Anne McDonell

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

McDonell, Anne, (1940 –) writes poems, stories and plays for children as well as poetry for adults. Much of her work is educational and includes books written for both parents and children.

Born and raised in Auckland, McDonell spent time in Wanganui before settling in Whangarei. McDonell received her Dip Ed, B Ed from Massey University, as well as a Higher Dip Tchg, TTC (endorsed Speech-language therapy) and a LTCL in Speech and Drama.

McDonell's career as a speech language therapist began in 1959 and included time teaching special education. Her career as a writer began in the 1970s when she began publishing poems in magazines like Broadsheet, More, Mate, NZ Gardner, NZEI Magazine, Contagious and Spiral.

As a long-time contributor to School Journals McDonell has had some 20 pieces published in New Zealand. She has also contributed to the New South Wales School Magazine.

As a writer much of her work is educational and includes the books Children’s Language Development (1990), Let’s Write Poems (1997), and Let’s Write Short Stories (1998). She has also published Children’s Language Development (1990) as part of a series of books for parents.

McDonell’s poetry have been anthologised in 100 NZ Poems for Children (1999) and in Faces in the Water (2002).

Writing about Let’s Write Poems Samantha Smith describes McDonell’s work as 'definitely comprehensive, providing young writers with a huge toolbox to launch into their own experimentation of poetic language. Not only do the activities seem enjoyable, but they also foster originality, and encourage the writer to find their own voice.'

McDonell belonged to NZ Women Writers for many years and won the E. Morrison Cup in 1975. She is a member of the NZ Society of Authors (PEN), and a local writing group.

McDonell lives in Whangarei and is currently writing novels for children aged 8-10 and young adults.

WRITERS IN SCHOOLS INFORMATION

Anne McDonell is able to speak to students from Kindergarten age up to Year 12. She can discuss being an educational book and story writer, a poet, a teen fiction writer, a non-fiction writer and a short story writer. She is able to run a wide range of sessions and is able to take 6-8 students by herself, or a class with the support of the teacher. McDonell can visit schools within her region.

Kapai: Kids' Authors Pictures and Information

Where do you live?

I live in Whangarei now but have lived in Auckland, London, Central Otago and Wanganui.

Which place was your favourite?

All were very different and great in their own way. Each has a special atmosphere.

What kinds of book do you like to read?

I love reading poetry, books by New Zealand authors and books for children. I belong to a Book Club - a great way to be introduced to new books and authors.

Who are your favourite writers?

My favourite authors for children are Margaret Mahy and Joy Cowley. My favourite authors of adult work are Hone Tuwhare and Janet Frame.

Where do you get your ideas?

My best ideas can come when I see or hear something very ordinary e.g. my daughter said the lawn was beautiful when we returned home from a long Christmas holiday. I thought it was a mess. This gave me the idea for Christmas Festival - a poem published in the School Journals. I don't wait for ideas to come from nowhere. There are many successful techniques that can inspire original thought.

What’s the best thing about being an author?

The best thing about being an author is being able to write for work and fun. It's also great to have something published, see it illustrated and hear people say they've enjoyed it. The thrill of that doesn't last long - I'm too busy writing something new.

Some questions from Primary School students

Do you have a pet?

I have a gorgeous black cat.

What is your favourite colour?

I like purple best.

So you play any games or sports?

My favourite sport is golf.

What do you like best about being an author?

The most fun thing about being an author is sharing my work with children.

It is hard to make a book?

Making books is hard work. It takes lots of thought, writing, editing and will power - will power to throw stuff away that doesn't work well enough. I start with an idea and a pen and paper. It grows from there.

Where do you like to go on holiday?

Visiting family in New Zealand and Australia is always fun. I also like to go overseas once a year to experience different cultures. I have recently visited China and Mexico.

What was the naughtiest thing you ever did at school?

I was a giggler at school. I'd see something funny in almost every situation and my teachers could never see the joke. The more puzzled they were the more I laughed.

Some questions from Secondary School students

How did you get started as a writer?

I first started writing when I was seven - eight years old. My work was published in the Children's Page of the Auckland Star. After that I wrote for my school and Teachers' College magazines then branched out.

Do you show your writing to other people?

Writing was always - still is - my secret thing. It's something I have to do alone and I can only share a project with special people till it is published. I share current projects with a few special people and with fellow writers - I value their criticism.

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to be a writer?

My advice to an aspiring writer - believe in yourself, write for pleasure not for publication - painters don't expect every painting to be hung in a gallery.

Is it hard to make a living as a writer?

Yes it is difficult to make a living as a writer in NZ.

What were you like as a teenager?

I was a withdrawn and self-conscious teenager.