Taste of O.E. for writer

Press, 5 December 1984, Page 34

Taste of O.E. for writer

PA Wellington The Auckland writer and critic, Michael Gifkins, is about to embark on the great New Zealand tradition — a spot of overseas experience. The 1985 Katherine Mansfield fellow, at 39, admits his “first taste of 0.E.” is coming a little later than for most, but he believes that will make the experience all the sweeter. “It will be the first time I have been outside the Pacific Basin,” he said. “But I

am inclined to agree with Sam Hunt, there is enough going on at home. But I am delighted with the opportunity.” The fellowship will enable Mr Gifkins to spend four months next year in France, “working on a third collection of short stories and sampling a little of the French wine.” He also plans to spend time in Italy and England before returning about midsummer, 1986. His first short story col-

lection, representing 18 years’ work, was published under the title, “After the Revolution,” and was a sellout A second collection will be published next year. - Mr Gifkins said he did not accept the argument that a short story was inferior to a novel. “But I do have a novel in manuscript. Right now it’s just sitting there. I want it to be just right before anyone else gets his hands on it.”