Write On Masterclasses
Term 2 2023
Join us for a fabulous day of writing and creating.
All of these classes are open to keen writers in Year 7-13
Please keep an eye on this page as we plan to add a few more classes
once funding support is confirmed.
Building Worlds
Whether you're creating historical fiction, contemporary horror, or a fantasy world that only exists in your reader's head, creating 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 a world of your own creation.
Tutor: Karen Healey
Venue: Spark Place, Tūranga
Date: Friday May 12th
Times: 9:15-2:45
Cost: $30
Supported by
Creative Communities Christchurch and Christchurch Libraries
Stranger Things
Many great stories start with meeting a stranger. Harry Potter meets Hagrid. Lucy meets Mr Tumnus. Bella meets Edward.
We will explore how encounters with a stranger makes or breaks a character. This workshop will focus on character development through description, dialogue and daring to be different!
Tutor: Desna Wallace
Venue: Spark Place, Tūranga
Date: Friday May 26th
Times: 9:15-2:45
Cost: $30
Speech: Speaking 4 the Planet
We team up with Speaking 4 The Planet to bring you this fabulous FREE masterclass with English teacher and award-winning writer, Karen Healey. Identify the message you want to convery and learn some key techniques towards clear and compelling communication.
Prepare your speech now for the Speaking 4 the Planet event on August 11th. It is expected that students enrolling for these workshops will enter the competition. Thanks to Speaking 4 the Planet for helping to make this masterclass FREE!
Tutor: Karen Healey
Venue: Spark Place, Tūranga
Date: Friday June 9th
Times: 9:15-2:45
Cost: FREE
Supported by
Creative Communities Christchurch and Christchurch Libraries
Spoken Word : Speaking 4 the Planet
We are thrilled to have Slam Poetry champ and comedian, Ray Shipley, guide you as you develop a piece of spoken word poetry. There will be loads of really useful tips and ideas to get you started. We're looking forward to hearing your poem at the Speaking 4 The Planet event on August 11th.
Prepare your poem now for the Speaking 4 the Planet event on August 11th. It is expected that students enrolling for these workshops will enter the competition. Thanks to Speaking 4 the Planet for helping to make this masterclass FREE!
Tutor: Ray Shipley
Venue: Spark Place, Tūranga
Date: Friday June 16th
Times: 9:15-2:45
Cost: FREE
Supported by
Creative Communities Christchurch and Christchurch Libraries
Your Tutors
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 it's sequel, While We Run (2014) Karen has just stepped away from fulltime teaching to see where her writing can take her.
Desna Wallace is a librarian, blogger, book reviewer, author and poet. She loves short form writing, verse novels and teaching young writers.
Ray Shipley is an Ōtautahi-based comedian, writer, and book-pusher. In 2019, they were nominated for the Billy T Award. Ray is a repeat Christchurch Poetry Slam winner, placing third nationally in 2018. Ray Shipley's Late Night Poetry Hour is a a regular showcase for poetry and comedy.
Schools: limited to 4 places per school ( see booking form)
Notes:
Please bring pens/ paper and a device
Free WIFI on site
Bring lunch/ snacks/ water bottle
All of our masterclasses are fully supervised, with Health and Safety information provided.
Places are strictly limited.