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creative writing group nz

Brain Bunny

Creative writing workshops, treasure hunt holiday programme.

There's treasure in them there hills! This is not our usual creative holiday programme. Kids will work together to solve our treasure hunt, and then create their own in groups! Where: Churton Park Community Centre When: Wednesday 19th April, 1-4pm Cost: $35 per child Ages: This programme is most suitable for ages 7-10. Please enquire if you have a ... more

Holiday Programme

Brain Bunny is back for our first in-person holiday programme in a while. We've partnered with Porirua Libraries to bring you a creative writing class for 7-10 year olds as part of the Imagine This! Summer Festival. Check out the full programme on the Porirua Libraries website or Facebook page. Imagine Brain Bunny Thursday 29th December, 2pmAges 7-10Porirua ... more

Writing Tips

Show don’t tell.

Show don't tell is a phrase you may have heard before. Writing that shows us things about the character gets the reader more involved in the story than writing that tells the same information. Below are some examples of showing vs telling. You could say: “She was sad that he had left.” Or you could show the reader, ... more

Get inspired

Ideas for writing are everywhere – it’s just a matter of noticing them. You might like to try carrying a notebook with you so you can write down ideas as they come to you. You might not use all of them straight away, but you can always come back to them for inspiration when you’re ... more

Testimonals

Maddison (age 9).

"I loved the holiday program and writing is my favourite activity at school. I'm looking forward to seeing you again because you are kind, funny and you're a happy person." more

Megan (mother, age 9)

  "Caoimhe's writing bug has been re-inspired from your class. She is on a roll again and her eyes light up when she talks about her writing. So thank you." more

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Aotearoa New Zealand Writing Courses – in-person and online

See nzsa’s learning hub for details of nzsa’s web workshop programme, writer toolkit modules and nzsa roadshows..

NZSA Writer Toolkit – The NZSA Writer Toolkit is our professional development offering, with multiple modules released. Our Writer Toolkit is an online learning platform that offers writers a wide range of low-cost or free modules on writing and the writing life by our leading authors and industry professionals. All sessions comprise of static content you can work through alone, or with your writing group or regional hub meeting. Each module contains notes, exercises, and suggestions for further reading on the topics. New Writer Toolkits are produced each year. Some modules are free to all, and members receive a free Writer Toolkit voucher with annual membership renewals.

NZSA Web Workshops –  – a series of webinars to enable ongoing professional development. Online Two-hour interactive masterclasses. See the link for the latest workshops on offer. they fwriters and industry professionals offering virtual workshops on topics such as self-publishing, romance writing, poetry, structure, short stories, pitching, contract advice, dystopian writing and the business of writing. All NZSA Webworkshops are hosted on Zoom.

NZSA Roadshows – Regional Roadshows brings professional development to the regions. Each one-day conference offers local writers access to professional development, masterclasses, workshops and panel discussions taught by experienced writers from across Aotearoa. These events are organised in partnership with local NZSA branches to build collegiality, connection and new opportunities for professional development in local settings. The events are lively, inclusive, stimulating, and practical and offer something for writers across the spectrum. Sessions cover craft, publishing, marketing, and much more!

NZSA annual Mentorship and Assessment Programmes – Each year Creative NZ supports NZSA to run four mentorship and assessment programmes: The NZSA Mentor Programme , Complete MS Assessment programme, the NZSA Youth Mentorship programme and Startwrite quick assessment programme.

Te Papa Tupu – Māori Literature Trust   – Te Papa Tupu is a highly contested writers incubator designed specifically for emerging Māori writers. Every two years, six writers are given the opportunity to be mentored by acclaimed authors and editors. Throughout the course of the programme, writers work with their mentors to develop their manuscripts for publication.

IPED – The Institute of Professional Editors Limited (IPEd) is the professional association for Australian and New Zealand editors. It exists to advance the profession of editing and to support and promote Australian and New Zealand editors.

Massey University – this university offers diverse 1-2 semester courses in writing which can be taken individually, or as part of a degree. Subjects include journalism, poetry, travel, creative and media script writing. Following this, the Masters in Creative Writing is available online with tutorage from established authors. It allows writers to focus on their own work, while improving their craft skills.

NZ Writers’ College   – offers a variety of online writing courses with one-on-one tutoring from established writers. Courses cover journalism, creative writing, business and specialist areas such as editing and blogs.

