Barbara Else, who joins us for two events at Queenstown Writers Festival, is a living legend of book publishing. Her life has been one of continuous transformation: from clever girl to obedient wife to feminist finding her voice. From award-winning novelist to admired editor to nurturer of upcoming writers as a literary agent. And now she has metamorphosed once again, into a fearless, compassionate and funny memoirist.
We asked Barbara our compulsory QWF questions. Thank you for your incisive answers, Barbara, and we’re looking forward to meeting you too!
1. What is your favourite writing snack?
I never think of stopping for an actual snack but (shut your eyes, vegans) mid-morning I absolutely must have a mug of bone broth.
2. When do your best ideas come?
For me, if there are going to be enough ideas for a story they need friends, companion-ideas. Some sidle up gradually without me knowing what’s going on, till I realise they’re waiting. Others burst in a group out of nowhere waving party hats.
3. What is your best trick for overcoming writer's block?
I’ve had real writer’s block only once. My then four-year-old grandson nudged me out of it. He remembered something daft I’d said to his mum some time before, and asked if I’d written a book about it yet. The idea turned into a children’s novel, The Travelling Restaurant, which was wonderful fun to write.
4. What are you reading at the moment?
I’ve just begun Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dallow. It’s by an Australian writer who has won all sorts of prizes for journalism, and this is his first novel. It’s certainly drawing me in – two teenage brothers, a variety of dodgy or damaged family members in 1985 Brisbane, plenty of humour, horror and heart. The first person voice is authentic and strong, reminding me of Demon Copperhead’s voice in Barbara Kingsolver’s latest novel.
5. Which writers would you take on an epic road trip?
A road trip. This is hard. I could fill a large bus with New Zealand writers. But I’ll imagine a mini-bus. First pick is Geoffrey Chaucer. After all, he wrote what must be the best-known road trip tale of all time and seems to have been a lovely, funny, gentle, wise person. Then three women whose novels I pounce on the moment they’re out: Barbara Kingsolver, Ann Patchett and Maggie O’Farrell. I’d better have some balance or Chaucer might feel on the outer, so: Sebastian Faulks. And why not one other male writer, Chris Else. He’s far better at navigating than I am.
6. Who would play you in the movie of your life?
The movie of my life would star Catherine Zeta Jones, with Colin Farrell as my second husband.
7. What are you looking forward to most in Queenstown?
I’m hungry for all of it! The food, the views, seeing Te Atamira, meeting the great people who’ve been organising the programme, seeing old writing friends, making new ones, being on stage…These occasions are incredibly valuable for writers. How could I ever choose which I’m looking forward to most?
– Join Barbara Else to learn how to write a memoir on Saturday November 11 at Arrowtown Lifestyle Village, and the following day hear her conversation with Megan Nicol Reed at Te Atamira.