Paterson, Kimberly
IN BRIEF
Kimberley Paterson is a writer with an extensive background as a journalist. Paterson has published a range of books on subjects from real estate to clairvoyants. The Evening Post reviewed The Future Seekers (1996), her first book, saying ‘It’s an inspiring read both for people who feel life is getting too tough, and for those fascinated by the human capacity for strength.’ Paterson is available to talk to students of any age as part of the Book Council’s Writers in Schools programme.
ProfilePlace of residence: Whangaparaoa, Auckland, New Zealand |
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Paterson, Kimberley (- ) is a journalist and writer who has written on subjects from real estate to clairvoyants.
Trained as a registered and obstetric nurse, Paterson has worked as a freelance writer and journalist since the mid 1980s. She has been a staff writer for the New Zealand Women's Weekly, the Auckland Sun and Sydney's Sunday Telegraph, news editor for Women's Day and New Idea, and editor of Traveltrade and New Spirit magazines. She has worked as a documentary producer for 'Inside New Zealand', and her writing has appeared in numerous magazines in New Zealand and Australia.
Paterson's first book, The Future Seekers (1996) looks at New Zealand psychics, tarot readers, astrologers and other channellers. 'There are some terrific interviews,' writes She; More, '...the section on 0900 psychic readings is downright fascinating.'
The X Factor (1997) is subtitled Finding Inner Courage When Life Goes Terribly Wrong. Sixteen people who have been through life-changing events talk about how they survived. The subjects include New Zealand camera woman Margaret Moth, who was shot in the face in Bosnia, and Sol Filler, a survivor of the Nazi death camps. 'Though it could easily be tagged "New Age", the book doesn't push any particular philosophy,' writes The Evening Post. 'It's an inspiring read both for people who feel life is getting too tough, and for those fascinated by the human capacity for strength.'
Paterson's other titles are Ancient Spice, New Solutions (1998); Progesterone, The Natural Hormone (1999); Location, Location (1999); Little Gifts of Power (1999); Millennium Resolutions (1999).
writers in schools information
Paterson is available to talk to students of any age, and classes of any size. Topics she is prepared to discuss are becoming a journalist, how to write non-fiction, being a writer/illustrator and the power of making dreams come true. She is able to run workshops by request, and she is also able to travel outside of her region for school visits. Please continue down the page to see Paterson's answers to a list of questions provided by school students:
Kapai: Kids Authors’ Pictures and Information
Where do you live?
In a house surrounded by pohutukawa trees, near the sparkling ocean and a wonderful park in Whangaparoa, just north of Auckland.
What sorts of books do you like to read?
All my favourite books are true stories. I read books about amazing people and also how to live a healthy and fulfilling life ... and about how magic is real and alive in the world.
Do you have a favourite author?
Paulo Coelho lives by the ocean in Rio de Janiero and writes wonderful spiritual fables, inspiring stories about how magic in the world is very real. One of his best is called The Alchemist.
Were do you get your ideas?
Good ideas are swirling around all the time. Everyone has lots of them. You just have to learn how to tune in and catch them.
What is the best thing about being an author?
Having the freedom to live my life and my day as I choose. I like having ideas and then exploring them and telling other people about what I’ve discovered.
Some Questions from Primary School Students
Do you have any pets?
I have some wonderful birds in the garden – tuis and wood pigeons in the pohutukawa trees that feed off nearby flax and kowhai. I recently had a very noisy tui in the tree calling for its mate.
Do you have a favourite colour?
Pale blue and pale lilac.
Do you have a favourite movie?
I love movies that are inspiring and tell stories that make me want to be a better person. I love Last of the Mohicans for the wonderful pictures of nature. I love Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings movies because I think they have a very important message for us at this time. ..that we have to stand up for what we think is right, for the good, for the best in ourselves and in the world.
What is the naughtiest thing you ever did at school?
Only being a bit cheeky to the teachers. I was pretty good. I only wish they taught me lots more interesting things that than they did – lots of it was really boring! Especially when I learned later that life is pulsating with wonder and magic at every turn.
Some Questions from Secondary School Students
How did you get started?
I spent 14 years as a journalist and then began submitting ideas to book publishers. I was lucky in that I easily found a publisher.
Who inspired you when you were getting started?
At first being an author seemed scary and remote – like I had to be perfect in everything I wrote. It helped going to talks by other authors, like Michael King, where I realised that I just had to do my best and set down all the knowledge I had at this time.
Is it difficult to make a living as a writer in New Zealand?
I work both as a journalist and a book author so I make a good living. I also believe that life is as easy or difficult as you believe its going to be. I truly believe New Zealanders have the power to take their ideas and inspiration to the whole world.
What were you like as a teenager?
A bit sad. I never had much confidence or belief in myself I used to read lots of self-help books – I learned later that many writers had a sad time in some of their younger lives. The wonderful thing is that life offers us such a chance to grow, change, transform. It's great to become the person I am today through lots of learning, growth, and insight.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself?
The central thing is that the more I've travelled, interviewed people and grown as a person myself, the more I've discovered that life holds immense potential for each and everyone of us.
The older I get the more I’ve found out that magic is real and lives within all of us – waiting to be unlocked.
The truest thing in your life is the boldest thing you dream of in your heart... the things that when you think of them are so exciting they make you catch your breath. I believe it's vital to follow these whispers of our hearts - they will lead you to the gold in your life.
The most important thing you can do to find it is to believe it is real; listen to your heart; do what you most want to do; be positive and be with people who encourage, uplift and inspire you; dream big dreams.
