Lots with Literary Leaning

Fancy typing on Maurice Gee’s typewriter? Going horse-riding with best-selling children’s author (and fashion blogger) Stacy Gregg? A storyteller’s shawl, spun and hand-knitted by master-storyteller Joy Cowley? A day on the Spirit of New Zealand, or a morning at the orchestra with author Tessa Duder?

All these and more are up for grabs in Storylines Trust’s fundraising auction this month.

The auction, held entirely through http://www.storylines.auction4charity.co.nz/ features a range of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and experiences, and donated art works that include an original watercolour sketch of Hairy Maclary created specially for the auction by Dame Lynley Dodd, a cartoon sketch of the winning bidder by Ant Sang, one of Bro’ Town’s creators and a cartoon tribute to Michael Jackson by artist Angus Gomes.

“We are overwhelmed with the generosity of people, not only in the children’s literature community but right across the board,” says Storylines Trust chairperson Dr Libby Limbrick. “Among the wonderful range of items there will be something for everyone. A highlight for us is to have Maurice Gee’s typewriter, given to him by his mother, and which he used from the 1950s to 1970s to type up the final version of works ranging from The Big Season to In My Father’s Den and Under the Mountain. I am sure this is a precious part of our literary heritage that would be a real asset to an institution or collector.”

There is also a complete set of all Margaret Mahy’s books in print in 2009 – all signed by the author, several original signed illustrations, and a bundle of books to enjoy along with a weekend at a private family bach at Taupo.

Experiences include the opportunity for a walk-on part in TV2’s Go Girls, to lunch with Kate De Goldi at the incomparable Mia Pia’s Trattoria in Wellington, a dinner for six cooked by chef, food writer and Slow Food advocate Alessandra Zecchini, an opportunity to visit author/illustrator Gavin Bishop’s studio in Christchurch, a visit to Weta Workshop with Martin Baynton and Richard Taylor and a behind-the-scenes visit to the primates at Auckland Zoo, hosted by senior primate keeper Christine Tintinger, star of the TV series The Zoo.

All proceeds will help support the Storylines Festival of New Zealand Children’s Writers and Illustrators, which aims to actively engage children with books and reading.

Full details of all items are online at http://www.storylines.auction4charity.co.nz/ from 15 October at 9am when the auction opens, until 9pm on 29 October when it closes. Bidding takes place through a secure online system developed by author and Storylines” supporter Brian Falkner. A hard-copy catalogue and “proxy” bids offline bids can be made by contacting Storylines on childlitnz@storylines.org.nz..

For more information on Storylines ‘Literary Allusions’ fundraising auction, call Storylines executive officer Christine Young on 09-4459891 email childlitnz@storylines.org.nz or visit the website: www.storylines.org.nz