The Writing LifeA unique, candid and intimate survey of the life and work of 12 of our most acclaimed writers: Patricia Grace, Tessa Duder, Owen Marshall, Philip Temple, David Hill, Joy Cowley, Vincent O’Sullivan, Albert Wendt, Marilyn Duckworth, Chris Else, Fiona Kidman and Witi Ihimaera.
Constructed as Q&As with experienced oral historian Deborah Shepard, they offer a marvellous insight into their careers. As a group they are now the ‘elders’ of New Zealand literature; they forged the path for the current generation. Read more... |
Giving Yourself To LifeFor twelve months Deborah Shepard kept a journal to help her with a chronic pain condition. Soon she found herself contemplating all of life’s pains and losses, including the devastating earthquakes that shattered her hometown of Christchurch. Searching for a way through, she began observing the natural world on her doorstep and reflecting on family, friendship, flowers, beauty, literature and art. By ‘giving herself to life’ she discovered the power of writing to heal. ‘It’s about learning to live fully in the moment in the midst of all the sufferings we as human beings encounter on a life path.’
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Her Life's WorkHer Life’s Work presents the extraordinary life stories of five New Zealand women - Jacqueline Fahey, Merimeri Penfold, Anne Salmond, Gaylene Preston and Margaret Mahy. As artists, writers, teachers, film-makers and thinkers each has carved out an impressive career, balancing society’s gender expectations with the pursuit of a meaningful identity through creative work. In a series of in-depth interviews with writer Deborah Shepard, the women speak candidly about their lives, loves and work, and the various influences that spurred or stalled their creative careers.
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TranslucenceTranslucence chronicles the life experiences of 11 new writers from Manukau and Papakura: Daniela Affolter, Tracy Ayres, Annette Bannon, Joan Hugo Burley, Kat Davita, Jenny Healey, Kay Mills, Sara-Jane Morgan, Shirleen Sagala, Missy Tia and Katarina Wildermoth. The 2010 First Chapters mentor and editor was Dr Deborah Shepard. A story from her own life was especially written for and included in this collection.
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Between the Lives: Partners in ArtBetween the Lives: Partners in Art is a fascinating book about artists who are also intimate partners. It takes nine well-known New Zealand couples and explores many aspects of their lives but particularly how the partnership affects the art they produce. Written by perceptive and knowledgeable writers, the chapters combine the best of academic scholarship with skillful, absorbing storytelling. They cast fresh light on paintings, poems and films and make a significant contribution to our understanding of how art has been produced in this country.
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Reframing WomenIn this detailed and very readable book, the author paints a vivid picture of New Zealand film history, with frank interviews and first-hand stories from women who have worked behind the camera, and often behind the scenes, over the last 60 years.
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Gaylene Preston Retrospective EssayClick here to read an essay by Deborah Shepard, titled 'A Decent Sense of Outrage'.
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