Women’s writing to be promoted

Press, 12 September 1988, Page 5

Women’s writing to be promoted

By

SUZANNE KEEN

Christchurch reading .enthusiasts will be able to bring themselves up to date with the latest in women’s writing during the first Women’s Book Festival this month. The festival will run from September 19 to 24 and is intended to raise interest in women’s books among the public, teachers and librarians. Ms Lis Roche, of the Canterbury Public Library, said although most activities would take place in Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin, displays and readings were planned for Christchurch. “Women’s literature hasn’t had specific exposure nationally before. It is a change for libraries and the more commercial side of bookselling to get

together on the promotion,” she said. Marilyn Waring and Phillida Bunkie are two New Zealand authors who will launch their books in Christchurch during the festival. Phillida Bunkie will speak on her book, “Second Opinion — Politics of Women’s Health,” at the Public Library on September 19, while Ms Waring will introduce “Counting for Nothing — What Men Value and What Women are Worth” at a function in Cashmere on September 23. Another author, Susan Downie, will speak on her book, “Baby Making — The Techniques and Ethics," at the Students Union building at the University of Canterbury on September 22.

The national organisers of the festival have pub-

lished a catalogue listing books by women authors. Ms Roche said the library hoped to have most of these on display from next week. The fiction and children’s departments plan supplementary displays. Several Christchurch women, including Jacqueline Steincamp, Mike Minehan and Elsie Lock, have been invited to read aloud from women’s works, at the library during lunch-time on September 21 to 23. The festival has been organised by publishers and booksellers who hope it will become a regular event and that in future years an overseas author may join local writers in travelling throughout New Zealand giving talks and readings.