NorthWrite 2019: Expanding Horizons

Conference Overview

NorthWrite 2019 will be held at Barge Showgrounds Events Centre, Whangarei. It will open with a mihi and meet-and-greet event on Friday 30 August. The conference will take place on Saturday 31 August and Sunday 1 September.

Initial registrations are for the full conference only. Day tickets will become available from 1 August. If places are still available for individual sessions towards the end of August, we will announce this shortly before registrations close.

Tickets for the conference dinner on the Saturday evening are discounted if purchased with a full conference ticket. They can be also purchased separately at the full price.

NorthWrite 2019 has been organised into parallel streams, designed to reflect the interests of our writing community. Participants may choose to attend sessions within or across streams when they book for the conference. Presentations, other than masterclasses, are scheduled in 1.5 hour sessions. Masterclasses are 3 hours long, covered over 2 sessions.

NorthWrite 2019 streams

• Publishing – this stream focuses on information about publishing, with ebook publishing covered on Saturday and print publishing on Sunday.
• Writing techniques – this stream caters for a range of writers. There are sessions on writing for children, non-fiction, fiction writing and self-editing.
• Masterclasses – this stream is designed for experienced fiction writers, poets and editors. They have been planned to give experienced writers, poets and editors opportunities to engage in in-depth discussions about their craft. The masterclasses are restricted to a limited number of participants to ensure a high level of engagement.
• Conversations – this stream provides opportunities for participants to engage in informal discussions on a range of topics pertinent to writers.

Masterclasses

Masterclass 1: Editing. This masterclass is limited to 15 participants. It is open to qualified and experienced freelance or in-house editors. This masterclass will be presented by Simon Minto.

Masterclass 2: Novel. This masterclass is limited to 10–12 participants. It is open to writers who are currently working on a novel AND have at least three years of writing study (for example, a Bachelor in Creative Writing or a three-year diploma programme) OR a Masters in Creative Writing OR at least one completed book length work of fiction. Participants’ writing will be workshopped. Full instructions for submitting your sample of your novel will be sent when you book. This masterclass is presented by Catherine Chidgey.

Masterclass 3: Poetry. This masterclass is limited to 15 participants. It is open to writers currently working on poetry who have been published in at least one forum for poetry or short lyrical fiction (such as flash fiction). This masterclass is presented by Harry Ricketts.

Presenter bios are published on here.

Please read the full programme details prior to booking.

Full programme details

Tickets

All ticket prices include GST. Additional booking fees may apply at the time of registration. If you are registering as a student or NZSA member you must have your id number available when booking.

Get Tickets

Early Bird from 1 July

Student Conference only	$150
Student Conference plus dinner	$200
NZSA member Conference only	$175
NZSA member Conference plus dinner	$225
Non-member Conference only	$200
Non-member Conference plus dinner	$250
Dinner only	$ 75

Full Price from 1 August

Student Conference only	$175
Student Conference plus dinner	$225
NZSA member Conference only	$200
NZSA member Conference plus dinner	$250
Non-member Conference only	$220
Non-member Conference plus dinner	$270
Saturday day ticket	$150
Sunday day ticket	$130
Dinner only	$75

Please check this page for FAQ.

NorthWrite 2019 is presented with the support of Creative New Zealand.

Conversation Facilitators

The conversation stream provides opportunities for participants to engage in informal discussions on a range of topics pertinent to writers.

Vivian Thonger

Vivian Thonger of Kerikeri is a writer, poet and performer with degrees in psychology and creative writing. She moved to New Zealand in 2014, having previously lived in London, Cornwall, the Netherlands and Washington DC. A master moderator, interviewer and qualitative research professional for 30 years, Vivian has conducted hundreds of creativity sessions and trainings. She has twice been resident poet/wordsmith at CollaboratioNZ.  She is co-founder of the Bay of Islands Writing Group and member of Poetry Posse performance poets collective. Vivian’s flash fiction has been published in Bonsai: Best Small Stories from Aotearoa New Zealand (2018), Flash Frontier, Micro Madness and Flash Flood. Her poetry has appeared in Fast Fibres and Offshoots. She is twice winner of Northland’s Best Short Story prize. Vivian will facilitate a conversation about flash and micro fiction.

