Write first time for city author

A London-based Hamilton author has sealed a deal which will see her first book made into an independent film.

Diane "DJ" Connell, who was in the country this week to promote her book Julian Corkle is a Filthy Liar, told the Waikato Times she was delighted to have finally released the cross-generational coming-of-age novel, and believed it would transfer well to a big-screen production.

"The (film) deal is done, all the paperwork has been thrashed out, and I might even sign it while I am here," Ms Connell said.

"It's fantastic. I think there are a lot of talented writers out there who look for the break, and don't get it – and my heart goes out to them – but I just kept at it."

Ms Connell describes the main character of the book as "a bit of dick", a young Tasmanian man who is an outsider trying to fit in.

"He's a `big' character in a very small society. It's about his struggle to find his place, (and) Julian thinks he's a bit of a `player'. He's a show-off, a funny kid, and a fool – but he's also adorable. And he doesn't get it when he keeps messing up."

The book has been described by noted author Eoin Colfer as "a big fat masterpiece".

Ms Connell said she had always been attracted to "the misfits, the eccentrics", and Julian Corkle fits into that group.

"It's a romp, and a funny quirky thing. And (film producer) Sarah Radclyffe sees it as a quirky film."

Ms Connell said she wrote "to make people laugh, and I write because I want to leave something behind".

Hamilton born-and-bred, she has been writing for more than 20 years, and her career has included a stint on a newspaper in Tokyo: "That's where I learned to write."

She began writing books about seven years ago, and moved to Britain late last year. Writing is now her full-time occupation, and before closing the original book deal she lived off savings for several years.

Ms Connell gets up at 5am every day to begin writing, and described herself as "taking humour very seriously".

When it comes time for the film to go into production – likely to be later this year – Ms Connell hopes to be on-set to contribute.

No director has been confirmed, but several are being considered. Ms Connell expected the film, like the book, would be driven by its characters and may well be made in Australia. It is hoped the film will be released next year.

"I have faith in Sarah to be faithful to my book. And I'm happy to be able to share that character."

Julian Corkle is the first of three books Connell has completed, and she has a fourth manuscript under way. French publishing firm Editions Belfond has also bought the rights to release a French language version of the book.

Her second book, under the working title Sherry Cracker Gets Normal, is set for release in 2011.

- © Fairfax NZ News