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The Spinoff
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Spinoff
‘If I were starting out again…': Life and writing advice from David Hill
After nearly half a century as a full-time writer, David Hill considers what he might have done differently. This year is my 44th as a full time writer. I've been earning a sort of living with words for a sliver over half my time on the planet. Feel free to do the maths. If I were starting out again, would I do it differently? Hell, yes. I'd start trying to write novels sooner. For nearly a decade, I was so obsessed with making a living that I took on only small-scale projects, many of them ephemeral: short stories, reviews, brief plays, columns, etc. I also lacked the confidence, the guts to try anything requiring novel-sized skills and stamina. I'll explain that part later. It wasn't till our teenage daughter's friend died, and the short story I began writing to acknowledge her courage was still going at page 73, that I realised I'd lurched into a longer form almost by default. With that form came the rewards of watching your narrative choose its own direction, making friends with your characters, trying different voices, etc – the rewards that novels may bring. Plus, novels can be a financial investment. You might earn virtually nothing during the months/years you're working on one, but if you're lucky, royalties and the Public Lending Right may keep bringing a return long after the toil involved has faded from memory. Along with this, if I were re-beginning as a full-timer, I'd try to have a more comprehensive vision. As I say, 44 years ago, that vision was mostly financial survival. I had few plans beyond the next fortnight. I'd been able to take 1981 off from high school teaching to write, thanks to an ICI Writer's Bursary – $3,000 kept you going for several months in those days. I wrote an awful adult novel which met multiple rejections and doesn't exist in any form now. Anyway, I taught for another year, and started off in 1983 feeling that anything longform was beyond me. Janet Frame compared novel writing to 'going on a shopping expedition across the border to an unreal land', and my first dismal shopping trip put me off for years. With hindsight, I'd try to have more faith in myself, to aim higher and sooner. How easily said; how easily postponed. I'd also drink less coffee during those early days. I suspect my wife Beth and our kids found it a touch disconcerting to come home from work or school to a figure with red rotating eyeballs. I'd learn proper keyboard skills. It seems so trivial, but I've always been a two-finger, head-bent-over-the-keys user. After 44 years of stupidly bad posture, my neck is now permanently stuffed, and I have to work in 15-minute spells. Serves me right. I'd keep a copy of everything. Everything. It's relatively easy now, thanks to computers, files, that thing called The Cloud, which I still envisage as white and fluffy. But for… 20?… 25? years of hand-written drafts and manual-typewriter copies, I chucked away so much, especially when it was rejected. I still half-remember lost work, know I could now see what to do with it, shape it better. But it's gone forever. Since going electronic – and if that makes me sound like a cyborg, who am I to argue? – I throw away absolutely nothing. I'd learn to say 'No' early on. Writers are constantly being asked to talk to Rotary, to give advice on how to get 10-year-old Zeb reading, to look over the history of the local golf club that Jack whom you've never heard of is writing. Early on, I cravenly surrendered a lot of hours to such unpaid requests (demands, occasionally). I still agree to do so in some cases, but it took me a long time to learn how to mention the issue of time and expenses. Carl, the excellent gardener down the road, charges $60 an hour. I use the comparison sometimes. From the start, I'd try to see my readers as potential friends, not critics. I'd find an accountant immediately. Yes, they cost, but you can claim them on tax. Plus they add a certain legitimacy to your return, and they think of expenses that would challenge any fantasy writer's imagination. Mine (thanks heaps, Robyn; never retire) even got me a few dollars back on 'Deterioration of Office Fittings', as in shampooing the rugs in my office after the cat puked on them. If I were starting out again, I'd try to stay reasonably technologically savvy, to accept that your writing life needs to change when resources and tools change. Specifically, I'd hope to respond more quickly to the arrival of something like online publishing, e-books, e-zines, etc. I ignored them for years, kept telling myself they were a fad, something ephemeral and distracting. Yes, just like a 14th century literary hack sticking to vellum manuscripts, and knowing this printed book nonsense wouldn't last. My denial – my continued denial; I still struggle to accept that anything other than hard copy is 'real' publishing – has cost me so many contacts and contracts. I'd try also to prepare myself for shifts in my abilities. Over the past half-dozen years, I've shrunk as a short story writer. I no longer have the imaginative spark or the energy to find the dramatic switch, the revelation, the power within a small space that makes a good short story. Conversely, my ability to assemble, to build, seems to have edged up a degree. Essays and novels attract me more and more. If I were restarting, I'd resolve to feel pleased with what I can still do, not despondent at what I can't. It would no doubt go the way of my other resolutions. Let's finish with four questions: 1. Would I have an agent? I