Hi Bronwyn Elsmore, thank you for agreeing to this interview.
Oltobooks : Tell us a little about yourself and your background?
Bronwyn Elsmore : Kia ora. My first job when I left school was a production writer for Radio New Zealand. This was excellent training as it involved writing to a deadline. The day’s work had to be done on time, sometimes at short notice. No waiting for inspiration or the muse. Consequently, I’ve never really believed in writer’s block. Since that time, I’ve been a freelancer, contract writer, editor, education writer, playwright, writing mentor and tutor, and an academic writer during the years I was also an academic.
Of the genres I’ve written – fiction, non-fiction, radio stories, articles, humor, books, short stories, plays, novels – I now most enjoy writing fiction. Short stories have always been a favorite, but currently I’m more involved with novels.
If I’m not at my keyboard in Auckland, the stunning New Zealand ‘City of Sails’, I’m likely to be feeding cats or perhaps pottering in the garden. When seen gazing in an abstract way I’m either plotting the next script or trying to calculate how many million words I have produced over my career.
Oltobooks : What are your ambitions for your writing career?
Bronwyn Elsmore : I feel I have already achieved a lot. My publications list includes 13 books, 40+ short stories, 160 articles, 8 stage plays, many writing awards and lots of literary experience. More details on my website at www.flaxroots.com
If that’s as far as it goes I’m all right with it. But future stunning success for one of my novels or plays would certainly be welcomed. Perhaps (goes into dream sequence) a film studio may pick them up and make me a very acceptable offer. That would be the high-point.
Oltobooks : When did you decide to become a writer?
Bronwyn Elsmore : As a child. When I was about ten, I wrote to Author Enid Blyton telling her I was going to be a writer too and asking for any advice. She sent me a signed photo. No advice, so I had to find my own way. Now I understand it was the right response, for both of us