Posted on 17th Nov, 2017
The Writing Shack
It’s funny how things come about – where a sequence of events determines the least-expected outcome. That is how Mam’s Writing Shack came to be.
One – ‘Mam’. Family and grandchildren call me Mam and sometimes call me that on Facebook, therefore friends and acquaintances use it too.
Two – Retirement. For the whole time I have known my partner Steve, he has worked on a three-week on/off rotation, flying the third biggest helicopter in the world on heli-logging and firefighting in Greece and Australia. This meant he was home for only six months of the year – perfect for my writing career!
But Steve’s retirement two years ago changed that. My personal computer sits on a desk in the lounge. With Steve home 24/7, writing became difficult with so many natural distractions. Stephen King said: "When writing, disconnect from the rest of the world. Writing should be a fully intimate activity. Eliminate all possible distractions, from phones to open windows. Write with the door closed; rewrite with the door open."
Three – Facebook. Many family and friends shared a photo of ‘Mam’s Wine Shack’ to my wall. (Obviously there’s another ‘Mam’ out there!)
Four – The idea. What about replacing the word wine with writing. And build a writing shack.
Five – The hint. I printed a photo of Mam’s Wine Shack and placed it on Steve’s desk – without a word. One day, many months later, he said, "I’m going to replace the old purple borer-infested garden shed and build you a writing studio."
Six – Love! And so began the labour of love. Steve (not a builder) tried to use as many second-hand materials as possible to keep costs down. And we had to adapt the Wine Shack so it complements our 100-year-old cottage, outbuildings and nostalgic gardens. Inside the shack, Steve used native timbers that we’d stored in a 20-foot container for many years. We actually milled the trees ourselves on an old Pedersen saw mill that came with a native timber licence. Danish oil brought the woodwork to life.
Finally, it is finished. I now have the ability to think clearly and have a great space to tap my keyboard in peace and quiet. Bliss!
And thanks, Steve – what a great idea it was.
Contact me
Marion Day801 Manaroa Road, Clova Bay
RD2
Picton 7282
P: (+64) 027 579 8444
E: become-inspired@MarionDay.nz
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2025
Marion's latest book, Get Out! Go Wild!, was released in March and accepted by Scholastic Publishers for their school programme. It has also made its way onto the NZ bestseller list. The Poetry Project, a national anthology, includes her poem Climate Change. A national short story anthology due later in the year will showcase Marion’s winning short story, Plonked. Her most recent picture book, Iya, a story about a hunting dog that blends art and photography, is in its initial stages. Due March 2026. Marion is also diligently working on her debut novel, Let the Lies Begin.
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Marion is a member of:
- New Zealand Society of Authors (NZSA)
- Storylines
- Rural Women New Zealand
- NZSA Top of the South
- Writers of Marlborough
- Writers in Schools Programme