A selection of comments from people at the Auckland Writers & Readers Festival 2007:
What has been the highlight of the Auckland Writers & Readers Festival 2007?
| "I am very impressed with the diversity of speakers and the clear interest - I mean 9,500 advance sales! It's also great to come here and listen to different perspectives, to hear new ideas, to get an insight into how people approach their writing and what moves them. It's just terrific!" John Barnett, co-owner and CEO of South Pacific Pictures |
| "Generous audience, great venue, fantastic sales, great food - please invite me back next year!" Richard E. Grant, author, actor and film director |
| "I didn't know we had so many readers in Auckland, it is satisfying for the soul to see that so many people read. Now, if only I could get a book deal..." Te Radar, social satirist |
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"The whole festival is a highlight on the calendar. It's a wonderful opportunity to hear authors speak about their work." Julie le Clerc, author |
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"It's been fantasmazing, excellarific, fabulicious..." Shane Koyczan, Poet performer, Canada |
| "Shane Koyczan (poet performer) was the highlight for me. He was brilliant - unexpected and passionate." Catherine Pittams, Auckland "Although there was vast amounts of spit..." (on Koyczan's talk) Nicky Sullivan, Auckland |
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"Philip Ardagh (children's author) was hysterically funny. He could be a stand-up comedian. It's been really good, the festival has a really good buzz and line-up of writers this year." Neil Brown, Wellington |
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"It's great - great quality authors! They've done a brilliant job." Ross Lorimer, Auckland |
| "I enjoyed the breadth of writers they've had. The venue is great because it brings people together. The poetry reading last night was particularly special." Alison Roberton, Auckland |
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"It's been brilliant. Lots of 'booky' people." "Yes, lots of passionate people indulging their passion." Jan and Jonathan Mason, Auckland |
| "I went to Xinran's talk - she made me think that when I have a bad time it's not so bad. She is so approachable and she had amazing breadth and depth." Sherie Crosby, Auckland |
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"Yes, I could have sat there and listened to her all day. There is so much to absorb. The Festival is brilliant." Christine Campbell, Auckland |
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"Philip Ardagh was quite funny. He said lots of funny stuff." Tom Weatherall, 8, Auckland, |
| "A total buzz! The best selection of writers we've ever had and a great honour to be up there with them. We are selling heaps of books too, which is great." Carole Beu, owner of The Women's Bookshop and board member of the festival |
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"It's great to see it grow and expand and everybody enjoying themselves meeting the authors. There is a lovely, buzzy atmosphere." Penny Somervaille, volunteer, Auckland |
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"I have found it a wonderfully stimulating experience. I have seen people with glazed eyes, they were so moved." Maggie Milson, volunteer, Auckland |
KEY POINTS:
A selection of comments from people at the Auckland Writers & Readers Festival 2007:
