An Ode to the Gothic

When candles flicker, the wind howls and the supernatural creeps in, it’s time for a little gothic literature. Hosted by self-confessed Dracula devotee Noelle McCarthy, this atmospheric gathering brings together writers Joy Holley and Lucy Black to read from their favourite gothic works and explore the stories, themes and dark imaginings that have left an indelible mark on their lives. Information about the writers Noelle McCarthy - host An award-winning writer, broadcaster and podcast producer who grew up in Ireland and worked at Radio New Zealand for more than a decade. Her memoir Grand: Becoming My Mother’s Daughter won the first-book non-fiction prize at the 2023 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. Her later book, Stakes, explores her lifelong fascination with Bram Stoker’s Dracula, making her an especially fitting host for this gothic gathering. Joy Holley A Wellington-based writer whose debut short-story collection, Dream Girl, was published by Te Herenga Waka University Press in 2023. She holds a Master of Arts in Creative Writing and has published fiction, poetry and personal essays in literary journals and anthologies in Aotearoa and overseas. Lucy Black A Wellington-based writer, literary reviewer and librarian with a particular interest in the stories that shape our imaginations. Her writing for The Spinoff includes a witch-inspired reading list, Wouldst thou like to live deliciously?, and an exploration of dystopian fiction. These interests make her a natural fit for a discussion of gothic literature and its enduring appeal. This event is part of VerbCrawl, a one-night literary festival that brings the streets of central Pōneke alive with writers, readings and literary happenings. For the full programme and more information, visit verbwellington.nz.