'Bold spirit, thick skin' key to writing

A thick skin and a bold spirit is necessary in the literary world, a best-selling author told a room of young writers at an Invercargill workshop yesterday.

Tania Roxborogh – author of the Banquo's Son trilogy – travelled from Dunedin to deliver a writing workshop for young people at the Invercargill City Library.

Her visit marked the end of the library's summer reading programme and was an excellent way to prepare readers-turned-writers for the next step in a literary career, she said.

"You can't be precious," Roxborogh said. Her own career began as a teenager when a teacher told her she had a gift for writing.

A teacher now herself, as well as a published author of more than 20 books, Roxborogh said sometimes it took a student having their gifts identified at an early age to set them on the right path.

"You have to have a thick skin," she said, showing the class a draft of her latest manuscript. There were six pages of changes from her editor, she said.

"I just have to say `OK, right, fine.' You never stop learning as a writer."

Outreach librarian Kirsty Graham said Roxborogh had an extensive understanding of the literary industry.

"She has much experience with young adults so it seemed fitting to have her visit." gwyneth.hyndman@stl.co.nz

- © Fairfax NZ News

Newest First

Oldest First