Top Three Ways to Support Local Writers for FREE

I get it, books are expensive. As much as you want to buy books, there’s bills to pay, kids to be feed, and you’d really like a pair of sneakers without holes so you can walk your dog through puddles without having squelchy socks afterwards – or is that just me?

So you might have found yourself asking: 

How can I support local authors for free? 

Good news, there is a number of easy ways that you can help your favourite local authors without spending cold hard cash. 

Here's my Top 3 Ways to Support Local Writers for FREE 

 

Number 1: Visit Your Local Library.

Libraries want to provide books that their members – that’s You – want to read.

And speaking from personal experience Libraries are extremely supportive of local authors.

[I am certainly Thankful to my local library the Dunedin Public Library for all the support they’ve given me and my fellow Dunedin Speculative Fiction Writers as pictured below]

The DPL Hosts Dunedin Speculative Fiction Writers' Panel "Genre8: Flights of Fantasy"

So go in and find out if your local library stocks the books of your local author – if not, find out how you go about recommending a book. Yes, that’s right, You can recommend books to libraries!

And when they get the book in, or if they all ready have the book on the shelf BORROW it. 

The Dunedin Public Libraries display a Collection of Local Authors books acquired during 2018

This may seem obvious, but actually borrowing a book from a library helps your favourite local author because here’s the thing, libraries keep stats on how many times books are read and authors get paid via a library fund system if their book reaches a certain threshold.

So if you feel badly that you can’t afford to buy a book, by actively borrowing those books from libraries you are still helping your local author. Win-win.

And you know what? Even though you don’t own the book, You can still write a review for the book on Goodreads.

Number 2: Join Goodreads.

What’s Goodreads? I’m glad you asked...

"Goodreads is the world's largest site for readers and book recommendations. Our mission is to help people find and share books they love."

After joining go look up your favourite authors and hit the Follow Button on their author profile page. As per the example below of local Dunedin writer Deb E Howell:

Then go through their books and add them to your hypothetical To-Be-Read pile by clicking the Want to Read button.

If you’ve already read those books even better, Click Read, and give a star rating.

Undoubtedly the best thing and most supportive is to Write A Review at this stage. A star rating is nice, but reviews get noticed, reviews count, reviews are worth three times their weight in gold.

Relax though, this isn’t hard.

Reviews don’t have to be a grandiose statement of delightful prose discussing the finer points of theme, whimsy and narrative arc versus narrative drive. They can be, but they don’t have to be.

A review can be a comment “I enjoyed this book a lot”. You’re not expected to write an essay, this isn’t a school report, just say what appealed to you. Was it funny? Sad? Who was your favourite character? Do you want to read their next book?

Trust me, Writers love feedback. Think about it, have you even had a compliment from a stranger? It makes your day, right? Same for writers. Even a simple line like, “This book made me see my city in a whole new light” will make an author’s day. Your single line review might be the difference between someone giving up or not. Seriously. You have that power.

example of a brief review that made my day :)

[By the way, If you do want to learn how to write reviews, read my Guide: How to Write A Book Review ]

Number 3: Social Media.

But maybe you’re not a member of Goodreads, maybe you don’t read all that much and just want to help your writer friend.

Well, even in this high-tech-age, it turns out that good old-fashioned ‘Word-of-Mouth’ is still valid and helpful way to support local authors, and Thanks to Social Media it’s easier than ever.

Take a photo of their book (which you borrowed from the library, or saw on the shelf in a bookshop, or perhaps you did buy a copy) and share that photo of the book cover on Your social media.

Maybe a quick post on Facebook/Instagram with “Here’s a good book I read recently” or “Here’s a book my friend wrote, you might like it” – this is something my friends have done and I’m extremely grateful. 

 

Speaking of Social Media, don’t forget: Find your local author friend on various social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest etc etc and FOLLOW them, but more than that ACTIVELY ENGAGE by liking, commenting and sharing their posts.

So that’s it, my Top Three Ways to Support Local Writers for FREE and none of that was hard, right? No money spent but plenty of support given.

You can do it! And if You have, as one author, may I say Thank You! Thank You, Readers everywhere!

Because at the end of the day Writers and Readers are a partnership, and I for one am grateful to have You on My team.

