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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
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
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 biking and adventure sport into paid work, placing articles in New Zealand Mountain Biker, The Climber and Spoke magazine within his first year out of
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 Sunset came out in 2025. We sat down with Tatiana to talk about her writing process, the courses that changed everything, and her advice for
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 about yourself. What made you […]
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 bit about yourself. What made […]
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
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 about yourself. What made you […]
5 Reasons Why Writers Should Use Visual Journalism
BY JANE GARDINER The world is changing, and digital media continues to adapt. Rather than despair, writers should see visual journalism as an opportunity for
How to Find Work as a Freelance Journalist in New Zealand
The key to securing regular work as a freelance journalist is to know the local market inside and out. It is essential to familiarise yourself with the publications you want to write for, including finding out who the editor is. Understanding the target audience for each title is also crucial if you’re going to be […]
Is My Freelance Writing Awful?
Does your passion for writing outweigh your skill? KATE TAYLOR explores what to do if you suspect your friends aren’t telling you the truth about your writing. Christmas 2023. My one job? Make the pavlova. I was feeling confident. Beat eggs, sugar, throw it in the oven. Not that hard. I’ve got this … right? […]
Writing Through Menopausal Brain Fog
Every woman aged between 40 and 60 will experience some symptoms of menopause. TJ FREDRICKSON shares her journey and some strategies that help alleviate her
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?
Business Emails: How to Communicate Effectively
The average worker receives over 100 work emails per day and spends multiple hours reading and responding. Finding ways to communicate effectively through business email is key to time efficiency and productivity in the workplace. BY ANDREW BAIRD It’s no secret that business emails take up a large portion of every working day. With so […]
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 jobs are in the areas of digital marketing, e-commerce and social media. With the rise of digital marketing and the constant need for high-quality content, the demand for content writers […]
Discover Creative Writing Techniques
Write Articles for Digital and Print
A No-Nonsense Guide to Becoming a Writer – Part Two
Earning an income from freelance writing can be daunting. In part two of her series, KATE TAYLOR breaks the process into easy-to-follow steps. Writing is
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 engaged and businesses thriving. Content writing is one of the fastest-growing fields, and the demand for talented writers has never been higher. With the ever-expanding world of digital marketing, e-commerce, … Continue reading How to Succeed in Content Writing
Three Challenges of Writing a Human-Interest Story about Your Own Life
A human-interest story can develop an intimate connection between the writer and the reader. To capture the essence of a story about your own life, there are some challenges to be aware of and navigate. By ANDREW BAIRD Writing about your life can be cathartic and help others with their journey. It can spark an […]
Logical Flow: How to Create More Meaningful Text in 5 Steps
Here’s how you can make your writing flow more logically so that you can communicate your ideas more effectively. Firstly, what is logical flow
The Art of Ghostwriting
Ghostwriting has gained immense popularity in recent years due to its potential as a rewarding career. But what exactly is ghostwriting? The role of a
5 Reasons Why Writers Should Use Visual Journalism
BY JANE GARDINER The world is changing, and digital media continues to adapt. Rather than despair, writers should see visual journalism as an opportunity for
Avoid A Defamation Claim in New Zealand: Practical Tips for Your Next Article
Defamation law is often overlooked by article writers until it is too late. Here are some of the basics of New Zealand legislation and pointers to help prevent a libel complaint. Even for a writer, defamation or libel were probably not words front of mind until recently. Now, they may conjure up images of a […]
Mastering ChatGPT: Prompt-Writing Tips for Journalists
Rather than being afraid of ChatGPT and other AI, savvy journalists are taking advantage. The revolutionary AI chatbot can produce the broad strokes of an
Spotlight on Sarah Lang
Written by former AUT journalism student TOM TAYLOR Award-winning journalist Sarah Lang has built a highly successful career on her ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and quickly adapt herself to different circumstances and publications. She shares some of her most stressful stories and her thoughts about the future of journalism in New Zealand. Sarah Lang […]
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
The Modern Writer’s Toolkit: 6 Essential Tools to Supercharge Your Writing
Focusing on writing can feel impossible in today’s world full of deadlines and distractions. EMMA CLARKE shares six free digital tools to help freelance writers
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
Web Writing Skills
Staying Motivated as a Writer
Tips for Breaking into a Career in Writing In NZ
How much money can you make as a writer in New Zealand?
Writing Careers: 12 Ways to Turn Your Words into Income
How to Find Work as a Freelance Journalist in New Zealand
How Raising Money For Charity Can Raise Your Writing Game
From Blogs to Branding: Exploring the Vast Job Market for Content Writers
Discovering the Joy of Writing: The Benefits of Taking a Writing Course
Explore the World
and Write
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 to travel journalism. ‘I’m doing a travel writing course,’ I told my daughter. With retirement
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 work has been described by fellow travel author Bill Bryson as ‘brilliant’ and ‘deadly accurate
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!