Cannon’s Creek School

Watercress Tuna in Cannon's Creek

Interview with Patricia Grace

Name: Patricia Grace
Date of birth: 17 August 1937
Place of birth: Wellington
Now living in: Plimmerton

What is your favourite food?
Fish

Do you have a nickname and if so what is it?
I do not have a nickname but I am known by either Patricia or Pat.

What was your most embarrassing moment?
I felt embarrassed once when I went into the men's toilet instead of the women's toilet.

How do you relax?
Fishing, reading, walking.

Who inspired you when you were little?
My parents, aunties, uncles, teachers

What were you like at school?
I liked learning and was very active in playground games and sports. Rather quiet in the classroom.

What was your favourite/most hated subject at school?
I liked Mathematics and English.
I didn't like sewing.

What was the book you most loved as a child?
The Adventures of Pinocchio, by Carlo Collodi – an English translation from the original Italian.

Which person from the past would you most like to meet?
My ancestress Metapere Waipunahau.

Who is your favourite author/children's author?
Children's author: Miriam Smith.

Why did you want to be a writer?
I've had a lifelong interest in the written word – firstly as a reader, then as a writer as well.

Do you have a special place where you write your books?
I have a room where I write, but I don't confine myself to the room. I can write almost anywhere.

What's the best thing and worst thing about being a writer?
I like coming to the end of the first draft and then perfecting the work.
The worst thing is muscular strain and injury from repetitive work.

If you weren't a writer, what would you like to be?
A saxophone player.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Write, write, write – and read, read, read.

From 'Interviews with New Zealand Authors', Christchurch City Libraries Website – http://library.christchurch.org.nz/Kids/ChildrensAuthors/PatriciaGrace.asp