Introductions

[Narnies]

Good morning!

My names Ariana, I grew up in Nelson but am currently living in Wellington. I'm studying Interior Architecture at Vic Uni and ohmygoshionlyhavetwoweeksleft!!!! I'm very excited for summer! I love trying new things and being active and my goal is to find a team to walk the Oxfam Trailwalker next year in Taupo...so if anyone's interested??? ;)
oxfam.org.nz

[Shantiwallah]

Kia ora, Ariana! I so remember the lead up to summer holidays. My mind was often on the beach before it should've been:-) Welcome to the group!

[Jo]

Hi everyone,

My name is Jo I'm 24 and I come from a small town on the east coast called Torere. I'm currently living in Auckland and am in my second year of nursing.

I absolutely adore reading and I love most genres. I have just recently discovered paranormal romance and can't seem to get enough of it.

[Miriam]

Hi everyone. I work in a primary school library in Palmerston North, so most of the books I've added are kids books :-) I'm also reading heaps of YA fiction at the moment, and the odd "grown ups" book thrown in when I get time.

cheers,
Miriam

[Tania]

Hi, I'm a Kiwi that lives in the States (Seacoast of NH) but gets to spend one glorious month a year back home... I am definitely not a writer - but an avid reader. It can be difficult keeping up with NZ literature over here so I'm really looking forward to being a part of this group!

[Debbie]

Welcome....could be a bit livelier here.....almost moribund.....

[Jo]

I agree. Where are the mods? havent seen them around in ages.

[Debbie]

In that vein....I am co-moderator for one of Goodreads larger groups (Language and Grammar). We have just started a new area within the group with several threads underway that may appeal to some of you....here is the link....hope to see some of you there:-)
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...

[Suzy]

Kia Ora,

I'm Suzy, 24 and currently studying doing my BA in Social Work. I live in Auckland and have a 3 year old daughter. I LOVE reading and my favourite books are inspirational and true stories.

I have throughout my life written poetry and novels, I have had one poem published but never finished writing the few novel's I had going. Will one day soon I hope.

I am always on the lookout for a good read, especially N.Z authors so thought joining a club such as this might help :)

Nice to meet you all.

[Tim]

Kia ora, Suzy - nice to hear from you. Congratulations on having the poem published, and I hope it won't be the last. (If you don't mind me asking, where was it published?)

Have you found Goodreads useful for finding books by New Zealand authors?

[Suzy]

It was published in a book called 'Best Poems and poets of the 21st Century'. The book is in the room next to me where my daughter is sleeping so will get the publishers name for you later on.... it was well over 10 years ago and I wrote the poem when I was quite young. A teaser I call it! And it's in a book with many other poems. I can't write poems now (have not got that imagination), but I still write songs and play guitar. I really would love to publish a novel one day.

I have not found Goodreads to be useful for finding books by NZ authors, but I have found it useful to find books in general that I would love to read who others have rated highly....just need to find the time to read them all! NZ authors however are underrated and underpaid!

[Tim]

Thanks, Suzy. As a New Zealand author, I am in heart agreement about your final sentence!

[Craig]

Kia Ora everyone,

My name is Craig and I am a 31-year old from Nelson, currently living in Auckland. I studied law and psych at Canterbury, became a lawyer for a while, then went overseas for some travel, including 3 summers at a US summer camp in North Carolina, and a yearlong round the world trip through South, Central, and North America. And a bit of Europe.

I am now a magazine journalist and book reviewer. I tend to specialise in crime/thriller fiction, because it is one of the types of writing I most enjoy, and it isn't covered very much by some media/festivals/awards etc in New Zealand.

Along with my reviews and feature articles on New Zealand and international writers, for magazines, newspapers and websites both here in NZ and overseas, I have also created a blog to bring some crime fiction related content, with a Kiwi focus, together in one place.

If anyone is interested in this type of writing, and what is happening both here in NZ and overseas, then you can check it out at http://www.kiwicrime.blogspot.com

Kia Kaha

[Toni]

Hey all!

My name is Toni, and I like to read :) I also like to write, but I'm not as good at that! Traditionally I'm a classics/litfiction freak, but I really do enjoy pretty much everything. I want to start reading more from kiwi authors, I'm only now realizing how important it is to support our local writers in the competitive worldwide market. So, if you've got any recommendations I'll be sure to give them a look.

[Tim]

Hi, Craig, Toni, and Tamatai! Craig, I've checked out your blog - I wasn't able to make it to the recent crime writers' event in Wellington, but the response to that, on a night of foul weather, shows the growing strength of the genre here - and I used to live in Mataura, so I'm specially keen to read Vanda Symon's work.

