Barbara Else In Conversation – Queenstown Writers Fest

In Laughing at the Dark, award-winning novelist Barbara Else at last tells her own story. It’s a witty, elegant and moving memoir about finding the courage to break free of societal constraints, a tale that will resonate with many women who raised families in the 1970s and 1980s.

Barbara’s account of a life boldly lived demonstrates admirable self-awareness and is often laugh-out-loud funny. She reveals how all of us can evolve as society does – and what becomes possible when we release the ties that bind.

In a literary career spanning over a quarter-century Barbara has written or edited 25 books of fiction and non-fiction. In 2005 she was appointed Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to literature. Among other awards, she has the Storylines Margaret Mahy Medal for services to children's literature and was Writing Fellow at Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka.

Barbara will talk with fellow rebel Megan Nicol Reed about taking big risks and finding a voice. They’ll discuss how Laughing at the Dark has spoken directly to older New Zealand women, and enlightened a younger generation on their mothers’ experiences. And we’re hoping she’ll also touch on the triumphs and disasters of her distinguished career in New Zealand publishing as a writer, editor and literary agent.

Queenstown Writers Festival (11 & 12 November 2023) brings together writers from across Aotearoa to discuss bold ideas and their latest literary work. This year's programme circles around the mysterious and morbid, and turns over the deeply personal act of memoir writing. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of these conversations.