The definite highlight for me was the session I almost didn’t go to. I had to decide between “History and the Novel” and a session called “Adventures with a Wobbly Shopping Trolley”. Having had enough of history and the novel in a poorly run session called “Bloodlines” (poor sound and a poor chairperson), I did a last minute change of plans, and discovered a highly entertaining group of 3 columnists – Steve Braunias (Listener, Sunday Star Times), Tapu Misa (who I haven’t come across before), and James Griffin (of NZ script writing fame, Outrageous Fortunes). They shared their stories of taking risks, avoiding law suits, (which Steve hasn’t managed to do), replying to vicious letters (James’ column is primarily humour so he doesn’t get those), and whether you should keep yourself out of your column – the answer is no, it’s impossible to, and the personal stories are often what the readers like best. The session was entertaining, insightful, and full of laughter. And if you want to know how long you need to be a journalist for, before you get the phone call asking if you want your own column, the answer is between 15-25 years. So for someone like myself, only part-way through freelance journalism training, I’ve got something to look forward…..We did ambush Steve with a request to sign the book of his I had bought and a request for a photo for our blog (he had one of his 2 pack a day ciggies out of its packet and was making a beeline for the exit), but he charmingly smiled for the camera. Once the photo has passed my critical eye we’ll add it to the blog. (For those who don’t know, Steve wrote a an article a fortnight ago about blogging and it wasn’t complimentary!).
Other highlights: Shonagh Koea for her warmth and wit and her love of the smaller things in life – your day is going to go well if you start it with a good piece of toast and the roof isn’t leaking. She celebrated the arrival of an $8 cheque in the mail with the attitude that it could have been less, say $6.
Heather O’Neill was a wonderful reminder that there are people out there who have survived all sorts of traumas – they live to write wonderful stories. See Philippa’s comments for more on her session.
I could write a lot more but there are four more of us waiting to use the laptop, so it’s over and out for now.
Oh what bliss to be there to listen to exciting, stimulating people all day. Reading all your messages ( I am not up to using the word blog) I think it goes to show we all have stories within us but it is only a few who can turn them into something that is out there for others. I wonder what that secret ingredient is that makes you an ‘author’? Can you see any particlar trait among the the myriad of people you are listening too?