Several leading writers have been selected for residencies at the Robert Lord Writers Cottage in Titan Street in Dunedin for 2007-2008.

Nonnita Rees, Chair of the Writers Cottage Trust, has announced the next four writers to take up residencies.Several leading writers have been selected for residencies at the Robert Lord Writers Cottage in Titan Street in Dunedin for 2007-2008.

Nonnita Rees, Chair of the Writers Cottage Trust, has announced the next four writers to take up residencies.They are Gerry Evans, to work on the biography of Noel Hilliard; Margaret Scott, to prepare her edition of the Journals of Charles Brasch; Renee, to write a new play set in Otago, and Vincent O'Sullivan, to continue work on his biography of Ralph Hotere.

"We are very happy with the success of the writers' cottage. It continues to be in high demand by emerging and established writers, who are keen to come to live and write in Dunedin for a period of time. Sometimes we offer an extended period but this year the majority wanted shorter spells to combine time to write with access to Dunedin's Hocken Library collections and other local resources," Ms Rees said.

Stuart Strachan of the Hocken Library added "We are delighted that the Robert Lord Cottage will be enabling these four writers from other centres to work at the Hocken collections. It is a tribute to the richness of the resources including private papers and manuscripts available in Dunedin for research and we look forward to seeing them put to good use."

Playwright Robert Lord bequeathed his three room 1909 cottage for the use of writers who wish to come to Dunedin to undertake writing projects.

The Trust is also currently operating a partnership with the University Of Otago College Of Education's Children's Writer in Residence. Award-winning writer Vince Ford is the 2007 writer. A six-month residency will be awarded at the University College of Education from April to September 2008 with free accommodation in the Robert Lord Cottage.

10/7/07

Image: Writer Vincent O'Sullivan.