When the Show Must Go On
Reflections on the 2025 St Cuthbert's Literary Evening
Sometimes the best moments in life are the unplanned ones. Last night's St Cuthbert's Literary Evening was a perfect reminder of this truth – and I found myself experiencing it firsthand when I unexpectedly stepped onto the stage.
An Impromptu Addition
When one of our scheduled panelists had to cancel due to illness at the last minute, our incredible MC Caroline Barron didn't miss a beat. With the kind of grace and quick thinking that separates the professionals from the rest of us, she suggested I step up to fill the gap. Before I knew it, Caroline had crafted a set of thoughtful questions, and we were off and running.
It's moments like these that remind you why live events are so magical – they're unpredictable, authentic, and sometimes the spontaneous elements become the most memorable parts of the evening.
A Night of Literary Magic
The atmosphere was electric from the start. Our audience – many of whom were returning attendees from previous years – brought such warmth and engagement to the room. There's something special about a crowd that knows what they're there for and is genuinely excited to be part of the literary conversation.
We were incredibly fortunate to have Isabelle from The Women's Bookshop New Zealand on hand, ensuring that attendees could take home books by all our featured authors. The signing table stayed busy throughout the evening – always a wonderful sight for any author's heart.
A Star in the Making
But perhaps the true highlight of the evening belonged to our Year 12 guest speaker, Essain Wang. Watching her read her winning entry from the 2024 Sunday Star Times Short Story Competition was nothing short of inspiring. The audience was completely captivated – alternately laughing and moved by the poetry of her words and the vivid memories she evoked.
Honestly, I found myself thinking, "I wish I could write as perfectly as this young woman." It's rare to witness such talent and confidence in someone so young, and it left me feeling incredibly optimistic about the future of New Zealand literature.
Gratitude and Looking Forward
Running my fifth St Cuthbert's Literary Evening wouldn't be possible without the unwavering support of the OGA committee members. Year after year, they give so generously of their time and energy, handling countless behind-the-scenes details that make events like this run smoothly. To the entire team – thank you from the bottom of my heart.
As I reflect on the evening, I'm struck by how these literary gatherings create such a unique sense of community. Authors, readers, students, and literature lovers all coming together to celebrate the written word. It's brilliant, it's funny, it's moving – and it reminds me why I'm so passionate about fostering these connections.
Here's to another successful literary evening, to the power of thinking on your feet, and to the young voices that will shape the future of storytelling. Roll on next year!