A long-standing Dunedin radio programme with a literary focus has a new presenter.
Local writer Beverly Martens has stepped up to the mic on monthly OAR FM show Write On, which is presented on behalf of the Otago Southland branch of the New Zealand Society of Authors and supported by University Book Shop.
Former host and local crime writer Vanda Symon fronted the programme for 18 years. She was one of Ms Marten’s first guests in last September’s edition, while this month’s show featured conversations with UBS Emerging Writer in Residence Dr April-Rose Geers and 2023 Robert Burns Fellow Kathryn van Beek.
Ms Martens said that highlighting the work of local writers would remain the programme’s focus but she was also interested in exploring wider issues around publishing.
“Getting a creative work published is a phenomenal process. It takes a long time and you’re often doing in on your own. How do you keep the motivation up?”
The mix of creative skills, marketing skills and crowd-funding knowledge often required when “selling” a project were fertile ground for discussion, she said.
Future editions of Write On would also include a bulletin of literary news and upcoming Dunedin events.
Write On airs on 105.4FM and 1575AM on the second Wednesday of each month at 12pm, and is replayed the following Sunday at 1pm.
Listen to Write On podcasts here
