Good Things

‘Good things take time’ was referring of course to cheese makers. However, it could also apply to writers.

Last century, in the late sixties, Dad and us kids (all seven of us) would travel to this church ‘over the hill’ from where we lived in Otama Valley, Northern Southland. After Mass Dad would stop and have a yarn with the late Kevin Corcoran the Cheese Man. (He became the Cheese Man years later, featuring in advertisements for New Zealand cheddar cheese.)

After my father died unexpectedly, Kevin didn’t forget his yarning buddy, and would drop off meat from his farm to Mum and kids, now living in Gore.

I visited Waikaka Primary School two years ago through Writers In Schools. My friend Aileen has taught there for most of her teaching career. An achievement in itself. Both Kevin and Aileen demonstrate that byline that the Mainland Cheese ad. went by at the time. Good things take time.

‘Good things take time’ was referring of course to cheese makers. However, it could also apply to writers.

It has been six years since my last poetry book, ‘Born To A Redheaded Woman’ was published by Otago University Press.

This year The Cuba Press in Wellington will be publishing my fourth poetry book (title yet to be decided.) I am presently at the fun part of editing with Mary, my editor. It’s when the book begins to feel real. A very satisfying feeling.

I am presently scouting around for a home for my novel (which does have a title – ‘Craggan Dhu: Time Will Tell’.) Set in Southland, it tells the story of two cousins, Lia and Niz, who have arrived back to live in their coastal hometown of Craggan Dhu (Craggie for short.) The two cousins are aiming for the quiet life, but the arrival of seventeen year old granddaughter Dallisse, combined with a surprise visit from the past, is sure to upset the apple cart. The two events, combined with historical mysteries, sets up a chain of events that force Niz and Lia to open up long-held secrets .

It is a novel – once it becomes a novel and not just a manuscript! – with a cast of characters who speak from both the present and the past. Central to the story, is the small town of Craggie (loosely based on my old home town of Orepuki – as I’m sure those of you who know me well, have already guessed.)

Maybe this is premature (however, considering it has taken me ten years to complete the manuscript for ‘Craggie,’ maybe not) but I have already started on notes for my second novel. This one will be set in Southland again, located in another childhood haunt.

But I’m in no hurry. Good things take time. I think I need to join the cheese makers guild.