... and Tony makes fiction from real-life observations

BY CAROLYN THOMAS

Versatile Tony O'Brien is working on a doctorate in mental health law.

But he's just as comfortable letting his imagination run riot with a ripping piece of creative writing.

Tony's skill with words is earning him accolades as this year's Western Districts Short Story Competition winner.

The 56-year-old Titirangi resident won the contest's open section with Black's Space, a story about an art exhibition.

"I've always been interested in what artists see their paintings as representing," Tony says.

"I want to know what makes them tick."

The father of three adult children lectures in mental health nursing at Auckland University.

He also does a weekly shift in Auckland Hospital's emergency department.

Tony got into creative writing 10 years ago and bases most of his characters on real people.

"Fiction gives me an opportunity to explore what I observe and take it further," he says.

"You don't get to play with those ideas with academic writing."

Western District Short Story Competition 2009 results:

Open section: Tony O'Brien, Titirangi, 1; Darian Smith, Henderson, 2; Shona-Ellen Barnett, Waihi Beach, 3.

Very highly commended: Tony O'Brien, Titirangi; Althea Barr, Manukau.

High commended: Alison Rachelle McCormick, St Heliers; Dan Preston, Waipukarau; Michele Hine, Grey Lynn. Pam Laird, Crown Hill; Anna Harding, Kingsland. Kyla Clarkson, Forest Hill; Campbell Taylor, Titahi Bay.

Secondary section: Dan Barker, Waitakere College, 1; Jack Sanders, 2, Garin College; Laura Gan, 3, Massey High School.

Very highly commended: Charles Chirnside, Waitakere College; I-Jinn Lu, St Dominic's College.

Intermediate section: Isabella Walsh, Villa Maria College, 1; Jahnvee Solanki, Blockhouse Bay Intermediate, 2; Brendon Corner, Palmerston North Intermediate Normal School, 3.

Very highly commended: Liam Walsh, John Paul College; Elizabeth Louw, Blockhouse Bay Intermediate; Alisha Imran, Blockhouse Bay.

Highly commended: Shannon Murrray, Blockhouse Bay Intermediate; Lydia Horvat, Blockhouse Bay Intermediate.

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