On Thursday November 8th, Unity hosted a lunchtime discussion between author Deborah Shepard, Massey University Press publisher Nicola Legat, Dame Fiona Kidman, and Patricia Grace about Shepard’s new book The Writing Life: Twelve New Zealand Authors. Shepard conducted interviews with twelve of New Zealand’s greatest living authors, including Grace and Kidman, about their lives, careers, and the art of writing itself. Patricia Grace read a poem by the seminal poet, Hone Tuwhare, as it was one of the first pieces of literature she loved and was an inspiration for her to become a writer. Fiona Kidman read a moving poem about her late husband Ian. All three remarked on Shepard’s candour, respect, and passion as a writer, emphasising how wonderful their experience was working with Shepard to produce this remarkable book.
(L-R): Patricia Grace, Dame Fiona Kidman, Nicola Legat, Deborah Shepard
Deborah discussing her writing and interviewing process.
Patricia Grace reading a poem by Hone Tuwhare.
Dame Fiona Kidman reading a poem from her collection, ‘This Change in the Light’.
Grace and Kidman signing copies of ‘The Writing Life’.
The Writing Life: Twelve New Zealand Authors by Deborah Shepard, $50.00, is available for purchase in store or online here.
