Musings on Self Worth

by briant | Apr 29, 2017 | Brian Thurogood, Observations, Philosophy, Self Worth

Most cultures have concepts and aphorisms that encourage self worth. Most cultures don’t make these central to life and learning. For example: Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra) Self worth, self confidence and self esteeem. Integrity is more valuable than income....

Tibetan Buddhism on an Ocean Wave

by briant | Oct 30, 2016 | Adventure, Dyana Wells, Novels, Observations, Philosophy, Sailing

The second book in the trilogy Anchors in an Open Sea, by Dyana Wells, is Buddha and a Boat. Once again the backdrop is the Pacific ocean, with hiking and cycling adventures alongside romance and family difficulties. Vanuatu and New Caledonia are the new playgrounds....

Building A City – In Fantasy and Real Life

by briant | Aug 29, 2016 | Brian Thurogood, Observations

Many writers labour over the details of their characters and the environs they inhabit. In fantasy, the towns and cities and building can take on any form their imagination allows. In real life, Christchurch city in New Zealand has to juggle the reality of what is...

How to be a writer

by briant | Aug 28, 2016 | Novels, Observations, Publishing

A talk by Steve Hely at the Word Festival, Christchurch, 2016. “What I like about books is you can really get into someone’s head. In books you can have inner monologues.” Steve frequently contrasted his work for tv talk shows and comedy shows with...

Adventures in Publishing

by briant | Aug 28, 2016 | Novels, Observations, Publishing

A talk by Scott Pack at the Word Festival in Christchurch, 2016. Two months ago Pack received an invite from Rachel King, managed to convince his family (primarily his children) that he was a worthy world-travelling speaker, and finally had a brainwave for the theme...

Being ‘Other’ in New Zealand

by briant | Aug 26, 2016 | Brian Thurogood, Fiery Scribes, Observations

Being Chinese / White / Other in New Zealand. Notes on a conversation between Alice Canton and Helene Wong. Held at Word Christchurch Festival on Friday 26 August 2016. Helene emphasised that many of the older Chinese liked the ‘fair go’ attitude in NZ and...