New Zealand Writers
BENNETT, Jean
A children's writer and writer of educational material with extensive experience in developing the creative writing talents of students.
BENNETT, Jean (1945 - ) is a children's writer and writer of educational material with extensive experience in developing the creative writing talents of students. Her how-to guide for young people, The Writing Book (1989), is used widely in New Zealand and overseas by teachers and students of creative writing. The NZ Listener described it as "A concise, readable guide ... useful to children at primary and secondary school."Among Bennett's titles are the teenage novel Call of the Selkie (1999); which was included on the 1999 NZ Children’s Book Foundation notable junior fiction list. She has written a number of books for young people including The Lost Sandals (1999) and The Scary Day (1999); and non-fiction titles such as The Information Book (1993) and Explore the Environment (1995). Many of her recent books have been published in the United States for the educational market.
Also a writer of journalism, short fiction and poetry for an adult audience, Bennett's work has appeared in newspapers and magazines, with poetry and prose appearing in the anthology The Turning Face (1984) and poetry published in several Poetry Society anthologies. Her work for adults and children has been broadcast on National Radio.
Jean Bennett is the recipient of two children's author's project grants from Creative New Zealand.
(KC.)
Updated Information
In 2001 she was awarded life membership of the Bay of Plenty Children’s Literature Association.
Smokey the Dragon was published by United States based Dominie Press in 2000.
Jean Bennett was the 2003 winner of the Betty Gilderdale Award for services to children's literature.
Jean has written Below the Mountains, the diary of Amy McDonald 1935-36 (Scholastic, 2005), which is part of the 'My Story' series. Fourteen-year-old Amy’s life changes dramatically when, with her mother and brother, she joins her father in a road works camp deep in the Hollyford Valley. With only a canvas tent for shelter, they endure the extremes of cold, hunger, hardship - and tragedy.
In the 'Everyday Kids' series, National Geographic explores a new direction with historical fiction for young readers. Each title in Jean Bennett's realistic-fiction series contains two contrasting stories. One story focuses on characters in ancient times, while the second story highlights contemporary society in the same location. Book titles: China, Greece, Rome, Egypt, Mexico.
Bennett has also written a series for National Geographic called 'Kids Around the World,' which includes the titles Hopes and Dreams: a story from Northern Thailand, Stormy Seas: a story from the Shetland Islands and Erana’s Land: a story from New Zealand. These realistic stories look at challenges that young people face in their homelands and how they make plans for their future.
Jean Bennett is available to talk to primary school students. She is able to discuss the craft of writing, getting ideas, forming plots and characters etc. Jean would prefer to speak to classes of 30 students. She is prepared to run workshops by prior arrangement. She is prepared to travel out of town for Writers in Schools visits.
KAPAI: Kids' Authors' Pictures and Information
Jean Bennett answers some questions:
Where do you live?
I live in Tauranga. I was born and grew up in Invercargill.
What books do you read?
All sorts – fiction and factual. I especially like stories that tell me about new places, people, and exciting discoveries. Reading a good book is like going on an adventure.
Who is your favourite author?
I think British author Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series is extraordinary. Mostly I enjoy reading books by New Zealand writers.
How do you think up your ideas?
Often my stories are sparked by real-life experiences, then imagination takes over. One story that was fun to write came from a dream about a woman with a blossom tree growing out of her head.
What is the best thing about being an author?
The surprises that happen when characters become real people and tell their own story.
What is the most fun about being an author?
The great buzz at the start of a book when an idea is fresh and bursting to be written.
What is your favourite colour?
A deep, warm red.
What is your favourite food?
I love fresh, raw oysters – from Bluff, of course.
What is your favourite movie?
I like movies that have a good storyline. And I’ve enjoyed watching the Star Wars series again from my son’s video collection.
Where do you go for your holidays?
I love caravan holidays by the beach. When I go overseas, I like the excitement of travelling to other countries with different cultures.
What is the naughtiest thing you ever did at school?
In primary school, I organised a class rebellion against a crabby teacher who replaced a much-loved teacher. The new teacher won – she shut me in the stationery cupboard! Later, I was expelled from cooking class - but that’s another story….
How did you get started?
By writing and re-writing, and re-writing and….
Who inspired you when you were young?
A teacher who once said, ‘Everyone has a talent. It’s your duty to find it and use it.’ For many years, I didn’t think I had a talent until I discovered the joy of writing.
What advice would you give an aspiring young writer?
Read lots and lots of books. Watch and listen to all that happens around you – keep notes. Write about what stirs your emotions. Never give up trying.
Is it difficult to make a living writing in New Zealand?
Like most occupations, writers have to work hard to make a living.
What were you like as a teenager?
Restless, and anxious to get out and explore the world.
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