Writing "lowest-paid Job’ (Press, 22 January 1974)
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Summary: Writing "lowest-paid Job’ (Press, 22 January 1974)
Jordon Dryland, an Auckland novelist and playwright, claims to have one of the lowest-paid jobs globally. He explains that writing approximately 1,000 words daily over a month could yield half a novel, and after two months he might produce about 60,000 words, which could be revised to around 95,000 words—the length of a novel. However, he feels this process takes him a year to fully develop, stating that, in terms of man-hours, his profession is less lucrative than being a cleaner. To write effectively, Dryland emphasises the necessity of having a fixed space, stating he cannot write in hotels or while traveling. He enjoys starting his writing at 5 a.m. and admits that while he is not suited for journalism, he appreciates deadlines. Dryland’s latest play, "If I Bought Her The Wool," is set to open a four-week season at the Court Theatre in Christchurch. The title of the play is inspired by a graffiti quote addressing sexuality, underscoring its themes of relationship dynamics among two men and a woman during a single evening. The characters are compelled to navigate and alter their sexual relationships throughout the performance. The setting of the play is adaptable to any Western context. Initially produced by the Central Theatre in Auckland in 1972, the play has gained international attention, with rights acquired by Australian entrepreneur Harry M. Miller. Notably, it was the first production by the Central Theatre to receive an R16 restriction in Auckland. Mr Dryland mentions that while the play is primarily for entertainment, it also engages in soul-searching, posing and trying to answer significant questions. Coming up to his 48th birthday, Dryland is an accomplished author with several novels to his name, including "An Absence of Angels," which earned him the Literary Fund's best novel award in 1966. His more recent works include “Multiple Texture” and “Other Balloons,” both published in 1973. Additionally, his 1969 play “Dark Going Down” won a Rothmans playwriting award, which he received again for “If I Bought Her The Wool” in 1971. Last year, he furthered his skills by studying theatre in the United States on a grant from the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council.
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