Came down here to visit my cuzzy Peter Clarke to discuss our up and coming Potiki Whanau weekend in January, and to attend the annual Verb Readers and Writers Festival. Highlights were:
Listening to Witi Ihimaera’s opening address, workshopping with Tessa Duder, supporting my Tauranga Writers colleagues (and renowned published authors) Lee Murray and Jacqui Greaves, who were part of a panel of horror writers at the Boneface Tavern, and last but not least, meeting NZ born Melbournite poet Grace Lee, with whom I shared an Indian meal afterwards. Talk about a multicultural experience …
On a sadder note, just as I was walking to the venue to hear Witi’s talk, I received the news that a very dear friend had passed away from a brain aneurysm. It was all I could do to keep walking, but glad of the distraction, if temporary. Our mutual friend Lynda was here with me, which helped, and we continued with the weekend, knowing that’s what Jan would expect us to do.
As it turned out, my seat on the bus back up to Tauranga was cancelled and I couldn’t make it back in time for the funeral tomorrow, so I’m instead going to hear the NZ Air Force Band. I think Jan would approve .
With everything that’s gone on, not much writing over the last few days, but with 21k words into the sequel to Finding Miriama I can probably afford to relax at this stage.
Komentarze