Ep 154: liz breslin and Pip chat about a pair of scissors

On July 31 2025, liz launched the new collection of poetry show you're working out (Dead Bird Books) in Wānaka.

As I type this liz is embarking on a tour of Aotearoa to celebrate the amazing new collection of poetry show you're working out. In August 2025 liz has events in Ōtepoti, Timaru, Ōtautahi, Te Whanganui-a-Tara and Tāmaki Makaurau. liz is joined in each of these events but some amazing other poets and writers. For information on dates and venues see liz's instagram account

show you're working out is a fantastic work - sure and curious in its experiments, heartfelt in its emotions and quick in its wit. It was such a pleasure to speak with liz about her amazing work.

Action: Rozana4Palestine

I asked liz if there was an organisation whose work we could highlight in this section of the newsletter and podcast, liz says:

I’d like to highlight Rozana4Palestine, which is run by a much-loved and respected Ōtepoti-based Palestinian family who sell Palestinian goods and accept donations, and in one of their posts they say:

At Rozana, every purchase you make goes beyond just shopping - it supports families in Palestine, especially in Gaza through their connections in New Zealand.

Embodying a rich aspect of the Palestinian culture, the name "Rozana" holds different meanings - from the traditional window in old Palestinian houses to the historic ship sailing the Mediterranean Sea.

Join us in standing in solidarity with Palestine as we strive to make a difference together. Your support is not only valued but also impactful. Let's shop with a cause and spread love and support to those in need.

You can find them at:

@rozana4palestine on Instagram

And shop/donate here https://arohaloveandpeace.bigcartel.com/

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Faber Writing Academy - Writing and Disrupting Short Fiction with Emma Hislop (Kāi Tahu)

The incredibly talented fiction writer and Better off Read alumni Emma Hislop is facilitating an online workshop as part of the Faber Writing Academy from September to November.

Explore the craft of short story-writing in this eight-week course with award-winning author Emma Hislop (Kāi Tahu), learning how to deepen your connection to craft and each other and find new ways to approach short fiction writing.

For more information visit the Faber Writing Academy website

Kath Foster’s Stories about living in houses

Last Friday I travelled to Toi Mahara to celebrate the opening of Kath Foster's incredibly affecting work Stories about living in houses

As part of this amazing exhibition Kath will discuss her work with me in an Artist's Talk

Following this converstation I'll be facilitating a writing workshop that explores through writing exercises the objects that won't let us go. To learn more and register please visit the Toi Mahara website (Please note there is a charge of $30 for this workshop.)

 

You can support Better off Read financially at Buy Better off Read a Coffee

Music in Better off Read was made by Brent McIntyre.