Free Writing Tips and Expert Advice
Free Writing Tips and Tools
Popular Stories
Q & A With Award-Winning Novelist Sonny Whitelaw
Sonny Whitelaw has enjoyed a successful career as a writer for more than thirty years. Her work as a photojournalist has appeared in dozens of
Best Writing Tip: Don’t Wait for The Muse
I have always been highly susceptible to anything that promised I could become a writer. I believed in magical notebooks, charmed pens, lucky knickers,
Beware of Pestimists
This content is restricted to registered students. If you are an existing student, please log in and then click the article title again.
Unmuddling Middles
This content is restricted to registered students. If you are an existing student, please log in and then click the article title again.
Writer Shelley Kirton Opens Up About Her Love Of Learning And Where It’s Taking Her
Shelley Kirton has been writing for years, but it’s obvious she’s truly finding her niche now. Her words are a wonderful reminder that we can
How can you make a living from writing?
With the rise of digital media, writing as a career has become more accessible. The financial rewards of writing may not come easily, but with
Our Students' Successes
Writing Course Success Selina Lavery
Selina Lavery completed three creative writing courses at The Writers College. She recently had two of her short stories published. Tell us a bit about
Catching Up With Copy-Editor, Lesley Wyldbore
Copy-editing is a vital yet often overlooked part of the writing process. Effective copy-editing adds polish to writing, ensuring clarity and removing errors that a
Drawing Inspiration From Reality: Graduate Catherine Jarvis Talks About Her Award-Winning Debut Novel
INTERVIEWED BY SAM NARRAZID Catherine Jarvis is a graduate of the Write a Novel Course at the Writers College. An English teacher by day, and
Gareth Ward – Accomplished Young Adult Novelist
NZ Writers College is proud to showcase one of its Novel Course graduates, Gareth Ward. Gareth’s debut novel, The Traitor and the Thief, has been
Q & A With Author Of ‘Namaste Life’, Ishara Maharaj
Ishara Maharaj completed the Write a Novel Course at SA Writers College. Since then her debut novel Namaste Life (Modjaji Books) was published. We ask Ishara about her writing
Writers College Success Story: Novelist Jo Nel
A background as a dentist – and limited writing experience – didn’t deter author Jo Nel from accomplishing his goal of getting published. After taking
And Now We Wait…. An Author’s First Experience Of Getting Published
– BY HILARY MURRAY For those not familiar with my journey, I recently had my debut novel published (recently, as in ten days ago!). The build-up to the
Reality Or Fiction: Graduate Travis Inglis Talks About The Inspiration Behind His Writing
Travis Inglis is a poet and a writer. Published in the art magazine Artascent and the literary journal Toasted Cheese, Travis is currently working on
Journalist Rochelle Sewell On Starting Out As A Writer
Rochelle Sewell is a freelance journalist, blogger, and storyteller. She completed the Basics of Feature Writing course in 2015, followed by Advanced Magazine Journalism in
Graduate Success Story: An Interview with Trish Nicholson
Trish Nichsolson completed the Short Story Writing Course at NZ Writers College in 2010. We tracked her progress in the literary world. An Interview with
From Blogger To Author: Lesley Sefton’s Journey
Catching up with our former student and avid writer – Lesley Sefton – is nothing short of inspiring. She is a reminder that you can
‘N Onderhoud Met Oud-Student, Gina Van Staden
In 2016 slaag Gina van Staden die SA Writers College Tydksrifjoernalistieke kursus met onderskeiding. Haar alomvattende kreatiwiteit laat haar paadjie in baie verskillende rigtings kronkel – van skilder en
Tae Richardson Talks About Her Writing And Publishing Successes
Tae Richardson completed the Basic and Advanced Creative Writing Courses, as well as the Literary Short Story Course. We follow up with her on her
Magazine Journalism Student Success Story: Janet Hart
Janet Hart from Nelson, New Zealand completed the Magazine Journalism Course at NZ Writers’ College in 2012. After 28 years of school teaching, we find out
Sally’s Secrets of Self-Publishing Success
Sally Gutteridge has found her niche and she has a tribe: she makes a living writing about dogs for people who love dogs as much
Writer Shelley Kirton Opens Up About Her Love Of Learning And Where It’s Taking Her
Shelley Kirton has been writing for years, but it’s obvious she’s truly finding her niche now. Her words are a wonderful reminder that we can
Q & A with Award-winning Novelists
Q & A with award-winning Authors Alex Smith and Tania Hutley: Getting Started as a Creative Writer
Discover answers to burning questions about creative writing:
How to find time to write on top of a day job • How to fire up creativity • How to get over rejection by publishers • The importance of a writing buddy or writers’ circle • How to get published for the first time • The value of self-publishing • Submitting to agents and publishers worldwide • Does the increasing popularity of audiobooks affect the way you write? • What to do if you keep getting work rejected • Is it realistic to be a full-time writer? • How much do you write for your reader and genre? • How to get past the first page/chapter • How much plotting and planning is required • Should you use Scrivener? • Top writing tip for aspiring writers
Sign up for our free bi-monthly newsletter!
