The Northland Branch of the New Zealand Society of Authors will celebrate New Zealand Book Week with an event featuring
two Northlanders who were finalists in the 2018 Ockham New Zealand Book Award.
Annaleese Jochems was shortlisted for the Acorn Fiction Award and won the Hubert Church Best First Book Award for her
novel, Baby, (VUP, 2017). It was described by international judge, Alan Taylor as ‘the kind of novel that lingers in the memory long after you put it down.'
Poet, Briar Wood was short-listed for the Poetry Prize for her collection, Rāwāhi (Anahera Press, 2017). Paula Green of NZ Poetry Shelf, said: 'This book draws upon whakapapa, love, relations, ecology, the past and the present. Its warmth and its empathy are
infectious.'
Northland writer, poet, performer and musician Vivian Thonger will interview Annaleese and Briar about their work. The
afternoon will include opportunities for questions from the audience and networking with local writers, along with some
sparkling entertainment.
The event will take place on Sunday 28th October 1.30 pm at Kings Theatre Creative, Kawakawa. Funded by Foundation North and NZSA Northland, it is free of charge.
ends