Workshops And Readings With Eminent Writer

22 April 2005

Workshops And Readings With Eminent Writer On Again In May

Manukau Libraries is pleased to announce the final series of free Writers' Workshops and Readings by Auckland author Graeme Lay will be held throughout the month of May at Botany Library, Manurewa Library and Mangere East Library. This is part of the Inaugural Writer in Manukau Libraries programme (WIML) currently in progress; managed by the New Zealand Society of Authors (NZSA), Manukau Counties Writers' Group and supported by Manukau Libraries and a Creative Communities Manukau grant.

All the workshops will be hosted by Graeme Lay, and will be on the same topic (short story writing), and all the readings will be Graeme reading from his own books. Places are limited and open to individual members of the public who will need to contact the host library to book in. For logistical reasons group bookings are not possible.

Launched on 26 February by Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis, this literary programme is a first for New Zealand and has received much interest and support from libraries and literary people throughout New Zealand. Graeme Lay is a nationally recognised writer, editor, literary reviewer, judge and panelist: He was a three times finalist for the New Zealand Travel Writer of the Year Award and two of his young adult novels were past finalists in the NZ Post Children's Book Awards.

Organizer Jocelyn Watkin says, "The programme has been very successful with extremely positive feedback from both the author and the people selected for coaching. 50 lucky Counties Manukau people were selected for one on one coaching by Graeme Lay. After just one coaching session they are now much more enthusiastic and motivated about their writing. Thanks to Graeme and the WIML programme, they have the confidence in themselves to go on writing. Many have also taken the plunge and sent off their work to prospective publishers.

"Although we do not have any more places for the one on one coaching we do have the workshops and reading sessions which are still available for May, and I encourage people to take advantage of these.

"The free Writers' Workshops give participants the opportunity to explore ideas, ask questions and receive guidance and encouragement. Graeme encourages all budding writers from senior high school age to adults to come along.

"To ensure a place in the workshop please contact the appropriate library to book a place. This is truly an opportunity not to be missed."

May Timetable: Readings - Tuesday 10 May, Manurewa Library 10.15 - 11.15am Wednesday 11 May, Botany Library 1.30 - 2.30 pm Saturday 28 May, 10.15 - 11.15 Mangere East Library

Writers' Workshops: Thursday 12 May Mangere East Library 1 - 3pm Saturday 21 May Botany Library 9.15 - 11 am Tuesday 24 May Manurewa Library 3 - 4.45 pm

For bookings contact: Manurewa Library - 262 5420, Botany Library - 272 0010, Mangere East - 275 5420 and for more information access the Manukau City Council website: www.manukau.govt.nz

ENDS

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