never have, partly from laziness and meanness, partly because they weren't common in the early 1980s when I went full-time, and partly (I can't phrase this without sounding vainglorious) because I've been around long enough in our little country for my name to ring the odd bell. A distant, cracked bell. But if I were starting now, I certainly would. Many publishers these days won't consider submissions unless they come via an agent. And, of course, a skilled agent knows the where/when/who to save you so much hassle. They can also soften the jolt of rejection … a bit. 2. Would I enrol in a writing course? Like agents, they weren't around much in the Jurassic. There were writers' groups all over the country. There were journalism schools. But organised instruction, direction, encouragement for fiction, poetry, drama, creative non-fiction? Pretty much zilch. If I were starting now, I'd certainly look hard at the collegiality, informed critiques, professional presentation, funding sources and multiple other facets that such courses can provide, along with their environment that makes you write. 3. Would I self-publish? It's an option that has flourished, become a legitimate alternative, lost the stigma attached to it when I started off. 'Vanity publishing', we arrogantly called it then. But I probably wouldn't do it. I'm too ignorant of what's involved; I treasure the skills of the editors and publishers who work on and always improve my stuff. And … well, I took up this job to be an author, not an entrepreneur. 4. Would I do it all over again? See final words of paragraph two above. How many other jobs are there where you have to shave only twice a week, where a 10-year-old consumer writes to you saying 'After I read your book, I felt all kind and good', where you get up from the keyboard after an hour and know you've made something that never existed in the world before? I hope to be feeling exactly the same when I've been in the said job for 55 years. All I need is for medical science to keep taking giant strides.
Scoop
3 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Job Funding Cuts Hit Isolated Communities
Article – David Hill – Local Democracy Reporter The Kaikura and Hurunui Mayors' Taskforce for Job programmes are set to face funding cuts, as the Government moves its focus to getting people off the benefit. Isolated North Canterbury communities look set to be the big losers in the Government's bid to get young people off the benefit. The Kaikōura and Hurunui Mayors' Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) programmes are likely to face cuts due to a change in funding criteria. While the new contract has yet to be signed, the Kaikōura MTFJ programme has been advised its funding will be cut from $260,000 for 30 placements to $100,000 for 12 placements from July 1. ''They have seen it work, but they kept twisting the scrum. Once they brought the larger areas in it was inevitable this would happen,'' Kaikōura Mayor Craig Mackle said. ''The whole idea of the programme was to help the rural areas. ''I haven't given up hope, but I've definitely lost the excitement.'' He said the success of the programme is stopping young people from going on a benefit. The programme has supported young people with driver licensing, career advice and guidance, interview skills, preparing CVs, work experience and transport, and access to mental health services. With no driver testing available in Kaikōura, the MTFJ programme has spent $22,000 this year supporting young people travel to tests in Blenheim and Rangiora – a three to four hour return trip. The programme is on track to exceed 30 sustainable placements. In contrast to its northern neighbours, the Waimakariri MTFJ programme is set to receive a funding boost. The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is basing its funding for the next 12 months, from July 1, on the number of 18 to 24 year olds on a jobseekers' benefit. Previously the programme has focused on supporting school leavers transition into work. The change is in line with the Government's push to get young people off the benefit. The funding cuts come at a time of high youth unemployment, with the latest Stats NZ data showing around 23 percent of 16 to 24 year olds are not in employment, education or training, compared to the overall 5.1% unemployment rate. MSD industry partnerships director Amanda Nicolle said MTFJ is one of a number of MSD funded programmes aimed at getting youth into employment, education or training in smaller regions. ''We provide a range of assistance aimed at getting young people into work because we understand that having sustainable employment can improve people's lives and give them independence.'' The Hurunui District Council was one of the councils which founded the MTFJ programme in 2000. Hurunui Mayor Marie Black said the programme's original intent was to support rural communities, where young people have less access to services and training and education opportunities. ''Hurunui MTFJ will continue to support our young people through this programme despite the reduction of contractual capacity for the incoming year. ''The programme is effective in supporting young people, with tailored and inspired support to bridge the gap and avoid a reliance on benefit support.'' The Hurunui MTFJ programme has already exceeded its target of 20 placements, placing 53 young people in jobs. There is no MSD office in the Hurunui district, while the MTFJ programme has worked to bring driver testing into the district to help overcome the isolation. Local Democracy Reporting understands Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon plans to discuss the matter with his colleagues at the Canterbury Mayoral Forum on Friday. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Scoop
