Katie Furze writes children’s fiction and non-fiction, including picture books, short stories, articles, plays, readers and novels. Katie has a master’s degree in creative writing and is fascinated by science and nature. When she’s not reading or writing, she enjoys the outdoors, tramping, yoga, travelling and scuba diving. She lives in Auckland with her family. Katie talks to NZ Booklovers.
Tell us a little about Ruru Night Hunter.
Ruru, Night Hunter is a narrative nonfiction picture book that follows a father ruru on a night out hunting to feed his chicks while avoiding dangers that threaten him and his family – it’s hard work and it’s a bit scary! The ruru family live in an urban setting and a child in a nearby house sees and hears the ruru.
What inspired you to write this book?
I’ve always adored ruru – they’re feisty, full of character, and I love their distinctive call that we all know so well: ‘More-pork, More-pork!’ I remember hearing them at night when I was a child and wondering what on earth was making that strange sound. I wanted to create a book that gives children a peek into the nocturnal world of our very special native owl.
What research was involved?
First, I searched for every piece of information I could find about ruru including books, scientific papers, articles, podcasts, interviews, videos, and websites. Then I read, watched, or listened to all of these. Some sources are more accurate and more useful than others and it was important to check every fact that made it into the final book. Once I had a completed manuscript, I contacted experts to ask specific questions and to check the accuracy of what I had written.
What was your routine or process when writing this book?
When writing nonfiction, I start by researching the topic as widely and thoroughly as I can, taking notes by hand, because this helps me to process the information. Usually as I research, I get a ‘feeling’ about the form and shape of the book I am going to write. When that feeling is strong enough, I start the first draft – always with pen on paper – quite often I begin with a few lines of story, other times I scribble a plan. This often leads to more focussed research. It is a messy and playful process, but it works for me. Once I have a draft that I quite like, I type it up. After that, I revise the story with help from critique partners – there are usually many drafts over a few months, sometimes years.
How did you work with the illustrator, Ned Barraud?
As with our first book Tuatara, A Living Treasure, Ned and I worked separately, with the publishing team at Scholastic managing the process. Scholastic sent the illustration roughs and the first colour spread to me for comment, and later the final illustrations and layout, which was wonderful. Ned’s illustrations bring the characters and setting to life in the most amazing way – I’m absolutely delighted!
If a soundtrack was made to accompany this book, name a song or two you would include.
I think Ruru, Night Hunter would be best accompanied by real ruru sounds – these incredible owls have at least seven different calls! You can listen to recordings here: https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/morepork
What did you enjoy the most about writing this picture book?
The part I enjoyed most came after the writing – I most enjoyed being a member of a collaborative team with different skills, working together to make a beautiful book. With a picture book this is where the magic happens.
What did you do to celebrate finishing this book?
When Ruru was sent to print, I felt happy, relieved, and grateful to everyone involved. I had a lovely dinner at a favourite local restaurant with my family to celebrate.
What is the favourite book you have read so far this year and why?
Lola in the Mirror by Trent Dalton – beautiful writing, powerful story, and it altered my worldview a little – a sure sign of a good book.
What’s next on the agenda for you?
I am extremely excited to share that Ned Barraud and I are working on our next book about another very special native animal of Aotearoa New Zealand with Scholastic. Look out for it in 2025!
Scholastic NZ