University of Auckland students publish annual short story collection

A new collection of short stories by University of Auckland Fiction Writing students explores the myriad myths and realities, pains and rewards, fears and desires of life in contemporary New Zealand.

Spectrum 5 is the fifth edition of an anthology that showcases the talent of the University's burgeoning fiction writers. The first collection, published in 2004, was the brainchild of acclaimed writer and Department of English Professor Witi Ihimaera, who regularly heads up the 3rd-year Fiction Writing paper.

Associate Professor of English Lisa Samuels calls Spectrum 5 "a stellar anthology bristling with life".

Emily Perkins, an internationally respected novelist and Senior Tutor in the Department of English, concurs. She guided the Fiction Writing class in their work on Spectrum 5, overseeing the 12-student committee that spent hours vetting and editing submissions. Emily notes that the collection features stories that range from terrorism, snakes and suburbia to time travellers, arsonists and families.

"Spectrum 5 gives us a wonderful range, from inventive comedy to stories full of fear and longing. Teaching these students was stimulating and fun - they responded to the form with great enthusiasm and curiosity, and I think you can see that delight reflected in the collection. From a really strong year, the stories in this book are the cream of the crop," she says.

Karishma Kripalani, a Fiction Writing graduate and a key member of the publishing committee, says producing the anthology has offered valuable insights into the publishing industry as a whole.
"From writing and editing the stories to learning about publishing and marketing the book, the University's Fiction Writing class is an important step for anyone interested in the writing process, from first drafts to publication and distribution," she says.

Spectrum 5 comprises the short stories of 23 Fiction Writing graduates from The University of Auckland. The anthology project is managed by Penguin and is available at the University Book Shop or online at www.fishpond.co.nz. The Recommended Retail Price is $20.00.

Spectrum 5 will be launched at a special ceremony on 15 October in the Common Room, level 4, Arts 1 (10 Symonds St).

The anthology will also be celebrated fro 5:30pm-7:00pm on October 29 at Lounge 5, the English Department's Creative Reading Series, held in Old Government House (City Campus, The University of Auckland).