NorthTec – offers three diploma levels online. Level 5 covers every genre of fiction or non-fiction writing you can think of, including writing for children in both Te Reo Maori and English, and also an editing paper for writers. Level 6 takes the student’s choice of genre to the next level, be it poetry, short stories, romance writing, science fiction, fantasy, women’s fiction, non-fiction, literary fiction, memoir or scripts, and includes business skills, epublishing and professional editing. Level 7 allows students to focus on their own work, improving their craft skills with mentorship from established authors. Previous students have completed graphic novels, novels, memoirs, family histories, Maori legends, historical fiction, short stories, travel pieces, and an interactive game.

The Creative Hub – Taught by some of New Zealand’s leading writers, most of the courses are venue only, but the two-month Introduction to Creative Writing has an online option.

The School for Young Writers  – offers a wide range of correspondence courses and mentor programmes for writers 8-19 yrs.

Waiariki Institute of Technology – offers a range of courses from one semester to one year including business, Maori, scriptwriting, travel and a diverse selection of fiction options. There are also courses covering marketing, publishing and writing for the web.

Whitireia – offers courses in creative writing, journalism, publishing, and editing from diploma to bachelor level. Some can be completed part time. In 2023 they have added Micro-credentials in editing.

Write   – Short, introductory level courses in grammar and general clarity for business situations

NorthTec – offers three diploma levels online. Level 5 covers every genre of fiction or non-fiction writing you can think of, including writing for children in both Te Reo Maori and English, and also an editing paper for writers. Level 6 takes the student’s choice of genre to the next level, be it poetry, short stories, romance writing, science fiction, fantasy, women’s fiction, non-fiction, literary fiction, memoir or scripts, and includes business skills, epublishing and professional editing. Level 7 allows students to focus on their own work, improving their craft skill with mentorship from established authors. Previous students have completed graphic novels, novels, memoirs, family histories, Maori legends, historical fiction, short stories, travel pieces and an interactive game.

AUT – Auckland University of Technology – provides a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing which explores a variety of genres, and also a Masters in either Creative Writing or Screenwriting. Tutors and mentors include James George and Siobhan Harvey.

Massey University – this university offers diverse 1-2 semester courses in writing which can be taken individually, or as part of a degree. Subjects include journalism, poetry, travel, creative and media script writing. The courses vary from campus to campus, but are all available online. This includes the Master in Creative Writing, which allows writers to focus on their own work, blending literature studies and craft skills with tutorage from established authors.

The Creative Hub  – offers a range of writing related courses, from half day through to a thirty week course involving master classes from established writers. Courses include creative writing, self-publishing and fiction/memoirs.

University of Auckland  – offers a range of English, drama, screen and creative writing courses. The Masters of Creative Writing, taught by Paula Morris, runs for a full university year during which writers work intensively on their own project. Limited to twelve participants, the MCW includes craft skills and exercises, weekly critique workshops, masterclasses with visiting established writers (previously including Eleanor Catton and Ben Okri), and seminars with representatives from the writing industry.

University of Waikato  – has a range of writing major papers which include academic and creative writing with additional screen, media and theatre studies also available.

Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec)  – offers a range of writing papers at degree and postgraduate level. Level 6 and 7 papers can be taken as part of a Communications degree, or as a separate Certificate of Proficiency. These include: Creative Writing Workshop, Writing Project (both taught in evening), Screenwriting, Advanced Screenwriting, Feature Writing and Professional and Technical Communication (online). Wintec also offers the Level 5 National Diploma in Journalism, a Graduate Diploma in Communication (with a major in Professional Writing), and post-graduate Honours and Masters qualifications with an emphasis on research and generation of a major piece of work. Post-graduate publications have included edited creative anthologies, plays, memoir and family histories.

Central Districts

Massey University – this university offers diverse 1-2 semester courses in writing which can be taken individually, or as part of a degree. Subjects include journalism, poetry, travel, creative and media script writing. The courses vary from campus to campus, but are all available online. This includes the Master in Creative Writing, which allows writers to focus on their own specific project, whilst blending literature studies and craft skills with tutorage from established authors.

Western Institute of Technology  – is situated in Taranaki and offers a National Diploma in Journalism.

Victoria University Wellington – this university has an established creative writing programme (Institute of Modern Letters) with a diverse selection of writing courses, from undergraduate level to PhD. Courses include poetry, short fiction, writing for children and Iowa workshops in poetry and prose. Tutors include Emily Perkins, Hinemoana Baker, David Armstrong and Ashleigh Young, among others.

Whitireia Community Polytechnic   – has a range of full and part time courses in creative writing, also English skills and its National Diploma in Journalism. Writing for radio is included the Radio Journalism diploma. Write  – has a variety of one-off writing workshops designed to help with writing for business, blogs and websites.

