corner not a soul can say; but I can guess, more or less: hidden dangers, great duress … Ah, the moment of glory is close at hand – It’s gonna be grand!
Right, I’m off to finish packing my bag, checking my notes, making sure I know where all the sessions are, AND leaving you with these final words from Owl:
That’s the beauty of adventure, the trembling and the dread! Oh I can’t think of another thing I’d rather do instead …
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