Now go read something, I’ve writing to do.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kura Carpenter is a Dunedin Fantasy Author 

and Founding Member of the 

Dunedin Speculative Fiction Writers' Group. 

Follow her on Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram | Pinterest 

Writing Groups NZ: Otago Writers' Network

Today I'm chatting with Jane Woodham about the Otago Writers' Network.

What is the Otago Writers' Network?
The Otago Writers' Network is a website designed to help put writers in contact with either existing writing groups or with other people looking to start up a new writing group.


Who started it? (And when)
It was started by the members of Kath Beattie’s Writing Group in 2017, and came about almost by accident.

We wanted to celebrate the fact that we had been together as a writing group for twenty-four years. Claire Beynon came up with the idea of showcasing the group’s work on a web-site. Then someone mentioned how nice it was to hear the writer read aloud their work, and words like podcasts and MP3 files started to get thrown about. As newest group member I volunteered to run with the idea and apply for funding from the DCC Community Arts Grants. A requirement of the grant is that there is community involvement. We knew Kath was often contacted by writers looking for a writing group, so we thought why not use the website to help writers find existing groups and where necessary create new ones.

What’s been the hardest aspect of launching the OWC?
It took quite a bit of organising, but eventually things fell into place. In order to record our writers’ voices we needed to find a sound engineer and Claire suggested Danny Buchanan, husband of Caroline Davies, the creator of the wonderful Down In Eden on-line magazine. While looking for a recording studio Danny asked Otago Access Radio if we could use their facilities. They came up with the idea of recording a 15-part radio series, which we could then link to our website and use for MP3 files. Lastly we got help from Yvonne Sommer from clickdesign.co.nz to help put together the website.

The most nerve-wracking thing was recording the actual radio series. Luckily for us Danny said he’d help, so he did the technical stuff while we read our work and interviewed one another. I’d warned each member we’d need about 24 minutes of material, including a reading and an interview, as well as a couple of pieces of music. We had two days in which to record 15 hours of radio.  Not to put too fine a point on it, half our group are over seventy. Websites and podcasts leave them cold, but as soon as I mentioned a radio series their eyes lit up. I asked them to pair themselves up, and drew up a timetable. Danny and I weren’t sure we could get it all done in two days, but crossed our fingers and waited.  We were gobsmacked. Along everyone came, clutching their pieces of paper, on time and fully prepared, and we were done in half the time. They were so professional.

We launched the website at the Dunedin Writers and Readers Festival in May 2017. There being twelve of us present that day we worried the panel might outnumber the audience, but the Dunningham Suite was packed. One by one the group spoke about their experience of being in a writing group, about what they felt they had gained and why they recommended others to join or create their own groups. It was a magical afternoon. I was very proud to be part of that group.

What it is you hope to achieve with the OWN?
A strong network of writing groups across Otago. Not just generic writing groups, but also specific groups, ie groups for people who write for children, or groups for self-publishers, or groups for male writers … why belong to just one group when you can belong to several?

How can other Otago writers become involved?
On our website is a page that lists the writing groups within Otago HERE. If you are looking to join a writing group, that is a good place to look for one.

If you’re not sure which is the best group for you, contact us by completing the form on the Contact Us page and we will suggest a group. 

If you can’t see a group there that appeals to you, you might wish to start your own, in which case we could list it.

If you belong to a writing group that is not listed, let us know and we will add you to our list. We have created one new group, and added many writers to existing groups.

We nearly started a men’s group, but so far that has failed to materialise.

Another way to meet other writers is at the NZSA Salon, which is held every second Monday of the month at the Athenaeum Library, in the Octagon. Paddy Richardson and I are on the committee. Members of our first new writing group ‘Black Ink’ have read for us, as have members of Dunedin Writers’ Workshop, Writing Dunedin and Kath’s Writing Group. It’s a great place for new writers to practice the art of reading their work aloud, as well being somewhere you can listen to the experts, last year we had Scottish writers Lesley Glaister and Andrew Greig, this October we have former poet laureate Jenny Bernholdt with Greg O’Brien and our very own Claire Beynon.

