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A novel that started life in Ōrewa, is set in Florida and Las Vegas, and has been written by two different authors living more than 400km apart is being published at the end of month.
Dragonflies is by Jennifer Mayne and Bruce Miller, who met at a writing group when they both lived in Ōrewa several years ago. Both were retired, had always been keen writers and had published a number of books between them, but it wasn’t until Bruce moved away from Ōrewa in 2018 that they thought of penning a novel between them.
“Bruce moved away but still came to Ōrewa from time to time, so we would catch up and that’s when we decided over a dinner to try to write a novel together,” Jennifer said.
“I jokingly suggested maybe we should write a book together about what men thought of women, since I never really fully understood what men wanted. Bruce had a written a novel called Beware the Ides of March, which I really enjoyed, and he had read my novel Pilots’ Wives and loved it, so we gave it a go, combining our skills.”
With Bruce living in Napier and Jennifer at first in Ōrewa and, more recently, Mission Bay, the logistics were challenging and they met only twice before the manuscript was finished.
“Neither of us really believed we could with such a distance between us, but we did manage it after 18 months of back and forth writing via email,” Jennifer said.
The result is Dragonflies, which tells the story of four keen male golfers living in Florida, whose lives change dramatically after a weekend break in Vegas, where they flit from woman to woman creating a trail of lust, drama and criminal activity. As the story develops, it offers up both female and male perspectives on the action and characters.
Jennifer said she thinks that women will want to read it to learn more about men, and men will read it for the women and the golf!
WIN THIS BOOK
Hibiscus Matters has one copy of Dragonflies to give away. To be in to win, ‘like’ Hibiscus Matters’ Facebook page and message your name and contact phone number. Alternatively, write your name, address and phone number on the back of an envelope and post to Dragonflies Giveaway, Hibiscus Matters, 21 Florence Ave, Ōrewa. Entries close Wednesday, December 1.
Dragonflies, by Jennifer Mayne & Bruce Miller, is published by Pacific Trust Holdings NZ, RRP $36.99 from bookstores or online.
