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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 7 August, 11.30 am to 1.30 pm. The guest speaker at 12.30 pm will be
Karen Stade, talking about her upcoming book, Driven by the Wind: the Memoir of Captain Henry Rose.
The book is based on the memoir of Captain Henry Rose, who wrote them in 1911, a year before he died. However they were written at the request of his adult children, who no doubt knew much if his story. For his descendants today they raised many questions, such as how did Henry’s parents come to be living in what would become Colombia in Central America at the time of his birth in the early 1830s?
Henry's great grandson, retired Mapua orchardist Alastair Rose, contracted Karen to research the background of this and other aspects of Henry's life, from his apprenticeship in the Merchant Navy, his rise through the ranks to become master of his own ship, adventures on the high seas, including exciting clipper ship races to be the first to bring coveted tea from China to England, and transporting convicts to Australia. In time he brought English emigrants to Canterbury and became the Wellington branch manager of the NZ Shipping Company. He was elected to the first Wellington Harbour Board and served as chairman.
Using family history records, maritime records and newspaper stories to track Henry, an extensively-researched story of an extraordinary life emerged. The book will be launched at Mapua Boat Club on Sunday 11 August - for details see following item.
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 Karen's talk. For more information contact Chrissie at cj.ward@xtra.co.nz, 03-5469818.
The next meeting takes place on Wednesday 7 August, 11.30 am to 1.30 pm. The guest speaker at 12.30 pm will be
Karen Stade, talking about her upcoming book, Driven by the Wind: the Memoir of Captain Henry Rose.
The book is based on the memoir of Captain Henry Rose, who wrote them in 1911, a year before he died. However they were written at the request of his adult children, who no doubt knew much if his story. For his descendants today they raised many questions, such as how did Henry’s parents come to be living in what would become Colombia in Central America at the time of his birth in the early 1830s?
Henry's great grandson, retired Mapua orchardist Alastair Rose, contracted Karen to research the background of this and other aspects of Henry's life, from his apprenticeship in the Merchant Navy, his rise through the ranks to become master of his own ship, adventures on the high seas, including exciting clipper ship races to be the first to bring coveted tea from China to England, and transporting convicts to Australia. In time he brought English emigrants to Canterbury and became the Wellington branch manager of the NZ Shipping Company. He was elected to the first Wellington Harbour Board and served as chairman.
Using family history records, maritime records and newspaper stories to track Henry, an extensively-researched story of an extraordinary life emerged. The book will be launched at Mapua Boat Club on Sunday 11 August - for details see following item.
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 Karen's talk. For more information contact Chrissie at cj.ward@xtra.co.nz, 03-5469818.
Marlborough Writers
Marlborough Writers meet on the third Tuesday of the month, usually 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 16 July at noon. Julie Kennedy will talk about research. The 200-word topic is open, but it should be centred on using a literary device from the long list at – https://literarydevices.net/ You should also be able to explain your reason for using that particular literary device. 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 16 July at noon. Julie Kennedy will talk about research. The 200-word topic is open, but it should be centred on using a literary device from the long list at – https://literarydevices.net/ You should also be able to explain your reason for using that particular literary device. 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 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 16 July. The guest speaker at 1 pm is Ray Caird, who will be speaking about his forthcoming non-fiction book Blood of the Flax. This cross-genre, beautifully-illustrated book combines family history with a poetic appreciation of the iconic plant, Phormium tenax, harakeke.
For more information contact Pania Walton, Promotions Assistant, Richmond Library at pania.walton@tasman.govt.nz
Each month there is 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 16 July. The guest speaker at 1 pm is Ray Caird, who will be speaking about his forthcoming non-fiction book Blood of the Flax. This cross-genre, beautifully-illustrated book combines family history with a poetic appreciation of the iconic plant, Phormium tenax, harakeke.
For more information contact Pania Walton, Promotions Assistant, Richmond Library at pania.walton@tasman.govt.nz
Nelson and Motueka Live Poets
The next meetings of the Nelson and Motueka Live Poets will be Open Mic nights. Sign up on the night to read or recite one or two poems, your own or a favourite.
Nelson Live Poets, Tuesday 16 July, 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
Motueka Live Poets, Wednesday 17 July, 7 pm at Armadillo’s Café (in the back room), 122 High Street, Motueka. Everyone is welcome to attend or participate. Gold coin koha entry. For more information contact Maggie Brown at mzbrown@slingshot.co.nz , phone 03-9298150 or text 021-1280991.
