Saturday 26 May 2018: 1pm – 5pm
Ellen Melville Centre, Auckland City

Enjoy an afternoon of stimulating and informative workshops, presentations and panel discussions. With the choice of nine events over three time slots there is much to inspire, encourage and challenge.

This event, hosted by the Auckland Branch of the New Zealand Society of Authors as part of our Turning the Page: AGM and Development Weekend, is open to anyone with a passion for writing, regardless of your skill or experience. Meet other writers, hear from experts in their fields and leave renewed in your craft.

AUCKLAND BRANCH – HOSTING THE 2018 AGM

All workshops have restricted numbers and will fill up so book early!
$20 for a single workshop, and $50 for 3 workshops.

Diversity in Literature

Social media is atwitter with movements such as #ownstories and #WeNeedDiverseBooks, but what does it mean for authors? How do we think about the diversity of our characters and about
freedom of speech versus cultural appropriation? What role do we all have to play in supporting diverse authors?

Paula Morris will chair this stimulating panel which includes Harriet Allan (from Penguin Random House) and authors Gina Cole, Graeme Lay and Renee Liang.

Limited numbers – register now
1pm – 2pm

Poetry: Workshop

Auckland poet, Michael Steven, helps poets focus on aspects of their craft.

Limited numbers – register now
1pm – 2pm

Crafting Compelling Memoir

Crafting a compelling memoir takes skill and creativity. Jump start your memoirs and experience how energising and intriguing it is to explore your personal history! Award-winning memoir writer, Maria de Jong, will share some of her best tips in this workshop.

Limited numbers – register now
1pm – 2pm

How Do You Write Successful Non-Fiction?

You have a non-fiction idea, but how do you know if there’s a need for your book? How do you choose your publisher and create something they can sell? Led by top-selling New Zealand non-fiction author, Richard Webster, participants will leave this workshop on their way to writing a book outline.

Limited numbers – register now
2.15pm – 3.15pm

The Business of Writing

You might be able to write – but do you know what it takes to market a book, do publicity and create an online presence? How sure are you about engaging with your readers and dealing with income tax within NZ and from overseas?

Join the internationally successful author, Nalini Singh, and start planning for all aspects of your career as a writer. Once you have registered you will be able to email advance questions to Nalini so you can make the most of your time together.

Limited numbers – register now
2.15pm – 3.15pm

The Craft of Writing Children’s Books

Writing for children isn’t just like writing for adults! You need specific skills and knowledge to write a book children will love. Join multi- award-winning writer, Janice Marriott, to develop your technique and ensure your writing succeeds with the most important audience – children!

Limited numbers – register now
2.15 – 3.15pm

Pitch Perfect: How to Pitch to an Agent PLUS 20 Opportunities to do Just That!

07.05.18 NOTE: the competition is now FULL AND CLOSED.  We are still taking registrations for the workshop only.

It is not easy to get in a room with an agent but thanks to Nadine Rubin Nathan and Vicki Marsdon, from High Spot Literary Agency, you can do just that. Learn what it takes to get your pitches noticed and get inside knowledge of the industry.  If you are one of the first 20 to register you will also get to pitch your work (some conditions apply – see below).

CONDITIONS: This workshop is open to all writers, however only writers of fiction (middle grade, YA, adult) or non-fiction (not illustration, picture books, YA fantasy or poetry) are able to take part in the pitch competition (first 20 registered only).  Nadine and Vicki will then select the top three to pitch in person on the day! You will be asked to provide two pages of sample writing and a 300 word synopsis.  Once registered you’ll receive more information.

Limited numbers:  – register now
3.45pm – 4.45pm

The Art of the Novel

If you are working on a novel this workshop is not to be missed. Join renowned creative writing teacher and author, Paula Morris, in a workshop which will focus on point-of-view.

Limited numbers – register now
3.45pm – 4.45pm

Crime Fiction Today: Beyond Whodunnit

As genre boundaries blur, join internationally published and full-time author, Fiona Sussman, to look at the essential elements for writing a compelling ‘crime’ novel.

Limited numbers – register now
3.45pm – 4.45pm