Thank You so much Jane, for telling us all about the OWN and its creation, and I encourage you all to visit the website of the Otago Writers' Network

----------------------------------------------------------

Jane Woodham, is the author of Twister, a Dunedin-based crime novel published by Rosa Mira Books in 2015 and in 2016 was a finalist in the Ngaio Marsh First Book Awards.

NaNo what now? Newbies Guide to NaNoWriMo

What is NaNoWriMo? NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month.
Essentially it’s a global writing event held annually in November, where participants try to write a 50,000 word novel.

 

The first step in participating in NaNoWriMo is to join via the NaNoWriMo Website.
Then add your local region and find out who your local ML (Municipal Liaison) is.

According to the website:

Quote - “Municipal Liaisons (MLs) are volunteers who add a vibrant, real-world aspect to NaNoWriMo festivities all over the world.

They host regular writing events in November—and some MLs host write-ins, parties, and workshops all year long. They also oversee their regional forums and act as official NaNo representatives.”

I first heard about NaNoWriMo a few years ago and this year I’m participating. As a NaNoWriMo Newbie, today I’m talking to a few local experts to pick their brains about what to expect when attending NaNoWriMo for the first time.

Let me introduce my experts:

Talia Nyx - has participated 3 times, the first in 2012. Talia is the ML (Municipal Liaison) for Otago/Southland.

Judy Mohr – 2016 will be Judy’s third official NaNoWriMo, and her second year as ML for the Christchurch, New Zealand region, along with Amy Paulussen.

Chris Yee – first NaNo was in 2011. Chris is one of several internationally based online administrators that oversee and maintain a NaNoWriMo Participants group on Facebook
From Christchurch, this year Chris will be hanging out with writers in the Twin Cities, Minnesota.

I asked my experts: What is your role in NaNoWriMo?

Talia: It is my job to get the region going, and organise Write-ins and other meet ups, provide motivation, and support; and obviously, liaise with NaNo HQ.

Judy: It’s part of our job to coordinate and organise write-ins and other activities for the region.

Chris: keep the peace as best as possible, enforcing rules and ensuring that the group is a safe and friendly place for writers to celebrate (or lament) the literary profession among like minded individuals.

One of the great things about NaNoWriMo is there are both online and in-person Write-ins.

I asked my experts, What can newbies expect when going to their first Write-in /meet-up?

Judy: It will depend entirely on the group and their dynamics. Some groups will just want to talk, having a good old chin-wag over a cup of coffee, while others will read out their work and want feedback. Every group is different, catering to a different set of needs. No one group is the same.

If it's a scheduled NaNoWriMo write-in, you can guarantee that there will be writing and little talking.

Chris: A warm welcome, inquiry into your current writing foray and general merriment. A brief interrogation, but that's just us being interested in what you're writing about. During NaNoWriMo, the MLs running the meetups will keep people from being distracted from their writing. They are fairly relaxed atmospheres and there is no obligation to go for the long haul, but incentives for being able to reach certain word goals. They are set up for people who want a place to write and/or talk about writing.

What To Expect at Write-ins:
Some groups will just want to talk
a good old chin-wag
A warm welcome

What are the benefits of attending Write-ins?

Talia: I would have to say the bouncing of ideas. We talk about what we want our story to do, how we are going about it, we discuss our characters. And we take inspiration from what and how the others are writing their stories, but also we can ask them for help clearing a writers block. We share our ideas freely, and sometimes it is the people themselves who provide the inspiration. Of course it is always nice to be able to talk about the madness that we are participating in with people who understand.

Judy: For one, it’s where you can meet other writers who understand the trials and tribulations that you are facing. They’re either going through it too, or have been there at some point in the past. They will help you through. Depending on the group dynamics, you can talk out your stories, bouncing ideas around the table. Sometimes, to make sense of something yourself, you need a sounding board. Even body language responses to an idea can be valuable feedback. Those that write 100% in isolation are missing out on these wonderful resources.

Benefits of attending NaNoWriMo Write-ins :
Bouncing of ideas
Meeting other writers

Other than the offical website, what On-line gatherings are there?

Judy: This year, Amy and I have joined with MLs from Queensland, Australia and Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA for a special chat room that we can all use. The chat room will be open to all, regardless where you are in the world, with the MLs from the three regions being the moderators and occasionally running virtual write-ins. The chat room uses new technology and will be hosted by Jessie Sanders on her website www.jessiescoffeeshop.com. Full details about the chat room will be made public come mid-October.

