NORTH SHORE AUTHOR GRANTED INTERNATIONAL RESIDENCY

Children's author Kathy White has been awarded a three-month residency by Creative New Zealand to participate in the 2009 International Writers program at the University of Iowa.

The Children's and Teenage Services Devonport, Auckland librarian has been a writer and educational publisher in both New Zealand and Australia for a number of years. Her published work includes 13 books and over a 100 magazine articles and plays. English-born she has lived in New Zealand for over 38 years and also works as a writing tutor for Auckland University's Continuing Education Department.

Kathy has observed how writers in this programme have grown in confidence and enthusiasm, and their writing has matured. "You just have to look at how many of their books have ended up as finalists in New Zealand book awards. I've had plays, articles and books published but this residency will give me the time and inspiration to finish my first full-length novel for kids."

"I can't wait for the chance to mix with writers from other countries, to immerse myself in American life, and to write from morning until night if I want to ... with no thought of bills. What a magnificent opportunity."

Creative New Zealand Chief Executive Stephen Wainwright said the Iowa residency is an excellent and unique professional development opportunity for established New Zealand authors.

"This residency will allow Kathy the time to work on longer works of fiction for children. These sorts of experiences inevitably impact on an author's work, and subsequently contribute to the development of literature in New Zealand", Stephen Wainwright said.

A partnership between Creative New Zealand and the University of Iowa, the residency enables a New Zealand writer to live and work at the University of Iowa in the United States and participate in its International Writing Program.

The residency includes travel costs, accommodation and is supported by Creative New Zealand with a $10,000 grant.

Previous recipients of the Residency include: Gordon McLauchlan, Vivienne Plumb, James Norcliffe, Penelope Todd and Brian Falkner.