Paul Haines, New Zealand-Australian author (b. 1970)
Paul Haines was a celebrated voice in the world of horror and speculative fiction, hailing originally from New Zealand. Born on June 8, 1970, his life, though tragically cut short on March 5, 2012, left an indelible mark on the genre, particularly within the Australian literary scene where he made his home with his wife and daughter in Melbourne.

Early Life, Migration, and the Path to Writing

Raised amidst the vibrant landscapes of Auckland, New Zealand, Paul Haines embarked on an intellectual journey that led him to complete a university degree in Otago. The 1990s saw him make a significant move across the Tasman Sea, settling in Australia, where he initially forged a career as an Information Technology consultant. While his professional life involved the precision of IT, his passion for weaving dark and imaginative tales began to take center stage. A pivotal moment in his burgeoning writing career arrived in 2004 when he attended the inaugural Clarion South writers workshop, an intensive program renowned for nurturing genre talent. He also became an active and contributing member of the SuperNOVA writers group, further cementing his commitment to the craft and the community.

A Master of Short Fiction: Awards and Recognition

Haines quickly garnered attention and acclaim for his distinctive voice and unsettling narratives. With more than thirty short stories published across Australia, North America, and Greece, his work resonated widely within the horror and speculative fiction communities. His talent did not go unnoticed by the industry's most respected awards. He was a three-time recipient of the prestigious Australian Ditmar Award, first recognized as Best New Talent in 2005. His compelling novellas, "The Last Days of Kali Yuga" (2005) and "The Devil in Mr Pussy (Or How I Found God Inside My Wife)" (2007), each earned him a Ditmar for Best Novella/Novelette, showcasing his mastery of longer-form genre storytelling. Beyond the Ditmar, Haines also secured the 2004 Aurealis Award for Best Horror Short Story for "The Last Days of Kali Yuga," a testament to the chilling power of that particular piece. His literary prowess even earned him nominations for the Pushcart Prize in both 2003 and 2004, an American literary award celebrating the best poetry, short fiction, essays, and memoirs published by small presses. Many of his short stories also received Honourable Mentions in the esteemed annual Year's Best Fantasy and Horror anthologies, expertly edited by Ellen Datlow, Gavin Grant, and Kelly Link, published by St. Martins, further solidifying his reputation among his peers and readers.

"Doorways for the Dispossessed" and Community Leadership

The strength of his individual stories culminated in his first acclaimed short story collection, Doorways for the Dispossessed, which was released by Prime Books in 2006. This collection served as a powerful showcase for his unique vision and was celebrated with the New Zealand 2008 Sir Julius Vogel Award for Best Collection. It also earned a nomination for the 2007 Australian Ditmar for Best Collection, underscoring its significant impact across both his home countries. Beyond his own writing, Paul Haines was deeply committed to fostering new talent and supporting the genre. In 2007, he volunteered his time and expertise as a mentor for the Australian Horror Writers Association (AHWA), sharing his insights and guiding aspiring authors in their craft.

A Legacy of Resilience and Community Support

In 2007, the literary world learned of Haines' diagnosis with cancer, a devastating blow that brought the writing community together in an incredible display of solidarity. To help alleviate the financial burden of his medical treatment, a special anthology titled Scary Food: A Compendium of Gastronomic Atrocity was compiled and published by Agog! Press in 2008, edited by Cat Sparks. This unique collection, featuring tales of culinary horror, served as a donation drive, with contributions from an impressive roster of authors including Kaaron Warren, Margo Lanagan, Robert Hood, Richard Harland, and Paul Haines himself, alongside Terry Dowling, Stephen Dedman, Deborah Biancotti, Lee Battersby, Lucy Sussex, Gillian Polack, Lourdes Ndaira, and Anna Tambour. This act of collective generosity underscored the deep respect and affection the community held for Paul Haines. Sadly, he passed away in March 2012, leaving behind a remarkable body of work and a legacy of both literary excellence and community spirit.

Influences and Enduring Impact

Paul Haines drew inspiration from a pantheon of genre masters, shaping his distinctive style by engaging with the works of luminaries such as Iain Banks, the master of dark fantasy Clive Barker, the chilling James Herbert, the legendary Stephen King, the epic fantasist George R. R. Martin, the prolific science fiction writer Robert Silverberg, the atmospheric Peter Straub, and the gritty Irvine Welsh. His work, characterized by its intelligent and often disturbing explorations of the human condition, continues to be a significant reference point for readers and writers in the horror and speculative fiction fields, ensuring his voice endures long after his untimely passing.

FAQs About Paul Haines

Who was Paul Haines?

Paul Haines was a highly acclaimed New Zealand-born horror and speculative fiction writer, known for his short stories and novella-length works. He was a significant figure in the Australian genre writing community.

Where was Paul Haines from?

Paul Haines was originally from Auckland, New Zealand. He later moved to Australia in the 1990s and lived in Melbourne with his family.

What kind of stories did Paul Haines write?

He wrote horror and speculative fiction, often exploring dark and unsettling themes with a unique narrative voice. His work earned him multiple prestigious awards within the genre.

What awards did Paul Haines win?

Haines won the Australian Ditmar Award three times (Best New Talent, Best Novella/Novelette for "The Last Days of Kali Yuga" and "The Devil in Mr Pussy"). He also won the Aurealis Award for Best Horror Short Story for "The Last Days of Kali Yuga" and received Pushcart Prize nominations.

When did Paul Haines publish his first collection?

His first short story collection, Doorways for the Dispossessed, was published by Prime Books in 2006. It went on to win the New Zealand Sir Julius Vogel Award.

How did the writing community support Paul Haines during his illness?

In response to his cancer diagnosis, the anthology Scary Food: A Compendium of Gastronomic Atrocity was created in 2008 as a donation drive. Proceeds from this collection of horror stories by numerous authors helped cover his medical treatment costs, showcasing the strong camaraderie in the genre.