NorthTec Applied Writing graduate goes international

Media Release 24 July 2013

NorthTec Applied Writing graduate goes international

When Justine Payen decided to study Applied Writing at NorthTec she never envisaged that her first major publication, a children’s book titled -- ‘Tea with Miss Tilly’ -- would go international.

Driven by her passion for reading, the Hikurangi mother of four decided it was time to do something about her desire for words when she enrolled for the Diploma in Applied Writing (Level 5) in 2010.

“I just love to read, I’ll read anything and it’s always been with me since I was a kid,” Justine says.

“While I was studying I really didn’t think about writing a kid’s book at all, what I really wanted to do was write a historic romance novel,” she laughs.

However, during her studies she had a ‘eureka’ moment when the idea for pictorial book popped up in her head and became a consuming drive for her until she came up with the concept of the editorial content and illustrations outline for the book.

Like all good writers Justine’s manuscript was rebuffed by some publishers but Harper-Collins saw merit and commissioned her to work on it in 2010.

Illustrated by Wellington-based Phillip Webb, the book tells a warm and charming tale of not just taking tea with Miss Tilly but travelling far afield as Atlantis, the Loch Ness and even the Pyramids before returning to the warm comforts of home.

When it was released in 2012 the book earned warm reviews pushing it into the eye of international publishers.

“I’ve now got a Korean publishing company putting together a contract to publish 10,000 translated copies. It’s an exciting development and it has got me thinking about a sequel – ‘Tea with Miss Tilly too’,” she adds.

At the same time she is delving into the idea of writing a young adult paranormal fantasy.

“It won’t be about Vampires or Harry Potter-types, I’m more into thinking about Shape Shifters,” Justine adds.

She acknowledges that none of this would have come about if she hadn’t thought about studying at NorthTec.

“I really need to thank all of my tutors, especially Diana Menefy, she’s been brilliant and I really enjoyed her teaching,” Justine says.

“NorthTec Applied Writing courses are just fantastic. I absolutely recommend doing it if you want to get into writing.”

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ENDS

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