Toni, I'm immodest enough to recommend my own work - see the books listed on http://timjonesbooks.blogspot.com - but you can find out lots more about NZ writers and their work at the New Zealand Book Council web site,
http://www.bookcouncil.org.nz/Writers...

Tamatai, are you submitting work for publication, here or overseas? If overseas, http://www.ralan.com is a good source of info for horror and dark fantasy fiction, if that's what you're writing.

[Vanda]

Howdy all. I'm Vanda Symon, a Dunedin based crime fiction writer. My novels are published by Penguin in New Zealand.

I'm also an avid reader and promoter of New Zealand writing, and in particular Otago authors, hosting and producing a radio show on local writing for Toroa radio, Dunedin's Community Radio Station.

When I'm not writing, or running around with writery stuff, I'm running around after the family.

I have a blog too

http://www.vandasymon.blogspot.com

[Tim]

Hi, Vanda! Your recent crime fiction event in Wellington looked good, but I had another commitment so couldn't make it - were you happy with how it went?

My blog (no harm in mentioning it twice!) is:

http://timjonesbooks.blogspot.com

[Alex]

Hi there,

My name is Alex, I am Russian and live in Wellington. Recently have set up a book club to coerce myself into reading. As part of my research on how to run it best came across all of you lovely people.

Nice to meet you!
Kind regards.

[Tim]

Good to hear from you, Alex - especially as I'm a keen reader of Russian literature - although this may be exactly what you're trying to get away from...

[Alex]

Not at all, Tim, Russian literature is especially appealing since I have been living in 'exile' from motherland for over 16 years already.

[Divasaurus]

Hi all!

I'm Patricia, 18, and living in Auckland. Working on a degree at UOA, and I love to read. [:

Nice to meet you all! I am definitely going to try to read more NZ books now.

[Alex]

Hi there Patricia,

nice to meet you too.

[Tim]

Alex: An online book group I belong to (Club Read 2010 on LibraryThing) is going to read The Brothers Karamazov in July. I'll have to work out whether I have time...

Patricia: Welcome aboard!

[Darkpool]

Hi all,
Just stumbled upon this group, and thought it looked pretty interesting. Like a few others here I'm from somewhere else (in my case the 'tron) but now living in Auckland. I used to be able to say I lived in Manukau, but now that we have the supercity I have to say Auckland. I'm not very good at reading NZ books but hope to add some to the ever expanding TBR list via this group.

[Ruth]

Hi everyone. I'm Ruth, I live in Hamilton. I have been studying but I'm in the middle of trying to get back into the workforce after a break of a couple of months (fingers crossed).

I read widely and obsessively; I am frequently tempted to write but find that a lack of plot tends to hold me back :-)

I haven't managed to find a local bookclub that suits my timetable and interests, I have been along but there has been a lack of focus on books and too much on family/work life.

[Shantiwallah]

Nothing wrong with being an Aucklander, Darkpool;-) Welcome to the group!

Ruth- I totally relate to "lack of plot tends to hold me back". All this info in my head, but it doesn't really want to make a story, grrrr. Good luck!

[Craig]

Welcome Darkpool and Ruth. Great to see you here. If any of you want some crime/thriller/mystery recommendations - NZ or otherwise, let me know.

[Darkpool]

Can't resist adding I'm super-excited about the combined Auckland libraries!! I have many books on the good old tbr list that Manukau doesn't have, but one of the other Auckland libraries does... and now I can get at them!!!

[Ruth]

Hi Craig, thanks, sounds good. I love a good mystery.
-Ruth

[Charlotte]

Kia Ora everybody!

I'm super excited for finding this group! I've been thinking of joining one for a while and this seems like just the one, what with being able to chat to fellow kiwis and all ;)

Oh, introductions! I'm Charlotte, living happily in Christchurch (although things have been shaken up a bit lately...) and studying in my second last year a high school. I'm an avid reader and have just started working my way through the '1001 Books to Read Before You Die' list.

Can't wait to get to know people and make friends :D

[Kiwiflora]

Hello team,

Lots of new members lately! Just been scrolling through past postings and see there are quite a few writers in the group. So just to do a wee plug for myself, I am a qualified proofreader/copy editor, if you ever find youself needing someone to give your work the once over.

The last NZ books I read were 'Where do Underpants Come From' by Joe Bennett, a brilliant and most informative read about a seemingly very trivial item; and 'The Life and Times of Laura Friday and Pavarotti her Parrot' by David Murphy which was one of the funniest and most enjoyable books I have read in a while.