The School for Young Writers  – offers a wide range of courses and programmes for writers 8-19 yrs. The school holds weekend, after school, and in school classes.

University of Canterbury  – in addition to a range of courses in journalism, and a selection of creative writing papers (not available every year), this university has the Master in Fine Arts – Creative Writing. Here, writers undertake a single larger project as well as a substantial essay and oral exam.

Hagley Writers’ Institute  – based in Christchurch, this offers a part-time year-long course for writers, working in both prose and poetry, with a portfolio submitted at the end of the year. Working in groups of ten, the classes meet on Saturdays for support, advice and critiquing with their tutor.

The Poetry Class – regular and bespoke short poetry classes in Christchurch and greater Canterbury, taught by Joanna Preston.

Otago/Southland

Otago University – A number of semester-long classes at undergraduate level are offered in Creative Writing.

Creative Writing Dunedin  – a range of courses taught in small classes in Dunedin, from one-day Saturday courses to 8 to 10 week courses in Memoir, Fiction, Poetry and completing a Manuscript.

The Wanaka Autumn Art School – a 5-day annual writing course for beginner to more advanced fiction writers, currently tutored by Jillian Sullivan.

Online Courses (Australia)

OpenColleges – Providing specialised writing, editing and media-related training to aspiring authors, editors and journalists for more than a quarter of a century, the Australian College of Journalism can deliver the expert tuition required to polish your skills and acquire the commercial savvy you need to succeed.

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The Creative Hub

Writing Courses

Enrol below & get started, choose your course.

creative writing group nz

Introduction to Creative Writing - classroom Auckland

One session per week. $497 incl gst.

6 week course. Sunday 10th March,2024, 10am to 12.30pm, 23 Princes St, Auckland central

creative writing group nz

Introduction to Creative Writing Online

Start any time. $496 incl gst.

Start any time. A series of modules with your one-on-one ONLINE personal tutor. Learn from anywhere in the country.

Easter Fiction School

3 day course. $498 incl gst.

Friday, Sat, Sun. Runs 29-31st March, 2024, 10am to 4pm, 23 Princes St, Auckland central

30 Week Fiction/Memoir Course

Next start: 24th sept 2024 classroom or anytime online..

This course is for those who would like to write a work of fiction or a memoir. We help you find your own distinctive voice through workshops, exercises and supportive group feedback. The course features workshops by many leading NZ authors. We also match you to an established author for one-on-one mentoring.

Queen's Birthday Fiction School

A three day classroom course (3,4,5th June, 2023, 10am-4pm) that introduces you to the core creative writing techniques used by professional authors. Have fun and learn new skills in an upbeat group environment. Taught by Commonwealth Writer’s Prize winner John Cranna at the beautiful 23 Princes St, Albert Park, Central Auckland.

These are Some of Our Student Successes...

Eileen merriman.

By 2023, our Thirty Week Fiction Course graduate Eileen had published thirteen novels with Penguin Random House. Eileen’s novel ‘Pieces of You’ was published in 2017. This is the compelling story of a young woman who is uprooted from her home city and whose life begins to disintegrate. ‘Catch Me When You Fall’, was published in 2018, and tells the story of a girl who has leukemia, and her relationship with a boy suffering bi-polar disorder. Her third novel ‘Invisibly Breathing’ was published in 2019. Eileen works as a doctor. She has won prizes in UK and NZ short story awards, including the national Sunday Star-Times Award four years in a row.

creative writing group nz

Ann Glamuzina

Ann’s elegiac novel ‘Rich Man Road’ reached No 1 on the Booksellers NZ fiction sales list. The novel is published by Eunoia Books, a publishing house made up of former students of Hub Director John Cranna. Ann says of her novel: ‘My extended family lives in Croatia and I have grown up with the rich stories and legends of the Dalmatian coast. During WWII, my relatives escaped the German occupation, spending time as refugees in the British run camps in El Shatt, Egypt.’ The novel follows the journey of one of these relatives who migrated to New Zealand. Ann’s novel received a glowing review from Rae McGregor on National Radio, which helped catapult it to No 1 position.

creative writing group nz

Gina’s first collection of short stories, ‘Black Ice Matter’ was published by Huia Books and her novel ‘Na Viro’ was published in 2022. Gina is a graduate of our Thirty Week Fiction Course and is a family lawyer of Fijian and British ancestry. In these stories, a woman is caught between traditional Fijian ways and the brutality of the military dictatorship; a glaciology researcher falls into a crevasse and confronts the unexpected; two women lose children in freak shooting accidents. Gina has won prizes in several national writing awards and has been published in several Pacifica and other literary journals.

