Interview with Mandy Hager

by Lynda LaPorte

 Lynda: Mandy tell us a bit about yourself and your writing loves.

Mandy: I live in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand. I'm married (for the second time) with two teenage children (Tom,16 and Rose,13) I originally trained as a primary school teacher, and eventually specialized into working with children (and adults) with learning disabilities such as dyslexia. I also have an Advanced Diploma in Applied Arts (Writing), and have tutored and mentored for this course for the last three years. I've been writing ever since I can remember--entered my first writing competition aged about ten--and won a book token! I wrote my first novel at age 14--gave it to my English teacher to read, who promptly lost it! (My mother says that when I was a teenager, I spent a whole year communicating solely through notes...does that prove a love of writing or a sulky teenagehood?!)

Lynda: What is your favorite kind of books to read and write?

Mandy: I am a very broad reader and particularly love New Zealand fiction. I also have started reading more non-fiction these days--am very interested in evolution, philosophy and how our brains work.

My previously published books have all been for children. One picture book--and the rest for the ten plus age group. I don't see myself as sticking to one genre--am interested in trying many.

Lynda: How did you take the plunge to become a writer?

Mandy: My first published book was a children's picture book which deals with a child's feelings and responses to the death of a parent. I wrote this after my first husband was killed in a boating accident, when my children were 3 and 6 years old. I found there was a real lack of honest/straight-talking books to help kids express, and acknowledge, the feelings associated with grief. This book went on to win an honor award in our national children's book awards. The response from children, parents, librarians etc., has been over-whelming, sad and humbling.

Lynda: How did Juno Lucina enter your life or where did the inspiration come from?

Mandy: Juno Lucina started as one line that came to me on holiday about 9 years ago (that line no longer exists in the book!) I had no idea how to write a novel--just ploughed on with it. It has undergone many transformations, and is nothing like the original version. I guess it's true to say that it has evolved and changed, as I have. I think we've 'grown-up' together!

Lynda: I know that you are a "down under" writer so how does that influence what you write?

Mandy: I do think there is a difference in the writing from New Zealanders. I think as a nation we are pretty straight-forward, honest people--not in a pushy way (I hope!) but not likely to be pushed around either! I think it shows in our fiction through often very stark, honest, 'unfrilly' topics--and the unbelievably varied and beautiful landscape that we live in is a strong characteristic of most NZ books.

Lynda: How do you fit writing into your life?

Mandy: This has very much varied over the years. It is an on-going problem trying to prioritise writing as a real 'job'--when people know you are working at home, they tend to forget the 'working' bit and think you are free of obligations. I have learnt to keep a notebook and pen by my bed (and to write in the dark) as I often mull things over at night and know that if I don't write them down, they'll be gone in the morning! I have a chronic health problem that eats away at my energy--it's a good way of prioritising what is important in life...and writing is definitely one of my priorities. Luckily, my family support me in this--they know that if I'm not writing, I'm not happy (and if I'm not happy...!)

Lynda: Do you have another work in progress that we can look forward to?

Mandy: I'm currently working on a teenage fiction--hopefully finished soon. I also have sketched outlines for another adult novel--based on the life of my mother and her parents--who lived in Zanzibar, where my grandfather was a doctor in the Colonial service. Ideas are not a problem for me, finding the time and energy to do it all is!

Lynda: Do you have any expectations for your readers?

Mandy: I always hope that there will be at least one person out there who will read my book and feel comfort, recognition, or intellectual stimulation from the themes that I'm discussing. I guess I want my books to say something--otherwise I don't see the point of writing them. Also, by exploring various things I have not previously learnt about, I keep myself learning and growing too. Of course, I hope they'll find it a ripping good read as well...!

Lynda: Are you published elsewhere?

Mandy: Yes! Tom's Story- picture book--Honour Award, Aim Children's Book Award 1996 (Mallinson Rendel Ltd, NZ) Run for the trees--an eco-thriller for the 10+ age group--shortlisted Canread2000 -(Steele Roberts Publishers, NZ)--also available as audiotape. Double Danger and Stumpy's Secret--short novels for 10+ age group (Learning Media, NZ) Various other short stories and poems in a range of publications.