Stephanie Johnson is a writer, critic and creative writing teacher who lives in Auckland, New Zealand.

Her first serious works were for the stage. In 1985 her prize-winning play Accidental Phantasies enjoyed successful productions in Wellington and Auckland, the same year she left for what was to be five years in Sydney, Australia. The following year, when Stephanie was twenty-five, Hard Echo Press published her first book of poems The Bleeding Ballerina. A collection of short stories followed - The Glass Whittler - published simultaneously in Australia (Penguin) and New Zealand (The New Women's Press).

At the end of 1989, Stephanie returned to New Zealand with her Australian documentary film editor partner Tim Woodhouse and their year-old son Stanley. They made their home in Grey Lynn, Auckland, where they have lived ever since. Their daughters Maeve and Willa were born in 1990 and 1994.

Her first loves of writing for the stage and poetry were not abandoned. The play Folie A Deux was co-written with Stuart Hoar and produced at the Watershed Theatre, Auckland, in1996. Most recently Strange Children was produced by Potent Pause, Herald Theatre, Auckland, May-June, 2005. This critically acclaimed and well-attended production was directed by Michael Lawrence and starred Donogh Rees, Sarah Wiseman and David Aston.

Stephanie has also written widely for radio and television. Most recently, she wrote for the MF Films (TVNZ) series Rude Awakenings. She has also enjoyed stints on Shortland Street and Marlin Bay.

Literary prizes and awards include the Deutz Medal for Fiction, Montana Book Awards, 2003 (for The Shag Incident), Literary Fellow at Auckland University, 2001, Belief short-listed for Montana Book Awards, 2001, Katherine Mansfield Fellow, Menton, France, 2000, The Whistler third prize in Montana Book Awards, 1999, Leading Writers' Grant, Creative New Zealand, 1997, winner of Dymocks/Quote Unquote Reader's Poll, Best New Zealand Book 1996 (for The Heart's Wild Surf), Crimes of Neglect shortlisted for Wattie Book Awards, 1993, Bruce Mason Memorial Playwright's Award, 1985.

A highly enjoyable and satisfying second occupation is teaching and mentoring. Since 1988 Stephanie has worked as a creative writing tutor at various summer schools and evening schools in Australia and New Zealand. With Witi Ihimaera, she established the Masters in Creative Writing at the University of Auckland and co-taught that degree from 2004-2006. Stephanie is available for manuscript assessment for aspiring writers. You can email her at steph.tim@xtra.co.nz

Last but not least, Stephanie is the co-founder and co-creative director (with Peter Wells) of the Auckland Writers and Readers Festival, a highly successful international festival that runs every year in late May.

For more information, visit: www.stephaniejohnson.co.nz