Author’s adventure

Amelia Harris, 37, is an illustrator and writer from Chatswood. She is just about to release her debut kids book ‘Some Eels’

How long have you lived here and where are you from?

I’m from Wellington, I moved to Auckland after college to study at The University of Auckland. Describe your neighbourhood.

Chatswood is a peaceful, forest suburb with access to really nice bush walks, even when they’re super muddy!

What is your earliest memory of the Shore? Seeing this strange, angular, modernist house near the bush where we would live.

What are the greatest advantages to living here?

The shore still has a lovely ‘holiday’ feel along a lot of its coasts.

Where is your favourite North Shore beach and why?

Kendell Bay, because it’s a nice place to pretend you’ve been shipwrecked.

Who is the person you admire the most and why?

I really admire my neighbour Jen whose husband, a retired sea captain, has been really sick lately. She has been so strong through this tough time, still walking the dogs in great outfits, and smiling. A beautiful, strong lady.

What do you like least about the Shore and how can we fix it?

Traffic of course! Make public transport cheap again.

Where is the best place to have a meal? Woodside Cafe on Hinemoa - they are baking great stuff all day.

What’re you doing this weekend?

‘‘[I'm] trying not to get too nervous about launching my first illustrated book. It's for all ages, about some eels who go upstream for an adventure.’’

Trying not to get too nervous about launching my first illustrated book. It’s for all ages, about some eels who go upstream for an adventure.

* Harris is pictured holding a mock-up of her book cover.