creative writing group nz

Greg Hall’s novel was profiled on Radio NZ and Television New Zealand to coincide with Anzac Day. It is a harrowing but uplifting story of three young men whose lives are overtaken by the First World War. It culminates at the battle of Passchendaele in which more than 800 young New Zealanders lost their lives. Greg is a Director of the Passchendaele Society, and a former senior banking executive.

creative writing group nz

Heidi North-Bailey

Graduate Heidi’s book of poetry ‘Possibility of Flight’ has been described as ‘a thoughtful and intimate collection that ends unexpectedly with fireworks’. She was short-listed for the 2023 $10,000 Gifkins Award for her latest novel. She won the Shanghai Writers Scholarship to write in China. She was also awarded the Hachette / NZ Society of Authors Trans-Tasman mentorship, to work with a senior editor at Hachette Australia on the manuscript of her latest book. Her work has appeared in New Zealand and international journals. Heidi lives in Auckland, and when not being kept busy with her three-year-old, squirrels away time to write.

creative writing group nz

Fiona Sussman

Fiona’s latest novel, ‘The Doctor’s Wife’, was published internationally in 2023. She won the Dame Ngaio Marsh award for the best crime novel of 2017, and the Sunday Star Times short story award in 2018, when John Cranna’s graduates took 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes in NZ’s best-known short story award. Her first novel ‘Shifting Colours’ based on her experience of apartheid in South Africa, is published by Penguin in New York, and Alison and Busby in London. Her second novel, ‘The Last Time We Spoke’ plumbs the dark reaches of urban NZ. Fiona has worked as a general practitioner and graduated from the fore-runner to our Thirty Week Fiction course, taught by Hub director John Cranna. www.fionasussman.co.nz

creative writing group nz

Rosetta Allan

“Rosetta Allan’s debut novel ‘Purgatory’ (Penguin) is one of those books that draws you into its exquisitely crafted, atmospheric and entirely believable world within the first couple of pages. The time is 1865, the place is Otahuhu, New Zealand – back then just a small outpost designed to create a boundary between the slowly expanding settler’s Auckland, and the edge of the Waikato, still protected by King Country Maori.” NZ Booklovers. Rosetta’s second novel, ‘Unreliable People’ was published in 2019 and her third novel ‘Crazy Love’ in 2021, both by Penguin Random House. Rosetta is a graduate of our Thirty Week Fiction Course and a Hub tutor.

creative writing group nz

Intro to Creative Writing, 23 Princes St, Auckland Central, 10am, Sunday, 10th March, 2024, six weeks.

[email protected]. nz

0800 284 8729 FREE calling from anywhere in New Zealand

Creative Hub Office Hours

8.30am to 6pm, Mon to Fri (separate from teaching rooms)

Teaching Rooms: 23 Princes St, Central Auckland / Tāmaki Makarau Aotearoa / New Zealand

Postal address: 45 Beresford St, Bayswater, Auckland 0622 

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  • You are currently on: Creative Writing

Creative Writing

You can take undergraduate courses in creative writing or enrol in the Master of Creative Writing programme.

creative writing group nz

Subject overview

You can take undergraduate courses in creative writing as part of English , or you can complete your large-scale creative writing project in our Master of Creative Writing programme.

In addition to their classes, our creative writing students enjoy numerous opportunities to engage with Auckland’s vibrant cultural scene, working at the Auckland Writers Festival and on projects for the New Zealand Society of Authors and New Zealand Book Council.

Undergraduate creative writing was first taught at the University of Auckland by C.K. Stead in the 1980s, and our Master of Creative Writing programme was set up in the 1990s by Albert Wendt and Witi Ihimaera.

Where can Creative Writing take you?

A background in Creative Writing can open up opportunities in a broad range of careers, including copywriting, journalism, marketing and public relations, and many more.

Career options with an Arts degree

Explore your study options in Creative Writing

Welcome to Creative Writing Dunedin

Creative Writing Dunedin offer a range of face-to-face or  zoom creative writing courses designed for beginning and more advanced writers and covering Fiction, Writing Your Life and Poetry. Award-winning poet, novelist and memoirist, Diane Brow n is the designer and tutor for most of the courses. Much published and award-winning writer Philip Temple draws on his vast experience to act as a consultant and occasional tutor. We also offer occasional literary assessing services.

dianebrown_signature-4

Testimonials

I have loved this course. (Tools for Storytelling) It has given me structure and practical ways forward with my writing.  It has helped me to try new things, and get them to work, such as dialogue and point of view.  It’s helped my writing to become more concise and to leave some things up to the readers’ imagination. It’s helped me to see that conflict is actually essential; I have shied away from that before.

