On The Up: Kerikeri writer Irene Gottlieb named International Author of the Year finalist
Kerikeri-based author Irene Gottlieb has been named a finalist for International Author of the Year at the International Impact Book Awards. Her debut novel, Jandals, is the first in a historical fiction trilogy.
Why it matters
Recognition in international literary awards highlights the growing global reach of independent and regional authors.
Kerikeri writer Irene Gottlieb is a finalist in this year’s International Impact Book Awards.
Northland writer Irene Gottlieb has hit the big time as a finalist for International Author of the Year at the International Impact Book Awards.
Gottlieb is heading to Hollywood for the announcement, which will be delivered “Academy Awards-style” on October 10.
The Kerikeri resident, a former banking executive, said she was surprised and humbled by the success of her book Jandals .
“I’d written corporate stuff for friends in California; they asked me to help with treatments and bios and putting business plans together.
“It was just a hobby. I had a knack for it, but I’d never written creatively before.
“Things have ticked along, and I realised there’s something here.”
Gottlieb was born and raised in New York and spent most of her life in Colorado.
She has lived in Kerikeri for nearly six years.
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