OUR STELLAR LINE UP OF 2025 TUTORS
WRITEFEST is RETURNING THIS 19st of JULY TO:
TOI TU STUDIO ONE - PONSONBY, AUCKLAND.
CAROLINE BARRON
Caroline is an award-winning author, story coach, presenter and manuscript assessor. She has been a columnist for North & South and her work has been published by Condé Nast Traveler UK, The Guardian, Landfall, Awa Wahine, Author, Three Lamps, Next, New Zealand Herald and more.
Her debut novel, GOLDEN DAYS (Affirm Press Australia and via Hachette New Zealand), is out now. Her memoir, RIPIRO BEACH (Bateman, New Zealand), won the 2020 New Zealand Heritage Literary Award for Best Non-fiction Book.
STEVE BARR
With over 30 years of professional experience in the film and television industry, including 16 years in Hollywood and 14 years in Aotearoa, Steve co-wrote the film BORN TO DANCE, which is one of the 25 most successful films in New Zealand history. Over his career he has been commissioned to write a dozen feature screenplays, and produced over 20 short films. He was the Commissioner of Drama and Scripted Comedy at Television New Zealand from 2019-2023 - and has consulted with hundreds of writers to improve their screenplays.
Anne Kennedy
Kennedy is a multi-award winning poet and fiction writer and screenplay editor who won the Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement in 2021. She has taught writing at the University of Hawai`i and Manukau Institute of Technology and her most recent books include The Sea Walks into a Wall (AUP), Moth Hour (AUP) and The Ice Shelf (VUP). Awards and fellowships include the NZ Post Book Award for Poetry and the University of Iowa International Fall Residency.
Dr Atakohu Middleton
Dr Atakohu Middleton is the author of Kia Hiwa Rā! Māori Journalism in Aotearoa New Zealand (Huia, 2023), which is an accessible rewrite for general and educational markets of her 2020 PhD on the same topic. She is a professional journalist who has written for outlets such as the Herald, the Listener, the Sunday Star-Times, North&South, Mana magazine and the Guardian (UK).
HARRIET ALLAN
Harriet worked at Penguin Random House and its earlier iterations for nearly 35 years. She edited and produced books of all genres for both adults and children before becoming fiction publisher, in which role she published numerous award-winning novels and literary nonfiction titles, working with some of New Zealand’s pre-eminent writers. She is currently working as a freelance editor, mentor and manuscript assessor.
SCOTT BUTLER
Scott’s spent the majority of his career in advertising. An industry that’s embracing AI at a rapid pace, from programmatic buying, to creative pitches and ideas that are being generated in the blink of an eye. He’s a fan of calamity and the chaos great characters find themselves in. He’s written three novels, Drive, The Security and Stalker. He enjoys film, likes new ideas and the places they take us.
Alice Shearman
Alice Shearman is Executive Director of the New Zealand Writers Guild, where she champions the rights and voices of Aotearoa’s screenwriters. She also serves as Co-Chair of Toi Mai Workforce Development Council and as a Director of New Zealand Opera, helping grow opportunities for creatives across the country. With over 20 years’ experience in the screen and cultural sectors, Alice is passionate about supporting storytellers and shaping a thriving future for the arts.
ON SALE NOW
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ON SALE NOW —
NEW WORKSHOPS announced!
SATURDAY NIGHT GALA
WORKING WITH A.I: THE GOOD BAD AND EVIL – Alice Shearman, Scott Butler
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SUNDAY ALL-DAY WORKSHOPS
GET THAT STORY STARTED: WRITING SPRINTS — KATHRYN BURNETT Kathryn Burnett
PITCH ON THE PAGE: WRITING A SYNOPSIS THAT SELLS — STEVE BARR
SURVIVING FEEDBACK - KATHRYN BURNETT
CRAFTING SHORT STORIES — CAROLINE BARRON
START YOUR NON-FICTION BOOK — ATAKOHU MIDDLETON
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SELF-PUBLISHING — HARRIET ALLEN
CRAFTING BEAUTIFUL SENTENCES — ANNE KENNEDY
IMPROVING YOUR DIALOGUE — Kathryn Burnett
HOW do i SIGN UP?
So many ways you can join us at Writefest 2025! Choose the ticket option that suits you best...
Buy an All Day Ticket and indulge in a full day of writerly goodness - as many workshops as you like PLUS includes Coffee all day, morning and afternoon tea.
Time poor? Buy a Single Workshop Ticket and come to the class that suits you. NB: All ticket holders are invited to join us for Coffee & snacks.
Want to buy an All Day Ticket in 4 part payments? Get in touch and we’ll sort you out.
FAQ
Q: Who is this workshop for?
Anyone writing fiction or interested in writing fiction. There is a range of workshops - some are for aspiring writers, others are for people already writing. (Feel free to get in touch if you have questions - right here)
Q: What is the MINIMUM age limit?
16 years old (But we’re happy to discuss!)
Q: How Many of the workshops will I have access to?
If you’ve purchased an All Day ticket you can move around as many of the workshops as you like. If you buy a One Off workshop ticket you’ll only have access to that workshop.
Q: What is the catering situation?
Morning and afternoon tea are provided. Purchasers of All Day Ticket also invited to our Coffee & Snacks @ 8am
Q: Can I buy additional tickets at venue on the day?
Yes, if you want to upsize to a Full Day ticket or purchase another One Off ticket - no problem.
Q: Are the tickets transferable?
From person to person or Writefest workshop to Writefest workshop - yes. Transferable to another BGWW event - no.
Q: What is your refund policy?
If we cancel the event for any reason - ticketholders will receive a full refund less Eventbrite fees. (NB: In case of COVID related lock downs - the event will be postponed and a postponed date will be offered shortly after announcement.)
NB: If the ticket holder wishes to cancel their Writefest 2025 registration a refund will only be issued if cancellation is a minimum of 7 days before the event. No exceptions. As tickets to this event are limited BGWW cannot issue refunds or exchanges after this time.