Write On Masterclasses
Term 2 2024
Join us for a fabulous day of writing and creating.
Unless indicated otherwise,
our masterclasses are open to all young writers in Years 7-13
1. Portals to Other Worlds Year 7-13
Fabulous worlds open up once you enter the portal!
Learn story-writing skills as you explore new settings and possibilities on the other side of the wardrobe!
Tutors: Desna Wallace
Venue: Rangiora Town Hall
Date: Friday, May 3rd
Times: 9:15-2:45
Cost: $30
Supported by Waimakariri Libraries and Waimakariri Creative Communities
2. Poetry Takes you Places! Year 7-13
"Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to Great Places! You're off and away!"
Come and enjoy a day writing about your favourite places, whether on a hike or a bike, up the street or in a creek! Learn some poetry techniques, while never leaving your chair. Who knows, you may end up on Pluto.
Tutor: Gail Ingram
Venue: Te Ara Ātea, Rolleston
Date: Friday, May 10
Times: 9:15-2:45
Cost: $30
Supported by Selwyn Libraries, Selwyn Creative Communities
3. Awa - crafting personal writing
* cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
We hope to reschedule this wonderful workshop for later in the year
Ko wai koe, nō wai koe?
What waters are you, and from where do your waters flow?
Join us for a fabulous session on braided personal essay craft on the banks of the Ōtakaro/Avon River.
4. World-building Year 7-13
Whether you're creating historical fiction, contemporary horror, or a fantasy world that only exists in your reader's head, a setting for your story is crucial. Learn how to build worlds that feel real and detailed through a series of collaborative and individual exercises, and leave with a piece grounded in the world of your creation. This has been one of our most popular classes! Don't miss out. Book soon.
Tutor: Karen Healey
Venue: Oxford A&P Rooms
Date: Friday, May 24
Times: 9:15-2:45
Cost: $30
Supported by Waimakariri Libraries and Waimakariri Creative Communities
5. I Speak for the Worms Year 7-13
Write non-human characters with Melanie Dixon, the author of the Edge of Light trilogy.
Get inside the skin of other creatures — discover new voices and what they have to say.
Tutor: Melanie Dixon
Venue: Spark Place, Tūranga, Christchurch
Date: Friday, May 31
Times: 9:15-2:45
Cost: $30
Supported by Christchurch Libraries and Christchurch Creative Communities
6. Perspectives Year 7-13
Explore and experiment with different ways to step into your writing via your characters.
Who is going to tell your story and why does it matter?
What motivates your characters & how does what they think, feel & believe about their experiences change the dynamic of the story?
Tutor: Philomena Johnson
Venue: Darfield Library
Date: Friday, June 14
Times: 9:15-2:45
Cost: $30
Supported by Selwyn Libraries, Selwyn Creative Communities
7. Matariki Poetry Year 7-13
As Matariki approaches our thoughts turn skyward.
Join us to learn some poetry techniques while writing about our galaxy,
Matariki, Star Trek and how to be a poetry rock star!
Tutor: Gail Ingram
Venue: Spark Place, Tūranga, Christchurch
Date: Friday, June 21
Times: 9:15-2:45
Cost: $30
Supported by Christchurch Libraries and Christchurch Creative Communities
Your Tutors
Desna Wallace is a librarian, blogger, book reviewer, author and poet. She loves short-form writing, verse novels and teaching young writers.
Gail Ingram writes award-winning poetry and is a much sought-after poetry editor. She edits a fine line for the NZ Poetry Society.
Annabel Wilson is an award-winning poet, teacher, reviewer, playwright and essayist.
Karen Healey is a novelist who specialises in YA fiction. Her debut novel, Guardians of the Dead, was published in 2009 to critical acclaim. In 2011, she released the supernatural thriller The Shattering, followed by the dystopian fantasy When We Wake (2013) and its sequel, While We Run (2014) Karen has recently stepped away from full-time teaching to see where her writing can take her.
Melanie Dixon writes short stories, flash fiction, novels for children, poetry and creative non-fiction. A New Dawning: The Edge of Light Book 1 is available in bookshops now.
Schools: limited to 6 places per school ( see booking form)
Please note that we can run a masterclass at your school if you have 16 or more students!
Notes:
Please bring pens/ paper and a device
Free WIFI on site
Bring lunch/ snacks/ water bottle
Our masterclasses are fully supervised, with Health and Safety information provided.
Places are strictly limited.
