For the last nine years I've worked from home as an editor and proofreader with my own business. I've also been writing, publishing my first novel in 2022 and working on my second. What some of you may not know is that before this, I was a professional fundraiser and worked in the NFP sector…
The Importance of Connection
Connection isn't just a buzz word. I've realised lately that I need more of it, and not the online kind. So I've been thinking about how I can connect with people in a meaningful and enriching way - starting with my existing friendships. For me, this means actually being in the presence of a friend,…
Book Review: The Queen’s Wife
New Zealand author Joanne Drayton launches her new book The Queen's Wife TONIGHT as part of Auckland Pride Month's Samesame but Different LGBTQIA+ Writers and Readers Festival. Congratulations, Joanne! I reviewed the book for NZ Booklovers. Here is my review: ‘Life is a game of chess. You should try playing it with two queens.’ So…
Let me tell you about joy
I deactivated Twitter and Facebook this week. I'm not sure how long for. It's called a sanity break. Social media dominates our lives and minds and I'm no longer willing to let that happen without my agency. I feel my adrenaline pumping and my outrage and anxiety spiking every time I see a clickbait headline…
A Festival-Goer Field Guide #2
It's that time again. The leaves are turning to flame and falling. Darkness is suddenly flicking the switch at 5.30pm like a grumpy boarding school matron. Beaches sigh, wistful but resigned, as we pack up our picnics and head indoors. And across New Zealand, book lovers are dusting off their lanyards and jotter pads and…
A Festival-Goer Field Guide
The Auckland Writers and Readers Festival kicks off tomorrow. I have spent the equivalent of a small Third World country's debt buying tickets to the various workshops, author talks and seminars on offer. I can't wait. They're a funny lot, W & R Festival-Goers. It's worth the admission price just to sit outside the various…
Patricia Bell, Author 