Pates, Janet
IN BRIEF
Janet Pates writes fiction for children and adults. Her first book for young readers was, Mystery at Tui Bay (2003), which won the Tom Fitzgibbon Award in 2002. The Northern Advocate described the book as a ‘remarkable story of adventure and mystery ’. She has also published stories for adults in NZ Outdoors, That’s Life 'Fast Fiction' and Fiction Plus. Janet Pates participates in the Writers in Schools programme and she is available to talk to primary and intermediation aged students.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pates, Janet (1935 -) is a fiction writer for both children and adults.
Janet Pates was born in Pukekohe, and raised in Te Kohanga. She trained as a schoolteacher, but only taught for a couple of years. In 1956 Pates left teaching and went on to farming. She also worked in retail until she retired in 1993.
Pates first book for children, Mystery at Tui Bay (2003), won the 2002 Tom Fitzgibbon Award. The Northern Advocate described the book as a ‘remarkable story of adventure and mystery ’. Reading Time Magazine endorsed it by writing, ‘This story has all the ingredients to encourage reading mileage for the younger reader. The author herself describes the book as way to ‘promote sound principles within the framework of an easy reading, page-turning yarn. Mystery at Tui Bay was also listed as a 2004 Storylines Notable Junior Fiction Book.
In addition to Mystery at Tui Bay, Pates has published stories for adults in NZ Outdoors, That’s Life Fast Fiction and Fiction Plus.
Janet Pates lives in Tuakau and participates in the Writers in Schools programme.
writers in schools information
Janet Pates is available to talk to primary and intermediation aged students. She is prepared to discuss her own writing and the value of reading. She would be prepared to talk to groups of 20-30 students. She is prepared to schools in the South Auckland and North Waikato area.
Kapai: Kids Authors Pictures and Information
Some questions for Janet Pates:
General questions
Where do you live?
In a small town called Tuakau, which is in the Franklin area.
What sorts of books do you like to read?
Lots of children’s and teenage books, particularly by New Zealand writers, and modern adult novels.
Who is your favourite author?
It’s a toss up between Fleur Beale and Vince Ford.
How do you think up your ideas?
Look for a little spark, an interesting character or happening, then feed it with ‘what ifs?’
What is the best thing about being an author?
Making up interesting characters, then sharing in their adventures.
Questions from Primary School students
Do you have any pets?
A black cat called Jimmy.
What is your favourite colour?
Red.
What is your favourite food?
My friend Bev’s Fig and Chocolate Cake
What is your favourite movie?
Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone
Do you have a favourite game?
Kicking a ball round the beach with my grandchildren.
What is the best thing about being an author?
Talking to children about my stories and getting ideas from them.
How do you make a book?
I start with a rough idea for a story. Once I get writing, more ideas come. Then I go over it a zillion times, thinking of better ideas and better words until it’s as good as I can get it. Then I send it to the publishers and keep my fingers crossed!
Where do you like to go for your holidays?
Often I go to the Far North. We used to live there and I like it a lot. Sometimes we go to Penang, in Malaysia, because some of our family lives there.
What was the naughtiest thing you ever did at school?
I can’t think of anything naughty enough to be interesting!
Question from Secondary School students
How did you get started?
I enjoyed writing stories for my children and grandchildren. Then five years ago I joined a writing group and that helped and encouraged me to see myself as a writer.
Who inspired you when you were getting started?
The children at the local school and library who liked my stories and my writing group’s tutor, Jenny Haworth.
What advice would you give an aspiring writer?
Read and read. Start writing and try to do a little bit every day. Don’t be discouraged by rejection. Believe in yourself.
Is it difficult to make a living as a writer in New Zealand?
Yes. A few people who write lots of really good books manage it, but many have to combine writing with something else.
What were you like as a teenager?
My two sisters and I did our secondary schooling by correspondence and still we had a busy social life - badminton, pony club, Saturday night dances. And I spent a lot of time with my nose in a book!
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself?
When I was in my teens I played the clarinet in a dance band. One night a young chap asked if he could play his trumpet with us. He had a very high opinion of himself and his playing. At supper time we decided he needed to come down to earth so we stuffed a sandwich up his trumpet!
