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Deirdre Lee

writer, profile published in BRAT, Summer 2000

I had eighteen stories published in NZ School Journals, two poems and one play, from 1975-1988. Of the manuscripts I sent in, only two were rejected. I should have written more. It is a warm feeling for me to visit schools and find children still enjoying those stories from my childhood days.

Because it takes one lazy writer to know another one, I talk with the children about the disciplines of writing, beginning with legible words, capital letters and full stops, then taking the older writers through to the high and spooky ground of revelation, where, if you've got it right, your characters come alive and all you have to do is push the pen.

After that it is back to earth for editing and shaping-the solitary slog! Kia Ora to all teachers and all young writers; 'waiho i te ra raumati', waiting (in hope) for summer days.