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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 Writers at Lunchtime meeting is on Wednesday 1 August, when the guest speaker will be Michelanne Forster, talking about writing for the stage.
Michelanne will tell the (painful) story of her brief career as an aspiring actor at the Fortune Theatre in Dunedin, and share how she moved from treading the boards to becoming an established playwright. With many professional productions to her credit, Michelanne will explain the skills playwright needs – besides charm and luck – to write a play that works.
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 Michelanne's talk. For more information contact Chrissie on 03-546 9818.
The next Writers at Lunchtime meeting is on Wednesday 1 August, when the guest speaker will be Michelanne Forster, talking about writing for the stage.
Michelanne will tell the (painful) story of her brief career as an aspiring actor at the Fortune Theatre in Dunedin, and share how she moved from treading the boards to becoming an established playwright. With many professional productions to her credit, Michelanne will explain the skills playwright needs – besides charm and luck – to write a play that works.
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 Michelanne's talk. For more information contact Chrissie on 03-546 9818.
Picton Poets
Picton Poets meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month at Picton Library, 10.30 am - 12 noon. The next meeting will be on Wednesday 25 July.
The writing challenge is choose a page of New Zealand prose, and delete all the words you don't want. Your poem is what remains.
The poets welcome new members and visitors. For more information contact Mary Howan on 03-573 5973 or nadamary@xtra.co.nz
Instead of their usual August meeting, Picton Poets will be joining Writers of Picton and Marlborough Writers on Monday 6 August, 1-3 pm at Picton Library, for a talk by Dave MacManus of The Copy press on self-publishing (see item later on this page).
The writing challenge is choose a page of New Zealand prose, and delete all the words you don't want. Your poem is what remains.
The poets welcome new members and visitors. For more information contact Mary Howan on 03-573 5973 or nadamary@xtra.co.nz
Instead of their usual August meeting, Picton Poets will be joining Writers of Picton and Marlborough Writers on Monday 6 August, 1-3 pm at Picton Library, for a talk by Dave MacManus of The Copy press on self-publishing (see item later on this page).
New Nelson Writing Group's First Meeting
‘Life Sentence’ is a new writing group starting up in Nelson. Meetings will be on the first Thursday of the month at Rhythm and Brown, 19 New Street, 5.30 -7pm. The first meeting will be on Thursday 2 August.
The intent of establishing this group is to inspire and get writers into print, provide support and help them write better by providing feedback on work in progress.
Each participant should bring a current piece of work to each meeting and be prepared to have this constructively discussed. Bring a notepad and pen as well. The group is open to all levels of expertise, but the focus is on non- fiction – short and long stories, with a slight bias on crime writing.
Please contact Chris Stuart on 027 777 2556 for further details.
The intent of establishing this group is to inspire and get writers into print, provide support and help them write better by providing feedback on work in progress.
Each participant should bring a current piece of work to each meeting and be prepared to have this constructively discussed. Bring a notepad and pen as well. The group is open to all levels of expertise, but the focus is on non- fiction – short and long stories, with a slight bias on crime writing.
Please contact Chris Stuart on 027 777 2556 for further details.
Golden Bay Writers Group
The Golden Bay Writers Group meets on the first Friday of each month from 1.30 - 3 pm at the Dangerous Café (46 Commercial Street, Takaka). The next meeting will be on Friday 3 August. Meet up to talk 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
West Coast Writers
This group welcomes writers of all genres to talk about all things ‘writing’ and get feedback on their work, in a respectful, encouraging environment. Don't worry about your level of experience – everyone is welcome! The group meets on the first Sunday of the month, 11 am – 1 pm, at the New Coaster's Office, 38 Albert Street, Greymouth. Their next meeting is on Sunday 5 August. Interested people should contact Katrina Brown at kbtaiwan@gmail.com for more details.
Writers of Picton, Marlborough Writers & Picton Poets combined meeting
Writers of Picton, Marlborough Writers and Picton Poets are having a joint meeting on Monday 6 August, 1 – 3 pm at Picton Library. The guest speaker is Dave MacManus, owner and manager of The CopyPress, a self-publishing company in Nelson.
Dave be talking about the process of self-publishing a book, some of the reasons an author might choose to self-publish, and what you can do to make the most of your manuscript. The CopyPress works with authors who have written everything from small personal projects, to more commercial books that are sold at bookshops across the country. Dave is happy to answer any questions, and to advise on any particular projects that you have in mind.
