NZ Writers College Basic Creative Writing Course

The Basics of Creative Writing Course at NZ Writers’ College

Have you always wanted to be a writer? Learn the basics of creative writing from the comfort of your own home computer, under the tutelage of an award-winning author of more than 40 books.

This online course teaches the basic skills of creative writing: dialogue, action and description. Students learn how to balance these elements in their writing, how to introduce mood and tension, and how to write scenes that read professionally.

Course Details:

Modules: 3 Modules: approximately 120 pages of course notes

Duration: 6 months

Course Fee: $695 incl.

Content: Student completes 40 writing exercises with one-on-one instruction from a tutor.

Click here for course details. Sign up at any time at www.nzwriterscollege.co.nz.

What past-students say about the course:

"A very pleasant learning experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and am finding what I learned very useful. The course was well set-out and easy to fit in to my busy life. Overall, it made a very positive, good impression on me. I would recommend it to others. I really did appreciate Helen's positive encouragement. She really did inspire me to be a better writer. It was excellent. No negatives at all. Keep up the good work!" Jenny Lovemore, Basics of Creative Writing, November 2011

"Helen is a brilliant tutor who gave me the 'push' I needed to improve my writing. She sees a student's true potential, and knows just the right way to bring it to the fore. Thank you Helen! I thoroughly enjoyed the course, and have become a better writer for it. Having now completed two courses with the college, the reason I come back is for the manner in which the courses are taught, the excellent tutors and the comprehensive course material." Bronwyn Katzke, Basics of Creative Writing, November 2011

"The course was very easy to follow, enjoyable and more importantly, it was fun. People see writing as boring; this course shows it is a whole new world and an adventure. Helen was lovely. Always full of encouragement and praise. She was also quick to point out any mistakes or weakness as well, but always done in an encouraging fashion, and then on top of that, she will tell you how to improve on it, or how to fix it. You cannot do anything but improve under this sort of tuition. I enjoyed this course immensely and will request Helen again as my Tutor should I do another writing course. I will be back for more!" Michael Taylor, Basics of Creative Writing Course, October 2011

"When I started the course I was not very confident in my writing. I knew I loved to do it but wasn't sure if it was any good. With Helen's encouragement and the course material I now can see how my writing is stronger by using what I have learned. Many thanks. Helen was very helpful. I felt that I could contact her for any queries I had. Her response was always quick. When I had feedback from her I always felt encouraged to do better. Helen was always available and I especially liked the one on one interaction. I will be back for more. :)" Patty Donaldson, Basics of Creative Writing, October 2011

"I felt the course was set at the right level, and had exactly the right content for me. The notes and exercises flowed well and enabled me to progress. I felt my tutor’s feedback was always right on the mark and focused on what was important. I have been impressed with all aspects of the Writers College. It's not always easy to know what you are getting with an online course, but I was very happy with my course. It appears to be very professionally staffed and run." Suzanne Main, Basics of Creative Writing, September 2011

“I had a need for basic training and the opportunity to grow as a writer. And this course provided it in an attractive, efficient and a no-nonsense way. The overall efficiency was excellent and made the work during the course very easy. My tutor was very, very good. I had quite a few email interactions and I found Helen to be very approachable and to the point with her comments.  She understood where I am going and directed me accordingly. Thank you.” Danie Markgraaff, Basics of Creative Writing, July 2011

“It was a very inspiring course. It was so nice to know that I don't have to just 'know' how to write and that help is available to teach and guide me. I really appreciated Helen's input; it made so much sense. Helen was so gentle when my work could have been better and so encouraging and motivating when it was good. She explained things carefully and made very valid suggestions. The course was a very positive experience that has introduced me to the world of writing and has inspired me to continue working towards my dream.” Jessica Welch, Basics of Creative Writing, July 2011

“Helen is great. It took me a while to feel ok about sending work. I imagined that she was rolling her eyes and trying to come up with positive comments even though she thought it was rubbish. I have got over that now. Helen has helped my confidence. The admin staff were wonderful. Prompt, efficient, friendly, also with useful feedback at the start and end of the course.” Kay Fechney, The Basics of Creative Writing Course, June 2011

“A big thank you to NZ Writer's College for providing such an amazing opportunity to get me back on to the path of becoming a writer and helping me fulfil a life-long dream!” Surani Ramachandra, Basics of Creative Writing Course, June 2011
 
“My tutor was great: prompt, relevant responses; minimal "interference"; much encouragement.  You are doing a great job. I also recommended your school to my sons who both completed courses with you over the past year: Basil Mackenzie (Magazine writing) and Bernard Mackenzie (Travel writing).  Lonkie Mackenzie, Basics of Creative Writing, June 2011

"I've had a very positive experience with the course - I enjoyed it very much and learned a lot as well." Janette Stratton, Basics of Creative Writing Course, April 2011

“I have done two previous Creative Writing courses – one on tertiary level and another through ***** College – and this was by far the most relevant.  An excellent course! Helen was fantastic. She was encouraging and spot-on with her feedback – it is obvious that the writing skills that she teaches are as natural as breathing for her.” Bianca Wright, Basics of Creative Writing Course, February 2011 

“Helen was an amazing mentor. Her teaching is straight forward and simple, which is brilliant. She is friendly and easy to approach. Very thorough too.” Gareth Coetzee, Basics of Creative Writing Course, December 2010

“My lecturer was fantastic. With prompt feedback, good advice and always willing to answer any outstanding questions I had. Thank you, Helen. I did research on Google, checking out various different institutions offering writing courses. The reason I chose [this course] is the fact that it is so personalized, one can register whenever one feels ready and it is good value for money.

