Currently completing a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at the University of Canterbury, writer Faith Oxenbridge also works for the Christchurch Arts Festival and writes theatre reviews for The Listener. Her story In the Back of a VW was the Readers' Choice for Six Pack Two, which was released at the start of NZ Book Month. Though it has lessened her self-doubt, Oxenbridge says her children weren't overly impressed by her achievement: "They are still far more interested in what I'm cooking for dinner."Currently completing a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at the University of Canterbury, writer Faith Oxenbridge also works for the Christchurch Arts Festival and writes theatre reviews for The Listener. Her story In the Back of a VW was the Readers' Choice for Six Pack Two, which was released at the start of NZ Book Month. Though it has lessened her self-doubt, Oxenbridge says her children weren't overly impressed by her achievement: "They are still far more interested in what I'm cooking for dinner."During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
Around 10am after my third strong coffee.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
Not sure if this is relevant, but a good friend once described me as a brainy bimbo. Is that a compliment? Most of my friends would probably describe my style as shabby chic - well that's how I'd like them to describe it.

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
The process, I suppose - just doing it. It's great to get acknowledged but it's never as exciting as you think, and a few days later everyone's asking what your next project is.

How do you think your environment affects your work?
I dream of writing in a tumbledown cottage looking out over a wild sea, instead I write in an untidy house looking out over the wild garden I haven't touched for months. I can write anywhere as long as it's warm.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
Both. I'm a big picture person, but that doesn't get you far as a writer. I've had to train myself to pay attention to the details, and to not rush into the narrative that's driving me.

What does being included in this year's Six Pack mean for you?
It means I can get my car fixed that my daughter pranged into a lamppost. It means that I can keep writing with a little less self-doubt, but it doesn't mean anything to my children. They are still far more interested in what I'm cooking for dinner.

What, in your opinion, is the biggest challenge facing writers in New Zealand?
Staying alive. I'm currently applying for full-time jobs so that I can pay the bills. It would be wonderful to have someone pay them for me so that I can do what I love.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
Almost completing my MFA - Master of Fine Arts - in Creative Writing.

What's your number one tip for overcoming writer's block?
Poverty.

Who or what has inspired you recently?
Australian author Tim Winton and his stunning collection of inter-linked short stories, The Turning.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
Hairdresser? I love cutting things.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
Alone and loud. It's the only way.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
A bloody great mess. How long is the piece of string?

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
Everything will look better in the morning. It nearly always does.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?
Banks Peninsula, and in particular Little Akaloa, where we had a one-room, traditional Kiwi bach for many years.

What's your favourite word?
Mental.

What's great about today?
I'm at home writing.

11/9/07