Taranaki-born author Jacqueline Bublitz became one of New Zealand’s most internationally successful debut novelists ever with the release of her book Before You Knew My Name earlier this year. The book is set in New York and is about the connection between a dead girl and the woman who finds her body. It was a number one bestseller here for many weeks and Jacqueline, 44, is now busy working on her next novel. She talked to the Weekly during lockdown.
Your first novel received rave reviews by such celebrated authors as Marian Keyes. How has that changed your life?
It’s outwardly changed everything but not what had come before. I came back to New Zealand from Melbourne when my Dad was sick and then he died, so I had already fundamentally changed my life. The next big shift was getting the offer from my publisher for the book on the night New Zealand went into the first level 4 lockdown, so nothing that has happened to me can be separated from the context of what was happening and continues to happen in the world.
What qualities do you think make a good writer of novels?
Denne historien er fra October 11, 2021-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra October 11, 2021-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK