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Bye-Bye, Block: Physical and Mental Techniques to Help Overcome Writer’s Block
Many writers – both aspiring and established – have at some time come up against the dreaded writer’s block. This is a discouraging and debilitating
From Mediocre to Masterpiece: Crafting Your Prose
Crafting beautiful prose is an art form, one that requires practice, skill and patience. While some may believe that creating compelling writing is an innate
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 this motto to his art (with obvious success), and it may apply equally to writing. How do we get our point across without confusing readers with big words and long-winded […]
An Interview with Andrew Salomon, Award-Winning Literary Author
Andrew Salomon is an award-winning author, clinching both the PEN Literary Award for African Fiction and the Short.Sharp.Stories Award. His debut novel, Tokoloshe Song, garnered
How To Write a Compelling Plot: A Guide
Have you ever been so engrossed in a novel that time seemed to run away? That’s the power of a compelling plot. But as a
Unveiling Why I Write
By Emma du Preez Last week, while walking my dogs at Kakamatua, I saw something that looked like a scene from the turn of the
Discovering the Joy of Writing: The Benefits of Taking a Writing Course
Writing is a fundamental skill that we use every day, from emails and business writing to essays, anecdotes and, for some, even novels. Whether you’re
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 […]
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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 balance creativity and efficiency. Are your folders filled with half-finished drafts? Do your browser tabs seem to multiply endlessly? Does finding the right words feel like fumbling through the dark? […]
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, […]
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 Natural Things. She has seen the before-and-after of doing business with AI tools like ChatGPT. So in a world of generative AI, in which swathes of text are only a […]
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 […]
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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!