Piet Nieuwland

Piet Nieuwland lives near Whangarei. He has worked as a forester and as a conservation strategist. His poems and flash fiction have been published in numerous international print and online journals, including Landfall, Sonic Boom, Sky Island Journal, Otoliths, Atlanta Review, Pure Slush and Geometry. He is commissioning editor of Fast Fibres Poetry, performs poetry regularly, and sometimes writes poetry reviews. Piet will facilitate a conversation about poetry.

Briar Wood

Briar Wood grew up in South Auckland. Until 2012, she lived in London, where she published poetry, fiction and essays while working as a university lecturer. Her Welcome Beltane (Palores Press, 2012) made poetic links between family histories and contemporary places. Briar’s recent collection, Rāwāhi focuses on her return to Northland, the place of her Te Hikutū ki Hokianga, Ngāpuhi Nui whakapapa. Rāwāhi was shortlisted for the Poetry Award at the 2018 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. Briar has a PhD in Literature and tutors students in NorthTec’s Diploma of Creative Writing. Briar will facilitate a conversation about creating voices in fiction and poetry.

Zana Bell

Photo credit: John Stone

Zana Bell grew up in Zimbabwe. When she immigrated to New Zealand she began teaching while writing on the side – just to see if she could. This led to the international publication of six novels in various genres. Her articles and short stories have appeared in Landfall, New Zealand Geographic, History Scotland, Next and on National Radio. She is interested in all things historical, but women’s stories are her particular interest. Her writing has gained several awards including Single Titles Ten Best Books of the Year and the RWNZ Koru Award for Long Fiction. Zana has a PhD in Creative Writing and tutors students in NorthTec’s Diploma of Creative Writing. Zana will facilitate a conversation about pursuing the craft of writing.

Eboni Waitere

Eboni Waitere will be presenting a session about cultural considerations in writing. Eboni’s bio is here.

Writing Techniques Presenters

The Writing Technique stream caters for a range of writers. There are sessions on writing for children, non-fiction, fiction writing and self-editing.

Kate De Goldi

Kate De Goldi writes fiction for all ages. She has been a recipient of the Michael King Writer’s Fellowship and twice winner of New Zealand Post Children’s Book of the Year. Her most recent novel, From the Cutting Room of Barney Kettle, won the Esther Glen Award in 2016.Kate teaches creative writing at schools throughout New Zealand and in 2019 will begin teaching a new course at Massey University, Writing for Children.  She is co-editor, with Susan Paris, of ANNUAL and ANNUAL 2, literary miscellanies for 9-13 year olds. In 2018, Kate and Susan, in association with Massey University Press, established the children’s imprint Annual Ink, which this year produced its first novel for children, Hazel and the Snails by Nan Blanchard.
Kate will be presenting two sessions on writing for children. She will also present the keynote speech on Saturday morning and will represent Annual Ink on the publishing panel.

Catherine Chidgey

Catherine Chidgey will be presenting a session on senses and setting. Catherine’s bio is here.

Photo credit: Helen Mayall

Harry Ricketts

Harry Ricketts will be presenting a session on creative nonfiction. Harry’s bio is here.

Simon Minto

Simon Minto will be presenting a session on self-editing. Simon’s bio is here.

Leeanna Morgan

Leeanna Morgan will be presenting a session on plot. She will also be presenting a number of publishing sessions. Leeanna’s bio is available here.

Publishing Presenters

The publishing stream focuses on information about publishing, with ebook publishing covered on Saturday and print publishing on Sunday.