What tips can you share that will improve first timers’ experiences whether joining in on-line or in person.

Talia: Don't give up! There will be at least a few times where you think that you've lost your mind, you haven't - but you should probably go to your nearest write-in, they have all been there and understand what it's like, and they may even be able to help you. Don't Edit as you write - NaNoWriMo is the production of a first draft, don't edit, don't delete; make notes in the column if you wrote something and really hate it, but leave it there ALL THE WORDS COUNT, and remember it's just a first draft.

Judy: The biggest advice I can give to any first timers is to introduce yourself. Make sure people know you’re there. You don’t need to delve into your life story –– share only what you feel comfortable sharing –– but if the others don’t know you’re there, they want interact with you. I know it can be scary, but do it. Move out of your comfort zone. These are fellow writers. They are on the same path as you, just maybe at different points. They’ll understand. They’ll help you through.

Chris: Be yourself. Whether you're a dabbler or a seasoned pro, it's important to be comfortable. If you are a complete introvert then it may not be your cup of tea, but I'm an introvert myself and you can find me engaging in a topical discussion to retreating into my own crafted worlds on the screen, typing furiously. We don't judge. Online instances may be easier to ignore or harder to ignore depending on who you are, so while I will find I may end up writing instead of talking online (typing elsewhere won't exactly contribute effectively to wordcount), but more often than not I would be looking for a little distraction, which ends up being a bigger distraction, until you find yourself at 3am having started from a funny cat video to astrophysics papers on trinary star systems with the occasional planetary body stuck in a tidally locked orbit.

NaNoWriMo Pro Tips:
Don't give Up
Introduce Yourself
Be Yourself

What can people do the rest of the year?

Talia: The rest of the year, is for rewriting, editing, and planning. And of course publishing, for those who go that route. But for those who want to write more on their novels, or have other projects, there is Camp NaNoWriMo in both April and July; and you set your own word count goal.

Judy: NaNoWriMo is about development a habit for writing. There is no reason why that should stop. If you want to participate in other events like it, there are two CampNaNos a year (April and July). There are also Facebook groups that run similar events. Take part in the Twitter hashtag #NaNoWriMo. The possibilities are endless. Even if you have no desire to participate in another NaNo-type event, you should still write.

Chris: Keep writing of course! Like I said, December is usually reserved for editing if you want to make something of the story you create, getting it ready to a publishable state. Others just start up new projects, or prepare for the next year's NaNoWriMo events including Camp NaNoWriMo events that occur in both April and July, SoCNoC (Southern Cross Novel Challenge) which is NaNoWriMo but put on for June to be more in line with the southern hemisphere's yearly downtime. There are also various competitions, anthologies and other various calls for submission happening throughout the year, so there is no shortage of writing motivators. Otherwise we can go back to being normal human beings for the 11 months until the craziness happens again.

 

What do you wish you knew when you first started attending?

Talia: I would have to say, that I wish I knew that write-ins are the best. It sounds ridiculous, but I wish I knew how amazing the write-ins are. How great the people who attend them are.

Chris: Perhaps a little more information about where the meetups were happening. That said, I had only discovered its existence in Christchurch while I was working fulltime, so the first year I barely had time to find out where gatherings were happening, much less get any writing done. Since then with a little more flexibility and scheduling out blocks of time, to having more of an active role in the community, it's been a lot of fun meeting the new writers and helping them on their way to finishing their stories in any way possible.

 

NaNoWriMo TOP Tips:
Write-ins are the Best
Great People

Thanks everyone, it was great to hear what you had to say. I’m really looking forward to being part of my first NaNoWriMo.

 

This article wouldn't have been possible without the generous help of my experts:

Talia Nyx

Living in Otago, New Zealand surrounded by students is where Talia Nyx most enjoys writing. She has three currently published works, and is constantly experimenting with style and genre. Talia also loves reading, and will read almost anything once.

Feel free to check out Talia on Wordpress, where she will keep you up to date with the writing she has on her plate, and what she is planning to write during the approaching November for NaNoWriMo. Her other social media is @TaliaNyxAuthor Twitter and Facebook. 

