Yikes – the eleventh hour or what, but thought I’d whack it up: Mark Pirie at HEADWORX, together with Writers International (NZ) are inviting all readers to come and help them celebrate the launch for their new anthology World Words tonight (Tuesday, that is). It’ll be at the Council Chamber & Foyer, Wellington Town Hall, Wakefield Street, Wellington, at 6.30 pm-8.30pm. Wine and nibbles will be provided, I hear.

The writers in the anthology represent at least nineteen countries, but if you think – even if only subconsciously – that the different cultures may mean the literary equivalent of a meal of sheep’s eyes and goat curry, think again. The editor’s intro says

How delightful … To discover that every writer has a unique style, that their themes and subject matter, though occasionally tinged with cultural influences, are more, far more, than mere reflections of their cultural backgrounds.

'Course they are. Tsk. The launch will feature poetry readings by the contributors and the anthology will be on sale at the event for the special price of $30 (RRP $34.95) – cash or cheque only mind. Check out the web page for more info.