AWRF: Writer Richard Holloway
The Auckland Writers & Readers Festival, on from May 13-17, includes international experts on economics and politics, terrorism and security, human spirituality and science.
In this Q&A we hear from Richard Holloway, a Scottish writer and broadcaster with an interest in religious belief in the modern world. His latest book, Between the Monster and the Saint (2008), is a controversial exploration of the human capacity for good and evil.
A former bishop of Edinburgh in the Scottish Episcopal Church, Holloway now describes himself as a “Christian Agnostic”. He was Gresham Professor of Divinity in the City of London and remains a Fellow of the Royal Society.
Holloway has addressed complex ethical issues relating to sexuality, drugs and bio-ethics. He has held the position of chair of the BMA Steering Group on Ethics and Genetics. But he also has the gift of communicating broadly: he presented his own television series on BBC Television and has written for newspapers in Britain including The Times, Guardian, Sunday Herald and the Scotsman. His books include On Forgiveness (2002), Looking in the Distance (2004), Godless Morality (1999) and Doubts and Loves (2001).
During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
While I’m hiking the hills is the time I get ideas and work out problems, but when I am able to do this varies. Most afternoons I get a long walk in, during vacations it can be during the day. That aside, most of my creative writing is actually done in the morning.
How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
Mmmm…Impulsive, passionate, excessive…
What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
When something comes to you you didn’t know you knew…
How does your environment affect your work?
I’m not good in a noisy environment and I don’t like to be too cold.
Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
Big picture.
What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?
Relish disagreement and debate and be open to surprise.
Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
Bringing the Venezuelan youth music system, El Sistema, to one of Scotland’s most deprived communities.
Who or what has inspired you recently?
Maestro Abreu, the founder and presiding genius of El Sistema.
If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
Not sure it’s a career path, but I’d love to have been a novelist.
What place is always with you, wherever you go?
A cut or cleuch in the Pentland Hills.
What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
Wagner in the car CD player, going down an empty motor-way just under the speed limit, very early in the morning.
You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
What about a gentle net to catch a beautiful butterfly, admire it, and let it go…
What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
Can’t remember ever being given any.
What's great about today?
It is NOW and now is where we exist, not yesterday or tomorrow.
What's great about the Auckland Writers and Readers Festival?
Haven’t been yet, but from this distance it seems welcoming, generous, well-prepared.
What are the challenges (and opportunities) for writers and the publishing industry in the current digital and economic climate?
Since we are going through an industrial and technological revolution, don’t hold too tightly to the old ways, but try to carry the best of the past into the new future.
What advice can you give to emerging writers?
Just start.
- See Richard Holloway in:
An Hour with Richard Holloway
16 May | 2:30 - 3:30pm
ASB Theatre – Aotea Centre
The Next 100 Years
17 May | 4:00 - 5:30pm
ASB Theatre – Aotea Centre - Auckland Writers and Readers Festival
May 13-17
Aotea Centre
