New Zealand Writers
VIAL, Claire
Reveals the magic, curiosity and beauty... found in some of the world’s best-loved wildlife
VIAL, Claire is a photographer, author and zoologist.
Claire Vial was born in Auckland. She has a B.Sc in zoology from Auckland University. After graduating Vial spent four years volunteering for wildlife organisations in Southern Africa. During this time she conducted her own wildlife research, worked as a conservation volunteer and assisted in wildlife research projects.
Since returning to live in New Zealand she has led several wildlife safaris back to Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Vial has co-authored and supplied photography for forty non-fiction children’s educational books. These books include the Longman World of Animals (twenty titles), Longman World of Reptiles and Amphibians (ten titles) and Longman World of Invertebrates (ten titles).
Vial comments that “writing these books has given me the opportunity to reveal the magic, curiosity and beauty I have found in some of the world’s best-loved wildlife.”
She is currently researching for a series of books on birds, and also hopes to do a series on plants.
Claire Vial lives in Auckland and participates in the Writers in Schools Programme.
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KAPAI Kids' Authors' Picture and Information
A few general questions for Claire Vial
Where do you live?
I live on the North Shore in Auckland.
What books do you read?
Mostly non-fiction. I like to read natural history books and magazines, such as National Geographic. I also like to read children’s fiction and non-fiction books.
Who is your favourite author?
Some of my favourite authors include Roald Dahl, Caroline Arnold, David Attenborough, Joy Cowley, Pauline Cartwright, James Herriot, J.K.Rowling etc
How do you think up your ideas?
Most of my ideas originate from past zoology research, and the animals I have encountered in Africa.
What is the best thing about being an author?
The best thing about being an author is being able to choose your own topic to write about. I enjoy using my creativity and imagination to produce a book that will excite readers. I also enjoy travelling to places to photograph animals for the books!
Primary School Students
What sort of pets do you have?
I used to have a couple of cats, but now have two fish!
What is your favourite colour/food/movie/game?
My favourite colour is Emerald because it’s a bright ‘earthly’ colour. My favourite food is fish. My favourite movie is ‘Out of Africa” My favourite game is hockey.
What is the most fun thing about being an author?
The best thing about being an author is writing books about animals’ children will enjoy. The next best thing is to know that children throughout America, Australia and New Zealand have read my books, and have really enjoyed them!
How do you make books?
I don’t actually make the books. I provide the text and photographs. The publisher then designs, produces and distributes the books.
Where do you go for your holidays?
I go to Ngunagru, which is a little bay east of Whangerai.
What is the naughtiest thing you ever did at school?
That would be telling! Secondary School Students
How did I become an author?
My writing and photography career started when I met Graham Meadows in 1997. At the time I was looking for a photo library to submit my photography.
Graham and I submitted a proposal to Dominie Press Inc, an American publisher, for four children’s books - Elephants, Lions, Giraffes and Zebras. We chose these titles because we both had photography to illustrate the books. Dominie liked the books we produced and asked us if we could write another 6 titles to complete a set of 10 books. After completing these 10 titles, Dominie were keen to add more titles to their series.
How did I become a photographer? I became a photographer while I was in Africa. It was hard not to! I bought myself a good camera. I taught myself, observed other wildlife photographers, and put into practice what I saw. It was very much trial and error. I take all my photos on slide film, which means they can be used for publication.
Who inspired you when you were getting started?
Natural history authors and photographers, such as Karen Ross, David Attenborough, Jane Goodall and Carolyn Arnold.
What advice would you give an aspiring young writer?
Practice, practice, practice! Be patient, and don’t give up! The more you practice, the easier it will become. Use a book, or computer to write down your thoughts and ideas. Keep a journal. Read, learn and research the subject you want to write about.
Is it difficult to make a living writing in New Zealand?
Yes, especially if your market is New Zealand. We have a very small population so it is best to write for overseas publishers where the audience is larger. My books are sold in America, Australia and New Zealand. Only a select number of authors manage to make a full time living!
What were you like as a teenager?
I was a tomboy! I loved being outside in open spaces, playing sports, tramping etc. I was also very shy and studied hard at school.
- The biographical information presented here was accessed from Claire Vial's website.
- www.african-safari.co.nz
- See the Dominie Press website for details of Claire's educational books.
- This author is available for visits through the Writers in Schools Programme.