Q & A's with Award-winning Authors and Tutors
Spotlight On Writing Coach Course Tutor, Susan Williams
Susan Williams has been the managing director of Prose & Comms – a communications company – for over a decade. She has also tutored the
Spotlight On Author Lisa Lazarus
Lisa Lazarus is a freelance journalist for a variety of publications, including Men’s Health, Femina, Psychologies, Shape, Cosmopolitan, Femina, Healthy Pregnancy and the Mail &
A Writer’s Inner Workings: Andrew Salomon
Andrew Salomon is the author of four novels: The Chrysalis and Tokoloshe Song, the young adult thriller The Wonderbear and the dark fantasy thriller The Equilibrist.
Spotlight On Karen Jeynes – By Kyle Keegan
Karen Jeynes is a well-known, award-winning playwright whose work includes “Laying Blame”, “sky too big”, “Don’t Mention Sex”, “Kiss Kiss”, “The Happy Factory”, “I’ll Have
Q & A With Award-Winning Novelist Sonny Whitelaw
Sonny Whitelaw has enjoyed a successful career as a writer for more than thirty years. Her work as a photojournalist has appeared in dozens of
Spotlight On Rosemary Hepözden
Rosemary Hepözden has three decades of editing, writing and teaching experience. She is the author of three nonfiction books, and has a fourth book due
Spotlight On Author Helen Brain
Meet Author and Writing Tutor Extraordinaire, Helen Brain Helen Brain is the author of over 60 books for children, an adult memoir and many short
Spotlight On Copywriting Tutor At The Writers College: Mandy Speechly
Mandy Speechly has worked as a copywriter in the advertising industry for over fifteen years for leading international advertising agencies on a range of different
All About Journalism
How to Grow Your Social Network as a Freelance Writer
Sure, being a freelance writer has its perks, but one of the not-so-positive aspects is that it can be a lonely lifestyle if you let
Top 10 Time Management Tips For Journalists
Have you ever heard the saying from Salmon of Doubt author Douglas Adams, “I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they
8 Essential Apps To Boost Your Travel Writing Career
Anyone can share their travel stories on the Web. However, it is the quality of your writing, editing and photos that distinguish a professional from the run-of-the-mill tourist.
Here are eight apps to help you become the most efficient digital nomad.
Help with Emotional Interviews Part Two
This content is restricted to registered students. If you are an existing student, please log in and then click the article title again.
Writing Tips from Around the World
These essays on writing are written by writers from around the globe. Read the best writing advice that they have ever received.
Best Writing Tip: Trust Yourself
BY EVA BELL Writing was always my first love. One thing I wanted above all else was to be a writer. But my father had
The Wise Take Criticism and Turn It to Their Advantage
BY LISA CORTEZ ‘I’m bored already,’ my mother said, removing her reading glasses and throwing my manuscript down on the coffee table. She’d come to
The Best Writing Tip: Remember Why You Write
BY LIZ AMOS I have a confession to make: no one told me this. No one sat me down, looked me in the eyes and
Best Writing Tip: I Write As If Nobody Will See My Work
BY SIMON WINTER Bill Nighy, the famous English actor, recently celebrated his 74th birthday. Interviewed, he said, ‘I am a world-class procrastinator. I’m only an actor
Get Your Dumb, Lazy Ass in There and Start Writing!
BY TOM LARSEN I wrote my first short story at ten years of age. Back then, magazines would have a back page full of two-inch
Move Over, Hemingway. Kindergarteners Hold My Compass.
