Back to Timor
Back to Timor follows the journey of four Kiwi military veterans who return to East Timor 25 years after serving as peacekeepers there. The big question for them: did they make a difference?
43m
2m
Monday, September 8th @ 10AM | Follows the trauma and triumph of Joy Cowley's astonishing life as NZ's widely published and celebrated author of adult/children's fiction.
Warning: suicide references
Made with the support of RNZ & NZ On Air.
Series details.
Credits
Pietra Brettkelly
Executive Producer
Verity Mackintosh
Producer
Clare Burgess
Director
Joy Cowley
Key Talent
Megan Whelan
RNZ Head of Content
Tim Burnell
RNZ Commissioning Manager
Nicholas Meuli
RNZ Commissioning Coordinator
Robert Whitaker
RNZ Design Lead
Jayne Joyce
RNZ Graphic Designer, Senior
Josie Campbell
RNZ Publicity Manager
Joy, Full & Fearless is a one-hour, exclusive documentary following Joy Cowley's recollections of trauma and triumph from an astonishing life as one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most prolific, widely published, and much-celebrated authors of fiction for adults and children.
As she packs up her life and moves into a rest home in Ōtepoti, Dunedin, children's author Joy Cowley reflects on the poignant moments that have shaped her writing career.
Looking back on her early life, Joy recounts a difficult childhood and the initial struggles she faced with reading.
Joy's journey into children's literature began by writing stories for her son. Her approach was to centre children in the narratives and make them the heroes.
"I don't have adults solving problems for children. Children are always in charge," says Joy. "In real life, they're not in charge—in the book, they can do everything."
Joy had a difficult relationship wit her mother, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia. As a young girl, Joy would tell bedtime stories to her sisters about girls who had fantastical adventures and never got hurt. Reflecting on this now, Joy believes, "We were probably remaking our lives in story."
Joy's love of stories continued to flourish during "three wonderful years at Palmerston North Girls' High School," where she pursued her passion for literature and became the editor for the children's section of the Manawatu Daily Times. Upon graduating, Joy was offered a job there. However, her parents decided to apprentice her to a pharmacy so she could bring money home for the family.
Years later, Joy finally returned to writing, and after many rejections, her stories began to get noticed. But Joy's early writing successes, including her first novel, Nest in a Falling Tree (1967), were tempered with hardship such as the end of her first marriage.
Despite starting her career as a novelist, Joy was drawn to writing for children, which led to the publication of thousands of early-learning books. The collaboration with published Wendy Pye launched her career overseas, creating a lasting impact for her children's books. Joy's creative process and the inspiration behind iconic stories such as Mrs. Wishy-Washy (1980) and Greedy Cat (1983) are explored, alongside meeting the illustrators who worked with her.
Joy mentions her friendship with the renowned author Roald Dahl, whose decision to purchase the rights to one of her books allowed her to buy a property in the Marlborough Sounds. Joy's inherent generous nature led her to build a retreat, Arohanui, for stressed and troubled people on her property in the Sounds.
Joy's adventurous and tenacious spirit has taken her across Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world, leading writing and spiritual workshops. Joy has been an enthusiast of motorbikes and Tiger Moth planes, an avid fisher, arts & craft maker, wood turner, mother to four children, and grandmother to many.
A resilient and imaginative writer, Joy drew upon her own life experiences to create enchanting stories for young readers around the world.
Joy, Full & Fearless reveals for the first time the life and creative journey of Joy Cowley, Aotearoa New Zealand's literary luminary.
Where to get help:
Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7) or text 4202
Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)
Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
What's Up: Free counselling for 5 to 19 years old, online chat 11:00am-10.30pm, 7 days a week, or free phone 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 11:00am-11:00pm
Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 Monday to Friday 9:00am to 8:00pm or text 832 Monday to Friday 9:00am-5:00pm. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and English.
Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
Healthline: 0800 611 116
Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
OUTLine: 0800 688 5463 (6:00pm-9:00pm)
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
Produced by
Krafty Productions
Made with the support of
Get in touch
Email us at: commissioning@rnz.co.nz
