Join QLDC Libraries celebration of local readers and writers this World Book Day with a series of inspiring author talks and creative workshops across the district.
Below is our full listing of events, with links to each event, followed by some information about our lineup of authors.
Arrowtown Library
Friday 26 April | 5.00pm - 6.00pm
Frankton Library
‘Flash Fiction Novellas’ Workshop with Steph Fieldsend
Thursday 18 April from 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Author Talk with Leila Tovø Larsen
Wednesday 24 April | 5.30pm - 6.30pm
Queenstown Library
Thursday 18 April from 5.30pm – 6.30pm
‘Writing Short Stories’ Workshop with B.G. Rogers
Saturday 11 May | 10.30am – 12.00pm
‘Flash Fiction Novellas’ Workshop with Steph Fieldsend
Thursday 16 May from 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Wānaka Library
Author Talk with Fiona Sussman
Wednesday 10 April from 5.30pm - 6.30pm
‘Flash Fiction Novellas’ Workshop with Steph Fieldsend
Thursday 11 April from 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Author Talk with Jessica Howland Kany
Thursday 2 May from 5.30pm - 6.30pm
Author Profiles
B.G. Rogers
B. G. Rogers is a short story writer and poet from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne (UK). She currently lives in Queenstown, Aotearoa New Zealand with a ginormous house rabbit called Oscar Wilde. Formerly a founding trustee of the Queenstown Writers Festival, she leads the Queenstown Creative Writing Group. Kaleidoscopes in the Dark is Bethany’s first short story collection.
Eva Wong-Ng
Eva Wong-Ng is a New Zealand Chinese writer, oral historian and retired pharmacist. Born in Auckland in 1934 to immigrant parents from Canton (Guandong) province Chine, her experience of growing up in a Chinese community in a European society, during and after the war years, is echoed in her writing. Her stories are interwoven with historical details and events seen from her view, living in those times. She is the author of Chinatown Girl: The Diary of Silvey Chen, Auckland 1942 (Scholastic NZ Ltd, 2nd edition, 2019) and Shadown man (Driving Cree Press, 4th edition, 2021). Her writing has been used as a social studies resource in schools.
Fiona Sussman
Fiona's journey has taken her from the world of English Literature in South Africa, to studying medicine in New Zealand. After completing her medical training and becoming a family doctor, Fiona returned to her passion for literature, earning a Masters in Creative Writing. Fiona will be joining us in Wānaka Library to share insights into her life as an award-winning author and discuss her latest book, 'The Doctor's Wife'.
Jessica Howland Kany
Jessica Howland Kany, born in NYC, now splits her time between Wānaka and Stewart Island. Join us as she shares her debut novel 'A Runner's Guide to Rakiura,' intertwining contemporary and wartime tales from Stewart Island. Her first book has been optioned by a NZ production company and Jessica is now penning her next novel.
Leila Tovø Larsen
Leila Tovo Larsen, local-migrant author born in Rosario, Argentina, and raised in Spain and Italy, is an emerging talent in the realms of fantasy and science fiction. Despite studying Navy Engineering, her true passion lies in writing. Her debut novel, "Naedekov Wars," showcases her imaginative prowess, drawing readers into captivating worlds of adventure and intrigue. Published in three languages, Leila's work marks the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable literary journey.
Steph Fieldsend
Steph Holloway, Founder of Elemental Potential, is not only an expert in Body Language and Communication, but also a passionate advocate for the power of the written word. As the creator of Compassionate Assertiveness in Action, she is dedicated to making body language universally understood. Steph's unique communication approach serves as a catalyst for personal and corporate transformation, fueled by her unwavering commitment to uncovering the secrets of exceptional communication.
Sumi Hahn
Sumi Hahn, a Korean-born author, moved to the US as a child. With degrees from Harvard and UC Berkeley, she shifted from teaching to writing. Formerly a columnist for the Times Picayune, she has also written for Seattle publications. Sumi divides her time between Korea and New Zealand with her family. Her first novel, "The Mermaid from Jeju," delves into the story of Goh Junja, a diver from Jeju Island, amid love, loss, and post-World War II political upheaval.