3 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Job Funding Cuts Hit Isolated Communities
Article – David Hill – Local Democracy Reporter The Kaikura and Hurunui Mayors' Taskforce for Job programmes are set to face funding cuts, as the Government moves its focus to getting people off the benefit. Isolated North Canterbury communities look set to be the big losers in the Government's bid to get young people off the benefit. The Kaikōura and Hurunui Mayors' Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) programmes are likely to face cuts due to a change in funding criteria. While the new contract has yet to be signed, the Kaikōura MTFJ programme has been advised its funding will be cut from $260,000 for 30 placements to $100,000 for 12 placements from July 1. ''They have seen it work, but they kept twisting the scrum. Once they brought the larger areas in it was inevitable this would happen,'' Kaikōura Mayor Craig Mackle said. ''The whole idea of the programme was to help the rural areas. ''I haven't given up hope, but I've definitely lost the excitement.'' He said the success of the programme is stopping young people from going on a benefit. The programme has supported young people with driver licensing, career advice and guidance, interview skills, preparing CVs, work experience and transport, and access to mental health services. With no driver testing available in Kaikōura, the MTFJ programme has spent $22,000 this year supporting young people travel to tests in Blenheim and Rangiora – a three to four hour return trip. The programme is on track to exceed 30 sustainable placements. In contrast to its northern neighbours, the Waimakariri MTFJ programme is set to receive a funding boost. The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is basing its funding for the next 12 months, from July 1, on the number of 18 to 24 year olds on a jobseekers' benefit. Previously the programme has focused on supporting school leavers transition into work. The change is in line with the Government's push to get young people off the benefit. The funding cuts come at a time of high youth unemployment, with the latest Stats NZ data showing around 23 percent of 16 to 24 year olds are not in employment, education or training, compared to the overall 5.1% unemployment rate. MSD industry partnerships director Amanda Nicolle said MTFJ is one of a number of MSD funded programmes aimed at getting youth into employment, education or training in smaller regions. ''We provide a range of assistance aimed at getting young people into work because we understand that having sustainable employment can improve people's lives and give them independence.'' The Hurunui District Council was one of the councils which founded the MTFJ programme in 2000. Hurunui Mayor Marie Black said the programme's original intent was to support rural communities, where young people have less access to services and training and education opportunities. ''Hurunui MTFJ will continue to support our young people through this programme despite the reduction of contractual capacity for the incoming year. ''The programme is effective in supporting young people, with tailored and inspired support to bridge the gap and avoid a reliance on benefit support.'' The Hurunui MTFJ programme has already exceeded its target of 20 placements, placing 53 young people in jobs. There is no MSD office in the Hurunui district, while the MTFJ programme has worked to bring driver testing into the district to help overcome the isolation. Local Democracy Reporting understands Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon plans to discuss the matter with his colleagues at the Canterbury Mayoral Forum on Friday. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
‘Easy Win': ECan To Push For Rangiora To Rolleston Commuter Train
Article – David Hill – Local Democracy Reporter Environment Canterbury has voted unanimously to lobby KiwiRail for a passenger rail service from Rangiora to Rolleston. The idea of a commuter train taking passengers from Rangiora and Rolleston into Christchurch is gathering steam, but not everyone is on board. Environment Canterbury (ECan) voted to approach KiwiRail to assist in preparing a business case for a Rangiora to Rolleston passenger rail service. Councillor Joe Davies moved the motion, which was passed unanimously by councillors at a meeting on Tuesday. He said a Rangiora to Rolleston service would be ''an easy win'', compared to the proposed mass rapid transit rail service in Christchurch, as the infrastructure is already in place. ''We can't wait 20 or 30 years, we need it in five to 10 years. ''There's a corridor already in place so there would be significantly lower set up costs compared to the mass rapid transit proposal and this is an opportunity to link Rangiora and Rolleston to the city.'' The proposed route covers 54.7km and links Rolleston and Rangiora with central Christchurch and serves 13 stations. As housing developments have grown, so has the commuting time to the city. Cr Davies said once the service was in place, a mass rapid transit service could be built off it. The service could easily be extended to link with towns like Amberley, Ashburton and Timaru, and into Otago and Southland using existing rail infrastructure. ''Greater Christchurch is the population centre so that's where it needs to start,'' Cr Davies said. Under the proposal, chairperson Craig Pauling, deputy chair Deon Swiggs and Cr Davies will meet with other councils to prepare a position statement before meeting with KiwiRail's board in September. ECan would fund the business case and has set aside funding in year four of the 2024/34 Long Term Plan for a possible rail project. Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon said he is interested in the idea. ''We regularly get submissions from residents who like the idea of rail from Rangiora to Christchurch. ''I will be interested to hear the response from KiwiRail.'' KiwiRail executive general manager passenger, Tracey Goodall, said there is a clear process for considering the viability of passenger rail. ''It starts with the local councils, who understand their communities' public transport needs best, and talking to Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency. ''KiwiRail is happy to provide rail expertise into any business case, including rolling stock (carriage) availability and costs.'' Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey said previous reports have indicated commuter rail on the main trunk line is unworkable due the Addington station not being close to where the majority of people work these days and the lack of a passing lane to accommodate freight. ''Rather than coming up with pie in the sky motions, ECan should focus on reducing rates which have rapidly increased – putting more pressure on ratepayers in a cost-of-living crisis.'' Rail Minister Winston Peters is overseas and unavailable for comment. Opposition transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere said Labour supports the use of rail as ''an environmentally friendly'' option for passengers and freight. ''If a business case provided strong rationale Labour would be open to supporting passenger rail from Rangiora to Rolleston.'' Longtime rail advocate John McCaskey said the service could easily be extended into the Hurunui district. ''Count the number of people travelling in a car on their own. If they could park up at Waipara and take the train you would be on to a winner. ''Waipara is sitting there waiting to be used with the infrastructure and the terminus, and we have the feeder lines from Hawarden and Scargill – everything is still there.'' Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger said he supported looking into any public transport options that would assist the region as it continues to grow. Selwyn Mayor Sam Broughton backed any conversation that advances the potential for a Mass Rapid Transit solution connecting Rolleston, Rangiora and Christchurch City. 'It is important that all MRT options, including rail and other transport modalities, be thoroughly weighed against each other in terms of costs, benefits, and long-term viability. The work on this is currently underway with the Greater Christchurch Partnership (GCP). 'I look forward to Canterbury Regional Council coming back to GCP members with options and intel they gain through their kōrero with KiwiRail. This will help inform our wider thinking about public transport in the region.'
Ottawa Citizen
5 days ago
- Politics
- Ottawa Citizen
'Bubble bylaw' to be drafted for Ottawa council amid charter concerns from councillors, community
City staff will draft a 'bubble bylaw' prohibiting protests within 80 metres of vulnerable spaces as Ottawa council gave the green light to the proposal amid legal concerns from councillors and charter challenges in other cities. Article content Article content Staff will have nine months to craft a 'bubble zone' bylaw aimed at protecting vulnerable 'social infrastructure' such as schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities and places of worship while also balancing and respecting the right to protest. The draft is expected to come back before council for a vote in early 2026. Article content Article content A motion from Barrhaven West Coun. David Hill passed through a marathon joint meeting of the city's emergency preparedness and protective services committee and the public works and infrastructure committee on May 15-16, where 42 public delegations signed up to voice their support for and opposition to the proposed bylaw. Article content Article content Somerset Coun. Ariel Troster said that committee debate had been 'gut-wrenching' as she voted for the motion 'with extreme reservations' at the May 28 council session. Article content Troster voted for the motion after the committee agreed to remove language defining 'grievance' or 'nuisance' demonstrations. Troster had expressed concern over the wording and the potential for handing new powers to police or bylaw officers 'to make the determination about whether a protest is legitimate or not.' Article content Troster cited the landmark protests that advanced LGBTQ causes and said the act of protest was 'not always convenient, it's not always quiet. Article content Article content 'The purpose is to be disruptive and it is to make people listen,' Troster said. 'And people do it when they're desperate, when they don't have any other place or any other way that they can make their voice heard.' Article content Article content Troster urged city staff to 'make a distinction between danger and discomfort because we can all stand to be a little bit uncomfortable sometimes if it makes us realize what's going on in the world.' Article content Knoxdale-Merivale Coun. Sean Devine was among three councillors who voted against the motion, citing the 'unintended consequences' of such bylaws and the uncertain legal status of similar legislation in other municipalities. Article content 'We are moving forward with the drafting of our own bubble bylaw without taking the time to study Calgary's version or Vaughan's version or Toronto's version to see how they might fare in court,' Devine said.