"Having completed the course I now have a greater understanding of the concept of creative writing, as well as good feedback and encouragement. So I essence the course definitely gave me what I was looking for, hence the overall excellent review. Thank you for the opportunity you gave me to expand my writing skills and I look forward to the next course.” Ronnie Rothkegel, Basics of Creative Writing, December 2010

“Helen was amazing. I knew from the first contact with Helen that the course was going to be both inspiring and helpful. Helen helped me discover a way of writing I had never even thought of approaching. She coached my own voice into the light and for that I will forever be grateful. Helen is a gifted teacher and I am honoured to say that I’ve studied with her.” Dina Taute, Basics of Creative Writing, November 2010 

“Helen Brain was great. She encouraged me to write more, and helped improve my writing. Having someone else's opinion makes all the difference.” Rachel Anderson, Basics of Creative Writing Course, October 2010 

“I was very happy to have Helen as my course lecturer. She was very straight forward and to the point, and was able to explain why something would work better in a very good way. I enjoyed the course very much and hope to do another course.” Shannon Harling, Basics of Creative Writing, October 2010
 
“I really enjoyed the course. Helen was professional, knowledgeable and helpful at all times. I appreciated her constructive criticism, as it always made me strive for better marks next time. I am looking forward to another course through the college as soon as I can afford one!” Crystal Withington, Basics of Creative Writing, September 2010
 
“I think you have waxed it, so to speak. The guidelines in your course are easy to understand and apply, and they really helped me to improve my writing. I’m thinking of doing another course with you guys, so my name will pop up on your screens sometime soon!” Waldo Ungerer, Basics of Creative Writing, September 2010
 
“Helen was fantastic and made me feel more confident with writing. This course and her guidance have been very, very important to me.   I have so many ideas and am so keen on getting started. I will be back with a next level of the course when I have just a little more time in my life. Thank you so much." Tanja Roug, Basics of Creative Writing, July 2010
 
“I loved doing this course with Helen. I really learnt a lot, especially about writing dialogue, which I have always found challenging. Helen really is so kind and wise with her praise and criticism - so necessary when dealing with the fragile egos of (wannabe) writers. She is a born teacher/mentor - can't gush enough about her. Thank you for providing so much support to aspiring writers." Shannon Willis, Basics of Creative Writing, July 2010
 
"I have absolutely loved this course and have learnt so much about creative writing that I didn't know. I really enjoyed every moment of it. Helen is a great tutor, and yes, it has inspired me to keep writing." Rachel Kiel-Taylor, Basics of Creative Writing Course, July 2010
 
"I really enjoyed this course and the content was very helpful and applicable. Helen was very helpful and knowledgeable, her advice and feedback was brilliant; she showed me problems in my writing I had never known existed and which I have now been able to fix." Chelsea Haith, Basics of Creative Writing, July 2010
 
"I enjoyed the course and definitely leaned a lot about creative writing. My structure improved and I have a better understanding of the different components that make up a story, as well has how to use them to generate different moods. Helen was a very good and patient tutor. She was always prompt with her replies and was happy to answer any questions I had. I think you guys offer a very valuable service. This website gives me a great way to explore and refine my creative abilities at my own time and leisure so it is perfect for me." Ofir Marom, Basics of Creative Writing, May 2010
 
"I enjoyed this course and the challenges, especially trying to be a lot more careful with my choice of words. It is encouraging to know that I am capable of writing at this level." Beaulah Pragg, Basics of Creative Writing, May 2010
 
"This was my first venture into doing a course on-line as well as a first in creative writing. For me the whole experience was extremely positive. I cannot think of any negative experience I had. For me the course was truly an eye opener, I learnt a lot and can't wait to dig into the Travel Writing Course." Johan Schultz, Basics of Creative Writing Course, January 2010
 
"The course was more than I expected so I rated it excellent on every point. It's not very often an event and a person can alter and influence a person`s thinking and capability in such a positive way; being tutored by Helen on this course did just that. Helen`s guidance and experience are exemplary. I feel numerous new doors have been opened to me with the creative side of writing and I am looking at continuing this by doing the short story course as a follow up, so I will be in touch." Kabir Ramdew, Basics of Creative Writing Course, December 2009
 
"In terms of feedback, I must say that the course was great! As my first ever attempt at writing or learning about it, I found it at just the right level for a beginner. Helen's guidance was valuable and the coursework interesting and exciting. I will be looking for more courses in the future as the bug has successfully bitten me!" Aimee Fouche, Basics of Creative Writing, December 2009
 
"Thank you heaps! The course was great. I am really happy with everything about the course." Nicky Smith, Basics of Creative Writing, December 2009
 
"Helen Brain was an exceptional mentor and gave excellent feedback, encouragement and guidance throughout the course.  Her responses were always prompt and detailed and her criticism constructive." Ariella Caira, Basics of Creative Writing, November 2009
 
"The course was wonderful in every respect." Gill Palliser, Basics of Creative Writing, November 2009
 
"Helen Brain is a gifted teacher and got me going in creative writing. I didn't believe that I could do it but Helen believed otherwise." Nico Du Plessis, Basics of Creative Writing, December 2009
 
"I think that the course content is excellent - I learned many new things, things that I would never have even thought of before doing this course. Helen was very helpful, and I loved her feedback - she inspired me to try my hardest and made me feel like I really have talent to be a writer. I will definitely be recommending this course to anybody I know who wants to write, especially because Helen is the lecturer." Cheryl Childs, Basics of Creative Writing, October 2009