Jim Azevedo

Jim Azevedo is the marketing director at Smashwords, the largest distributor of self-published ebooks. Since 2008, Smashwords has helped more than 140,000 authors, publishers and literary agents around the world release over 500,00 titles and distribute their work globally to top ebook retailers, subscription services and public libraries. Jim, a convert from Silicon Valley’s tech industry, brings a unique perspective to Smashwords’ indie ethos cultivated from his 17 years drumming, recording and touring with a local punk/metal/hard rock band.  Twitter:  @Smashwords or @jazzervedo. Jim will be joining us from San Diego via the powers of technology. He will present a webinar on current ebook trends.

Leeanna Morgan

Leeanna Morgan’s debut novel was published in 2014. Since then, she has published 32 contemporary romance novels and become a USA Today bestselling author. She enjoys the creative and business side of writing and, as an indie-author, looks forward to growing an even more successful writing career. With more than $1 million dollars in sales, self-publishing has given Leeanna opportunities she never thought possible. Sharing what she has learned with other writers adds value to her life and makes her feel proud to be a New Zealand author. For more information visit: www.leeannamorgan.com Leeanna will present two sessions on preparing and uploading ebooks, as well as a session on print on demand. She will also present a session on plot in the writing techniques stream.

Eboni Waitere

Eboni Waitere’s iwi affiliations are Ngāti Kahungunu and Rangitāne. She is the Executive Director at HUIA Publishers. HUIA strives to contribute to the awareness, education and understanding of Māori perspectives. Eboni will present a session on traditional publishing, as well as a conversation about cultural considerations in writing. She will also represent HUIA publishers on the publishing panel.

Masterclass Presenters

What is a masterclass?

NorthWrite’s masterclasses have been planned to give experienced writers, poets and editors opportunities to engage in in-depth discussions about their craft. The masterclasses are restricted to a limited number of participants to ensure a high level of engagement.

Masterclass 1: Editing. This masterclass is limited to 15 participants. It is open to qualified and experienced freelance or in-house editors. This masterclass will be presented by Simon Minto.

Masterclass 2: Novel. This masterclass is limited to 10–12 participants. It is open to writers who are currently working on a novel AND have at least three years of writing study (for example, a Bachelor in Creative Writing or a three-year diploma programme) OR a Masters in Creative Writing OR at least one completed book length work in fiction. Participants’ writing will be workshopped. On registration, you must submit 1500 words of a novel in progress, which will be distributed to Catherine and the other participants. These writing samples should be read by all participants prior to the event. This masterclass is presented by Catherine Chidgey.

Masterclass 3: Poetry. This masterclass is limited to 15 participants. It is open to writers currently working on poetry who have been published in at least one forum for poetry or short lyrical fiction (such as flash fiction). This masterclass is presented by Harry Ricketts.

Simon Minto

Simon Minto is an editor and writer, and he teaches publishing students at Whitireia Polytechnic. He’s edited countless novels, short stories, and works of non-fiction for all ages. While he wrangles words and grammar every day, he still delights in reading and discovering new writers. Simon will be presenting Masterclass 1: Editing, as well as a writing technique session on self-editing. He will also convene a panel discussion with publishers.

Catherine Chidgey

Photo credit: Helen Mayall

Catherine Chidgey is a multiple award-winner whose novels have attracted international acclaim. In a Fishbone Church, her debut, won Best First Book at both the New Zealand book awards and the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize (South-East Asia and South Pacific region). It also won the Betty Trask Award (UK), and was longlisted for the Orange Prize. Her second novel, Golden Deeds, was a 2002 Best Book in the LA Times Book Review and a 2002 Notable Book in the New York Times Book Review. Her novel The Wish Child won the 2017 Acorn Foundation Fiction Prize – the country’s richest writing prize. Radio New Zealand called it ‘a brilliant, brilliant novel…a masterpiece’, and The Times (UK) ‘a remarkable book with a stunningly original twist’. Other honours include the Katherine Mansfield Short Story Award, the $60,000 Prize in Modern Letters and the Janet Frame Fiction Prize. Catherine teaches creative writing at the University of Waikato and is currently completing her sixth novel. Later this year she will release her first children’s book, Jiffy, Cat Detective. She lives in Ngāruawāhia with her husband, daughter and odd-eyed cats. Catherine will be presenting Masterclass 2: Novel, as well as a writing technique session on senses and setting.

Harry Ricketts

Harry Ricketts teaches English Literature and creative non-fiction at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. He has published around 30 books. These include eleven collections of poems (most recently Winter Eyes, 2018), literary biographies ‒ The Unforgiving Minute: A Life of Rudyard Kipling (1999) and Strange Meetings: The Poets of the Great War (2010) ‒ and a number of co-edited anthologies of New Zealand poetry. Harry will be presenting Masterclass 3: Poetry, as well as a writing technique session on creative nonfiction.

NorthWrite 2019: Expanding Horizons Conference Programme Release

NorthWrite 2019 will be held at Barge Showgrounds Events Centre, Whangarei. It will open with a mihi and meet-and-greet event on Friday 30 August. The conference will take place on Saturday 31 August and Sunday 1 September.

Initial registrations will be open only to those who register for the full conference. If places are still available for individual sessions towards the end of August, we will announce this shortly before registrations close.

Tickets for the conference dinner on the Saturday evening are discounted if purchased with a full conference ticket. They can be also purchased separately at the full price.

NorthWrite 2019 has been organised into parallel streams, designed to reflect the interests of our writing community. Participants may choose to attend sessions within or across streams when they book for the conference. Presentations, other than masterclasses, are scheduled in 1.5 hour sessions. Masterclasses are 3 hours long, covered over 2 sessions.

NorthWrite 2019 ProgrammeDownload

NorthWrite 2019 streams

• Publishing – this stream focuses on information about publishing, with ebook publishing covered on Saturday and print publishing on Sunday.
• Writing techniques – this stream caters for a range of writers. There are sessions on writing for children, non-fiction, fiction writing and self-editing.
• Masterclasses – this stream is designed for experienced fiction writers, poets and editors.
• Conversations – this stream provides opportunities for participants to engage in informal discussions on a range of topics pertinent to writers.

Masterclasses

NorthWrite’s masterclasses have been planned to give experienced writers, poets and editors opportunities to engage in in-depth discussions about their craft. The masterclasses are restricted to a limited number of participants to ensure a high level of engagement.

Masterclass 1: Editing. This masterclass is limited to 15 participants. It is open to qualified and experienced freelance or in-house editors. This masterclass will be presented by Simon Minto.

Masterclass 2: Novel. This masterclass is limited to 10–12 participants. It is open to writers who are currently working on a novel AND have at least three years of writing study (for example, a Bachelor in Creative Writing or a three-year diploma programme) OR a Masters in Creative Writing OR at least one completed book length work of fiction. Participants’ writing will be workshopped. On registration you must submit 1500 words of a novel in progress, which will be distributed to Catherine Chidgey and the other participants. These writing samples are to be read by all participants prior to the event. This masterclass is presented by Catherine Chidgey.

Masterclass 3: Poetry. This masterclass is limited to 15 participants. It is open to writers currently working on poetry who have been published in at least one forum for poetry or short lyrical fiction (such as flash fiction). This masterclass is presented by Harry Ricketts.

Tickets

Ticket sales will open at 5pm on 1 July. Details about how to book will be published by the end of June. All prices include GST. Additional booking fees may apply at the time of registration. Your NZSA membership number must be recorded when making your booking.

Early Bird from 1 July

Student Conference only	$150
Student Conference plus dinner	$200
NZSA member Conference only	$175
NZSA member Conference plus dinner	$225
Non-member Conference only	$200
Non-member Conference plus dinner	$250
Dinner only	$ 75

Full Price from 1 August

Student Conference only	$175
Student Conference plus dinner	$225
NZSA member Conference only	$200
NZSA member Conference plus dinner	$250
Non-member Conference only	$220
Non-member Conference plus dinner	$270
Dinner only	$75

Presenter bios are published on this page.

Please check this page for FAQ.

NorthWrite 2019 is presented with the support of Creative New Zealand.