Samantha's Stories - Book Launch & Signing

On Friday, December 10 at the CAN Christmas Market Preview Night, you will have the opportunity to meet a local published writer Niki Keehan at the Napier launch of her new book ‘Samantha’s Stories’.

In 2003 Hawke’s Bay Today were asking for readers contributions, for an article ‘Growing Up In the Bay’.  Niki, a Taradale resident, had been to creative writing courses and rather fancied herself as a writer.
Niki’s family farm was on Highway 50 just outside Onga Onga, the farm now called 'Bee Haven'. She wrote about summer school holidays in the 1950s and playing in the water race which irrigated the farm and ran through the garden. Her piece was published.

Later on she received a request to write some more;

‘When I thought about my early life it was very ordinary, nothing exceptional happened and early school days were very hard work indeed. But when I stood back, and wrote about starting school from the point of view of Samantha, a sort of alter ego of myself, the story came alive.’
Then a little while later, more suggestions to write about the early years came along;

‘I didn’t remember very much about what happened, but I did remember more about the events of living with two big sisters and a brother who were very involved in the local social life. I wrote it down from the point of view of the little sister, ‘Samantha’s’ point of view. We found photos as well as notes I had written, and borrowed the very old album that my nephew has in his keeping which brought back memories of what was and the day dreams of what might have been.’
Looking at it all, Niki realised the collection of notes and parts of stories could be put together to make a modest book, illustrated by the family photos. 

The result is the entertaining 'Samantha's Stories' which was recently launched at the Onga Onga Museum complex with a 1950s themed afternoon tea. It’s a charming, playful and whimsical read that opens the doors on the memories of a country family with all of their trials and tribulations. At just $20 a copy, it’s the ideal stocking filler for gran or even younger members of the family, as it’s written from the viewpoint of a child.

Meet Niki at the launch, where she will be happy to have a chat and share some stories. She will also be signing books, so make sure you grab a copy to enjoy when you settle down with a good cup of tea. You will be transported back in time with a few laughs along the way.