Writers bookmark August
It’s the time of year when book worms descend on Hamilton.
August is the month for lovers of the written word, and Hamilton Book Month has made sure there are events for authors and readers alike.
Committee member Catherine Wallace says this year has a great line-up.
Her top picks for the month include the opening event Cracking the Code, ‘‘speed dating’’ with authors, and the closing workshop with David Hill.
This year the members focused on an event with more of a practical writing focus, she said.
‘‘We found people were really keen to come and hear about best-selling authors, but we’re also offering some events so people can get under way with their own writing.’’
Featuring guest speakers, Cracking the Code will act as a how-to guide on getting your work published and getting paid for it.
The event is free and will be held on Thursday, August 3 at the Lido Cinema, Centre Place.
Two days later at the same location, local authors will have four minutes to talk about how they wrote and published their books.
On the final day of the festival, New Zealand author David Hill will present Topics, Techniques, Targets: Writing for Kids and Young Adults.
A ‘‘phenomenal legend’’, Hill will also offer feedback on attendees own writing, Wallace said.
In terms of big names, the Women Writers event on Thursday, August 10 features authors Catherine Chidgey, Nicky Pellegrino, Danielle Hawkins and Catherine Robertson.
Wallace said the Waikato was a hub for writers.
‘‘Both Wintec and Waikato University have creative writing courses and there are people that get together in book groups and writers circles, and people are looking to see how they can get their stories out there.
‘‘Some people enjoy writing in a diary, others want to share their work. Some are illustrators and want to link up with someone and others are wondering how to get their fantasy fiction story out there,’’ she said.
There are 13 events throughout the month of August. For more details visit: www.hamiltonbookmonth.wixsite.com/2017.