Jenny Pattrick
Jenny Pattrick is best known as an historical novelist. Her first novel, The Denniston Rose, and its sequel, Heart of Coal, are best sellers.
A former teacher and jeweller, Jenny was awarded the OBE for services to the arts in 1990, and has written nine novels. She lives in Wellington.
Festival sessions
Weaving Fiction with Historical Fact
12.30-1.30pm, Saturday 7 July, Boathouse Theatre, $20 - Jenny Pattrick in conversation with Tessa Nicholson
Jenny reflects on the art of historical fiction while sharing her personal story in conversation with Tessa, who has long admired her work. The pair will discuss why Jenny chooses to write historical fiction, how she picks her subject and the importance of developing a unique voice for each novel.
Leap of Faith
10-11am, Sunday 8 July, Hunter's Wines, Rapaura Road, $30 - Jenny Pattrick in conversation with Tessa Nicholson
Jenny's latest book Leap of Faith is set in the 1900s. It follows a young impressionable dreamer named Billy who is helping build the great Makatote railway viaduct and also features familiar characters from her much-loved Denniston novels. Jenny talks about the novel, her research, characters, and the joy she takes in a making a sentence 'sing'.