Rachael King author page

Rachael King Biography

Early Life and Interests

• Rachael King, a writer, book reviewer, and former literary festival director, hails from Aotearoa New Zealand.
• From a young age, King displayed a love for music, particularly the bass guitar, which she began playing in rock bands at the age of 15.
• Her passion for literature was evident early on, with a particular affinity for fantasy novels such as CS Lewis’s Narnia series and Susan Cooper’s The Dark is Rising.

Literary Career

• King’s literary journey commenced with her pursuit of a Masters in Creative Writing from the International Institute of Modern Letters at Victoria University in 2001.
• Her debut novel for adults, The Sound of Butterflies, garnered international acclaim, winning the Hubert Church award for Best First Book of Fiction at the New Zealand Book Awards.
• Subsequently, King penned Magpie Hall, which received recognition as it was longlisted for the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award.
• Transitioning to children’s literature, King authored two novels: Red Rocks, which clinched the Esther Glen Medal in 2013, and The Grimmelings, slated for release in 2024.

Professional Endeavors

• Besides her literary pursuits, King’s career has been diverse, encompassing roles in bookshops, radio, television, and magazines.
• For eight years, until 2021, she served as the programme director of the WORD Christchurch Festival, a prominent literary event hosting writers from across New Zealand and beyond.

Achievements and Recognition

• King’s contributions to the literary landscape have been recognised with several accolades, including a Waitangi Day Honour Award in 2020 from the New Zealand Society of Authors for her efforts in bringing exiled Kurdish writer Behrouz Boochani to New Zealand.
• In 2023, she was honoured as the Best Reviewer at the Voyager New Zealand Media Awards.

Personal Life

• Currently residing in Ōtautahi Christchurch, King finds solace and inspiration in her surroundings.
• Her abode is a cold rambling villa, where she continues to craft immersive narratives that captivate readers of all ages.