WRITERS AND READERS SCHOOLS’ DAY
Magic Realism
Elizabeth Knox (NZ) and Kelly Link (USA)
Elizabeth Knox (The Vintner’s Luck and Dreamhunter) is one of New Zealand’s most adventurous and imaginative fiction writers. American short story writer Kelly Link (The Wrong Grave and Pretty Monsters) is often described as a slipstream writer embracing a combination of science fiction, fantasy, horror, mystery and
realism; her writing sits in the Neil Gaiman vein. Elizabeth and Kelly read from their books and discuss what they have
in common – magic realism, fantasy and exciting writing.
WHEN: 9 March 9.30am at the Wellington Town Hall
DURATION: 50 mins
TICKETS: $8
RECOMMENDED: Yr 9-13
Terrific Characters, Dystopian Worlds
Bernard Beckett (NZ) and Jane Higgins (NZ)
Bernard Beckett is an award-winning writer of young adult fiction. His books include philosophical thriller Genesis, the hilarious Malcolm and Juliet and mind-bender Jolt. He also teaches secondary school English, drama and mathematics. Jane Higgins is a research fellow in youth studies at
Lincoln University with degrees in astronomy, mathematics, theology and anthropology. She won the Text Prize for young
adult writing for her impressive debut, The Bridge, a gritty, futuristic adventure. Bernard and Jane discuss the compelling characters and dystopian worlds they create.
WHEN: 9 March 12.30pm at the Wellington Town Hall
DURATION: 50 mins
TICKETS: $8
RECOMMENDED: Yr 9-13
Our Planet, Our Future
Tim Flannery (Australia)
Internationally-acclaimed scientist, explorer, environmentalist and chairman of the Copenhagen Climate Council Tim
Flannery speaks about the pressures on our planet, one of the most important issues of our time. Tim has written over a
dozen books, including his award-winning bestsellers The Future Eaters and The Weather Makers: The History and Future Impact of Climate Change. Tim’s recent Here on Earth: An Argument for Hope charts the history of life on our planet and offers visionary solutions to the planet’s problems.
WHEN: 9 March 1.45pm
DURATION: 50 mins
TICKETS: $8
RECOMMENDED: Yr 9-13 Image: Richard Haughton
ENDS
Writers and Readers Week is supported by the Lion Foundation, Victoria University of Wellington, John F. Kennedy
Memorial Fellowship, Unity Books, Museum Art Hotel, Australia Council for the Arts, Australian High Commission, Goethe
Institut, Canada Council for the Arts, Embassy of Spain and the Embassy of the United States of America.