Rotorua writers weekend - an opportunity for aspiring writers

Some of the Rotorua Writers Group, from left, Marj Griffiths, Anne Potter, Jim Adams, Linda Blackett and Mollie Smith work during a writing session. Photo/Supplied

Aspiring authors are invited to enjoy a weekend in Rotorua when the Writers' Groups host their Writers Weekend at the Shambles Theatre.

"A feast for Rotorua writers", the weekend of September 9 and 10 will be an opportunity to hear from guest speakers who aim to tutor, advise and inspire.

Rotorua Writers' Group co-president Mollie Smith said they were providing an opportunity for writers to listen, discuss and learn, to be inspired, relax and to enjoy the company of fellow authors.

"Writing can be such a solitary occupation; the benefits gained from such mingling are invaluable," she said

Well-known figures of the New Zealand literary world, Kathryn Burnet, Jenny Argante, Tina Shaw and Sue Emms (writing tutor at Toi Ohomai) will be in attendance.

The four women have all had their work published and cover a broad spectrum of writing, from screenplay to non fiction and poetry.

"Many aspects of the craft of writing are to be covered at the all-day Saturday sessions and the morning Sunday sessions," Ms Smith said.

"There is also an opportunity for attendees to present a sample of their work for professional assessment - plus a $100 prize is being donated by McLeods Booksellers for a special writing challenge themed around the Shambles Theatre."

Ms Smith said the Shambles Theatre was chosen as the venue for the weekend because of its historic ambiance.

"To start the creative juices flowing, members of the Rotorua Little Theatre will show attendees through the theatre at the beginning of Saturday's session," she said.

"We hope the special atmosphere of the Shambles will result in some very interesting pieces of writing. Any genre is eligible for entry in the competition."

This weekend for writers is one of several that have run during the 35-year existence of Rotorua Writers' Group.

"The Rotorua Writers' Group is excited to have the opportunity this year to make this connection with one of the city's performing arts groups," Ms Smith said. "We are all part of Rotorua's very busy creative scene."

Further details of the Writers Weekend are available on the Rotorua Writers' Group website or by phoning Marj Griffiths on (07) 345 6883

Registrations are now open, with early-bird registrations closing on August 25.