Shadow Play

New Zealand writer, JAMES NORCLIFFE, has had many years experience as a writer and editor. He has published a collection of short stories The Chinese Interpreter, six collections of poetry, most recently Rat Tickling, Along Blueskin Road, and Villon in Millerton; and several novels for young people. He has had a long-time involvement with Takahe magazine and has edited anthologies of poetry and of writing by young people. He is poetry editor for the Christchurch Press and teaches in Lincoln University's Foundation Studies Department. He has won a number of awards for both his poetry and his writing for young people. With Bernadette Hall he was presented with a Press Literary Liaisons Honour Award for lasting contribution to literature in the South Island, New Zealand. James has run many creative writing workshops and been awarded writing fellowships both in New Zealand and overseas. He publishes poetry widely internationally and regularly reads at festivals and occasions throughout New Zealand and overseas. He has lived and worked for extended periods in Asia (China and Brunei Darussalem) but currently lives at Church Bay near Christchurch, spending what little spare time he has with his family, listening to music and creating a garden.