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 her to enrol in the Basics of Creative Writing Course at NZ Writers’ College, studying under the guidance of tutor Helen Brain.
This decision sparked a phenomenal literary career. Armed with the foundational tools, feedback and confidence gained during her studies, Suzanne channelled her new skills directly into her debut children’s novel. The results were immediate and historic. Her manuscript for How I Alienated My Grandma won the prestigious 2014 Storylines Tom Fitzgibbon Award. Once published, it became a Storylines Notable Book and a children’s choice finalist in the 2015 NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.
Suzanne is grateful for the grounding the course gave her.
‘I am grateful to the NZ Writers’ College for giving me
such a good start to my writing career.’
~ Suzanne Main
Far from a one-hit wonder, Suzanne has proved that the discipline and techniques learned in her course created a sustainable path forward. Her follow-up adventure, How Not to Stop a Kidnap, was named an NZ Book Awards finalist in 2018. Demonstrating the commercial appeal of her work, both novels were optioned for film by Whitebait Media.
Suzanne’s literary momentum has only grown since. Her third novel, The Hatchling, was released in September 2025 and marked a deliberate creative stretch: rather than continuing the humorous, sci-fi-tinged adventures of her earlier books, she wove in fantasy and drama elements alongside a new cast of characters, twins Willow and Hunter, whose search for their missing parents draws them into a mystery bound up with a fading grandfather and a looming super blood moon.
For any aspiring writer sitting on a story idea, Suzanne’s transition to celebrated author is a huge inspiration, proving how structured mentorship combined with creative dedication can turn a distant dream into a thriving, multi-book career.
