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How Lifelong Learning Made Megan Frith an Award-Winning Storyteller
To be a writer is to be a lifelong learner. This mindset defines the creative trajectory of Megan Frith, a versatile storyteller who has continually

How One Graduate Built a Career in Two Genres
Ian Middleton’s writing career began, fittingly, outdoors. After completing the Magazine Journalism Course at NZ Writers’ College with distinction, Ian turned his passion for mountain

From Debut to Bestseller: How One of Our Students Became New Zealand’s Most Wanted … Author
We are so proud of one of our own graduates, Gareth Ward, who studied on the Write a Novel Course under the guidance of tutor

Fault Lines to Storylines: A Seismologist’s Journey to Her Debut Novel
Tatiana Goded has a PhD in Seismology, three NZ Writers’ College courses under her belt, and a freshly published debut novel. A Trip Towards the

From the Staffroom to the Page
How a Retired Teacher from Nelson Found Her Voice in Magazine Journalism After twenty-eight years teaching English in Nelson classrooms, Janet Hart thought she knew what a writing life looked like. It looked like marking school essays. But everything changed over a September breakfast, when a piece she read in

Numbers to Narrative: How a Writing Course Launched an Award-Winning Career
Can a creative writing course transform an aspiring writer into an award-winning novelist? The extraordinary path of New Zealand author Suzanne Main proves that it absolutely can. Before capturing the hearts of young readers nationwide, Suzanne spent her days working as an accountant. However, a deep-seated desire to create led

Journalism Course Graduate Jo Wills Q & A
Jo Wills completed the Writing Articles for Websites and Blogs Course, as well as the Basics of Creative Writing and Advanced Creative Writing Courses at NZ Writers College. While she has been published several times online, she recently had a print piece published in AA Directions. Tell us a bit

Writing Course Graduate Juliet Slattery Q & A
Juliet Slattery is currently writing grants and short stories, and editing a novel manuscript, while staying on a small island off the coast of Australia. Juliet completed the 5-Month Short Story Challenge at the Writers College last year, and had a short story published in Capital Magazine. Tell us a

Writing Course Graduate Sarah Kelleher Q & A
Sarah Kelleher completed the Freelance Journalism Course and the Write a Novel Course at NZ Writers’ College. Her first novel is currently sitting on a publisher’s desk. Sarah tells us about her experience on her writing courses, and her progress as a writer. Photo credit: Richard Doran Tell us a

Claudia Rose: Graduate Journalism Student Q&A
Claudia Rose completed the Writing Articles for Websites and Blogs Course at NZ Writers College. She had an article published in Pet Life Magazine, and is the founder of the Facebook Page Pawsitive Tales. Tell us a bit about yourself. What made you sign up for a writing course? I’m

An Interview with Author Madeleine Redding
Madeleine Redding completed two writing courses at New Zealand Writers College. Her memoir Hold My Hand, Rosie. Don’t Let Go, co-written with her daughter, is about to launch in Auckland this March. Madeleine shares her writing and publishing process with us. Can you tell us what motivated you to write
Popular Stories

The Role of Emotion in Writing: 5 Tips to Make Your Readers Feel
In our modern world of distraction and disconnection, writing with genuine emotion helps readers relate to your content. Plus, writing is an excellent way to

Cracking the Genre Code: Tips and Tricks for Writing an Engaging Thriller, Romance, Sci-Fi, or Fantasy Novel
BY ANDREW SALOMON Not every writer (or reader) likes the word ‘genre’ – but there is no denying that distinct categories exist in fiction writing.

An Interview with Helen Brain, Award-Winning Author
Helen Brain is the award-winning author of over 60 books for children, an adult memoir and many short stories. She has tutored the hugely popular

From Blogs to Branding: Exploring the Vast Job Market for Content Writers
Content writing is one of the fastest-growing fields in the digital era. It involves creating engaging and informative content for various clients. Most content writing

A No-Nonsense Guide to Becoming a Writer – Part One
Are you dreaming of becoming a writer? In this two-part series, KATE TAYLOR discusses why knowing your reasons for writing is the best place to

What Writing Skills Do You Need to Write Well?
Here are five vital skills for every writer to master. So many people ask us: what writing skills do I need to improve my writing?

