5 Paatai With... Lauren Keenan
Lauren Keenan (Te Ātiawa) writes both historical fiction and non-fiction. Her publications include middle-grade novels Amorangi and Millie’s Trip Through Time (2022) and Rimu: The Tree of Time (2024) and adult novel The Space Between (2024). Amorangi and Millie’s Trip Through Time was a finalist in the Wright Family Foundation Esther Glen Junior Fiction Award in the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults, and won the New Zealand Booklovers Award. Novel The Space Between sat in the New Zealand bestseller charts for five months and was one of the top ten bestselling New Zealand fiction books in 2024. She lives in Wellington with her husband, two children, and two cats.
What sparks your idea and how do you develop the concept?
I’ve never struggled with ideas – the hard part for me is deciding what to focus my energy on! And I am a hybrid panster-plotter. My method is pants an idea as I test it out and where it might go. Then, at about the 10,000 – 15,000 word mark, I decide whether it’s an idea worth continuing with, and at that point, I’ll do some loose plotting.
Who are the authors you love and what about them inspires you?
Patricia Grace. When I was a Māori kid growing up in Porirua, her book Watercress Tuna and the Children of Champion Street was the first time I felt seen an represented in print – something I never thought could happen in that way. I am also a massive Jane Austen fangirl from way back – Pride and Prejudice is my go-to comfort read. The other authors I find particularly inspirational are Hilary Mantel, C J Sansom and Maggie O’Farrell as writers of excellent historical fiction.
What are some of the mad requests you've had from readers/fans over the years?
I am always slightly surprised by the number of kids who ask me to sign their hands or arms or other belongings. I’ve made a rule I’ll only sign paper, as don’t want any angry parents coming after me with pitchforks.
What is something you’ve learned recently?
How little I know about harakeke. I recently spent a weekend at my marae at Waikawa (near Picton) and during this time did some work to trim back the flax plants outside the wharenui. It was a humbling experience, especially as I kept cutting myself. Ever since, I’ve wanted to find out more about the mātauranga of harakeke, as well as how to handle it without needing an embarrassing number of plasters afterward.
What do libraries mean to you?
I love libraries and spend time in one at least once a week, if not more often. They are my happy place. I am a strong believer that communities are better for their existence.
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