I live in Wellington and work as a medical lab scientist but an interest in genealogy led me to an extramural degree in English and History. I’ve done extensive research to uncover the true origins of these fascinating aerial stunt performers and believe that Lillian’s story is too incredible to be left untold.
Photo: Jane Thompson, Pegasus Communications
After completing a New Zealand Society of Authors’ Mentorship with an experienced author, The Only Living Lady Parachutist was shortlisted for the NZSA Lilian Ida Smith Award (2015) and chosen for a manuscript assessment from the NZSA the following year. I’ve since commissioned a structural assessment and beta reader feedback from The History Quill and publication date is 28 June 2021. The Only Living Lady Parachutist is available from Nationwide Book Distributors.
My other writing:
Felonious, wicked and diabolical? The New Zealand Genealogist, Vol 51, No. 385, October 2020. Winner of The Ted Gilberd Family History Award for the best family history article published in the The New Zealand Genealogist during 2020.
You Are Not Alone, Flash Frontier, August 2019: Historical Fiction
Persephone, Highly Commended in the North & South Magazine’s Short, Short Story Competition 2019.
You Are Not Alone, Highly Commended in the William Taylor Memorial Heartland Short Story Competition in 2017: “The search for a pair of Laughing Owls in the streets of Wellington is one of the most interesting premises for a story I’ve come across in a long time. It’s a brilliant idea and the story is superbly constructed, scene by scene.” A.D. Thomas, Judge’s Report.
Feeding the Hungry Ghost, Shortlisted in short prose section of New Zealand Heritage Book Awards and Writing Competition 2016
Penumbra, Winner of the Chilean Prize at the 1st Short Story Competition Certámen de Cuento Corto, organised by ALAC and Biblioteca Letras Latinas 2014.
Jabberwocky, Finalist in National Flash Fiction Day Competition 2013
Carapace, Novice Award Runner Up in Rodney Writes Short Story Competition 2010.
Douglas Hastings Macarthur: A Man of Probity and Worth in Manawatu Journal of History, 2006 Vol 2
My Myers family history website.
Catherine Clarke 