Workshop taps into the love of writing
If you fancy your ability to tell the tale of the next Christian Grey, Edward and Bella, or Mr Darcy and Elizabeth, the Nelson Romance Writers group has the writing workshop for you.
‘‘It’s not just for romance writers though, it’s open to all writers in the region,’’ organiser Annika Ohlson-Smith said.
The full-day affair will be held in the upstairs room at Nick Smith’s Nelson office, with romance author Yvonne Lindsay leading attendees in ’what makes a good story’.
Ohlson-Smith said Lindsay had held workshops before, and the Nelson chapter of Romance Writers New Zealand was thrilled to have secured her.
‘‘You don’t have to be a writer to come to the workshop, all you need is an interest in writing,’’ she said.
Yvonne Lindsay has 36 romance titles to her name, and was the 2015 winner of the Romance Writers of New Zealand Koru Award of Excellence.
She said her romance writing expertise meant the workshop includes examples from romance novels, but that shouldn’t put other writers off.
‘‘The principles relate to any kind of writing,’’ Lindsay said.
‘‘I would not want to put off anyone who is say a mystery or suspense writer, or science- fiction. It doesn’t really matter what you write. What makes a good story is what makes a good story.’’
Lindsay said New Zealand had a healthy community of aspiring authors and this was largely because people loved using their imaginations.
‘‘I think sometimes we get a bit tired of being spoon-fed drivel and so-called entertainment. To be honest, I prefer fiction to reality when it comes to my entertainment. I don’t like watching a lot of reality television… I never watch cooking shows.’’
She said she read a lot of suspense novels, thrillers, police procedurals, and anything with gripping characters, but romance novels were her first love.
‘‘The romance genre covers so many areas,’’ she said.
Lindsay said the popularity of romance seemed to centre on the promise of a happy ending.
‘‘People like the feel-good factor,’’ she said.
The workshop is on Saturday, February 25, 9am-4pm, at Nick Smith’s office, corner of Waimea Rd and Quarantine Rd. For information: nelsonromancewriters@xtra.co.nz.