But that was a wee while ago now, should support local publishing industry a bit more!

[Miri]

Kia Ora everyone, I'm Miri, I live in The U.S right now but I'm still a proud Kiwi1

[Debbie]

Hi Miri....where in the US are you?

[Shantiwallah]

Welcome Miri:-)

[Craig]

Welcome everyone - great to see some new faces here.

[Ruby]

Hey guys, Debbie i assure you there is something to be said for these 15 year old kiwi readers ;) My name is Ruby And I was born in Auckland and have lived in Fiji for four years, although i am now living around abouts Christchurch. I Read Fiction and Fantasy mostly although i throw in the occasional Sci Fi. I'm a student at Rangiora Highschool, and aswell as reading copious amounts of books, i enjoy writing poetry and other. I'm also into art, animals and music. I enjoy looking at the reviews in this website, its great to be able to share opinions on some of your favourite books, you guys do a great job in this group, Cheers.

[Darkpool]

Hi Ruby! I just did a quick "compare books" with you, as I see you like fantasy, and I'm totally envious that you've already read Last Sacrifice. There are still 40 people ahead of me on the library waiting list, and I'm too cheap to buy it! with any luck it'll turn up before the end of the holidays (just in case you get the wrong idea, I'm a teacher, not a teenager. One of my students recommended the VA series to me).

[Ruby]

Hey! yes they're amazing arnt they!! i actually put a hold on it before our library even got the book in stock, it was great, you'll enjoy it. And i know what you mean books are just too expensive these days.. I think i might search for this series on trade me though i just love it!

[[deleted user]]

Hi there Kiwi readers!!!
Thought I'd introduce myself, I'm Maryella (Mel) originally from Whangarei but have been residing in the US for millions of years now it seems :) Sedona, Arizona to be precise. I have never authored anything or plan to however I absolute love to get my hands on good books.

[Debbie]

Hi Maryella....hope you are enjoying Arizona.....I am in Masterton and co-mod a fabulous group here on Goodreads....Language and Grammar. I have made some good 'virtual' friends there....come have a look.

[Craig]

Happy New Year everyone. Hope you all had a wonderful festive season. I was travelling through SE Asia, fitting in plenty of reading as well. Back in NZ now, I've just finished an advance copy of BOUND by our very own Vanda Symon. It comes out at the start of February, and I would highly recommend it - not just for crime/mystery fans, but anyone who enjoys local fiction, or just well-told stories with plenty of great characters and personality to the writing. The whole 'Sam Shephard' series (she is a young police detective in Dunedin) is excellent, but I think BOUND is probably the best book yet.

[Nicole]

Hi everyone :) I'm Nicole, I live in Wellington and I've recently published my first novel, The Arrival, book one of the BirthRight Trilogy.
I'm still trying to remember books I've read (ooo so many!) and must add Maurice Gee to the list *grin* thanks for the reminder ;)

[Shantiwallah]

Happy New Year everyone and welcome to all the new members.

Nicole, congratulations on completing your book.I hope you get lots of interest here:)

[Trudy]

Hi, I'm a newbie too. Currently living in Christchurch,have lived in Welly and Auckland, but from sunny Motueka originally. Always looking for good book recommendations. Just finished The Room by Emma Donoghue - thought it was really good.

[Shantiwallah]

Welcome Trudy!

[Craig]

Welcome Trudy, I'm originally from Richmond, so have spent plenty of time in Motueka.

[Trudy]

Craig wrote: "Welcome Trudy, I'm originally from Richmond, so have spent plenty of time in Motueka."
Good spot huh? Though I hear Whakatane bet Nelson for highest sunshine hours last year.

[Nicole]

Shantiwallah wrote: "Happy New Year everyone and welcome to all the new members.

Nicole, congratulations on completing your book.I hope you get lots of interest here:)"

Thanks Shantiwallah :) I'm working on it

[Darkpool]

Nicole, I just went and looked at your profile, wondered if you'd considered becoming a 'goodreads author', i.e. hooking yourself up to your author profile page here: Nicole MacDonald. Some of the other members here are already goodreads authors, so know more about this than me, but I believe you need to click the "is this you?" link down the bottom of the page to start the process.

[Tony]

Hi. I'm a newbie to this site, thanks to Sunflower. Voracious reader and also work for a daily newspaper so have the opportunity to write reviews. Trying to catch up on my To Read list but treading water as they keep coming at me. Great way to be !!