New artist in residence hopes for prolific term

James Norcliffe hopes a torrent of words will flow onto the page during the next three months as he begins a term as the Palmerston North's Literary Artist in Residence.

The award-winning writer expects to finish a novel and a collection of poems while living in the writer's quarters in Square Edge.

Mr Norcliffe, who has published six collections of poems and five fantasy novels, says he'll be living a monastic life.

“I'm a binge writer and now I'll be able to live my work twenty-four-seven. I'll go to bed thinking about it and expect to get a lot of work done during my time here.”

He says the three months away from his position at Lincoln University, where he teaches foundation English, will provide the perfect opportunity to focus on his work.

Mr Norcliffe says he's grateful for the opportunity to work at Massey University's Palmerston North Campus, which he says is a beautiful place.

“I've held similar positions in Australia and the United States and expect the next few months will prove to be just as worthwhile.”

As well as writing, Mr Norcliffe will also provide valuable feedback to students enrolled in the university's creative writing programme.

Lecturer Tom Conroy says James Norcliffe was chosen as the first of this year's three visiting artists because he has a broad range of abilities.

“James is an accomplished poet and writer who'll give students valuable feedback on their work. It's important students can seek assistance from someone who won't be grading them.”

An event to welcome Mr Norcliffe to the city will be held on Friday evening in the Welcome Lounge of the Palmerston North City Library.

Later that evening he'll also read a selection of his work, as the inaugural reader in this year's “Writers Read” series at the library.