Judy L Mohr

Kiwi Judy L Mohr is a writer of fantasy and science fiction. She is also a freelance editor with Black Wolf Editorial Services (http://blackwolfeditorial.com), working on projects from writers around the world. When she isn't writing, editing or doing something for writing within the local community, she is hosting her own radio show about science on KLRN Radio (http://klrnradio.com/shows/conversations-in-science/). You can find out more about Judy's various projects on her personalwebsite or follow her on twitter @JudyLMohr.

Chris Yee

Chris Yee is a long-time member of the Christchurch Writers' Guild and a teacher in Film, Video and Animation. In 2015 he  approached to teach Stop Motion movies using Lego for the Imagination Station based in Christchurch. 
He's recently moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Interview: Jenner Lichtwark, Christchurch author who writes under the penname J.L. O'Rourke

Today I’m talking with author and publisher Jenner Lichtwark. Jenner is based in Christchurch and  writes under the pen-name of J. L. O’Rourke.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself:

I grew up in Oamaru where I worked as a journalist before moving to Dunedin and Radio New Zealand. I worked in both radio and newspapers for over 20 years in Oamaru, Dunedin and Christchurch before fate took a hand and I moved into administration, which I am good at but don’t really enjoy. I was in an old brick historic building during the February 2011 quake and that experience plus post-quake stress, led me to quit my job to write. I am not too far from qualifying for the pension, have two adult children and two grandchildren (with my son’s first child due any day now!). When I am not writing I am either backstage or singing in a theatre, or enjoying my animals (bald dogs, fluffy cats and grumpy guinea pigs).

You have two mystery series, Power Ride a murder-mystery centred around a rock band, and the Severn Series, urban fantasies following Vampires living in Christchurch. What drew you into writing Urban Fantasy after writing traditional mystery?
Murder mysteries were my obvious genre choice as that’s what I read all the time. I like the gentle simplicity of the British cosy mystery, although my own turned out a bit more hard-edged than the usual small-village style stories. I like imagining bodies in strange places and wondering why they ended up there, so I have lots of ideas for future Avi Livingstone stories. Vampires in Christchurch theatres was an extension of the many hours I have spent backstage in theatres. It just seemed logical to find vampires in the black parts of the theatre, working on the dark. Theatre crew are odd people – being vampires didn’t seem a big jump.

Have you found Readers of “regular” mystery are willing or resistant to crossover and explore the magical twist that the urban fantasy genre provides?
I have never assumed that I am writing for the same audience. The murders are adult while the vampires are YA. And I write children’s stories as well, so I tend to assume a different audience for each. Urban fantasy suits the reader who likes science fiction but prefers it set in a world they can relate to. I think the idea of there being abnormal things among the normal suits the YA imagination.

The Severn Series: Chains of Blood, and Blood in the Wings are YA fiction. When writing YA mystery what are the elements you add in or omit than compared to when writing mystery for adults?
Sex, and sub-plots. The first Severn story, Blood in the Wings, originally had a sex scene between Riley and Severn, but when I realised I wanted it to be YA, and there was going to be more than one book, I took the sex out. The romance is still there, and Riley talks about sex, but the actual act doesn’t happen. Which is one of the reasons I like writing YA – I hate writing sex scenes. And sub-plots – YA sub-plots tend to stress the growing up of the main character – in some way they all speak to the character’s emergence into adulthood.

What’s your writing style, do you plan everything first, or write and see where the story leads you?
I learned the hard way that a good idea without the work done to plot it out leads to a half-written story that gets lost in the middle. So I have an idea, let it sit in my head for months to develop from an idea into a plot, then draw up the skeleton plot to give me a framework to work to. The story might then meander away from the plot but the basic outlie keeps me on track.

I believe you interviewed some police as part of your researching. Did you tell them you were writing a murder-mystery? How did they react when you approached them?  
Yes – I was up-front from the start. I needed to know how NZ police differed from the way police are shown in British books, so I made an appointment and spent a very fruitful hour or so with a top detective who answered all my odd questions. I think he was pleased I was making sure I got it right, and he was amused and helpful.

What was your favourite and least favourite part in researching for the novel?
I tend to set my books in places I know well, so the research is usually around the odd things. For instance, my current work in progress is set at Lake Waihola so I am trying to learn about black swans and their nesting habits, and wild pig hunting. Thank heavens for google!

