Local Libraries & Speed Dates

Category: library visit, Shield, Spark, Spark Army, Stray

It’s been a busy week of author events for me, an exciting NZ Book Council initiative called: Speed Date an Author (held at Nayland College) and two library visits with teen book groups.

I joined graphic novelist Sarah Laing, poet David Merritt and crime writer Alan Carter and 80+ students from various High Schools around Nelson for the NZ Book Council’s action packed ‘Speed Date An Author’ format. Four groups of students rotate through 4 author workshops. I had 30 minutes with each group to present an interactive session on writing Dynamic Dialogue. It was hectic fun and the students were engaged and eager to learn. It was great to see students writing and exploring practical techniques to enhance their work.

Also this week, I had the pleasure of returning to the vibrant Motueka Public Library to meet with marvelous Mary Butler’s Teen Book Club. I visited this group last year and it was wonderful to return and meet some old and new faces. We talked about the writing process and books we love. It’s always interesting to hear what young people are reading a loving.

And another return visit to the Richmond Library Teen Book Club, Mystery Inc facilitated by brilliant librarian Rachel Lord. It was a fun, casual chat about the Spark journey. Always a warm welcome and a good time.