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Coming EventsThe Top of the South Branch
of the New Zealand Society of Authors |
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This page provides information about events organised by the branch, by individual members, or of particular local interest. To have your event listed here, as well as in the fortnightly newsletter, contact the Branch Editor
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Golden Bay Writers Group
The Golden Bay Writers Group meets monthly in Takaka. Meet up to connect, work on writing projects and share feedback in a supportive way.
The next meeting will be held Saturday 7 August from 10 - 12.30 at the GB Community Arts Council, 24 Commercial Street. If you love to write, join us! In this group we write and creativity flourishes. Within a two and half hour time frame we write for four minutes, then 40 minutes. We like to start promptly at 10 am to make the most of the time, so arrive at 9.50 am. Please bring your own paper/writing journals and pens, as well as cash koha for the use of the venue. The theme for August, carried over from the July meeting which was cancelled due to weather and road conditions, is ‘transitions’.
We believe everyone is a writer. We provide a safe space to both write and share our writing. A primary intent of connecting in this way is to hear each other’s work and to reflect on its impact upon us rather than offering critical review. Our aim is ease; writing, reading and responding are all optional.
Everyone is welcome to Golden Bay Writers Group meetings. The date and venue can vary, so for details contact Charlotte Squire at 027 525 7455 or charlottesquirecoms@gmail.com.
The next meeting will be held Saturday 7 August from 10 - 12.30 at the GB Community Arts Council, 24 Commercial Street. If you love to write, join us! In this group we write and creativity flourishes. Within a two and half hour time frame we write for four minutes, then 40 minutes. We like to start promptly at 10 am to make the most of the time, so arrive at 9.50 am. Please bring your own paper/writing journals and pens, as well as cash koha for the use of the venue. The theme for August, carried over from the July meeting which was cancelled due to weather and road conditions, is ‘transitions’.
We believe everyone is a writer. We provide a safe space to both write and share our writing. A primary intent of connecting in this way is to hear each other’s work and to reflect on its impact upon us rather than offering critical review. Our aim is ease; writing, reading and responding are all optional.
Everyone is welcome to Golden Bay Writers Group meetings. The date and venue can vary, so for details contact Charlotte Squire at 027 525 7455 or charlottesquirecoms@gmail.com.
Author Talk in Nelson: Writing Crime with Jen Shieff
Jen Shieff, author of The Vanishing Act and The Gentlemen’s Club, will be at Elma Turner Library in Nelson on Saturday 7 August at 2 pm to talk about her work.
Her novels, The Vanishing Act and The Gentleman's Club, bring to life Auckland in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly through the eyes of the gay community hiding from the social mores of the times.
Jen Shieff, a two-time Ngaio Marsh Award finalist, will discuss where her inspiration comes from, what attracts her to writing about crime and justice, and how she brings fascinating characters and exciting stories to life on the page.
This free event is brought to the Elma Turner Library by the Friends of the Library.
Her novels, The Vanishing Act and The Gentleman's Club, bring to life Auckland in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly through the eyes of the gay community hiding from the social mores of the times.
Jen Shieff, a two-time Ngaio Marsh Award finalist, will discuss where her inspiration comes from, what attracts her to writing about crime and justice, and how she brings fascinating characters and exciting stories to life on the page.
This free event is brought to the Elma Turner Library by the Friends of the Library.
STEMWriters at Nelson Library
STEMWriters is a small group with widely varying interests in writing, from short fiction to social commentary, social history and poetry. They meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 1 pm at the Elma Turner Library in Nelson. The next meetings will be on Tuesdays 10 & 24 August. For more information contact Jackie Cook at taongajac@gmail.com
Nelson Romance Writers
The Nelson branch of Romance Writers of NZ (RWNZ) usually meet on the second Saturday of every month (except December and January) at 2 pm. Visitors are always welcome. If you are not an RWNZ member, you are welcome to attend a meeting before deciding whether or not to join.
The next meeting will be on Saturday 14 August (note change of date) at a venue to be announced.
For more information contact Annika Ohlson-Smith at 03-548 5561, email amos46@xtra.co.nz
The next meeting will be on Saturday 14 August (note change of date) at a venue to be announced.
For more information contact Annika Ohlson-Smith at 03-548 5561, email amos46@xtra.co.nz
Richmond Writing Group
The Richmond Writing Group is for adults with an interest in writing – whether you’re just thinking about starting to write something, you’re a published author, or somewhere in between. The group meets on the third Tuesday of the month, 1 – 3 pm, in the Constance Barnicoat Room at Richmond Library. In the first hour there is an author talk, then from 2 pm everyone is welcome to join the Richmond Writing Group for an hour of discussion or creative writing exercises in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. It’s free to attend and anyone of any ability can come. Bring writing materials.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday 17 August. The guest speaker will be announced nearer the date.
For more information contact Pania Walton, Promotions Assistant, Richmond Library at pania.walton@tasman.govt.nz
The next meeting will be on Tuesday 17 August. The guest speaker will be announced nearer the date.
