I always make a point of keeping the most pleasant-sounding name for the murderer. As he or she is bound to come to an unpleasant end, it seems the very least the author can do. Ngaio Marsh authorbindend Change image and share on social
What does 'Ngaio' mean? I don't know. Like many Maori words, it has a number of meanings - clever, light on the water, a little bug - but I don't know which my parents had in mind. Ngaio Marsh bugcleverlight Change image and share on social
If you don't write about what you know, you're like a barrister and have to do a frightful amount of research for each case. Ngaio Marsh amountbarristercase Change image and share on social
I acquired quite a lot of technical skill and got quite a long way with my painting, but I never felt I was doing what New Zealand was about with my paint. Ngaio Marsh acquirefeltlong Change image and share on social
Had I guessed the trouble my name was going to cause a lot of people on the other side of the world, I would have changed it to something easier when I began writing books. Ngaio Marsh beginbookchange Change image and share on social
I always, by an involuntary act of defensiveness, return to my everyday self: so, I find, have I withdrawn from writing about experiences which have most closely concerned and disturbed me. I have been deflected by my own reticence. Ngaio Marsh actcloselyconcern share on social
