23 August 2006

Manukau’s budding writers celebrate completion of programme

The next Keri Hume, Witi Ihimaera, Maurice Gee or Margaret Mahy might be amongst the 2006 graduates of the Writer in Manukau Libraries programme (WIML).

This weekend at Te Matariki Clendon Library budding Manukau writers, ranging in age from 13 to 70, will celebrate and reflect on their achievements in this year’s programme.

The 2006 Writer in Residence Bronwyn Elsmore, who coached and mentored the 50 writers, has thoroughly enjoyed leading the programme.

“Getting to know the writers through their work has been a privilege.

“I was impressed by the variety of genres submitted which included short stories, poetry, children’s stories, novels and even an outline for a television script.

“I am sure that in the future we will see WIML acknowledged as the starting point of many Manukau writers’ careers.”

Ms Elsmore also praised the organisation of the programme and the professionalism of staff at Howick, Clendon and Tupu Libraries who hosted
WIML workshops and the individual coaching sessions.

For the first time selected works from WIML writers will be chosen for publication in a book to be released in late November.

WIML is an innovative coaching programme for new and beginning writers. It is the only programme of its kind in New Zealand.

To celebrate the completion of the programme, some of the writers will present readings of their work at Te Matariki Clendon Library this Saturday 26 August from 2:00 pm. Members of the media are welcome to attend.

BACKGROUNDER

This is the second year of the Writer in Manukau Libraries programme.

This year’s Writer in Residence Bronwyn Elsmore is an experienced tutor in creative writing. She has served on the committees of New Zealand Society of Authors and Playwrights Association of New Zealand.

Bronwyn’s writing experience covers an enormous range of genres. Perhaps best known for her highly acclaimed books on Maori religious movements, including Mana from Heaven: A Century of Maori Prophets in New Zealand, and Like Them That Dream: The Maori and the Old Testament.

She has also won a number of writing awards for her other publications including fiction, short stories, articles and children's books. She is a talented playwright, with several plays staged or produced for television and radio.

WIML is co-organised by The NZ Society of Authors (NZSA) Manukau Counties Writers' Group in partnership with Manukau Libraries with funding from ASB Bank Trust and the Manukau Creative Communities Scheme.

ENDS

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