A Letter from Joy Cowley - Joy is one of New Zealand's most most prolific and successful writers of children's books

PO Box 3413
Wellington 6015
New Zealand

5 September 2005

Dear Friends,

Not long ago, I received a letter from a class who were doing a project on leadership. The letter contained a long list of interesting questions that the students wanted me to answer, questions that made me think for a long time. To tell the truth I have never considered myself a leader.

I suspect that being the eldest of a family of five children with sick parents, taught me to work hard and be a good organizer. My sisters will tell you that it also taught me to be bossy. But those things don't make a successful leader. What does? I'm not sure. But when I look at the people I admire, I realize that they are leaders by example, not because they want to be leaders. They are people who work for the greater good and invest time in helping others. Very often a good leader seems to lead from behind, because he or she puts other people first. I am not so unselfish, but I do understand that the secret of happiness is to make other people happy. I wish I could do that more.

What are the challenges? A person in a public role doesn't get much private time. I still work 70 - 80 hours a week, and if my husband Terry and I want to go to a film or play, we have to book it in the diary a couple of weeks ahead. Much of my work involves answering letters or assisting new writers with manuscripts. But these challenges have their own rewards. Letters to people like you, are important because you are the new generation who will take over from us. You are the next lot of writers, artists, trade and craft persons, politicians, teachers, parents, and so on.

My proudest moment? I have proud moments when a young writer I've worked with, is published. I also feel satisfied when I've finished writing a story and I know that it's as good as I can possibly get it. Do you feel proud of your work in the same way? I'm sure you do.

My motivation as a human being, is also my responsibility - to always do my best for others and myself. I often fail but that is my endeavour. I also try to learn something new every day, even if it just a new word. Under all of this is my faith, a belief that we are all spiritual beings on a human journey and life should be celebrated with gratitude and love. If we can do that, I'm sure that it really doesn't matter if we see ourselves as leaders or followers.

Enjoy celebrating all the gifts that life has given you.

With love to you all,

Joy Cowley

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Previous Letters

letter 17 - 14 May 2008
letter 16 - 16 April 2008
letter 15 - 26 September 2007
letter 14 - 17 May 2007
letter 13 - 17 February 2007
letter 12 - 17 March 2006
letter 11 - 5 September 2005
letter 10 - 4 August 2004
letter 9 - 25 April 2004
letter 8 - 3 December 2003
letter 7 - 17 August 2003
letter 6 - 1 February 2003
letter 5 - 21 October 2002
letter 4 - 1 May 2002
letter 3 - 12 December 2001
letter 2 - October 2001
letter 1 - March 2001

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