Eileen Merriman
Eileen Merriman's first young adult novel, Pieces of You (2017), was a finalist in the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults, and a Storylines Notable Book. A stream of novels for adults and young adults have followed, with editions released in Germany, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Three have been optioned for film or television. Eileen’s latest offering Catch A Falling Star, the prequel to tearjerker Catch Me When You Fall will be released just before the festival. Also released this year was Time’s Raven, Book 2 of the gritty, fast-paced Eternity Loop series for young adults. Book 1 is Indigo Moon. When she’s not writing, Eileen works as a consultant haematologist at North Shore Hospital.
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2023 festival sessions
An Hour with Eileen Merriman
In conversation with Tessa Nicholson
Two consistencies throughout Eileen Merriman’s childhood were her fascination with the human body and a desire to be a doctor. She worked hard at science but excelled at English. From doctor to fiction writer, the award-winning author delves into the science of blood and bone and the intricate depths of heart and soul during a conversation with Tessa Nicholson.
Coming of Age
Cristina Sanders and Eileen Merriman in conversation with Tania Miller
Some of the world’s most exciting stories are those that catapult young people out of their everyday lives and make them grow up, often suddenly and fast. Award-winning authors Cristina Sanders and Eileen Merriman discuss their YA books and reflect on the nature of the coming-of-age experience, how their characters transform, and how the authors craft authentic stories that ring true for today’s audiences. A session for teen and adult readers alike.