The Wellington-based writer has been selected as this year’s Dan Davin Literary Foundation writer in residence.
The programme, which runs every second year, invites writers from around New Zealand to apply to stay in Southland while working on their latest piece.
During their stay, the writers conduct workshops with school pupils and adults and share their skills in writing, particularly in short stories.
Dan Davin Foundation chairwoman Rebecca Amundsen said the foundation was very excited to be hosting Dr Plumb, as she was an established writer who worked across multiple literary genres.
"She has published over 18 books.
"Her writing has been widely published and anthologised, including a number of different translations of her poetry, fiction and drama."
Ms Amundsen said Dr Plumb had also taught creative writing at tertiary and secondary level and was an actress before turning her hand to writing.
"She particularly enjoys encouraging people of all ages to write creatively."
During her time in Southland, Dr Plumb would work on a new collection of short fiction which featured different parts of New Zealand as the background to each story, she said.
"Four stories have already been completed for the collection.
"Being in Southland will enable her to work on short fiction that spotlights this area of New Zealand."
She will stay at Yule House for three weeks in August, with an opportunity to visit Stewart Island and Milford Sound.
Dr Plumb will also be a judge for three categories at the Dan Davin Literary Awards, for which entries close on Friday.
Ms Amundsen said the award would include two sections for young people and an adult short story section, and she encourage local writers to submit work.
Dr Plumb will also run a creative writing workshop and a poetry workshop on August 26.