Everyone is welcome to this meeting. If you are interested in coming along, contact Irene & Peter Thomas at pandi.goodhope@gmail.com or
03-973 0638.
Dave be talking about the process of self-publishing a book, some of the reasons an author might choose to self-publish, and what you can do to make the most of your manuscript. The CopyPress works with authors who have written everything from small personal projects, to more commercial books that are sold at bookshops across the country. Dave is happy to answer any questions, and to advise on any particular projects that you have in mind.
Everyone is welcome to this meeting. If you are interested in coming along, contact Irene & Peter Thomas at pandi.goodhope@gmail.com or
03-973 0638.
To the Mountains: Book Event in Nelson
To the Mountains is a collection of New Zealand alpine writing, selected by Laurence Fearnley and Paul Hersey. Come and hear Paul Hersey in conversation with Top of the South member Naomi Arnold on Monday 6 August, 5 – 6.30 pm at Kush Coffee, 5 Church Street, Nelson.
From the Darrans of Fiordland to Denali in Alaska, New Zealand climbers, both experienced and recreational, have captured their alpine experience in letters, journals, articles, memoirs, poems and novels. Drawing on 150 years of published and unpublished material, Laurence Fearnley and Paul Hersey, two top contemporary authors, have compiled a wide-ranging, fascinating and moving glimpse into New Zealand's mountaineering culture and the people who write about it.
This is a free event. Start with coffee! To the Mountains will be available for sale on the evening.
From the Darrans of Fiordland to Denali in Alaska, New Zealand climbers, both experienced and recreational, have captured their alpine experience in letters, journals, articles, memoirs, poems and novels. Drawing on 150 years of published and unpublished material, Laurence Fearnley and Paul Hersey, two top contemporary authors, have compiled a wide-ranging, fascinating and moving glimpse into New Zealand's mountaineering culture and the people who write about it.
This is a free event. Start with coffee! To the Mountains will be available for sale on the evening.
Creative Writing Courses with Michelanne Forster
Join author and playwright Michelanne Forster at Volume bookshop in Nelson for a series of short creative writing courses in small, supportive classes. Michelanne offers informative tutorials and writing exercises that unlock creativity and give you practical skills in all genres.
WRITING FOR CHILDREN
Sundays 9.30 am – 12 noon, 3 sessions. 5, 12 & 19 August. $180. Become familiar with the appropriate language and story content for all ages, from babies to teens. Use the variety of award-winning books at Volume to inspire you, and try out your story ideas in a supportive group atmosphere.
To book for these courses, contact Volume at 15 Church Street, Nelson, email books@volume.nz or phone 03 9700073 or 021 1970002.
WRITING FOR CHILDREN
Sundays 9.30 am – 12 noon, 3 sessions. 5, 12 & 19 August. $180. Become familiar with the appropriate language and story content for all ages, from babies to teens. Use the variety of award-winning books at Volume to inspire you, and try out your story ideas in a supportive group atmosphere.
To book for these courses, contact Volume at 15 Church Street, Nelson, email books@volume.nz or phone 03 9700073 or 021 1970002.
Nelson Romance Writers
The Nelson branch of Romance Writers of NZ meets on the second Saturday of every month at 2 pm at the National Party Office, corner of Waimea & Quarantine Roads, Nelson. Their next meeting takes place on Saturday 11 August.
Visitors are always welcome. If you are not an RWNZ member already, you are welcome to join them for up to three meetings before deciding to become one. For more information contact LaVerne Clark at 4clarksnelson@gmail.com or phone 03-546 4440.
Visitors are always welcome. If you are not an RWNZ member already, you are welcome to join them for up to three meetings before deciding to become one. For more information contact LaVerne Clark at 4clarksnelson@gmail.com or phone 03-546 4440.
Richmond Writing Group
The Richmond Writing 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 a guest speaker followed by discussion, with optional sharing of own writing and a creative writing activity in the second hour.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday 21 August with the guest speaker to be announced.
Everyone is welcome and entry is free. For more information contact Pania Walton, Promotions Assistant, Richmond Library, at pania.walton@tasman.govt.nz
The next meeting will be on Tuesday 21 August with the guest speaker to be announced.
Everyone is welcome and entry is free. For more information contact Pania Walton, Promotions Assistant, Richmond Library, at pania.walton@tasman.govt.nz
Write Across New Zealand Writing Retreat
Kerry Sunderland, the new coordinator of the Nelson Arts Festival Readers and Writers Programme, is a part-time creative writing tutor at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology and is hosting one more residential writing retreat this year. The retreat is now open for bookings
note NEW VENUE and focus).
