
Have you ever fantasised about having a chat with any of our local authors?
Whether this would be a dream come true for you, or your worst nightmare, you might enjoy having a look at some of the interviews that intrepid librarians have already conducted with local authors on your behalf.
What’s it like to get up-close-and-personal with an author whose work you love?
First read that author’s books! Sounds obvious, but… interviewers have been caught short before. You’ll start to feel confident. At this point, don’t be tempted to read other interviewers with their super cunning questions, it will crush you. The day of the interview dawns and you walk with boots of lead to the venue thinking all the while: Why, why, why do I do this to myself? The interview starts and amazingly, the esteemed author is a lovely, interesting talker as well as a gifted writer. At some point there is interview lift-off and you feel high. Back home, you transcribe the interview (this is so much easier to do if you remembered to switch on the recorder). And then it is all over. Until next time.
I counted at least twenty interviews with New Zealand writers at this library link; here’s a couple to get you started:
- Paul Cleave Christchurch-based author of taut, psychological thrillers who has achieved international recognition
- Sarah-Kate Lynch and Bronwyn talk food, drink, love and white pj’s in this fun interview
- Laurence Fearnley and I love the same book – one of hers – so that was a good start!
- Fiona Kidman talks friendship and writing with Rachel
Top of my list of Kiwi writers to interview in the future would be Lloyd Jones and Shonagh Koea. How about you? Any New Zealand author you’d like to chat to, and what would you really like to ask?