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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 weekly newsletter, contact the Branch Editor
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Writers at Lunchtime
Writers at Lunchtime meetings take place on the first Wednesday of every month except January, starting at 11.30 am. There is usually a guest speaker at 12.30 pm, talking on a topic of general interest to writers.
The next meeting takes place on Wednesday 2 October, 11.30 am to 1.30 pm. The guest speaker at 12.30 pm will be Annika Ohlson-Smith. Annika was a founder member of the Top of the South branch of NZSA and has long been a member of the Nelson branch of Romance Writers of New Zealand (RWNZ), of which she was convenor for a number of years. She writes in both Swedish and English. Annika will be talking about her writing journey, and about her experience of attending the RWNZ Conference in Christchurch in August 2019.
The venue for Writers at Lunchtime is The Prince Albert, 113 Nile Street, Nelson (car parking is accessed from Tasman Street). While the meetings are organised by the Top of the South branch of NZSA, everyone is welcome to attend. Come any time from 11.30 am, but make sure to be there at 12.30 pm for Annika's talk. For more information contact Chrissie at cj.ward@xtra.co.nz, 03-5469818.
The next meeting takes place on Wednesday 2 October, 11.30 am to 1.30 pm. The guest speaker at 12.30 pm will be Annika Ohlson-Smith. Annika was a founder member of the Top of the South branch of NZSA and has long been a member of the Nelson branch of Romance Writers of New Zealand (RWNZ), of which she was convenor for a number of years. She writes in both Swedish and English. Annika will be talking about her writing journey, and about her experience of attending the RWNZ Conference in Christchurch in August 2019.
The venue for Writers at Lunchtime is The Prince Albert, 113 Nile Street, Nelson (car parking is accessed from Tasman Street). While the meetings are organised by the Top of the South branch of NZSA, everyone is welcome to attend. Come any time from 11.30 am, but make sure to be there at 12.30 pm for Annika's talk. For more information contact Chrissie at cj.ward@xtra.co.nz, 03-5469818.
Picton Poets
The Picton Poets meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month, 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 September. The topic for a poem is 'Free ...'. For more information contact Joyce Elwood-Smith on 027 226 1276 or joyce.elwoodsmith@gmail.com
The next meeting will be on Wednesday 25 September. The topic for a poem is 'Free ...'. For more information contact Joyce Elwood-Smith on 027 226 1276 or joyce.elwoodsmith@gmail.com
'Life Sentence' Writing Group
'Life Sentence’ is a writing group for those who want to write better, be inspired and be supported to publish. They meet on the first Thursday of the month (except January) at The Workshop in New Street, Nelson, 5.30 - 7pm. Their next meeting will be on Thursday 3 October.
For more information contact Chris Stuart on 027 777 2556, or email chrisannstuart@gmail.com.
For more information contact Chris Stuart on 027 777 2556, or email chrisannstuart@gmail.com.
Golden Bay Writers Group
The Golden Bay Writers Group meets on the first Friday of each month except January from 1.30 - 3 pm at the Wholemeal Café, 60 Commercial Street, Takaka. The next meeting will be on Friday 4 October. Meet up to talk about writing in all its forms, to encourage and inspire each other, to share our challenges and victories, and to connect over a cuppa.
Everyone is welcome to Golden Bay Writers Group meetings. For more information contact Charlotte Squire at charlottesquirecoms@gmail.com
Everyone is welcome to Golden Bay Writers Group meetings. For more information contact Charlotte Squire at charlottesquirecoms@gmail.com
New Book for Marion Day
Passion: Living, Feasting and Writing deep in the Marlborough Sounds is the latest book from Marion Day. It will be launched at Portage Resort, 2923 Kenepuru Road on Saturday 5 October at 1 pm, with raffles, bar and nibbles.
‘Passion’ is the perfect word for author Marion. She is passionate about many things – life, nature, photography, good food – and unifying them all is her love of writing. This book showcases Marion’s life with her partner Steve Podjursky in Clova Bay, deep in the Marlborough Sounds. It is also a story of local history and everyday life in a small, isolated community. Passion is presented in seven stunning parts: from the Past; from the Land; from the Sea; from the Sky; from the Mountains; from the Garden; from the Heart. It contains 375 photographs, 52 recipes, diary entries, anecdotes, and 20 short stories and poems, making it a Kiwi treasure and a breathtaking pictorial journal.
The book launch on 5 October is hosted by rural Women New Zealand Kenepuru Branch in conjunction with Blenheim Paper Plus. The speakers will be Ellen Orchard (RWNZ Kenepuru Branch President), Stuart Smith MP, and Melva Robb (RWNZ Region 3, Area Leadership Chairperson).
For those who can’t make the launch, Marion will be at Paper Plus Blenheim on Wednesday 9 October, 6.30 pm for book signing, wine and nibbles.
