New Zealand Society of Authors

New Zealand Book Month celebrates New Zealand books and authors. It's been said that everyone has a book in them so if you think you have one in you, have a look at the New Zealand Society of Authors (PEN NZ Inc) website. They are open to "...writers of every genre, published or unpublished. If you are serious about your writing the NZSA is the place for you." There are courses, groups and forums where you can discuss your writing.

They also include a list of writers groups around Auckland. (Libraries seem to be a favoured place to meet.) The Hibiscus Coast Writers Club meets at 1pm on the second Saturday of each month in the Pohutukawa room at Whangaparaoa Library and Service Centre. They are a "...fun group to share ideas with, participate in workshops and hear interesting speakers. We have monthly workshops; up to 6 internal competitions per year including poetry, short stories and drama, all judged externally. " Another Rodney based writing group is Kiwi Write4Kidz. They are a group of adults who write stories for children. They have a regular meeting at Takapuna Library and have informal critique groups who meet to share their writing.

Rodney Libraries will be running a writing competition starting later in the year called "Rodney Writes". It will have a different theme to last year. Entry forms will be out within the next couple of months so keep an eye out at your local library.

For advice on writing have a look in the information section in the 808s.