The Writers of Wales Database

WILLIAMS, TONY

Tel: 07775 995 750
Email: maguskid@hotmail.com
Website: www.tonywilliams.co.nz

Author, poet, entertainer, writing guru and filmmaker. Tony has written 36 published books and his 37th, Questions You are Not Supposed to Ask (New Holland), will be published in October 2009. You can ask Tony any question, but be warned you might get a different answer to what you expect. His true crime title Kirsty with Jill Bentley (Reed, 2001) reached number 2 in the best seller chart in New Zealand, whilst his military history title Anzacs (Hodder Moa Beckett, 2000) reached number 3. To read one of his poems, click here.

Tony was born in Abergavenny and is currently based in South Wales once again, after spending a lot of time in New Zealand. He is a consummate entertainer whether performing poetry, discussing his writing or giving talks or workshops on how to write. These are based on the experience of having written fiction, non fiction, plays and a film, in about eight different genres, from true crime to children’s fiction and several different styles. Tony’s popular seminar 'The Gods of Story' has been described as a mind-blowing event. He also talks about the behind-the-scenes realities of the publishing and film worlds.

Tony is the founder of a film studio Wangawood, based in the Independent Republic of Whangamomona. This is a real place in New Zealand (though tongue-in-cheek) which got fed up with the local council, declared independence and elected a goat as president. 'The Big Fat One' is a comedy about a jewel thief who steals a legendary jewel and hides out in the Republic. The film is currently in post production.

Tony has done over 500 solo shows, loves to perform and to meet the real people. His philosophy is that art entertains and uplifts people. He ranges from moving and powerful poetry to hilarious comedy. You certainly won’t forget him.

Reviews:

“…Your book has an endless list of amazing things. I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!…”
Michaela Maguire aged 11, H11 Hutt Intermediate School

“…He had the audience in the palm of his hand…”
Opunake and Coastal News

“…He had everyone in fits with his jokes and funny voices...”
Waikato Times


Selected Publications:

Children’s Fiction
Fizz the Wildest Boy in the Universe (Scholastics, 1996)
Magda the Mammoth Hunter (Wendy Pye, 2001)
Erik the Viking Raider (Wendy Pye, 2001)
Odysseus the Warrior (Wendy Pye, 2001)

Inspirational Non Fiction
Hard Case Kiwis (Tandem Press, 2001)
101 Ingenious Kiwis (Reed, 2006)
101 Incredible Kiwis (Reed, 2007)
Questions You Are Not Supposed Ask (New Holland, 2009)

True Crime
The Bad, the Very Bad and the Ugly (Hodder Moa Beckett, 1998)
Unsolved Murders (Hodder Moa Beckett, 1999)
Case of Murder (Hodder Moa Beckett, 2000)
Kirsty with Jill Bentley (Reed, 2001)
The Murder Files (Hodder Moa Beckett, 2001)

War
Anzacs (Hodder Moa Beckett, 2000)
Cassino (Penguin, 2002)
Kiwi Under Fire - Ghosted Autobiography (Willson Scott, 2007)

Sport
Awesome Rugby Biographies (Hodder Moa Beckett, 1997)
Frank Confessions with Frank Bunce (Hodder Moa Beckett, 1998)
100 Great Moments of NZ Rugby (David Ling, 1999)
Rugby Skills, Tactics and Rules with Frank Bunce (David Bateman, 2008)

Eligible Writers on Tour subjects offered:

1. Discussion and performance/ reading of own poetry and books.
2. The Gods of Story - the basic rules of how to create any story.
3. Reading: aimed at pupils and teachers
4. Writing and drama writing workshops

Age Range: children 5-18; adults
Special Requirements: a whiteboard for seminars; no car