‘Passion’ is the perfect word for author Marion. She is passionate about many things – life, nature, photography, good food – and unifying them all is her love of writing. This book showcases Marion’s life with her partner Steve Podjursky in Clova Bay, deep in the Marlborough Sounds. It is also a story of local history and everyday life in a small, isolated community. Passion is presented in seven stunning parts: from the Past; from the Land; from the Sea; from the Sky; from the Mountains; from the Garden; from the Heart. It contains 375 photographs, 52 recipes, diary entries, anecdotes, and 20 short stories and poems, making it a Kiwi treasure and a breathtaking pictorial journal.
The book launch on 5 October is hosted by rural Women New Zealand Kenepuru Branch in conjunction with Blenheim Paper Plus. The speakers will be Ellen Orchard (RWNZ Kenepuru Branch President), Stuart Smith MP, and Melva Robb (RWNZ Region 3, Area Leadership Chairperson).
For those who can’t make the launch, Marion will be at Paper Plus Blenheim on Wednesday 9 October, 6.30 pm for book signing, wine and nibbles.
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 usually meets on the first and third Sundays of the month, 11 am – 1 pm, at the New Coaster's Office, 38 Albert Street, Greymouth. Gold coin donation for venue appreciated. Their next meetings will be on Sunday 6 & 15 October. Contact Katrina Brown at kbtaiwan@gmail.com for more details.
Writers of Picton
Writers of Picton usually meet on the first Monday of the month at 1.30 pm in the upstairs meeting room at Picton Library.
The next meeting is on Monday 7 October. There will be a writing exercise of 200-400 words on the topic 'Heartbeat'.
For more information contact Irene & Peter Thomas at 03-973 0638 or pandi.goodhope@gmail.com
The next meeting is on Monday 7 October. There will be a writing exercise of 200-400 words on the topic 'Heartbeat'.
For more information contact Irene & Peter Thomas at 03-973 0638 or pandi.goodhope@gmail.com
Nelson Romance Writers
The Nelson branch of Romance Writers of NZ meet on the second Saturday of every month. They meet at 2 pm at the National Party Office, corner of Waimea & Quarantine Roads, Nelson. Visitors are always welcome. If you are not an RWNZ member already, you are welcome to attend a meeting before deciding to join. Their next meeting will be on Saturday 12 October.
For more information contact LaVerne Clark at 4clarksnelson@gmail.com, phone 03-546 4440.
For more information contact LaVerne Clark at 4clarksnelson@gmail.com, phone 03-546 4440.
Marlborough Writers
Marlborough Writers meet on the third Tuesday of the month in the Louvre Room at Fairweathers, 36 Scott Street, Blenheim. Visitors are always welcome. A gold coin donation is requested to cover website costs.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday 15 October at noon. There will be a 200-word writing challenge on a topic to be announced. For more information contact Annette Rattray at annetteratttray@hotmail.com, phone 03-573 6629 or 021 232 8040.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday 15 October at noon. There will be a 200-word writing challenge on a topic to be announced. For more information contact Annette Rattray at annetteratttray@hotmail.com, phone 03-573 6629 or 021 232 8040.
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. It’s a great opportunity to meet other people with a shared interest in writing, and to put pen to paper. Entry is free. Bring writing materials.
Each month there is usually a guest speaker in the first hour, followed by writing or discussion for those who wish to stay on. The next meeting will be on Tuesday 15 October. For more information contact Pania Walton, Promotions Assistant, Richmond Library at pania.walton@tasman.govt.nz
Each month there is usually a guest speaker in the first hour, followed by writing or discussion for those who wish to stay on. The next meeting will be on Tuesday 15 October. For more information contact Pania Walton, Promotions Assistant, Richmond Library at pania.walton@tasman.govt.nz
Write Across New Zealand Writing Retreats
Kerry Sunderland is organising two writing retreats later this year, at Appleby House and Rabbit Island Huts near Nelson. Places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Find Your Way Forward II with Elizabeth Knox, from 11 - 14 October
Whether you are writing short fiction, a novel, or a work of creative non-fiction, there is always a way in which your story will want to best to be told. A writing workshop that involves peers who are generous readers is one of surest ways for a writer to find a way forward.
What this retreat offers is a period of intense concentration, outside your everyday life, with like-minded people. The workshop convener is a highly experienced writer of novels, and of creative non-fiction.
Each of the workshop's participants will submit a piece (or two) of writing before the retreat weekend (3000 to 6000 words altogether) in good time for everyone to have read each other's work before we meet.
The weekend will consist of writing exercises, of work-shopping of some part of each writer's work, one-on-one story doctoring sessions with Elizabeth Knox, as well as free writing time. The aim of the weekend is that everyone who attends will leave with a clear feeling for how to proceed with confidence, energy, and renewed engagement.
For more information, see http://writeacrossnewzealand.com/elizabeth-knox-2019-writing-retreat
Cultivate: A Writing Retreat with Jesse Blackadder, from 22 - 24 November
Award-winning novelist Jesse Blackadder says: ‘Every story begins with a seed. An old photograph that engraves itself on your memory. Words from a long dead poet. An event in your distant childhood. A news story you can't forget. A family story that keeps being retold ...
‘But a seed isn't a tree and an idea isn't a story. The joy, and work, and the craft of writing comes from cultivating and nourishing an idea so it grows.