You have a lot of personal experience in theatre, and the Severn Series is set within the theatre world. Was there an experience in your own life that inspired the idea for the first Severn story? If not, where did the idea for the story come from?
The first of Severn is set backstage in the old Theatre Royal during a run of Singin’ in the Rain, even though those two facts are never specifically noted. The story came from when my (then teenage) daughter and I were part of the crew for that show, in that theatre. The lead vampires are based on other crew members. A lot of time was spent in the alleyway, the black coats are standard garb (mine’s still hanging in my wardrobe). It just occurred to me one night that the big “rain truck” for the famous street scene would be a perfect place to find a severed head – and what if the rain came down blood coloured. And the idea grew from there. The second story came from an outdoor show where I was operating sound. Again, it was watching people wading in the lake during rehearsal breaks that sparked the idea that became Chains of Blood.

How long have you been involved with the Christchurch Writers’ Guild? And what are the advantages to belonging to such a group?
I joined the Guild a couple of years ago when I was trying out the various writing groups to find one that suited me. I used to love the Waitaki Writers in Oamaru and I had missed the camaraderie of that group. I stayed with the Guild as it is very informal while the other groups seemed to concentrate too much on having a set agenda. I get a lot of inspiration from the random conversations and mutual support. I find the informality suits my style.

You established Millwheel Press in 2012 to publish your own books. Why not just use Amazon? What have been the advantages and disadvantages of going out on your own like that?
I use Amazon but it is almost impossible to get into libraries or bookstores as an indie author. A formal publishing house name (even if it’s boutique) has more credibility in the marketplace. Plus I offer editing services to other writers, so a business name made sense.
   
Whereabouts are Millwheel Press books stocked? And how receptive have you found local book stores? What tips would you give authors trying to stock their books in shops?
I sell mostly through Amazon and via the Millwheel Press website, although I am working on getting out to more places. I carry a small stock of printed copies for marketing opportunities that pop up.

What has been the hardest part with promoting your work?
Marketing – I am the world’s worst sales person. Like a lot of writers, I’m actually quite shy and get very anxious confronting a book store. I can sing, act or talk in front of thousands no problem, but one-to-one marketing scares me witless. I find cold selling an absolute nightmare.

Millwheel offers editing assistance to other writers, what do you find are common problems arising from people editing their own work?
People see what they want to see, not what is there. It is too easy to miss typos because the brain reads over them. Also, if the writer is too close to their work, they won’t see where it goes astray. It’s really important to have someone who is unbiased but knows your genre check your work to make sure the characters stay in character and that there are no gaping plotholes. Also, if people are writing in a style that doesn’t work, (too much tell, not enough show or overblown descriptions) they are not going to see that themselves – it needs someone else to point that out.

Having had several years of experiencing ebooks versus physical copies, what have you found your Readers prefer? And as a publisher which format do you prefer dealing with and why?
Buyers still seem to like physical books but I, personally, prefer Ebooks. Publishing – I like the look of my printed copies on my shelf, but the cost of publishing is off-putting. I do like Createspace for print-on-demand so I am not paying for huge print runs that sit in boxes. I like the immediacy of publishing in Ebook format. Sales-wise adult novels are about equally Ebook and print, while YA and children’s are predominantly print.

If you could go back in time and give your younger self a piece of writing advice, what would you say?
Plot the whole story, not just the first half and the very end. Think how the middle is going to work before you start. Work out all the red herrings and sub-plots before you start writing – it’s much harder to fit them in later.

Thank you so much for your time today, and what’s the next project we can look forward to?

A mystery romance set at Lake Waihola with handsome Southern men, dead pigs, black swans, a fat pug and a severed arm – and a children’s book about a road cone’s earthquake adventure.

And where can Readers find you online?
Millwheel Press Website  www.millwheelpress.co.nz
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MillwheelPress/
Or email at editor@millwheelpress.co.nz

Interview: Judy L Mohr

Judy L Mohr. Photo by Anthony Hovens

Hello and welcome, Judy, please tell us a little bit about yourself and your writing.