I felt very vulnerable sending in pieces of work, and was ready to be told it was all rubbish, but your comments, Diane were so incredibly helpful.  You only give credit where it’s due, and where you can see a way to make some writing better you throw that suggestion in, and it really does make it better. This is validating for me. Sue Roberts-Blyth, 2022

Tools for Storytelling and the previous course with Creative Writing Dunedin has put me on the path towards fulfilling a life-long dream-to write convincing fiction. The courses have taught me so many technical aspects of writing and what the power of commitment to writing consistently can achieve. I now know there is always another level up if I put my mind to it.  I feel so much more confident in my writing, in fact, I’ve been encouraged to begin work on my first novel. With Diane’s suggestions and the tit-bits from authors throughout the workbooks, I’m inspired to write more, to enjoy the writing, and to experiment. Wilma McKay

I feel as if a light switch has been thrown on inside me. Gill Caradoc-Davies

I have noticed since taking the courses offered by Diane, is that I have grown in confidence in the pieces of writing that I produce. As writers know, writing can be too solitary a profession at times, especially for a novice, who has no idea of how their work is progressing without feedback from peer support. I cannot stress enough that through Diane’s excellent teaching style, my experience has not been a solitary one. The peer support that Diane offers through her courses, both online and face to face is exemplary and through constant constructive feedback and encouragement, she has allowed me to gain the confidence I need to take the next step and submit my work. Julie Brocket

Diane’s course was absolutely vital in giving me confidence and skills in my writing and editing career, and the critical feedback of the group process contributed directly to the success of my novels. Raymond Huber

Diane’s Creative Writing classes covered principles and techniques of creative writing in an engaging and entertaining way. Diane has a wealth of practical experience to share and it was rewarding to see how dramatically my writing improved as the year progressed. I relished each and every lesson and unreservedly commend this course and Diane’s teaching style to anyone keen to develop creative writing skills. William Visser

With her enormous talent, intellect, diplomacy and good humour, Diane created a safe and vibrant workshop environment. She helped me plan and develop the skills I need to push forward with my writing project beyond my cloud of ideas, snatches of unstructured scenes and underdeveloped characters.  Chris Carrell

I guess I also just wanted to say that one can be oneself in your writing group. Which is a pretty wonderful thing, really. Great achievement on your part as a teacher. Which also means that when one is given an exercise to do, it frees one up to focus on / give oneself freely to the task in hand.  Bernard Thornton

A huge thank you for the course which I have enjoyed immensely. Without me realising what was happening, you have developed my creative writing skills and given me a wonderful platform from which to move forward. Fran Farrant

The course and tutor are both wonderful. The information you offer within the course has been a valuable and useful thought provoking resource that I will use over and over .I feel challenged and am learning heaps, and wished I had done this earlier. Margo Townsend

creative writing group nz

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News and Opportunities

What's on, caselberg trust margaret egan cities of literature writers residency, writing groups in dunedin, artsenta writers’ group.

Artsenta is a creative space for people who use mental health and addiction services. A creative writing session is held every Tuesday at 11am for members. We try to make it easy and fun for a range of abilities and experience. Information about eligibility can be found on the Artsenta website. Creative writing is regularly posted on their writers blog which has been going since 2017.

https://www.artsenta.org/ http://artsentawriters.blogspot.com/

Blacks Road Poetry Group 

(currently full).

We are a small group of experienced poets who meet once a month to critique our work. We meet at 1pm at Blacks Road, Opoho, Dunedin, the day usually a Friday, and the date chosen according to member convenience month by month. Each person emails a new poem to other members a few days before the meeting, to enable in-depth discussion.

Contact: Carolyn McCurdie   cmccurdie@xtra.co.nz

Creative Writers Circle

We are a group of writers who meet at 12 noon on the first Thursday of each month, (with the exception of January) at the Alexandra Community House, 14-20 Centennial Avenue, Alexandra. We read extracts from our writing for enjoyment and critiquing. Our members write prose and poetry fact and fiction. The thing we have in common is a love of writing. Please contact Roger Browne at wbrowne@actrix.co.nz

Dunedin Playgroup (currently full)

A small group of experienced playwrights and poets that meet monthly to read their work aloud and garner feedback. For more information contact  janderson351@yahoo.co.nz

Dunedin Speculative Fiction Writers’ Group

Dunedin Speculative Fiction is a group interested in promoting the work of Speculative Fiction (Fantasy, SciFi, Horror, etc) Writers based in and around Dunedin. You don't have to be an active member for us to celebrate and promote you. We meet semi-regularly, as and when it suits members.

