We are experienced, versatile writers who enjoy writing, editing and designing print and web-based publications, and passing on our skills to others. Together we’ve worked for public and private sector organisations, universities, unions, Members of Parliament, community groups and development organisations.
These days I organise contract work around my grandchildren, gardening, the outdoors and community sport. Family history is a special interest. Late in 2021 I wrote this piece for O’Kiwi, a blog I set up for Kiwis with a Celtic connection. I’m currently writing the story of my maternal grandfather, WW1 veteran Richard White.
I’ve been a communications advisor for the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, a political advisor for the Labour government, and publications manager for the Department of Building and Housing. I also spent two years as a volunteer communications advisor in Timor-Leste and worked for Volunteer Service Abroad on our return.
Along the way there have been websites, newsletters, union publications, book editing and book writing. I have a post-graduate diploma in journalism and first class honours in Sociology and History.
I combine contract work with writing stories about real people especially those whose voices are seldom heard. My latest memoir, Song for Rosaleen, is both a celebration of my mother Rosaleen’s life and an intimate account of how our family coped when Mum got dementia. My two other books—the award-winning Trust: A True Story of Women and Gangs and The War That Never Ended: NZ Veterans Remember Korea—tell the stories of ordinary Kiwis in extraordinary circumstances. I am currently working on a new book.
I love editing other people’s work almost as much as writing my own. A two-year volunteer stint in Timor-Leste was a unique opportunity to teach creative writing and write a creative writing guide in the local language, Tetun. Back in New Zealand, I’ve run a number of creative non-fiction writing workshops.
I’ve been a ministerial press secretary and political advisor, and spent many years working in the community sector. I have an MA in Creative Writing, post-graduate diploma papers in journalism, and a BA in History.