Nelson Live Poets, Tuesday 16 July, 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
Motueka Live Poets, Wednesday 17 July, 7 pm at Armadillo’s Café (in the back room), 122 High Street, Motueka. Everyone is welcome to attend or participate. Gold coin koha entry. For more information contact Maggie Brown at mzbrown@slingshot.co.nz , phone 03-9298150 or text 021-1280991.
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 24 July. There will be a topic for a poem 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 24 July. There will be a topic for a poem to be announced. 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 1 August.
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 2 August. 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
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 10 August. For more information contact LaVerne Clark at 4clarksnelson@gmail.com, phone 03-546 4440.
Book Launch at Mapua
Karen Stade, Alastair Rose and River Press invite you to the launch of Driven by the Wind: the memoir of Captain Henry Rose on Sunday 11 August, 2 pm at Mapua Boat Club, Mapua Wharf.
‘... Christmas Day 1847 we were in a gale of a wind in the Bay of Biscay, the ship being deeply laden made rather bad weather of it. One of the boats was struck by a heavy sea and smashed and the First Mate had his leg broke. The Cook ... told me that I would never see my mother again ...’
So began the adventures of master mariner Captain Henry Rose, who rose through the ranks to command some of the fastest clipper ships in the world and then became the Wellington manager of the New Zealand Shipping Company and a foundation member of the Wellington harbour Board.
Driven by the Wind is based on the 1911 memoir of Henry Rose, researched and expanded by Nelson author Karen Stade and published for retired Tasman apple-grower Alastair Rose, a great-grandson of Captain Rose.
Everyone is welcome to the launch at Mapua. Afternoon tea will be provided, and signed books available for $50 (cash only). The book is also available from all good book stores or direct from the publisher, River Press, 12 Market Street, Picton, riverpress@xtra.co.nz
‘... Christmas Day 1847 we were in a gale of a wind in the Bay of Biscay, the ship being deeply laden made rather bad weather of it. One of the boats was struck by a heavy sea and smashed and the First Mate had his leg broke. The Cook ... told me that I would never see my mother again ...’
So began the adventures of master mariner Captain Henry Rose, who rose through the ranks to command some of the fastest clipper ships in the world and then became the Wellington manager of the New Zealand Shipping Company and a foundation member of the Wellington harbour Board.
Driven by the Wind is based on the 1911 memoir of Henry Rose, researched and expanded by Nelson author Karen Stade and published for retired Tasman apple-grower Alastair Rose, a great-grandson of Captain Rose.
Everyone is welcome to the launch at Mapua. Afternoon tea will be provided, and signed books available for $50 (cash only). The book is also available from all good book stores or direct from the publisher, River Press, 12 Market Street, Picton, riverpress@xtra.co.nz
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 12 August. The writing exercise is 200-400 words on the topic 'The house on the hill".
For more information contact Irene & Peter Thomas at 03-973 0638 or pandi.goodhope@gmail.com
The next meeting is on Monday 12 August. The writing exercise is 200-400 words on the topic 'The house on the hill".
For more information contact Irene & Peter Thomas at 03-973 0638 or pandi.goodhope@gmail.com
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 meetins will be on Sunday 18 August. Contact Katrina Brown at kbtaiwan@gmail.com for more details.
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.
WORD DOCTOR
You’ve written the first draft of a story, a memoir, or several chapters of a novel. You know it’s not quite right but you don’t have a clear idea where you need to go next. ‘Word Doctor’ is designed to help you step back and analyse your work’s strengths and weaknesses. Two group and two individual sessions are offered to a limited number of students who would value feedback and guidance on any work in progress.
Thursdays, 7 – 9 pm, 5 & 26 September (group sessions)
plus two hour-long sessions September – November (individually booked). $220. Enrol here: https://volume.circlesoft.net/p/tickets-word-doctor-writing-classes-with-michelanne-forster?barcode=MF20193
Volume is at 15 Church Street, Nelson, email books@volume.nz or phone 03 9700073 or 021 1970002.
WORD DOCTOR
You’ve written the first draft of a story, a memoir, or several chapters of a novel. You know it’s not quite right but you don’t have a clear idea where you need to go next. ‘Word Doctor’ is designed to help you step back and analyse your work’s strengths and weaknesses. Two group and two individual sessions are offered to a limited number of students who would value feedback and guidance on any work in progress.
Thursdays, 7 – 9 pm, 5 & 26 September (group sessions)
plus two hour-long sessions September – November (individually booked). $220. Enrol here: https://volume.circlesoft.net/p/tickets-word-doctor-writing-classes-with-michelanne-forster?barcode=MF20193
Volume is at 15 Church Street, Nelson, email books@volume.nz or phone 03 9700073 or 021 1970002.
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.