Please email  dunedin.speculative.fiction@gmail.com  or visit  https://dunedinspecfic.wordpress.com/  for more details.

Dunedin Writers Workshop

A friendly group with meetings held on the second Wednesday of each month, February to November from 5.30pm - 7.45pm in the Dunningham Suite, 4th Floor, Dunedin City Library. New members are very welcome.

For more information please contact dunedinwriters.workshop@gmail.com  or visit  https://dunedinwritersgroup.wordpress.com/  

Dunedin Youth Writers Association

The Dunedin Youth Writers Association welcomes all youth writers and those who are interested in starting to come and join a free group of like-minded individuals. This is a student-led group that is open to discussion and sharing works, and which aims to create a community that welcomes and expands the thinking of passionate writers from high schools over Dunedin. The group meets every second Wednesday on the 4th floor of Dunedin City Library, Moray Place. Every session looks different, including student-led group discussions, silent writing sessions and guest speakers – however it's all up to those involved!

For more information you can contact Darcy at  darcy.monteath@gmail.com

or Shima at  shima.jack16@gmail.com

or visit the website at  https://dunedinyouthwriters.wordpress.com/

Kath Beattie’s Writing Group

A critiquing writing group that meets every second Wednesday. Membership by invitation only.

Octagon Poetry Collective

We organise monthly poetry readings, second-last Wednesday of each month, 8pm, at the Dog With Two Tails café and bar, Moray Place, Dunedin. We feature guest poets, and welcome new and established writers to contribute to the open mic session. Contact us via Facebook: Octagon Collective/Dog with Two Tails Poetry Readings, or email  octagoncollective@gmail.com

Ōtepoti Writers Lab

Ōtepoti Writers Lab is a place for all writers – any genre or level of experience – to come together to write, engage with other writers, and share their work. Designed to enable participants to write what and how they wish, are free to attend and professionally facilitated, our sessions take place approximately every two weeks, across a Thursday (7pm-9pm), Saturday (11am-1pm), Tuesday (11am-1pm) rotation. All sessions are currently online, and open to writers across Aotearoa.

Find out more via our website, or email  h-j@prospectpark.co.nz  to join our dedicated ŌWL mailing list.

https://www.prospectpark.co.nz/learn-more

Waitaki Writers Group

Meets in Oamaru at 1pm second Monday of each month. It encourages and extends writers, fosters constructive comment on member’s work. Contact  waitakiwriters@yahoo.co.nz  or Bruce Costello 0274 514 149

Writing Dunedin (currently full)

Supportive critiquing writing group for experienced writers. Meets every third Monday at 7pm. Please contact writingdunedin@gmail.com

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NZ Writers College | Training Writers Online Since 2005

How to Write Creatively: 14 Top Tips

Short Story Writing at NZ Writers College

Writing is a creative endeavour. However, many aspirant writers find they’re not producing the type of content they want because they feel stuck in a rut, or scared to even try. They doubt that they could consistently come up with original ideas.

The good news is that anyone can be creative. It just takes a bit of time, effort and practice for the creative writing muscles to warm up.

‘If you’re alive, you’re a creative person,’ claims best-selling author Elizabeth Gilbert in Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear .

This blog post provides 14 ways to supercharge the creativity in your writing.

  • Design a creative environment. This could be an area in the office, your bedroom or even outside if it’s pleasant enough! The aim is to find somewhere to write that is free from clutter and distractions so you can truly focus on your creative process.
  • Engage all of your senses when brainstorming ideas for creative writing projects. For instance: go out into nature and listen closely to what you hear around you; smell things like flowers or coffee beans while they are still fresh; taste something acidic until its sourness invades every part of your mouth before tasting something sweet. By engaging with these sensory experiences more intensely than usual, creative inspiration may come easier to you!
  • Let new people and places inspire your writing. You need to be open to new ideas, challenges and concepts so that your creativity can thrive. Part of overcoming a creative rut is trying new things, exploring new places and experiencing new sensations.
  • Practice creative writing skills, like brainstorming and storyboarding . The idea is to try different creative writing techniques to see which is right for you.
  • Brainstorm for a new story by asking ‘what if’ and then filling in the blanks. What if she doesn’t get married but ditches the groom at the altar? What if the setting is a different planet than the earth? Asking ‘what if’ allows you to brainstorm with purpose. You can ask ‘what if’ for plot, a character’s motive, the setting or the climax. The aim is to think of as many ideas as possible – even the crazy, outlandish ones – then to assess them and choose the one that best fits your story.