For more information contact Pania Walton, Promotions Assistant, Richmond Library at pania.walton@tasman.govt.nz
Next Live Poets Meetings Share Guest Poet
The August meetings of the Nelson, Motueka and Golden Bay Live Poets Societies share guest poet Tim Heath from Auckland.
This is the third attempt to welcome Tim as guest poet, since a knee operation and then Auckland’s Covid lockdown cancelled his last visits. Tim is a retired teacher who has had a lifelong interest in writing poetry. He has won a number of major literary prizes, including Poetry Idol, Going West and Womad Poetry Slam. Several of Tim’s short stories have been read on RNZ National.
Tim will be appearing at the Live Poets meetings as follows:
Nelson Live Poets, Tuesday 17 August, 7 pm at The Prince Albert, 113 Nile Street, Nelson. Bring a poem to share or just enjoy the show. Singer songwriters are also welcome. To read, simply sign up on the night. Koha entry. For more information contact Deirdre Lusby at dlusby@xtra.co.nz, 027 643 5123.
Mapua Live Poets, Wednesday 18 August, 7 pm at Mapua Boat Club, Mapua Wharf. Everyone is welcome to attend or participate. Gold coin koha entry. For more informationcontact Deirdre Lusby at 027 643 5123, dlusby@xtra.co.nz.
Golden Bay Live Poets, Thursday 19 August, 7.30 pm, The Mussel Inn, Onekaka, Golden Bay. Everyone is welcome to attend or participate. Bring a poem to share, or just enjoy the show. Singer-songwriters are also welcome. Koha entry. For further information please contact Mark Raffills at mark@drycrust.com or 027 215 4969.
This is the third attempt to welcome Tim as guest poet, since a knee operation and then Auckland’s Covid lockdown cancelled his last visits. Tim is a retired teacher who has had a lifelong interest in writing poetry. He has won a number of major literary prizes, including Poetry Idol, Going West and Womad Poetry Slam. Several of Tim’s short stories have been read on RNZ National.
Tim will be appearing at the Live Poets meetings as follows:
Nelson Live Poets, Tuesday 17 August, 7 pm at The Prince Albert, 113 Nile Street, Nelson. Bring a poem to share or just enjoy the show. Singer songwriters are also welcome. To read, simply sign up on the night. Koha entry. For more information contact Deirdre Lusby at dlusby@xtra.co.nz, 027 643 5123.
Mapua Live Poets, Wednesday 18 August, 7 pm at Mapua Boat Club, Mapua Wharf. Everyone is welcome to attend or participate. Gold coin koha entry. For more informationcontact Deirdre Lusby at 027 643 5123, dlusby@xtra.co.nz.
Golden Bay Live Poets, Thursday 19 August, 7.30 pm, The Mussel Inn, Onekaka, Golden Bay. Everyone is welcome to attend or participate. Bring a poem to share, or just enjoy the show. Singer-songwriters are also welcome. Koha entry. For further information please contact Mark Raffills at mark@drycrust.com or 027 215 4969.
Picton Poets
The Picton Poets usually meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month, from 10.30 am – 12.00 pm at Picton Library. They share their own original poems in a friendly, constructive atmosphere. New members and visitors are welcome.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday 25 August. There will be a writing exercise on a topic to be announced.
For more information contact Joyce Elwood-Smith on 027 226 1276 or joyce.elwoodsmith@gmail.com
The next meeting will be on Wednesday 25 August. There will be a writing exercise on a topic to be announced.
For more information contact Joyce Elwood-Smith on 027 226 1276 or joyce.elwoodsmith@gmail.com
Tasman Writers
Tasman Writers meets monthly, at a time and place notified by email each month. Their next meeting will be on Thursday 26 August, 5 – 6.30 pm, at Community House, Decks Reserve, Motueka. The guest speaker The guest speaker will be Joanna Hamilton, author of Welcome to the World.
Written and illustrated by Joanna, Welcome to the World is a unique little gift book that welcomes a newborn baby into the world with love. This heartfelt poetic ode is for new mothers, siblings, care givers and all who wish to share their love for the new baby. The aesthetic of the book is Japanese simplicity, with hand drawings and a Baby’s Record page at the back of the book.
Tasman Writers welcomes everyone who writes, whatever your genre and whether you write for fun, for profit, for family, or for hiding in your desk. The get-togethers may include a speaker, and always have time for sharing ideas, asking questions, or discussing challenges. Gold coin koha.
For more information, or to have your name added to the mailing list, please contact Trish at dunrban@xtra.co.nz or Lucy at tosnzsa15@gmail.com
Written and illustrated by Joanna, Welcome to the World is a unique little gift book that welcomes a newborn baby into the world with love. This heartfelt poetic ode is for new mothers, siblings, care givers and all who wish to share their love for the new baby. The aesthetic of the book is Japanese simplicity, with hand drawings and a Baby’s Record page at the back of the book.
Tasman Writers welcomes everyone who writes, whatever your genre and whether you write for fun, for profit, for family, or for hiding in your desk. The get-togethers may include a speaker, and always have time for sharing ideas, asking questions, or discussing challenges. Gold coin koha.
