Eileen Merriman’s new novel is sharp, sensual and her finest yet

The Silence of Snow has a rare and aching truth to it, writes books editor Catherine Woulfe.  I could pick Eileen Merriman’s writing anywhere, especially the way she’s been writing lately. She has struck on a particular minor key that rings across each page, clear and sharp and quick. It makes you want to listen … Read more

The teacher stories

I had planned to write an unabashed rave review, and then another book landed in my letterbox – and I just couldn’t read those stories in isolation from my own experience, writes Spinoff books editor Catherine Woulfe. I want to write about two books that I’ve just read, and then I want to tell you … Read more

Moonlight Sonata, a New Zealand novel of siblings and secrets

Eileen Merriman has whipped out three fine novels for young adults since debuting in 2017. Moonlight Sonata is her first crack at writing for adults. In this first chapter Merriman sets up a beatific family holiday – New Year’s, the beach, deckchairs and drinks – and injects a dose of abject wrongness. They see the … Read more

How do you juggle writing and the day job? Surprising answers from NZ writers

A fledgling writer asks five of the best how they are striking a balance between work – as in, for proper money – and writing.  We like writers to be poor, but in a sexy way – black clothes from the op-shop, a windowless flat, and an endless supply of wine and cigarettes, but no … Read more