WRITEFEST 2025

Hey Writer, looking to improve your craft, learn new skills, shift the dial or just connect with a writing community?

This event is so for you.

Writefest annually brings an amazing group of tutors and wordsmiths together under one roof to inspire and teach you a broad range of writing skills over one creatively stimulating day AND this year we're opening Writefest on Saturday night with a panel and networking drinks 4.30pm 19th July. Our Hot Topic: Working with A.I - the good, bad and ugly.

All of the Writefest tutors are successful, working writers so this is a great opportunity to learn, upskill and get inspired by the best whether you’re brand new or you've been writing for a while.

8 WORKSHOPS, 6 TUTORS , 3 COFFEE BREAKS OVER ONE AWESOME DAY.

"Always fun with fresh topics and inspiring speakers, Writefest is the one big writing event that I look out for every year." Robyn Welsh

WRITEFEST OPENING EVENT - Saturday 19th July

Working with AI Panel Discussion - the good, bad and ugly.

AI offers exciting opportunies for speed and enhanced productivity but it also introduces some tricky questions around copyright, ownership, and collaboration that writers need to understand. Whether you embrace it or reject it, AI isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Join NZ Writers Guild ED, Alice Shearman, Novelist & Copywriter Scott Butler and Kathryn Burnett 4pm Saturday 19th July to dig into the good, bad and ugly of working with AI.

WRITEFEST 2025 WORKSHOPS - Sunday 20th July

- FIRE UP YOUR STORY ENGINE: 90 minutes of creatively stimulating writing sprints with Award-winning screenwriter & playwright Kathryn Burnett

- PITCH ON THE PAGE: Write a synopsis that sells! Nailing your synopsis, logline or pitch is a vital part of your writing career - learn with development exec & screenwriter Steve Barr.

- CRAFTING SHORT STORIES: What makes for a great short story? Learn the nuts and bolts with award-winning novelist Caroline Barron

- CRAFT BEAUTIFUL SENTENCES: Learn how to use poetic techiques to make your prose gorgeous with award-winning poet and novelist Anne Kennedy

- START YOUR NON-FICTION BOOK : Start turning your experience and expertise into compelling non-fiction with award-winning journalist and author Atakohu Middleton

- SURVIVING FEEDBACK: Fear of what people will think can stop writers in their tracks but feedback can be your friend. Learn how to love it with award-winning screenwriter & playwright Kathryn Burnett

- GET THE LOWDOWN ON PUBLISHING: Looking for expert knowledge on how publishing works and what you need to do BEFORE you submit? Don’t miss this invaluable workshop with Harriet Allan.

- IMPROVE YOUR DIALOGUE: Nailed your plot and characters but feel your dialogue could be tighter, better or just work harder? Learn how to make what your characters say (and don't say) memorable and authentic with screenwriter and development exec Steve Barr.

HOW TO ATTEND WRITEFEST...

1) Buy an ALL DAY PASS for an all access pass to opening panel event, all workshops, morning & afternoon tea plus anything we include in the day.

2) Time poor? Buy an INDIVIDUAL WORKSHOP TIX and just drop in for an individual workshop that rings your bell - and grab a coffee after!

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3) Only interested in our Working with AI Panel? Buy your ticket here.

Want to buy your All Day WF2025 Pass in 4 payments?

Get in touch - hey@heywriter.co

NB: All tickets are strictly limited

“ I attended two writing workshops organised by this lot in May. Really impressed with the speakers and the value they gave. I’m sure they will help my writing a lot.” Peter McCutcheon

“The workshop really helped hone my idea down to its emotional core, and gave me useful practical application to plan an outline to follow. Highly recommended.” Wayne Hotu, Writer

"Kathryn is an inspiration - funny, self-deprecating, real and she KNOWS how to get people writing. Also the world's best- writing nag. Stop procrastinating and book one of her workshops!" Bex Ansell - Novelist

FAQ

Q: Who are the WRITEFEST workshops for?

Anyone writing fiction or non-fiction. There are a range of workshops - some are designed for newer writers, while others are for folks who are well underway but want to upskill. (Feel free to get in touch if you have questions - hey@heywriter.co)

Q: What is the age limit?

15 years old (But we're happy to discuss if you're a super keen teen.)

Q: What is the catering situation?

Morning and afternoon tea are provided. Purchasers of All Day Pass have access to morning and afternoon tea. Individual Workshop ticket holders are welcome to join us for a coffee and snack after their workshop.

Q: Can I buy additional tickets at venue?

Yes, you can! If you want to upsize to an All Day Pass or purchase another single workshop ticket - no problem.

Q: What is your refund policy?

If we cancel the event - all ticketholders will receive a full refund less Eventbrite fees (NB: In case of PANDEMIC related lock downs - the event will be postponed.) If participant wishes to cancel their ticket - we will consider refund if cancellation is confirmed at least 15 days prior to event. As tickets to this event are limited we are unable to offer a refund under any other circumstances.

Q: Are the tickets transferable?

From person to person or workshop to workshop - yes. Transferable to another one of our events - no.

Q: How many workshops can I access?

If you've purchased an All Day Pass you can attend as many as you want. If you've purchased a Individual Workshop Ticket - you'll have access to that workshop. (But you're welcome to grab a coffee, after.)

Our Workshop Testimonials:

What people say about our workshops...

“Struggling to get a sluggish writing project back on track? Whether you’re a beginner or an established writer, Kathryn’s Goal-Setting Workshop is the perfect prompt to turbo-boost your writing. I was thrilled with this workshop. Great questions. Revelatory.” — Lee Murray, three-time Bram Stoker Award® nominee and author of Into the Ashes.

"Kathryn is an inspiration - funny, self-deprecating, real and she KNOWS how to get people writing. Also the world's best- writing nag. Stop procrastinating and book one of her workshops!" Bex Ansell - Novelist

“A great shot in the arm injection of creative juice! Thanks, Kathryn for your warm and down to earth delivery. Really loved it!” -- Melissa Parsons – Teacher, Researcher, Author.

“Kept me writing notes and solving problems in my writing projects all day. Fascinating and very helpful!” -- Amy Paulussen – writer

“I solved a problem that’s been plaguing me for months today! Thank you." Zoe Meager Author

“Loved Kathryn’s relaxed and yet professional teaching style – great sense of humour and ability to communicated ideas clearly and concisely.” Katherine Smith – Data Entry Operator

“I wrote a story that was directly inspired by one of Kathryn’s creativity exercises during her workshop. The story went on to win a NZ Society of Authors competition and I have just heard that it has been accepted for publication in Landfall! A real breakthrough for me.” Bronwyn Calder

“The workshop really helped hone my idea down to its emotional core, and gave me useful practical application to plan an outline to follow. Highly recommended.” Wayne Hotu, Writer

“Thank you so much for a very enjoyable, productive day. You have given me just the jump start I need to begin working on my stage play and I really appreciated your practical and hands on approach to the workshop. “ Emma Love – Celebrant/Writer

“Thanks for an awesome day Kathryn! I came away feeling a thousand times clearer on what I'm writing.” Lucy Fullarton

HOW DO I SIGN UP?

BUY the ticket option that suits you best...

Grab your Earlybird discount on the ALL DAY PASS now!

Want to buy your All Day Ticket in 4 payments?

Get in touch - hey@heywriter.co