Early Life
Mahy was born in 1936; she was the eldest of five children. She was raised in her birthplace of Whakatane. Her father was a bridge builder and often told his children adventure stories which later influenced Mahy's writing. Her mother was a teacher. She wrote her first published story when she was seven, called "Harry Is Bad". She showed it to her class to let them know that they could write a story whatever their age.
She went to the local high school, where she was acknowledged as a talented swimmer.
Read more about this topic: Margaret Mahy
Famous quotes related to early life:
“... business training in early life should not be regarded solely as insurance against destitution in the case of an emergency. For from business experience women can gain, too, knowledge of the world and of human beings, which should be of immeasurable value to their marriage careers. Self-discipline, co-operation, adaptability, efficiency, economic management,—if she learns these in her business life she is liable for many less heartbreaks and disappointments in her married life.”
—Hortense Odlum (1892–?)