New writing courses at the Creative Hub on Auckland waterfront…

After a successful first year, with full enrollments on its courses, the Creative Hub writing centre on Princes Wharf is launching a new programme of evening courses this summer.
(Stephen Clamp photo above)

An eight week Introduction to Creative Writing course, for complete beginners, kicks off on Feb 17 and is taught by Creative Hub director John Cranna, and poet and playwright Caroline Lark. The course covers storytelling technique, poetry, and a number of writing craft issues. Students get to read their work aloud in a supportive atmosphere.

On March 2, a 30-week Advanced Fiction course, provides students with an opportunity to read their work on radio, and to polish their industry knowledge as well as their fiction technique.

The course features workshops from writers as diverse as Tessa Duder, (below left), Sarah Laing,(right). Roger Hall, Judith White, Tina Shaw, and Graham Reid.
The inaugural Advanced Course, in 2010, also featured workshop by book publicist Lorraine Steele and fiction publisher at Random House Harriet Allan.

On 12 April, a new Travel Writing and Photography course (six weeks), taught by journalist and former NZ Herald travel editor Yvonne van Dongen and photographer Greta Anderson provides an opportunity for aspiring travel writers to venture out into the city ‘on assignment’ with professional support.

Finally, on 23 March the innovative Storytelling at the Digital Frontier course (ten weeks) begins, taught by Shortland Street screenwriter Edwin McRae, and covers short film writing; webisodes; animation; TVC writing and other short-form storytelling for digital media.

Courses are held in the Creative Hub waterfront rooms at the Maritime Museum on Princes Wharf.

Mr Cranna said, ‘ We aim to provide a supportive, fun atmosphere, where our students can experiment with their own authentic literary voice. And we bring in Auckland’s top writers to impart their skills on the craft and technique side. We’re always delighted by the wide age range of our students.’

John Cranna, left, is a former editor of AA Directions magazine and winner of the Commonwealth Writers Prize for a first work of fiction for Visitors.

Those who are interested can contact The Creative Hub at http://www.thecreativehub.net.nz/