Cross, Gary

IN BRIEF

Gary Cross is a junior fiction writer who writes primarily in the horror genre. His publications include Borderland (Reed, 2005); The Dead at Deepminden (Reed, 2006); Plague of the Undead (Penguin, 2009); and his June 2010 release, Empire of the Dead (Penguin). The breadth of his appeal is evoked in a review in Tearaway of Plague of the Undead, ‘[It’s] a great book for horror, vampire, history and fantasy buffs alike.’ Gary Cross participates in the Book Council’s Writers in Schools programme.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cross, Gary ( – ) is a junior fiction writer and his books generally have a horror focus. He has worked in advertising sales, and as a freelance copywriter, and has operated his own advertising business. He is currently a creative director.

His first four books are Paul Bunyan (Sunshine, 1992); The Adventures of Stormalong (Sunshine, 1992); Borderland (Reed, 2005); and The Dead at Deepminden (Reed, 2006).

The Dead at Deepminden was reviewed by Year 8 Carterton School student Jamie Rafferty in the Wairarapa Times-Age. He wrote, ‘An exciting fantasy adventure book for 12+ readers.’ F Mulligan also commented on the book in Southland Times, ‘A good story, the rugged content, however, may make it suitable for more mature teens or at least those who don’t require a night-light.’

Cross went on to publish Facing Jessie James (Pearson Education, 2009); Walking into the Fire (Pearson Education, 2009); Plague of the Undead (Penguin, 2009); and Super Sister (Pearson Education, 2009). His forthcoming book Empire of the Dead (Penguin) is due out in June 2010.

Kerri Jackson reviewed Plague of the Undead, ‘For vampire fiction with more, ahem, bite, try New Zealander Gary Cross’ Plague of the Undead… Cross’ vampires are ruthless predators and his story is bloody and unrelenting, – and better for it.’ Jordan Harrington wrote in Tearaway, ‘[Plague of the Undead is] a great book for horror, vampire, history and fantasy buffs alike.’

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writers in schools information

Cross is best suited to speak to students in the 10-15 year age group. He is happy to speak about being a teen fiction writer and a children’s book author. He can read aloud from his work, take workshops, speak about how he writes, answer questions and take a creative writing workshop. He would prefer to talk to 20-25 students per session with a maximum of 30. He would prefer to participate in tours within his region. He can visit Auckland, Whangarei and towns within a 90 minute drive of Auckland.

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