FIND YOUR OWN WAY
This retreat will take place 5 – 8 October at Appleby House and Rabbit Island Huts. 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 best to be told. Acclaimed New Zealand author Elizabeth Knox (The Vintner's Luck) will support you to find a clear direction for your story – and, along the way, you'll learn to become a shrewder, more flexible, confident and daring storyteller.
The weekend will also allow for one-on-one ‘story doctoring’ sessions with Elizabeth. 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.
Find out about the retreat at www.writeacrossnewzealand.com Places are limited, so book early.
note NEW VENUE and focus).
FIND YOUR OWN WAY
This retreat will take place 5 – 8 October at Appleby House and Rabbit Island Huts. 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 best to be told. Acclaimed New Zealand author Elizabeth Knox (The Vintner's Luck) will support you to find a clear direction for your story – and, along the way, you'll learn to become a shrewder, more flexible, confident and daring storyteller.
The weekend will also allow for one-on-one ‘story doctoring’ sessions with Elizabeth. 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.
Find out about the retreat at www.writeacrossnewzealand.com Places are limited, so book early.
Blackball Readers & Writers Festival
This Labour Weekend 20-21 October Te Puawai Co-operative is hosting a Readers and Writers Festival at Blackball. The project is part of a wider vision to create a transition economy as the Coast moves away from one largely based on extraction. The goal is for the festival to become an annual event.
The festival will have the theme of ‘Underground’. Underground encompasses what lies beneath the ground, the living and the dead that form a communicative web, as well as the manmade structures buried beyond every-day sight. Underground will also explore the underground of the subliminal and the subversive alongside ways of being that have been marginalised and censored. The underground of Blackball’s historical footsteps and the world of the spirit will also be acknowledged.
The festival will kick off at midday Saturday 20 October with a recovery of the life and work of Jean Devanny (1894-1962). Devanny was a prolific writer of feminist and socialist themed novels and short stories, often set in West Coast timber and coalmining townships. Carol Dawber, historian and author, will team up with author and filmmaker Kathleen Gallagher, who has produced a radio play on Devanny, to discuss her contribution to New Zealand literature.
Poet and historian Jeffrey Paparoa Holman (London born and Blackball bred) will read and discuss his work with local playwright Paul Maunder. Sunday’s guest authors are Tusiata Avia, acclaimed Christchurch-based Samoan poet, and esteemed Wellington novelist, Kirsten McDougall, author of Tess and The Invisible Rider.
The festival will run through to Sunday evening. A writing exercise will be sparked for interested participants. At each festival there will be book sales of the authors present and other works of topical interest. Registrations will open from July onwards via email from wkcultur@gmail.com
We hope you can take part in this encounter and welcome enquiries.
Paul Maunder, Jeffrey Paparoa Holman and Catherine Woollett are the Blackball Readers and Writers Co-operative, operating under the umbrella of Te Puawai Co-operative Society, www.tepuawai.co.nz
The festival will have the theme of ‘Underground’. Underground encompasses what lies beneath the ground, the living and the dead that form a communicative web, as well as the manmade structures buried beyond every-day sight. Underground will also explore the underground of the subliminal and the subversive alongside ways of being that have been marginalised and censored. The underground of Blackball’s historical footsteps and the world of the spirit will also be acknowledged.
The festival will kick off at midday Saturday 20 October with a recovery of the life and work of Jean Devanny (1894-1962). Devanny was a prolific writer of feminist and socialist themed novels and short stories, often set in West Coast timber and coalmining townships. Carol Dawber, historian and author, will team up with author and filmmaker Kathleen Gallagher, who has produced a radio play on Devanny, to discuss her contribution to New Zealand literature.
Poet and historian Jeffrey Paparoa Holman (London born and Blackball bred) will read and discuss his work with local playwright Paul Maunder. Sunday’s guest authors are Tusiata Avia, acclaimed Christchurch-based Samoan poet, and esteemed Wellington novelist, Kirsten McDougall, author of Tess and The Invisible Rider.
The festival will run through to Sunday evening. A writing exercise will be sparked for interested participants. At each festival there will be book sales of the authors present and other works of topical interest. Registrations will open from July onwards via email from wkcultur@gmail.com
We hope you can take part in this encounter and welcome enquiries.
Paul Maunder, Jeffrey Paparoa Holman and Catherine Woollett are the Blackball Readers and Writers Co-operative, operating under the umbrella of Te Puawai Co-operative Society, www.tepuawai.co.nz