Congratulations to past writer-in-residence Kirsty Gunn (2009) on the publication of Pretty Ugly, the inaugural title in a new series of short story collections from Landfall Tauraka and Otago University Press, celebrating the art of short story writing in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The thirteen stories of Pretty Ugly are set in New Zealand and the UK, and described as ‘a testament to Gunn’s unrivalled ability to look directly into the troubled human heart and draw out what dwells there’.

We are especially touched by Kirsty’s message on the opening page:

The author wishes to acknowledge the encouragement and support she received from the late Vincent O’Sullivan in the publication of these stories. He was a great friend, a great writer and is greatly missed.