Leigh-based authors Sharon Fergusson and Madeleine Roberts (Eskedahl) have been recognised at the 2025 Storylines Margaret Mahy National Awards, which took place on 6 April in Auckland. The awards celebrate excellence in New Zealand children’s and young adult literature.Sharon, a talented children’s author and illustrator, was shortlisted for the Storylines Joy Cowley Award for her junior fiction manuscript Cat Flap Slap. Madeleine, known for her bestselling crime fiction series Matakana Series, was the recipient of the Storylines Janice Marriott Mentoring Award for her junior fiction adventure, The Goose Bay Gang and The Secret Treasure.Madeleine with her bestselling crime fiction Matakana SeriesThe two authors met at the launch of Rings on Water, Madeleine’s second novel in her Matakana Series, and quickly formed a strong friendship. This connection has grown over the years, with both writers finding inspiration and support through their shared passion for storytelling. They have both joined the Northland Critique Group, a collective of local and Northern authors that includes award-winners such as Maria Gill, Tania Sickling, Janine Williams, Sherryl Clark and award-winning illustrator Aki Fukuoka; who meet regularly to exchange ideas, offer feedback, and nurture each other's creative journeys. Sharon’s shortlisting for the Joy Cowley Award, alongside Madeleine’s mentoring award, is a testament to their dedication to their craft and their contributions to New Zealand children’s literature. Sharon C Fergusson - Author and IllustratorSharon Fergusson, originally from Auckland, is a self-taught artist and children’s author. She has created commissioned artworks, including illustrations, murals, and mosaics, for clients both in New Zealand and abroad. Sharon’s passion for drawing and writing began at a very young age inspired by her love of books, reading, singing, and storytelling.In March 2023, Sharon relocated to the hills high above Whangateau, where she finds daily inspiration in wide views of the surrounding coastline that she first explored during childhood camping and boating holidays. This move has proven to be pivotal in her writing journey, as it led to the creation of The Singing Pipi Press, her independent publishing imprint.Sharon’s books, including The Cake Bake (July 2023), A Frog, On a Log, Beside a Deep Bog (September 2023), The Singing Pipi (November 2023), and Little Dot and the Strange Green Orb (November 2024), have delighted children and educators alike. Her book, The Singing Pipi, was one of the top ten children’s books for 2024 at Matakana Village Books. Sharon’s work aims to inspire young minds, fostering creativity, imagination, and a lifelong love of reading. Her shortlisting for the Storylines Joy Cowley Award for Cat Flap Slap marks a significant milestone in her career as a children’s author.www.thesingingpipipress.co.nzthesingingpipipress@gmail.comMadeleine Roberts (Eskedahl) - Crime Fiction Author and Junior Fiction WriterMadeleine Roberts (Eskedahl) is a Swedish-born crime fiction author who now calls Leigh home. Before making the move to New Zealand, Madeleine spent many summers in the picturesque Matheson Bay, which would later inspire her Matakana Series. Her first thriller, Blood on Vines (2021), debuted at #2 on the Kete New Zealand Bestsellers List and was voted onto the Whitcoulls Top 100 List for 2022/23. Its sequel, Rings on Water, also made an impact on the bestseller list, and the third instalment, Angels of Clay, is set for release later this year.In addition to her success in crime fiction, Madeleine is passionate about writing for children. Her latest project, The Goose Bay Gang and The Secret Treasure, which earned her the Storylines Janice Marriott Mentoring Award, is a mystery-filled adventure aimed at young readers. The award provides Madeleine with a mentorship opportunity to further develop the book, and she is excited to return to her first love—children's literature.“This exciting novel will delight mystery loving children everywhere. I feel like I have come full circle, writing for children has always been my first passion.”Outside of writing, Madeleine enjoys spending time with her family, including her two West Highland White Terriers, Walter and Dottie. She is also actively involved in the local community, running a Free Community Library in Matheson Bay and participating in environmental efforts to protect the Little Blue Penguins.https://www.madeleineeskedahlauthor.com/Madeleine Eskedahl @Facebook @Instgram Praise for Blood On Vines “This isn’t evil for the sake of evil [Eskedahl knows] the motivation…for it to really get under your skin.” -Lynn Freeman, RNZ, Standing Room Only “Eskedahl has a tight grasp on writing a crime thriller, emphasized by an obvious understanding of pacing, and a strong sense of place. This is an author to watch!”-Chronicles of Crime, your mystery bookshop (Canada) “Readers who enjoy a more traditional crime novel will love Eskedahl’s debut set in the halcyon environs of Matakana wine country…But what elevates Blood On Vines are the multi-dimensional and relatable characters, something she worked hard to achieve… As the shocking events unfolds …Eskedahl expertly ramps up the tension to an action packed finale”-Greg Fleming-New Zealand Herald Canvas Magazine Praise for Rings On Water“A masterpiece. You feel every scene-from the grim beach discoveries to the building sites. The book is real, both raw and in its relationships. So many clever themes and challenges inter-woven, especially in the parent/son dynamic. Genius and genuine, Madeleine is a New Zealand crime writing goddess.”-Goodreads Madeleine Eskedahl does not disappoint! Rings On Water is the second crime book in the Matakana Series. The reader is reunited with recurring characters and the scenic area of Matakana on New Zealand’s North Island. Excellent plotting, timing and realistic personalities enhance the hunt for drug dealers and a killer, jeopardising, leaving few unscathed. All of this culminates in an ending you won’t see coming. If you haven’t read the first book, Blood On Vines, do so!-Chronicles of Crime, your mystery book shopBoth Sharon and Madeleine are proud to represent their local communities and are honoured to have been recognised for their work at the prestigious Storylines Margaret Mahy Literary Awards. Their collaboration, mutual support, and shared dedication to the craft of writing serve as an inspiration to aspiring authors in their region and beyond.
