Fellowship (The Burns & the OPC) - First up Beverly chats with 2025 Burns' Fellow, Dr Octavia Cade, about her intriguing 'speculative' and 'cli-fi' (climate change) fiction, along with what new creative projects (set here in Otago) she's researching and writing this year.

Then Octagon Poetry Collective committee member, Nicola Thorstensen, reflects on the OPC's bohemian 40-year history, and their inclusive ethos - including Open Mic sessions - at their monthly meetings, now held at the New Athenaeum Theatre (NAT).

Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin https://oar.org.nz

As Valentine's Day is coming up, this show is all about 'LOVE' i.e. writing Romance Novels, set right here in Aotearoa New Zealand.

First up, Beverly chats with Liz Jack about her mother, Essie Summers, the doyenne of NZ Romance Writing back in the 1950s -1990s. Essie wrote over 50 novels for Mills and Boon, many of them set in Otago, all meticulously researched.

Then Beverly interviews contemporary 'romance writer' Danielle Hawkins. Danielle lives on a sheep and beef farm (in The King Country) and also works as a rural Vet. All of which provides handy 'background material' for her books.

Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin https://oar.org.nz

This month Beverly chats with UBS's Emerging Writer in Residence recipient, STACEY TEAGUE, about her poetry, her whakapapa, and what she'll be working on here in Dunedin (while staying at the Robert Lord Cottage).

Then, next up, it's ROB FOOTE talking (too modestly) about his illustrious illustrative career, and publishing his very funny, satirical children's book: SAMPLES FROM THE LAB.

So stay tuned to WIN A PERSONALLY SIGNED COPY!

Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin https://oar.org.nz

Summer Reading Recommendations - First up, I talk with multi-genre, multi-award-winning writer Barbara Else about both her new collection of short fiction "The Pets We Have Killed" AND the recent perceptive lecture she gave (as NZSA's outgoing President of Honour) reviewing the literary landscape in New Zealand from the seasoned viewpoint of 47 years as a published writer.

Then I chat with UBS book buyer Ina Kinski, who shares their 'staff picks' of great books to give (to either a loved one, or yourself) these holidays.

Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin https://oar.org.nz

What Sort of Man - Dunedin Writer Breton Dukes - This month I interview Dunedin writer Breton Dukes, about his published short-story collections (inc. 'What Sort of Man'), and the novel he'll be working on during his Surrey Hotel residency.

Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin https://oar.org.nz

Tracey Slaughter - Indepth interview with Tracey Slaughter - This month Beverly talks frankly with multi award winning short story writer, poet and essayist Tracey Slaughter about her game-changing Editing workshop (held here in Dunedin as part of the NZSA regional roadshow)

They also discuss the 'high risk, high rewards' of striving for 'truth' in writing fiction, along with practical ways to remain kind to yourself (and your work) while doing that.

Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin https://oar.org.nz

Writers and Writing - This month Beverly interviews visiting writer Cristina Sanders (author of 'Jerningham' and 'Mrs Jewell and the Wreck of the General Grant') about her latest novel Okiwi Brown. They also discuss the joys and challenges of writing historic (colonial) fiction, and why one should always examine and question source data.

Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin https://oar.org.nz

Exciting Upcoming Dunedin Literary Events - This month, Beverly shares details on the plethora of literary events happening in Dunedin in the next few weeks.

These include reader events at UBS, the Small Press Fest, and an all-day Janet Frame Symposium.

Branch chair Michelle Elvy also shares tantalising details about our National Poetry Day event on August 23rd, and Vanda Symon gives us the rundown on NZSA's Regional Roadshow (coming up September 7th) along with the inside scoop on her latest Sam Shephard crime novel 'Prey'.

Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin https://oar.org.nz

Talking about Books and Writing - This month Beverly chats to the 2024 University of Otago College of Education Creative NZ Children's Writer in Residence, Feana Tu'akoi, about what she's been working on during her time in Dunedin, and why portraying Tongan and Palangi characters is at the heart of her work.

Next, Beverly discusses an eclectic, absorbing, range of recommended winter reads with UBS's book buyer, Ina Kinski, along with details of upcoming events at the bookshop,

Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin https://oar.org.nz

Interesting interview with local authors - Beverly chats with two acclaimed writers: Penelope Todd and Majella Cullinane about their new books: a novel, and poetry collection, respectively, with the common theme of Matriarchy. Firstly, Penelope shares the challenges and delights of writing about the life and times of her grandmother, "Nell" while Majella's third poetry collection, "Meantime" (dedicated to her Irish mam), traverses dealing with grief and loss half an uncrossable world away- during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz