"I like to have connections between my books, although they are all stand alone and can be read separately.
"Starlight Peninsula introduces a new set of characters, as well characters from previous books."
The novels feature a fictional Prime Minister named David Hallwright, and, although comparisons have been drawn between the character and current Prime Minister John Key, Grimshaw said she created the character in 1999 - well before Mr Key was elected.
She won the BNZ Katherine Mansfield Award in 2006 and another short story collection, Singularity, was shortlisted for the Frank O'Connor International Prize.
Grimshaw achieved law and arts degrees and practised criminal law for a time, before deciding that writing was her preference.
As the daughter of renowned New Zealand writer CK Stead, Grimshaw grew up among books and her childhood home was visited by writers Frank Sargeson, Allen Curnow, James K Baxter, Janet Frame, Marilyn Duckworth and poet Sam Hunt.
Grimshaw said being the daughter of an established writer has never bothered her. She knew she would have to prove her own worth as a writer, and she has done so with a "blind confidence" in her ability to write fiction.
Grimshaw is looking forward to meeting the other writers at the festival.
"I have met Rachael King before, but I haven't met most of the others - I've never met Nicky Hager before."
The writer will discuss her new book and her life as a writer with Wanganui author and festival patron Joan Rosier-Jones at the Concert Chamber of the Wanganui War Memorial Centre on September 19 from 10am-11am.
Admission is $15, or $12 for friends of the festival, and bookings can be made at the Wanganui Opera House.
