Angela Andrews has just released her first book of poetry, Echolocation. She holds an MA in Creative Writing from Victoria University. She’s also a doctor, daughter, wife and mother of two. So how does she fit it all in? RENEE LIANG caught up with Angela by email (which required Angela to wait until the kids were asleep, and to liberate the computer from under a pile of ironing...).

LAWRENCE PATCHETT met Laurence Fearnley at her mother’s Christchurch home shortly before Christmas to discuss her latest novel, Edwin and Matilda, and to find out how the author of six novels hones her writing craft ‘in secret’.

In alphabetical order, Lumière Books Editor AMY BROWN lists ten books from 2007 that she continues to think about.

Further reflection on the music year that was: GEOFF STAHL lists his ten best albums (plus a few more), while KIRAN DASS chimes in with an alternate top five for 2007.

RENEE LIANG, during her southern sojourn, is taking the time to hobnob with all kinds of writers, artists and assorted layabouts. One of the rarer species she found was a pantomime writer, Greg Macleod. Not only is Greg the writer of the Dunedin Xmas Pantomime for the third year in a row, but he’s also an actor, musician, closet painter and all-round creative genius. Definitely one of the Deep South’s better-kept secrets.

Lumière Music Editor BRANNAVAN GNANALINGAM reminds us of a stellar year in music, both locally and abroad, followed by his ten best albums for 2007.