For more information, or to have your name added to the mailing list, please contact Trish at dunrban@xtra.co.nz or Lucy at tosnzsa15@gmail.com
Writers at Lunchtime
Writers at Lunchtime takes place 11.30 am – 1.30 pm on the first Wednesday of every month (except January). There is usually a guest speaker at 12.30 pm. The venue is the Little Acorn Café at Saxton Lodge Motel, corner of Saxton Road and Main Road Stoke.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday 4 August. The guest speaker will be Joanna Hamilton, author of Welcome to the World.
Written and illustrated by Joanna, Welcome to the World is a unique little gift book that welcomes a newborn baby into the world with love. This heartfelt poetic ode is for new mothers, siblings, care givers and all who wish to share their love for the new baby. The aesthetic of the book is Japanese simplicity, with hand drawings and a Baby’s Record page at the back of the book.
Everyone is welcome. Come any time from 11.30 am, but make sure to be there at 12.30 pm for Joanna's talk. For more information Belinda at bmellor12@icloud.com or Sue at 021 061 6470.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday 4 August. The guest speaker will be Joanna Hamilton, author of Welcome to the World.
Written and illustrated by Joanna, Welcome to the World is a unique little gift book that welcomes a newborn baby into the world with love. This heartfelt poetic ode is for new mothers, siblings, care givers and all who wish to share their love for the new baby. The aesthetic of the book is Japanese simplicity, with hand drawings and a Baby’s Record page at the back of the book.
Everyone is welcome. Come any time from 11.30 am, but make sure to be there at 12.30 pm for Joanna's talk. For more information Belinda at bmellor12@icloud.com or Sue at 021 061 6470.
Poetry Slam in Picton
Picton Poets are holding a poetry reading in Picton Library on Thursday 26 August, starting at 10.30 am. Everyone is invited to come along and read a poem, their own or a favourite. Tea and coffee will be provided. For more information contact Joyce Elwood-Smith at joyce.elwoodsmith@gmail.com or 027 226 1276.
Mawhera Writers (Greymouth)
Formerly West Coast Writers, this group welcomes writers of all genres to write together, get feedback on their work, and to discuss all things ‘writing’ in a respectful, encouraging environment. Don't worry about your level of experience – everyone is welcome! The group meets on the first Sunday of each month, 11 am – 1 pm, at CoRe (New Coaster’s Office), 38 Albert Street, Greymouth. Gold coin donation for venue appreciated.
Their next meeting will be on Sunday 5 September. Contact Katrina Brown at kbtaiwan@gmail.com for more details and to go on the group mailing list. Follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mawherawriters/
to find and share writing-related updates and discussion relevant to the group.
Their next meeting will be on Sunday 5 September. Contact Katrina Brown at kbtaiwan@gmail.com for more details and to go on the group mailing list. Follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mawherawriters/
to find and share writing-related updates and discussion relevant to the group.
Writers of Picton
Writers of Picton usually meet on the first Monday of the month (except January) at 1.30 pm in the upstairs meeting room at Picton Library.
Their next meeting will be on Monday 6 September. There will be a writing exercise of 200-400 words on a topic to be announced.
Contact Peter and Irene Thomas on 03-573-5501 or 027 2493146 for more information.
Their next meeting will be on Monday 6 September. There will be a writing exercise of 200-400 words on a topic to be announced.
Contact Peter and Irene Thomas on 03-573-5501 or 027 2493146 for more information.
Mapua Literary Festival
The Mapua Literary Festival will be held at the Mapua Community Hall from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 September. There is a great line-up of local authors and poets, including Top of the South branch members Christine Leunens, Chris Stuart and Jessica Le Bas, plus workshop and puppetry shows for children and ‘young at heart’ adults. See the full programme and purchase tickets at www.mapuacommunitylibrary.co.nz. Tickets are also available from Page & Blackmore in Nelson, or direct from the Mapua Library, 72 Aranui Road, Mapua. Take advantage of the special offer to purchase four author’s talks and pay $5 less for each one.
Writing Retreat with Elizabeth Knox
Elizabeth Knox returns to the Top of the South to run her third retreat here. From 3 - 8 December, 'Find Your Way Forward III' is an opportunity to immerse yourself in your writing for four full days with the support of acclaimed New Zealand author Elizabeth Knox CNZM, D. Litt (author of The Absolute Book, The Vintner's Luck, Dreamhunter and Dreamquake).
The retreat takes place at Abel Tasman Lodge, just over an hour’s drive from Nelson. The all-inclusive package includes tuition, accommodation, yoga, Abel Tasman National Park walks and scrumptious food. There is a discount for twin share. There are only 15 places, so don’t delay if you are interested. Find out more at https://writeacrossnewzealand.com/elizabeth-knox-2021-writing-retreat
The retreat takes place at Abel Tasman Lodge, just over an hour’s drive from Nelson. The all-inclusive package includes tuition, accommodation, yoga, Abel Tasman National Park walks and scrumptious food. There is a discount for twin share. There are only 15 places, so don’t delay if you are interested. Find out more at https://writeacrossnewzealand.com/elizabeth-knox-2021-writing-retreat