Write Space Literary news, views and reviews http://taurangawriters.org.nz

This week's Write Space by Ian Clark.

Forty-three shopping days to Christmas. It sounds a lot, but there are plenty of things to do besides deciding what presents to buy.

Don't forget your overseas friends. Their presents will have to be posted soon. You could always buy them a book. Books have certain advantages – they don't break, they don't leak and they won't go off before they get there. And there are hundreds, no, thousands of titles to choose from. But do you really want to send friends a book they could buy in a shop near their home? Why not something different? Why not a book by a Bay of Plenty author?

Bay of Plenty authors? Are there any? In fact we have writers of all genres: Fact or fiction. Historical or contemporary. Dark and brooding or light and funny. Something for every taste. We have well established authors. Susan Brocker has over 50 books to her name. Emerging authors, like soon to be famous Lee Murray, whose fiction covers several genres. Barbara Thomas writes an incredible story of personal experience. Gun Caundle tells how our future global sailors learn their skills. Not to forget the writer of this blog, whose own humble offering is mentioned below.

Here's a selection of books published by Bay of Plenty authors in the last twelve months:

The Wolf in the Wardrobe by Susan Brocker: Written for 8 to 13 year olds by an author with a great knowledge of and respect for animals.

A rollicking adventure about a teenage boy who saves a wolf and keeps her for a pet.

Battle of the Birds by Lee Murray: A delightful tale for young readers but suitable for all ages.

Get lost in a flight of fantasy and extend your understanding of New Zealand culture and birds.

A Very Fishy Business by Ian Clarke: Set in the beautiful Coromandel peninsula; mystery and intrigue with a touch of romance; drama about a ship surveyor and shenanigans in the fishing industry.

Into the Midnight Sun by Barbara Thomas: An amazing voyage from New Zealand, through the South Pacific to Japan, the Aleutian Islands and Alaska.

A book for everyone who loves adventure; a must for those who plan to have one.

X-Rated by Gun Caundle: Thrills and spills when local youngsters sail on Tauranga Harbour.

Think how good you will feel in five years time, when friends thank you for introducing them to the works of someone who is, by then, a household name. And if you don't have any book-loving friends, you could always treat yourself.

These books are available locally from Books A Plenty, Paper Plus and other good bookshops.