How to Write Winning Short Stories for Competitions
You can win big cash prizes and build your writing portfolio by entering writing competitions. Here are 8 steps for creating a compelling short story

How to Succeed in Content Writing
If you’ve ever wondered what makes the digital world tick, the answer is simple: content. It’s the words, images, videos and messages that keep audiences
Write Articles for Digital and Print

Writers Evolve! How to Make AI Work for Us
The recent rise of AI has been seen by writers as anything from troubling to an extinction-level event. But so were the tools that came

Could Copy-Editing Be Your Career? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
When AI burst onto the scene, many people assumed the days of the copy-editor were numbered. Why pay a human to check commas and catch

Practical Strategies for Fearful Writers
BY JANE DANIELL If you, too, struggle with self-doubt when writing, the following tips may help you overcome some of the more common insecurities, while

Accomplished Writer Rebecca Hayter Shares Tips and Tales
Author, award-winning freelance journalist and editor-with-accolades Rebecca Hayter shares insights from her journey as a writer. At 29 years old, when Rebecca Hayter woke to

4 Reasons ChatGPT Can’t Compete with Professional Writers
BY ANDREW MURTON If you believe the hustle-bros and get-rich-quick gurus on YouTube, just about anyone can earn easy money publishing professional-quality e-books, articles and courses with little to no writing experience. Just use ChatGPT, they say! Sound too good to be true? That’s because it is. Here are four reasons ChatGPT can’t compete with […]

How to Write and Sell Articles in New Zealand
So you want to write and sell articles in New Zealand? Writing is an excellent way for Kiwis to earn extra income from home. If

Why Plain Language Is Good for Readers, and Society as a Whole
Plain language is about simplicity. Learn why it’s also about respect and social equality. ‘Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,’ said Leonardo Da Vinci. He applied

Q & A With Travel Writer and Award-Winning Author: Joe Bennett
An ex-pat Brit who travelled to NZ 35 years ago and settled in Lyttelton, Joe Bennett is an award-winning travel author, writer, and columnist. His

An Interview with Emma Russell, Award-Winning Investigative Journalist
WORDS BY JESS COOMBES Award-winning journalist Emma Russell has built a praiseworthy writing career in only six years. In 2017, she wrote for her home

The Self-Doubt of an Accidental Freelance Journalist
By PAUL HARRIS No, I did not crash my bike into a newsstand, although my journey was somewhat accidental. I went in search of professional

Travel Writing: 5 Travel Writers Who Show It’s Never Too Late to Start
It’s never too late to start a career in travel writing. Here, Chris Shorrock focuses on five travel writers who show that with hard work and perseverance, you can succeed. Travel writing is what dreams are made of. Whether it’s

Why Do a Travel Writing Course?
When every man and his dog thinks he’s a great travel writer, WENDY MONTROSE explains why she did a course before embarking on the road
Tips for Breaking into a Career in Writing In NZ
Writing Careers: Types of Writing Jobs that Can Earn You Money
How to Find Work as a Freelance Journalist in New Zealand
How Raising Money For Charity Can Raise Your Writing Game
How much money can you make as a writer in New Zealand?
From Blogs to Branding: Exploring the Vast Job Market for Content Writers
Discovering the Joy of Writing: The Benefits of Taking a Writing Course
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Talking Travel Writing With Award-Winning Journalist Ewan Mcdonald
Travel writer Mark Mitchell interviews leading New Zealand journalist Ewan McDonald, exploring his travel writing inspiration, highlights and writing tips and advice. Ewan McDonald had a great gig at the Waikato Times in Hamilton. He was a sub-editor, writing headlines

Travel Writing: 5 Travel Writers Who Show It’s Never Too Late to Start
It’s never too late to start a career in travel writing. Here, Chris Shorrock focuses on five travel writers who show that with hard work and perseverance, you can succeed. Travel writing is what dreams are made of. Whether it’s

Why Do a Travel Writing Course?
When every man and his dog thinks he’s a great travel writer, WENDY MONTROSE explains why she did a course before embarking on the road

Q & A With Travel Writer and Award-Winning Author: Joe Bennett
An ex-pat Brit who travelled to NZ 35 years ago and settled in Lyttelton, Joe Bennett is an award-winning travel author, writer, and columnist. His
Watch a Q & A with Award-winning Tutors at Our College
Our team of Writers College writers/tutors answer your questions about the creative writing industry – and about getting published!

