Let me start by saying a big thank you, Kura. I’m feel honoured that you would ask to interview me. Now that’s said, we can get to the questions and answers.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always made up stories. As a child, I would spend hours with a tape recorder, making up plays for my Barbies to act out. (Yes, I’m really that old.) As soon as I could write, my mother encouraged me to kept a diary; I wrote poems and lyrics to songs. While I was studying my PhD, the writing became a much-needed escape from the pressures of being a part-time research student and a full-time mother of two. Even now, I use the writing to help me find the strength to face reality. The recent quakes have generated pages of writing. I’m also a freelance editor, and launched my own business, Black Wolf Editorial Services, back in December 2015.

My personal writing tends to have a fantastical flair, filled with adventure, dark monsters, humour and romance. Science fiction leaks in too, thanks to my PhD in Astronomy and Masters in Engineering. I have many projects on the go, but tell me what writer doesn’t.

You’re very involved with the Christchurch writing community. What’s your current role with the Christchurch Writers’ Guild?

I’m currently the president of the Christchurch Writers’ Guild and one of the coordinators for EastSide Writers, a coffee group for writers that meets every Thursday. I’m also one of the Municipal-Leaders for NaNoWriMo within the Christchurch region. Everything that I do for the writing community is meant to give back by paying it forward. So many I have meant on this journey have helped me develop my craft and become a better writer. I want to be able to do the same for others.

 

When was the CWG established?

Christchurch Writers’ Guild was established in 2012 by Angela Oliver and Beaulah Pragg. They noticed that many of the local writing groups required their members to produce works for critiquing and review, among other things. For a new writer, sharing your writing can be extremely daunting. Not only that, membership fees in some cases was beyond the means of the average new writer, and with very little reward. They wanted a group where everyone felt welcome with none of the pressure to share your writing, accessible to all. The Christchurch Writers’ Guild was born.

Since then, the membership has grown to over 80 members. In May 2015, the Guild became an incorporated society.

What is the CWG’s mission statement/ main purpose?

The Guild is a community of people who understand what it is to be a writer, from the first draft through to publication, and not just through traditional publishing houses. We’re there to help our members develop their craft to a level that they feel confident in sharing their writing with others.

At the same time, we love to celebrate our members’ successes. Writing can be a very isolated road. We aim to make it not so lonely.

What sort of writers can join? Do you have to be published?

Christchurch Writers’ Guild is open to all writers, published and unpublished, regardless of the genre. It doesn’t matter whether you write poetry, short stories, novels, or even screen plays — if you write, then you’re welcome to join us.

Are there any fees?

At this stage, there are no membership fees to join the Guild. All you have to do is visit our website and fill in the membership form with your contact details. It’s as simple as that.

Does the CWG offer its members internal competitions?

At the moment, the Guild does not run any internal competitions. However, we do offer our members with opportunities to participate in various anthologies, a chance to become published.

The criteria for each will depend on the anthology itself. More information can be found on our website.

What do you see as the benefits of being part of the CWG?

The biggest benefit of being part of the Guild is the support network. So many writers feel isolated, because their family and friends don’t understand who much of an obsession writing can be. Through the various activities that the Guild runs, writers are able to meet other kindred spirits.

Guild members also are entitled to discounts on our workshops, which are spread throughout the year.

Where does the CWG meet and how often?

Currently, the Guild runs two different weekly groups. The Night Owls meet every Tuesday night from 7pm at Coffee Culture in Bush Inn. Eastside Writers meet every Thursday morning from approximately 10:30am at Robert Harris in the Palms.

Members from the Guild also meets every second Monday of the month from 7pm at Undercroft at the University of Canterbury (under the James Hight Library).

These meetups are open to all. We always welcome new members.

Where can we find the CWG online?

The CWG has its own website (www.christchurch.wordpress.com), as well as a public Facebook page. We also have a Facebook discussion group

Recently, the Guild has also joined the world of Twitter. Our username is @ChChWriters

And of course, if anyone just wants to send us an email, our address is

christchurchwritersguild@gmail.com

Thanks so much for your time, Judy, the Christchurch Writer’s Guild sounds like a very supportive bunch.

You're welcome. It was no problem at all.

Dunedin Writers' Workshop

If you're in Dunedin, Otago and looking for a writing group, please check out these guys, The Dunedin Writers' Workshop, website and also on Facebook.