BY AMY HADDEN Writers. Each stroke of the marker let out a faint ‘shhh’ across the yellow chart paper. Its scent danced over the rainbow
The Best Writing Tip: You’re Never Too Old!
BY SARAH DAS GUPTA It had taken five very sexy young firemen to move me to the ambulance on that hot July afternoon. I couldn’t
The Best Writing Advice: Why Do I Write?
BY RINA BESTER My life was a mess: children grown up, husband retired. In the background, an unnerving prodding from my unfulfilled dreams begged me to
What Kind of Writer Are You: Gardener or Architect?
BY TRI NGUYEN I am a gardener. Well, I am not a gardener by trade per se, but a gardener by style. That is the
The Best Writing Tip I’ve Ever Received: Forget about Plot
BY ALANA BETH DAVIES Plot was always my downfall, my weak spot, my Achilles heel – you get the picture. Description, I was okay with:
You Can’t Be an Imposter Because I Am
BY KRISTINE LACO Sheena wasn’t a writer, but she gave the best writing advice. She was my instructor at a cognitive behavioural therapy group. ‘What
Emotions: My Tool for Writing
BY GEETHA RANGANATHAN Sitting at the city library in Parramatta, I asked myself what drove me to write. As the clouds passed by, I realized
Best Writing Tip: Find Your Sound
BY SHAYNA LEWIS My music career ended at age 15. I’d just finished my second year of high school. As a music student, I’d been
Top Writing Tip: Cook for One Person
BY FATEMEH EBRAHIMI If, like me, you’re a woman in a traditional family and society, whether you’re working or not, you must do the housework.
Be Like Great Uncle Ferdy – My Writing Hero
BY TONY OSWICK When I was growing up, I wanted to be just like Great Uncle Ferdy. My mum was his only living relative and,
Best Writing Tip: Fail Better
BY TOM BENTLEY When I first started sending article queries out in the eighties, callow youth that I was, I sent them to all the
The Best Writing Tip I Ever Received Was Not to Write
BY RUSSELL MICKLER The best writing tip I ever received was not to write. It began with an essay, a critique of Chaucer’s ‘The Miller’s
Not Having the Time to Write Makes Me Angry
By KIM PATTON Because my stories keep my heart pounding at night with the possibility of it all, when I can’t get words on paper,
Best Writing Tip: Learn to Write Garbage
BY SARAH KELLEHER For me, writing used to move in cycles. First is the inspired phase. I’d put my laptop by my favourite window, wear
Let Nothing Stop Your Writing
BY CHARLIE CY ‘The writer’s only responsibility is to his art. He will be completely ruthless if he is a good one. He has a
It’ll Never Be Perfect
BY PATRICIA A. NUGENT As I grappled with my father’s volatile behaviour, hoping he’d change as a result of his infirmity, his hospice worker consoled
The Old Stump Story
BY DAKOTA LOVE My writing journey began when I was a wee girl of four years old. I wrote a story about a Native American
Darling, Will You Be My Downfall?
BY DENARII PETERS Make ready your scalpel, sword or knife – even your pistol if you prefer – but whatever weapon you do choose keep
Is Writing Your ‘Ikigai’?
How are your New Year’s resolutions coming along? If they’re already falling by the wayside, perhaps they weren’t the RIGHT resolutions for you, and you
Web Writing Tips and Tools
Overcome Your Fear of Publishing your First Blog in 5 Steps
Publishing your first blog can be daunting. Here are some tips to help you overcome the fear of getting your debut blog article published. BY
What is holding you back from being the writer you want to be?
This content is restricted to registered students. If you are an existing student, please log in and then click the article title again.
How Changing Technology Is Changing Advertising: Six Copywriting Trends For The New Year
The Writers College Copywriting Course tutor MANDY SPEECHLY explains six trends that are directly impacting the copywriting industry. In Part One Mandy Speechly explained how technology has
Content Writing Takes Centre Stage: Top Careers for Writers in the Digital Age
Since the pandemic, the realisation that certain jobs can be performed remotely has increased the popularity of content creation jobs. And because the work is
Why You Need to Learn to Write For The Web
Entrepreneurs and small business owners need to know how to write for the web in order to broadcast their marketing message and build their brand.
