John Du Four

My writing career started somewhat dubiously at the age of seven in Reno, Nevada, when I penned my first dedicated literary effort: a Mother's day poem ('This is to someone I really love, With teeth as white as a dove, With hair as black as black can be, Yes I love you and I hope you love me.'). In spite of this, I eventually made a career out of the English language, working first as a designer/copywriter in advertising, and then becoming a fully-fledged creative director.

This has allowed me, over a span of thirty-plus years, first in Christchurch, and latterly Nelson, the opportunity to write and produce for all forms of media: print, radio, jingles, TV, video, short film, exhibition marketing and web content. Most recently, I was arts writer for Wild Tomato magazine, a freelance PR journalist, and a reviewer for Theatreview.
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Alongside my working life I've maintained a healthy interest in personal projects: I have composed music CDs for dance and personal growth; I was co-founder/creative director/performer in Tablo Theatre Company, taking our work to festivals in Adelaide and Edinburgh; my short film The Game, which I wrote and directed, was a finalist in New York City's annual Manhattan Short film festival; and I've written a memoir of my years growing up in France, the USA and New Zealand.

I remain endlessly excited by the arts, and regularly create in a variety of them, including music, painting and ceramics. But writing is never far from mind, and I maintain a steady (some might say compulsive) output of short stories and flash fictions. I love collaboration and am open to participating in any interesting new creative projects.

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