Queenstown Writers Festival got off to a flying start yesterday with an inspiring short story workshop led via Zoom by acclaimed New Zealand novelist Catherine Chidgey. This was followed by the launch of talented children’s writer and illustrator Laura Shallcrass’s latest book, What Colour Is the Sky?
Our festival may be known as the Queenstown Writers Festival but it is really all about the readers. We would love to see you at the three remaining events at the Sherwood workshop today. There will be limited door sales.
Catherine Chidgey
Catherine will take to the Zoom stage again at 11am to talk to local journalist Debbie Jamieson. Catherine will talk about her work, in particular her latest book, Remote Sympathy, a historical novel mainly set in the Buchenwald concentration camp.
Brannavan Gnanalingam
At 2pm Brannavan will talk with local teacher Amanda Robinson. I first heard of Brannavan when I came across the book Sodden Downstream. A Hutt Valley native myself, the description of the book as a love letter to the Hutt Valley caught my eye.
Sita is a Tamil refugee living in the Valley. On the day of one of Wellington’s worst storms, Sita’s boss insists she turn up to her cleaning job in the city or be fired. Public transport is not running. Sita needs her job to support her family.
I found myself totally caught up in Sita’s story, desperately hoping it works out for her…The writing is perfect. I love reading a book and being able to visualise the situation and the characters. This novel is also an insight into the resilience and determination of many immigrant workers.
Brannavan’s latest novel, Sprigs, was shortlisted for the Ockham Prize, as was Sodden Downstream. The novel centres on the pack rape of a 15-year-old girl at a party after the annual rugby match between two boys’ schools. It addresses toxic masculinity, rape culture and racism. It is not an easy read but it’s a brilliant novel that won this year’s Ngaio Marsh Award.
Jacqueline Bublitz
At 4pm Taranaki writer Jacqueline Bublitz will talk with festival trustee Chris Fitzpatrick. I could not put Jacqueline’s début novel sensation Before You Knew My Name down. The novel is written in the voices of the murder victim and the woman who found her body by the Hudson River. It’s been described as thriller, mystery and a New York novel. It’s a riveting read and Jacqueline’s tales of life from Waitara to Manhattan will enthrall.
The festival is selling books this year as a fundraiser. There are some great titles for sale. With Christmas just around the corner this is a chance to support the festival and get some gift shopping done.
– Tanya Surrey, chair of festival trustees
