From page to stage: Marlborough Book Festival

A constellation of literary stars will descend on Blenheim this July as the Marlborough Book Festival returns with another captivating programme of conversations, ideas and storytelling. From acclaimed novelists and historians to memoirists, poets and travel writers, the festival brings together some of Aotearoa's most engaging literary voices, alongside a talented team of interviewers who help bring their stories to life.

Founded in 2014 by the Marlborough Readers & Writers Charitable Trust, the festival attracts leading writers from across New Zealand while giving local audiences the opportunity to hear from some of the country's most compelling storytellers right here in their own backyard.

Ahead of the festival, Marlborough Magazine sits down with Rachel Clare and Tryphena Cracknell, co-authors of Aotearoa in Bloom, and one of the festivals long-standing supporters, and guest interviewer, Jane Forrest-Waghorn to discuss the power of storytelling.

Co-authors Rachel Clare and Tryphena Cracknell

What does a typical writing day look like for you?

Tryphena: Usually very undisciplined, tucked in here and there. If I get a free full day, I get deeply engrossed, especially if I am researching.

Rachel: Writing is part of my job as a magazine editor, so writing deadlines are built into my work life. Like Tryphena, I adore research, sometimes I have to force myself to stop researching and do the writing part! I tend to do half of the writing in my head before I put it down. I’ve recently joined a writing group. We drink tea and eat chocolate and chat for 30 minutes, then set a timer and write for about an hour. It’s great for me as I work from home so it’s company and very motivating.

What has surprised you most about life as an author?

Tryphena: Being an author…

Rachel: Our 13-year-old selves would be so excited to know we’d write a book together one day! Also, when I was a teenager reading gardening magazines and books on the Victorian language of the flowers, I didn’t know that I’d get to do this myself one day.

Why do books still very much matter?

Tryphena: When we have to shut down the internet because AI is taking over and getting rid of us, we’ll have something to read. Books are extraordinary – able to inspire, transport us, educate us and broaden our world view.

Rachel: There’s a nourishment you get from books that can’t be matched by other forms of media.

What's one book you think everyone should read at least once?

Tryphena: Momo by Michael Ende. It’s a reminder of how precious time is.

Rachel: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Kimmerer Wall, a botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Exquisite life-affirming nature writing that makes the case for beauty in nature and the natural world being the ultimate teacher. I highly recommend the audiobook as she narrates it, and her voice is as soothing as her writing.

What's the best writing advice you've ever received?

Tryphena: If you’re stuck, just write any old thing and you’ll probably come unstuck. Just make a start.

Rachel: Join a writing group if you’re struggling to get motivated. Also, aim to excite yourself and have fun. If you're enjoying it, others probably will too.

What are you reading right now?

Tryphena: A New Zealand Book of Beasts – so interesting and well-written. I’ve been carrying around Napier author Gareth Ward’s Tarquin the Honest to start.

Rachel: I usually have about 20 new gardening and plant books beside my bed that need to go back to the library. I’ve just finished the novel Stoneyard Devotional by Australian writer Charlotte Wood. There’s a description in it where the narrator describes her mother as always smelling of garden that made me desperate to read it.

What are you most looking forward to about the Book Festival?

Tryphena: Meeting some of our favourite authors, including Witi Ihimaera, Elizabeth Knox, Ngarino Ellis and Elizabeth Cox. And also doing some reading to meet new authors!

Rachel: I remember Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize winner Ingrid Horrocks from our university days (she wrote beautifully back then too!) so we’re hoping to bump into her. There’s nothing like a writer’s festival to rejuvenate your mind, heart and soul, plus Marlborough has incredible food.

Guest interviewer Jane Forrest Waghorn

What first attracted you to the festival? I was asked to participate in the first one as I had been Children’s Librarian at the Marlborough District Library. I have always had a love of reading and as teacher and librarian admired good writing and the transformative power of reading.

What do you enjoy most about interviewing an author? I am fangirl of writers. I love getting to explore the ideas and characters in their work and hearing about how they craft their work.

Have there been any interviews throughout your career that have stayed with you, and why? Yes, interviewing Patricia Grace was amazing. When I was a young librarian her picture book Kuia and the Spiderwas so loved by the children at the Huntly Public Library. I still have the withdrawn worn-out copy. She encapsulates the power of the beautifully written word. Every interview is special; Joy Cowley, Fiona Kidman, Rachel King, Emily Perkins, Becky Manawatu, Elizabth Knox, Damian Wilkins, Pip Adams, Richard Shaw…so many and all of them.

What do you find most interesting about exploring the story behind the story? Exactly that, the story that becomes the story. The diverse ideas and the way the author uses them to create the book.

What would you say to someone who has never attended before? Come, it doesn’t matter if you don’t know of the author or read the book. It obviously does for me! It is a celebration of books and reading, it is not academic exercise. There are fantasy, history, love, adventure stories, books for young people, memoir and everything in between.

What's harder: asking questions or answering them? Asking questions. It is a privilege and it is terrifying at the same time.

What book has stayed with you longest? I can’t answer that. All the books are shelved in my brain and have become part of me.

The festival runs from Friday 24 July to Sunday 26 July. The festival hub returns to the Whitehaven Theatre Marlborough, and some sessions will also be held in Te Kahu o Waipuna Blenheim Library.