Elena Philp

I am a first-generation New Zealander and the product of two cultures, Cook Islands and Scottish.  After serving in WWI my papa’a grandfather James Murray went to sea and met my  grandmother on Rakahanga, a tiny island in the Cook Islands. Grandpa was a voracious reader and instilled in me the love of words. He introduced me to literature, poetry, ancient myths, history and encouraged me to write.

My majors for my Bachelor of Arts were in Literature and Theatre Studies.  Futher studies have incuded Cambridge TESOL and extensive training in the Pilates Method.  I enjoy the variety of different disciplines and love attending live theatre. 

Genre:

  • Autobiography / Memoir
  • Poetry

Skills:

  • Freelance Writing

Branch:

Auckland

Location:

Auckland

Publications:

'Wolf at my door' A story of lupus, loss and love

The story follows a woman struck down with an auto-immune illness and the changes it imposes on her body and life.  It tells of the impact it has on her marriage, friends, and family as she impatiently struggles to regain her health.

It is also a meditation on aspects of love – marital, parental, spiritual - and diverse people such as hospital workers, body workers, homeopaths, friends, strangers, priests, and healers. 

The lengthy period of healing and eventual acceptance of what is, brings her full circle to a place of spiritual serenity, a profound appreciation for the goodness of life and the knowledge that love never dies.