Once Upon a Deadline

Watch out for writing where you least expect it as Once Upon a Deadline, New Zealand’s only writing marathon, returns to the Festival. Follow six writers armed with laptops as they follow a mystery course through the city – Googling as they go. Each will travel separately to six locations, shadowed by an observer who ensures they follow the rules and the clock – the race takes place in a single day.

Writers can appear anywhere: at a bus stop, train station, along the waterfront, or at the zoo. When the clock stops, each writer has an hour with an editor and then it’s off to the Town Hall, where 2008 champion David Geary will defend his title at the Read-Off. As an audience member, you will get to hear all six stories and help decide a winner.

Duration:1 hr 30