AUCKLAND WRITEFEST 2026

“Informative and inspirational, Writefest is the pulse for Aotearoa storytellers.” - Lee Murray

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

"A powderkeg of inspiration and craft. Every time I attend, I come away charged up to create." - Claire Dunning

8.30am - 10.30am WRITE YOUR ROMANTASY — Steffanie Holmes
Got a killer romantasy idea but not sure how to blend the magic and the romance? Romantasy is hot right now and looks deceptively easy but when you’re juggling two massive genres – how do you get the balance right? This workshop explores how to build irresistible chemistry alongside high-stakes magical/supernatural worlds and how to create stories readers can’t put down. 2 HOURS

8.30am - 10.30am IMPROVE YOUR DIALOGUE — Steve Barr
Nailed your plot and characters but feel your dialogue could be tighter, sharper or just work harder for you? Learn how to make what your characters say (and don’t say) feel authentic, dynamic and full of subtext, with SCREENWRITER AND DEVELOPMENT EXEC Steve Barr. (This workshop was so popular last year - we had to do it again!) 2 HOURS

11.00am - 12.15pm PANEL: WRITING ROMANTIC FICTION — Nicky Pellegrino (Facilitator: Caroline Barron)
What makes a love story truly compelling? Where do you start? Join bestselling author Nicky Pellegrino in conversation with award-winning author Caroline Barron to explore the craft of romantic fiction- from creating believable relationships to sustaining emotional tension - 1 HOUR 15 MINS

11.00am - 12.15pm PANEL: WHAT CRIME WRITERS GET WRONG — Angus McLean (Facilitator: Atakohu Middleton)
Think you know crime writing? Think again. This lively panel digs into the mistakes crime writers often get wildly wrong. Based on his experience as a detective and private investigator, Angus McClean has written the book that sets things straight. Join him for this informative and fun discussion. 1 HOUR 15 MINS

1.15pm - 3.15pm START YOUR MEMOIR — Caroline Barron
Got a life story to tell? How do you decide what to include? In this practical and inspiring workshop, award-winning memoirist Caroline Barron guides you through finding your focus and structuring your story. Learn how to identify moments that matter, avoid common pitfalls of life writing, and turn memory into compelling narrative. Whether you’ve already started writing or just want to start, this session will give you the tools and insights to begin your memoir. 2 HOURS

1.15pm -4.15pm PITCHLAB — Kathryn Burnett
Want to test your story idea? In this dynamic, interactive workshop, you’ll test and refine your story concept in a supportive, fun environment designed to strengthen your premise and clarify your direction. And get ready to improve your pitch docs. Walk away with a sharper, super clear pitch and a clearer sense of your story’s potential. 3 HOURS

3.15pm - 4.45pm FRAGMENTS & SCRAPS: PATCHWORK PLOTTING — Anne Kennedy
Not all stories begin with a neat outline. Anne Kennedy's innovative session explores unconcentional plotting - an alternative way of building narrative from fragments, images and moments, showing how seemingly disconnected ideas can be shaped into a compelling whole. 1.5 HOURS

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

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

“ 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

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

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Host or Publisher Beginner's Guide Writing Workshops