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6. Gain a creative perspective by looking at the world through the eyes of someone else , rather than your own eyes. For instance, take on someone else’s identity for an hour (either in real life by switching places with them, or simply imagine being in their place);  this can lead to innovative ideas in your writing.

7. Turn on some music. Some people prefer silence when they write; others find inspiration in music. Some writers have found it enjoyable and productive to listen to coffee shop sounds at home if they prefer to write in one. I kid you not! Try this 8-hour soundtrack here .

8. Practice creative writing for 20-30 minutes every day by jotting down your thoughts about the world around you.This is the best way to improve your creative writing – to write. Yes, it’s straightforward, but creative writing is not about natural talent or having the best ideas. They are both important for sure, but creative writing means putting those thoughts onto paper. Regular practice will teach you how to harness your creative energy to ensure that it’s free from constraints.

9. Go on a creative date : a day or evening spent exploring personal interests. This is one way writers have found creative inspiration; these creative dates are also good for brainstorming sessions.

Study creative writing with one-to-one tutoring by an award-winning writer.

10. Receive your best insights while doing daily chores like some authors do. For instance, folding laundry (Leo Tolstoy) or washing dishes (Wallace Wattles). This means you should keep a notebook handy at all times!

11. Read books, stories and poetry by your favourite authors . This could spark some ideas of your own.

12. Do a creative writing course , as there are dozens of tools and techniques to master. These courses are often offered in universities, community centres and creative writing workshops.

13. Join a writing circle , or find a creative writer friend or group to share ideas with.

14. Keep a journal of all your creative writing – this will be beneficial when looking back on previous projects and seeing how far you’ve come as a writer.

Elizabeth Gilbert writes in Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear : ‘A creative life is an amplified life. It’s a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life, and a hell of a lot more interesting life. Living in this manner – continually and stubbornly bringing forth the jewels that are hidden within you – is a fine art, in and of itself.’

Go forth and find your jewels!

Our Creative Writing Courses have been featured by  Twinkl  in their list of  Mindful New Year’s Resolutions .

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COMMENTS

  1. Writing Groups

    Writing Groups | New Zealand Society of Authors (PEN NZ Inc) Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa About Am I eligible to join? Membership options for writers at all stages; Testimonials from some of our writers Who we are The story of our establishment in 1934 onwards; our past presidents Our National Board (and list of past presidents)

  2. Creative Writing groups

    Creative Writing; New Zealand; Creative Writing. Meet other local people interested in Creative Writing: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Creative Writing group. 3,449. members. 9. groups. Join Creative Writing groups. Related Topics: topical creative writing.

  3. Writing Circles in New Zealand

    WELLINGTON NELSON and SURROUNDS CANTERBURY and SURROUNDS SOUTHLAND Auckland New Orewa Writing Group has been formed and is looking for new members who have works in progress and are actively engaged in writing. They meet on the first Monday of each month in Orewa at 6 pm.

  4. Creative Writing

    The IIML is Aotearoa New Zealand's most prestigious creative writing programme, offering a Masters in Creative Writing, a PhD in Creative Writing and a wide range of undergraduate courses that can contribute to an undergraduate degree or be taken independently. Our teaching staff are all practising writers with strong publishing profiles.

  5. Writers' Cafe

    Do you want to connect with your writing community? Join our writing community for support and inspiration at every step of your writing journey jsandilands 2022-09-28T08:44:34+13:00

  6. The Creative Hub

    Creative writing courses taught by NZ's inspiring authors Next Intro classroom course, 10am, Sunday, 10th March, 2024! We believe everyone is creative, everyone has a story to tell, and everyone can be shown the skills used by professional authors.

  7. Find Creative Writing Events & Groups in Auckland, NZ

    Find Creative Writing groups in Auckland, NZ to connect with people who share your interests. Join now to attend online or in person events.

  8. Writing Groups

    Contact: Joyce Elwood-Smith at [email protected]. Writers of Picton. Usually meet with a writing challenge on the first Tuesday of the month in the upstairs room at Picton Library, 2pm - 4pm. Visitors and new members welcome. Contact: Irene & Peter Thomas at [email protected] Tel: 03-573-5501.

