Let’s face it not all that long ago, in fact in living memory (mine specifically) , the number of kiwi spec fic writers was tiny. I remember being a kid and excited to find out that Hugh Cook was a New Zealander- just like me- but he was the only one I knew of.
Today, it is a different story- the likes of Lynn McConchie, and Russell Kirkpatrick are being joined by a emerging host of new talents. Even in recent history, as witnessed by the need for the Sir Julius Vogel to expand its categories, more and more writers are admitting that dirty little secret–they like to write genre fiction (SHOCK HORROR!). We’re getting our names out there- we’re getting contracted to major publishing houses like Penguin and HarperCollins- in short we are making waves like never before in New Zealand literary history.
So why is this?
The Internet
Yes, I blame the internet! That wonderful collection of steampowered tubes (they are steampowered right?) has made it easier than ever to be a genre writer in this distant and beautiful island. As an emerging author in my teens I could tell you about the buckets of frustration poured over trying to figure out those damn international postage coupons; the ones you had to be precise about if you ever wanted an answer (let along your manuscript) returned. The huge amount of money spent on both them and the heavy tome itself could well buy me a new laptop (but I also want it steampowered, ok?)
Now with a click of the button (alright quite a few repeated clicks) I have an agent in San Francisco and a publisher in New York. I can email them, skype with them- heck even see their faces if I want to. Sure I may still have to travel to do all the fun stuff like writers conventions, signings and book tours (Oh please oh please Ace, a book tour! 
but if I wanted to be that traditional closeted writer, I could do that- as long as I had an internet connetion.
Peter Jackson
Yes… Peter Jackson has a part in this I think. Before his Lord of the Rings films if you said to most people, ‘I’m from New Zealand’ you’d get a puzzled look, or at most ‘Isn’t that in Europe/Australia somewhere?’
Pete (as I call him in my head) made our lovely home, not only famous- but also cool. I’ve worked that kiwi accent for my own nefarious purposes at every con and booksigning I can. It has got me dinner, drinks, and sometimes to the front of the line. I am merciless with it–I consider it one of the real advantages we have.
Kiwi fandom
Yep, kiwi fandom has contributed a lot- nurturing young talent, running writers groups and encouraging everyone with the opportunity to win one of those pointy delights known as the Sir Julius Vogel Awards. Without cheerleaders here at home- it can be a very lonely island sometimes.
If I can play the old woman card, about fifteen years ago I tried to join the local writers guild. I left with the distinct impression that because I was a genre writer not a literary writer I was not quite up to snuff. I did join this year and it appears time and tide have turned my way–I am worthy of entry.
We’re not American
I should start by saying I love Americans. They are far different to the portrayal on TV, and I have made some wonderful friendships and worked with some talented Americans. That being said, being a New Zealander makes us…. exotic. Yes, there I said it… exotic. What was once a handicap is now positively to our advantage. Amongst the sea of American writers we stand out- we’re different, interesting, and I imagine publishers think that is a great thing for marketing. (Everyone is thinking marketing these days, let’s face it)
We also bring a different sensibility to speculative fiction, with our different heritage, history and culture. I like to think we have something to say because of that. My character in Books and Braun is a New Zealand field agent- think of her as a kiwi female version of James Bond, with more of a love for explosions. Eliza is a kiwi and unashamed of it.
Come to think of it… so I am.
So enjoy this week of New Zealand speculative fiction blogging- it’s part of the new renaissance. Great things lie ahead- so pick up that pen kiwis!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Pip,
Great post and most encouraging. And wow, I love the big ass moon at the top of your website.
Cheers,
Ripley Patton
Great post – Everywhere I look I see more reason to be proud to be writing genre fiction in NZ.
Funny you should mention Hugh Cook – my contribution to NZ Spec Fic Week is an article on the man himself and his work:
http://podagogue.blogspot.com/2009/09/hugh-cook-wordsmith-and-warrior.html
This is an awesome post, really makes me proud to be a NZ writer of speculative fiction!
I know what you mean about the thrill of discovering a author you love is a NZer as a kid – for me it was Maurice Gee but it was hugely inspiring at the time. It is fantastic that genre is starting to take off now in Aotearoa. I’ve found your insights as to why this is really interesting.
I love getting sci-fi and fantasy books written by authors from other countries, including New Zealand. The books **feel** different, read different, are different it seems to me from books I read from US and English authors. The culture of a distant land really does show through.
While you’re mentioning factors that put New Zealand on the speculative fiction map, don’t forget Xena Warrior Princess and Hercules the Legendary Journeys. My husband and I ended up traveling to New Zealand after hearing Karl Urban talk about his native country at a convention we went to. While we were in Rotarua, we picked up a newspaper with the following headline:
“New Zealand Director Begins Production On Lord Of The Rings Movies.”
I’ve still got that newspaper around somewhere