Receiving my certificate on the NZ Post Book Awards night

Michelle Kelly

2009 Finalist for the NZ Post Awards Junior Fiction Category

Interested in people, I love to listen, hear what people have to say and then recreate the story using their own words. For a distinctive lasting memory, I will endeavor to hear the essence of what you are really saying and serve it up to you in a new and fresh way.
My published novel Payback follows main character Riley Mitchell as he discovers he has a problem with bone development, while also dealing with the bully who seems to be spending time with Riley’s ex-girlfriend. A review on the Tauranga City Library website goes on to say, ‘Set in New Zealand, this is a good story for younger teens.  It could be read by either boys or girls.’

Reviewer: Jack Reid from the PaperPlus website

Fantastic read. This is a great book. The main character is a boy called Riley. He is very short for his age and is not sure he will grow at all. Also his girlfriend, Kelly, is suddenly not talking to him and he does not know why. While he is in this state of anger he punches the biggest bully in the school, Vince McGerk. Vince promises that he will get even but Riley doesn’t know when or how but he knows it will happen. This is a good read for older kids and people who like a bit of comedy and a bit of drama put together

I have a sequel for Payback and am currently working on an historical novel set in the Goldfields, South Island of New Zealand.

Pamela Bestwick

ATCL - Associate Trinity College of London Speech Teacher

For years I have been creating rhyming poetry for people’s life events. Weddings, birthdays, naming ceremonies, moving on, any event where a poem will produce warm feelings, make people laugh, and provide a lasting memorial of a special day.  None of my work has been published, but much of it adorns the walls of friends and family post various celebrations.

My fairy stories have been encouraged by my sister and a new one is in the making.  Latte too many pies means Latte can’t fly! My inner child is alive and well, throwing trantrums as I write.