In this course we'll explore how to take the seed of an idea and develop it into a compelling narrative. Examining the structures that underpin successful books and stories, I will help you apply their principles to your own writing in original and exciting ways. Hands-on exercises will help you find the best structure for your work, create memorable characters and vivid worlds, and polish your words and sentences until they glow.
‘I will spend 20 minutes individual time with every participant during the workshop, giving you personal feedback on a sample of writing sent beforehand. I look forward to hearing about the idea that just won't leave you alone…’
For more information, see http://writeacrossnewzealand.com/jesse-blackadder-2019-retreat
Find Your Way Forward II with Elizabeth Knox, from 11 - 14 October
Whether you are writing short fiction, a novel, or a work of creative non-fiction, there is always a way in which your story will want to best to be told. A writing workshop that involves peers who are generous readers is one of surest ways for a writer to find a way forward.
What this retreat offers is a period of intense concentration, outside your everyday life, with like-minded people. The workshop convener is a highly experienced writer of novels, and of creative non-fiction.
Each of the workshop's participants will submit a piece (or two) of writing before the retreat weekend (3000 to 6000 words altogether) in good time for everyone to have read each other's work before we meet.
The weekend will consist of writing exercises, of work-shopping of some part of each writer's work, one-on-one story doctoring sessions with Elizabeth Knox, as well as free writing time. The aim of the weekend is that everyone who attends will leave with a clear feeling for how to proceed with confidence, energy, and renewed engagement.
For more information, see http://writeacrossnewzealand.com/elizabeth-knox-2019-writing-retreat
Cultivate: A Writing Retreat with Jesse Blackadder, from 22 - 24 November
Award-winning novelist Jesse Blackadder says: ‘Every story begins with a seed. An old photograph that engraves itself on your memory. Words from a long dead poet. An event in your distant childhood. A news story you can't forget. A family story that keeps being retold ...
‘But a seed isn't a tree and an idea isn't a story. The joy, and work, and the craft of writing comes from cultivating and nourishing an idea so it grows.
In this course we'll explore how to take the seed of an idea and develop it into a compelling narrative. Examining the structures that underpin successful books and stories, I will help you apply their principles to your own writing in original and exciting ways. Hands-on exercises will help you find the best structure for your work, create memorable characters and vivid worlds, and polish your words and sentences until they glow.
‘I will spend 20 minutes individual time with every participant during the workshop, giving you personal feedback on a sample of writing sent beforehand. I look forward to hearing about the idea that just won't leave you alone…’
For more information, see http://writeacrossnewzealand.com/jesse-blackadder-2019-retreat
Blackball Writers Retreat and Encounter with workshop elements
After the successful inaugural Blackball Readers and Writers Festival in 2018 the organising co-op decided to make the festival biennial and to hold a writers retreat in the interim year, once again over Labour Weekend.
This first retreat will be held from midday Saturday 26 October to late morning Monday 28 October 2019. It will be limited to 20 people. While the emphasis will be on having space to write in a peaceful yet resonant environment, there will be three one-hour craft sessions offered during the weekend, taken by tutors Paddy Richardson (on plot); Jeffrey Paparoa Holman (on imagery); and Paul Maunder (on dialogue and point of view). If a sample of work (up to 10 pages) is sent in beforehand, there will also be one-on-one 30 minute private sessions available, at the discretion of the tutors.
On the Saturday night there will be an interactive story-telling offering by the Talltales Co-op; there will be a discussion on the Sunday night of the role and purpose of the writer – why I write, who for, determinations etc; and the retreat will finish with a round-the-room story telling session based on work accomplished over the weekend.
Fee: $90 covering all meals (lunches will be self-catering from food supplied, but the evening meal will be catered) and tutor and venue expenses. Participants need to find their own accommodation, but there will be seven places (backpacker style) available at the Brian Wood Cottage for $15 a night. Once again the venue will be the Blackball School. For registration and enquiries contact wkcultur@gmail.com or 03-7324010.
This first retreat will be held from midday Saturday 26 October to late morning Monday 28 October 2019. It will be limited to 20 people. While the emphasis will be on having space to write in a peaceful yet resonant environment, there will be three one-hour craft sessions offered during the weekend, taken by tutors Paddy Richardson (on plot); Jeffrey Paparoa Holman (on imagery); and Paul Maunder (on dialogue and point of view). If a sample of work (up to 10 pages) is sent in beforehand, there will also be one-on-one 30 minute private sessions available, at the discretion of the tutors.
On the Saturday night there will be an interactive story-telling offering by the Talltales Co-op; there will be a discussion on the Sunday night of the role and purpose of the writer – why I write, who for, determinations etc; and the retreat will finish with a round-the-room story telling session based on work accomplished over the weekend.
Fee: $90 covering all meals (lunches will be self-catering from food supplied, but the evening meal will be catered) and tutor and venue expenses. Participants need to find their own accommodation, but there will be seven places (backpacker style) available at the Brian Wood Cottage for $15 a night. Once again the venue will be the Blackball School. For registration and enquiries contact wkcultur@gmail.com or 03-7324010.