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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 the course. The first 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 bit about yourself. What made … Continue reading Writing Course Graduate Juliet Slattery Q & 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 this joint memoir about your […]
Popular Stories
5 Powerful SEO Writing Tips
By Veselina Yaneva The following five powerful writing tips will help you to optimize your online articles for search engines. Writing for the web requires
Rediscover the Shimmer: How a Writing Course Can Awaken the Magic You Thought You’d Lost Forever
If you’ve ever gone for a long walk through a quiet forest, you might know how it feels to relax into your daydreams. It’s like
Writing Careers: 12 Ways to Turn Your Words into Income
Fiction, freelance journalism, copywriting, technical and medical writing — discover 12+ writing careers and what they really pay. Think a writing career means daydreaming over
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 experience that can leave you doubting your abilities, and unsure if you should even be writing stories in the first place. But what if we may be making an unnecessary […]
The Surprising Benefits of Journalling for Your Mind and Mood
People have been writing down their thoughts and feelings as a form of self-therapy for centuries. It seems to be a human instinct, but recent
6 Essential Skills for Journalism
Considering being a journalist? Here are six essential skills any journalist needs. The digital landscape of media may have shifted the skillset for journalism, but
How Raising Money For Charity Can Raise Your Writing Game
Great fundraising campaigns can be masterclasses in powerful and emotive storytelling, as well as raising money for a worthy cause. Professional fundraiser BETH GOULSTONE shares three tips for better writing from the wonderful world of fundraising. When I started work as a fundraiser for the New Zealand AIDS Foundation, I had a lot of questions. […]
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
Discover Creative Writing Techniques
Write Articles for Digital and Print
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 an African overland odyssey, reviewing upmarket hotels in Ko Samui, or weighing up the best […]
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
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 … Continue reading A Copywriting Deep Dive: The Role of Words in Modern Marketing
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
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 looming and plans for getting out and about in our camper, I saw travel writing […]
Copywriting 101: How to Craft Compelling Blog and Social Media Posts
By VESELINA YANEVA Copywriting is a powerful tool for convincing and inspiring potential customers or clients online. It’s the craft of using compelling words 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 […]
How to Find Work as a Freelance Writer in New Zealand
By Melissa Gilbert Understanding the playing field is essential in order to secure work as a freelance writer. Researching the various routes a freelance writer
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
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
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
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
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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 and checking facts. But he also interviewed the likes of Kris Kristofferson, Elton John, Desmond […]
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 an African overland odyssey, reviewing upmarket hotels in Ko Samui, or weighing up the best […]
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 looming and plans for getting out and about in our camper, I saw travel writing […]
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 and absurdly funny’. JANE DANIELL asks Joe Bennett about his life and travels. Q: Why […]
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!