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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
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 Guide to Dialogue: How to Write Realistic Conversations
Mastering the art of writing realistic conversations engages your reader in the story. Here’s why and how to do it. BY ANDREW BAIRD One of the great things about writing fiction is that you don’t have to tell the story all by yourself. You can delegate much of that responsibility to your characters. How? Through […]
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.
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 the purpose of finding leads and converting them – an essential element of advertising and marketing. Mastering copywriting in blog and social media posts, however, requires time and effort. Here […]
Three Tips to Overcome Perfectionism as a Writer
The tips I use to overcome writer’s perfectionism, from the simple to the scientific. BY INDIA-MAE OSBORNE It’s a scene I know too well: a
Where to Find Free eBooks Online: A Guide for New Zealand Writers and Readers
As a writer, reading widely is one of the most powerful things you can do for your craft. Luckily, in 2026, a world-class library is
5 Most Common Mistakes Beginner Writers Make
Even the most successful writers have experienced the pitfalls of writing. Here are the five biggest mistakes beginner writers make. 1. Letting your inner critic
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Could Copy-Editing Be Your Career? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
When AI burst onto the scene, many people assumed the days of the copy-editor were numbered. Why pay a human to check commas and catch
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 first stumbled across Robert Macfarlane’s treasure trove of words, Landmarks, while writing stories for the Department of Conservation. My love of nature and language was hungry to name what 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
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
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
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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 […]
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 […]
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
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!