Writing Tips and Expert Advice
Popular Stories
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
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
Q&A with Award-Winning Poet Selina Tusitala Marsh
Born in Tāmaki Makaurau in 1971, Dr Selina Tusitala Marsh has spent her life weaving Pacific seas into lines of poetry and scholarly works. She’s
How much money can you make as a writer in New Zealand?
Writing is a fascinating field. It is not only personally rewarding but also financially feasible if done right. The writing industry in New Zealand is
How Your Writing Space Can Boost Your Creativity
Creativity is the lifeblood of writing and something that most writers try to nurture. But have you ever considered how your physical writing space can
Romancing Success: Tania Hutley’s Five Top Tips for Self-publishing Romance Novels
Romance novelist and Writers College tutor Tania Hutley has hit the jackpot. She has quit her admin day job and is making a living doing
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 development. What I found was a new career as an outdoor travel journalist. As a slightly wayward teenager, journalism was never on my horizon. The words of my fifth-form English […]
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
All About
Creative Writing Techniques
Write Articles for Digital and Print
How Do You Get Your Web Content to Show Up in AI Searches?
Over 70% of searches are now AI-driven. Adapting your content strategy is becoming increasingly important for staying visible and relevant. Not long ago, every digital
Re-wilding language with Robert Macfarlane
How Robert Macfarlane is opening our eyes to the natural world and advocating for its protection, one word at a time. By JANA BEER. I
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
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
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
Destigmatising AI: Why ChatGPT Isn’t Here to Replace You
For eight years, Amanda Penton of QuickFuse Studios has handled marketing for prominent clients such as Only Organic, Takapoto Estate, Morris & James Pottery, and
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
The Healing Power of Writing
When life unravels, committing to a daily practice of writing can be tremendously healing and helpful. SUE FENTON explores the benefits of writing. Writers seem
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
A Copywriting Deep Dive: The Role of Words in Modern Marketing
Many brands and marketers know what they want to say. Few know how to say it. That’s where copywriters come in. BY AMY TJASINK ‘Just Do It.’ ‘Think Different.’ ‘Because You’re Worth It.’ For consumers worldwide, these short lines instantly evoke iconic brand images. Though just three or four words long, they likely took weeks […]
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 town paper, the Whanganui Chronicle. The following year, she became the health reporter at the New Zealand Herald. During her five years at the Herald, Emma uncovered two major investigations […]
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 fun, growth and collaboration. Are words enough? In this ever-evolving digital age, writers are increasingly finding the need to adapt and learn skills beyond traditional journalism; visual journalism is one […]
Student Successes
Web Writing Skills
Staying Motivated as a Writer
Explore the World and Write
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
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
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
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!