  9. The Creative Hub

    The Creative Hub - Auckland & Wellington Writing Centre, Auckland, New Zealand. 3,069 likes · 3 talking about this · 8 were here. ️ Creative writing...

  10. About

    At Creative Writing NZ, we pride ourselves on providing diverse and comprehensive online courses tailored to meet the needs of writers across all skill levels, genres, and aspirations. Our carefully curated selection of courses spans fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and more, ensuring a perfect fit for every creative mind.

  11. Brain Bunny

    Home At Brain Bunny Workshops, our classes are focused on teaching kids how to write creatively. We've found that instilling a love of story telling, rather than focusing on spelling and grammar, helps children gain confidence in their creative writing skills. Blog TREASURE HUNT Holiday Programme There's treasure in them there hills!

  12. Aotearoa New Zealand Writing Courses

    The Creative Hub - Taught by some of New Zealand's leading writers, most of the courses are venue only, but the two-month Introduction to Creative Writing has an online option. The School for Young Writers - offers a wide range of correspondence courses and mentor programmes for writers 8-19 yrs.

  13. Creative Writing Courses

    Our online creative writing courses for adults allow you to flex your creative muscle and learn essential creative writing techniques. Fast-track your creative writing journey, whether you are writing simply for the pleasure of it, or to get published. The Basics of Creative Writing

  14. New Zealand Writers Groups

    Tauranga Writers Group - Tauranga Writers is New Zealand's longest-running self-help group for writers, established in 1967. They meet twice a month on the first Thursday at 7 pm and on the third Sunday at 2 pm. Their present venue is the Alzheimer's Tauranga Rooms, 116 13th Avenue, Tauranga. *For contact details of smaller, local, face ...

  15. Courses

    enrol Introduction to Creative Writing Online Start any time. $496 incl GST Start any time. A series of modules with your one-on-one ONLINE personal tutor. Learn from anywhere in the country. Learn More enrol Easter Fiction School 3 day course. $498 incl GST Friday, Sat, Sun. Runs 29-31st March, 2024, 10am to 4pm, 23 Princes St, Auckland central

  16. Creative Writing

    You can take undergraduate courses in creative writing as part of English, or you can complete your large-scale creative writing project in our Master of Creative Writing programme.. In addition to their classes, our creative writing students enjoy numerous opportunities to engage with Auckland's vibrant cultural scene, working at the Auckland Writers Festival and on projects for the New ...

  17. Creative Writing Dunedin: Home

    Welcome to Creative Writing Dunedin. Creative Writing Dunedin offer a range of face-to-face or zoom creative writing courses designed for beginning and more advanced writers and covering Fiction, Writing Your Life and Poetry. Award-winning poet, novelist and memoirist, Diane Brown is the designer and tutor for most of the courses. Much published and award-winning writer Philip Temple draws on ...

  18. Writing Groups in Dunedin

    A creative writing session is held every Tuesday at 11am for members. We try to make it easy and fun for a range of abilities and experience. Information about eligibility can be found on the Artsenta website. Creative writing is regularly posted on their writers blog which has been going since 2017. https://www.artsenta.org/

  19. Online Writing Courses in New Zealand

    An online creative writing course gives you the flexibility to study and write at any place, at any time. Experienced Tutors All of our tutors are highly qualified and experienced writers. Writing Competitions The Creative Writing NZ Short Story Prize 2024 1st February 2024 Read More The Cambridge Autumn Festival Short Story Competition

  20. Creative Writing NZ

    Creative Writing NZ, Auckland, New Zealand. 262 likes · 2 talking about this. Creative Writing NZ offers online creative writing courses. Suitable for writers of different ages and interests.

  21. Find Writing Events & Groups in Auckland, NZ

    Become an organizer. Starting a Meetup group connects you with passionate people looking to share experiences in real life. Find writing groups in Auckland, NZ to connect with people who share your interests. Join now to attend online or in person events.

  22. How to Write Creatively: 14 Top Tips

    8. Practice creative writing for 20-30 minutes every day by jotting down your thoughts about the world around you.This is the best way to improve your creative writing - to write. Yes, it's straightforward, but creative writing is not about natural talent or having the best ideas.

  23. Competitions

    Creative Writing NZ January 2022 Competition Winner Find Out More. 1 2 Next. Recent Posts. Exploring Diverse Approaches to Storytelling February 8, 2024; A Writer's Handbook for Authentic Creative Expression February 1, 2024; The Joys and Challenges of Exploring New Genres in Writing January 25, 2024;