How to Grow Your Social Network as a Freelance Writer
Sure, being a freelance writer has its perks, but one of the not-so-positive aspects is that it can be a lonely lifestyle if you let
How To Write Great Website Home Page Copy
For most people, the home page is the first thing they see on a website and first impressions do indeed count. Think of the home
Travel Writing Advice
8 Essential Apps To Boost Your Travel Writing Career
Anyone can share their travel stories on the Web. However, it is the quality of your writing, editing and photos that distinguish a professional from the run-of-the-mill tourist.
Here are eight apps to help you become the most efficient digital nomad.
Creating Your Niche As A Travel Writer
How do you follow your passion for travel, and make a living from it at the same time? Sometimes you need a little creative thinking
Why the Editor is Not the Enemy
This content is restricted to registered students. If you are an existing student, please log in and then click the article title again.
10 Travel Writing Tips Writers Must Know
Award-winning writers Julienne du Toit and Chris Marais have travelled the world side-by-side writing travel articles for more than 20 years. They answer essential questions
Exposing The 5 Top Travel Writing Myths
You might think that travel writers explore the world for free, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Levonne Apesy separates the fantasy from
Why Locals Know Best In Travel Writing
Take your travel blogging from one-dimensional personal accounts to stories interwoven with local perspectives and authentic insights. Unless you’re in the Arctic Circle and harp
Can You Make A Living From Travel Writing? We Ask Travel Writer Gabi Logan
Travel writing is a dream job for many aspiring writers. But can you really make a living at it? DONNA DAILEY chats with Gabi Logan,
Travel Writing From Home
Overseas adventures face an uncertain future after the COVID-19 pandemic. ANDREW EARL-PEACOCK explores ways you can keep your inner wanderer satisfied while staying local. “Travel
Know Your Writing Rights
Copyright Confusion?
This content is restricted to registered students. If you are an existing student, please log in and then click the article title again.
Copyright Essentials for Writers
This content is restricted to registered students. If you are an existing student, please log in and then click the article title again.
Copyright Office Basics – by The Copyright Office
This content is restricted to registered students. If you are an existing student, please log in and then click the article title again.
How To Avoid Copyright Infringement
This content is restricted to registered students. If you are an existing student, please log in and then click the article title again.
Copyright Q & A For Journalists
What Is Copyright? Copyright law protects the works of artists, and prevents others from publishing, profiting from or proffering an original creative work as if
How to Keep Writing
Effective Time-Management: 4 Tricks For Journos
Journalists are continually busy – keeping up with meetings, stories and deadlines. And juggling time is one of the things they are all too familiar
I Write to Boost My Mental Health: Here’s What I’ve Learnt
As more and more people are talking about ways to cope with mental health, writing has become a popular option. This is not surprising since
Write For Trade Magazines
This content is restricted to registered students. If you are an existing student, please log in and then click the article title again.
What Stops You from Writing?
Fear, self-doubt, procrastination, waiting for perfect conditions – there are so many reasons why we put off getting started on our writing dreams.
At The Writers College, we help writers reach their goals, by encouraging a daily writing routine and removing the doubts from the writing process.
Latest Apps for Writers
8 Essential Apps To Boost Your Travel Writing Career
Anyone can share their travel stories on the Web. However, it is the quality of your writing, editing and photos that distinguish a professional from
The Best Apps and Tools for Writers
Writers today have it easier than writers of yesteryear. Gone are the days when you head to the library if you need to do research.
USER-FRIENDLY APPS FOR TECHNOPHOBE JOURNALISTS
If you are a person who fears or dislikes new apps, and you also happen to be a journalist, then this article is for you.
6 Time-Saving Apps For Travel Writers
Six apps to help travel writers organise, plan and execute their day. Travel writers rely on technology – even in the most remote places on
Five Apps To Kick-Start Your Magazine Journalism Career
While your Moleskine may never go out fashion, technology changes at a rapid pace. These five apps get you to work more effectively and can
Why You Need These 5 Apps To Improve Your Web Writing Career
Web writing is an increasingly popular specialism for writers, but it’s also highly competitive. I’m sharing my top free and most useful apps that have
6 Vital Apps To Rapidly Transform Your Writing
Boost your web writing career with these powerful apps. We as 21st century writers are lucky to have an arsenal of online tools at our