Information Slam for local writers

Debbie McCauley and Debbie Tipuna, finalists in the 2019 NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults-Non-Fiction Award, will both be speakers at the Bookrapt Information Slam. Photo: Supplied

The Bay of Plenty Children's Literature Association's annual seminar ‘Bookrapt' is taking on a whole new look this year.

Promoted as a One-Stop Information Slam for writers, the seminar will involve six speakers in a Pecha Kucha style format and two Q & A panel sessions.

Well-known local authors Debbie McCauley and Susan Brocker will speak on writing non-fiction and Young Adult and Teen Fiction.

Susan Brocker is a local author of more than sixty books for older children and teenagers. She has a love of social history that is often reflected in her books, such as ‘Brave Bess' and ‘1914: Riding into War'. She also has a close affinity with animals which feature in her novels like ‘The Wolf in the Wardrobe' and ‘Saving Sam'.

Also well-known, author Angie Belcher and illustrator Debbie Tipuna will address the requirement for producing picture books. Editor Chad Dick, Publisher Ross Hamill from Kale Print and Books-a-Plenty owner Chris Baskett will deal with the nuts and bolts of preparing manuscripts, publishing and promoting.

For those new to writing and publishing through both traditional or self-publishing avenues this seminar will offer the opportunity to answer questions in an information packed afternoon.

Bookrapt was established in 1983 to promote public awareness of the value of books and reading for young people but has grown to be a group that also supports, encourages and mentors writers across many genres.

Susan Brocker. Photo: Supplied

Members include inaugural member Dame Lynley Dodd, Phyllis Johnston who is well known for her long running classic 'No-One Came To Town” series, Jean Bennett, who produced numerous children's books for National Geographic, multi award winning international author Sheryl Jordon, and two-time Bram- Stoker nominee Lee Murray, and the list goes on.

'The amount of writing and publishing knowledge within the group is huge,” says local writer Jill Batty.

The sometimes lonely and frustrating road to being published can be made easier by sharing problems, seeking knowledge and rubbing shoulders with other creative like-minded individuals.

The seminar takes place at Tauranga City Library on Saturday September 14 from 1.30pm-4.30pm. The cost of $25 also includes membership to Bookrapt. Registration is essential. Details can be found online or by emailing bookraptnz@gmail.com or text 02102488981.

For more editorial information contact: Email Bookrapt Chairperson Penny Guy - penny.guy@tauranga.govt.nz or phone Tauranga Library 07 577 7177, Debbie McCauley 0276591260 or Angie Belcher 02102488981

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