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Telling Tales: A Life in Writing by William Taylor 

In this witty, engaging memoir, William Taylor writes about his life as a writer, teacher, regional mayor and solo father. Taylor is one of the country’s most prolific writers. During his teaching career he taught for many years in the Central and Lower North Island often at single or two teacher schools before becoming principal of Ohakune School and Mayor of Ohakune.

He began his career writing novels for adults, but regards these as his ‘apprenticeship’. He is better known for his controversial novels for teenagers, particularly ‘The Blue Lawn’ and ‘Jerome’. Both of these books touch on issues seldom addressed in fiction for young adults. Over the years he has been honoured with many national and international children’s book awards, scholarships and other forms of recognition. In 2004 he was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to children’s literature and the community. Over half of his output for young readers has been in writing comedy.

He is also able to write about serious issues and Taylor’s latest novel was ‘Land of Milk and Honey’, a powerful story based on the real life experiences of hundreds of British children who were evacuated to New Zealand and Australia after the Second World War.

Taylor tells his own story with humour and kindness. He shows at times the lighter side of politics and how hew managed to juggle different roles and professions throughout his life. It is an interesting and entertaining read about a great New Zealand author, told as only he can.

RRP $39.99
Published and distributed by HarperCollins Publishers
 

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