Writing Your First Novel Course.

Introduction.

You’ll learn how to write fiction for adult readers: family drama, contemporary, literary, thriller, romance, detective, western, intrigue, sci-fi, historical, adventure, sea saga, escape stories … you choose. Perhaps your novel will become a best-seller? You won’t know until you try.

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This novel writing course is for writers who have competency in the basics of writing fiction, short stories etc. For instance, graduates of our NZIBS Creative Writing or Short Story Writing courses who want to specialise. Graduates of the Bill Manhire writing course etc are welcomed.

Novel writing is fun, but anyone who has started and given up will tell you – it’s not easy to complete one without someone knowledgeable to guide your efforts.

In this novel writing course your personal tutor provides you with step-by-step guidance – from getting a story idea right through to being published. Independent self-publishing on Amazon Kindle, Smashwords and Lulu are exciting new options for today’s writers.

Earning royalties as a novel writer is a great way to turn your hobby into a second income earner. But please consider the money and royalties as a bonus. It is best to write a novel because you want to. We understand that feeling.

Get Brochure.

Complete the short form below to download the prospectus.

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The Enrolment Application is contained within the download and is also available online.
Please email ([email protected]) or call if you have any questions. Toll Free: 0800 80 1994 International: +64 9 272 3974.

Testimonials.

More Testimonials

You Receive.


  • Tutoring from New Zealand industry experts

  • Course books, folder and stationery pack

  • Printed copies of all course materials

  • Cutting edge eLearning systems for online learning option

  • Access to online forums to network with other students and tutors

  • Support from admin staff to help you through the learning experience

  • Training from a trusted distance learning institute with over 30 years of experience

Tutor Profile.

Writing has been a life-long passion for Joanna, with a first chapter book published in serial form in the Nelson Evening Mail when she was nine followed by high school prizes for poetry and essays. She has written everything from articles for trade and interest journals, interpretation panels and brochures on historical, environmental, and cultural topics, to award-winning fiction and non-fiction books that range from social and environmental history to historical and adventure novels for children, young adults, and adults.

Mentoring and supporting other writers has always been part of her writing life, including critiques for writers during thirty years’ experience as an editor/writing tutor for the Forest Research Institute and Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, student mentoring for Hagley Writers’ Institute, and for the last five years has been a mutual critiquer of historical fiction with a small peer group of international writers.

Joanna has been short-listed six times in the Children’s Book of the Year Awards, twice winning her category. Two of her non-fiction titles for adults won New Zealand Awards in History, her historical novel Shifting Currents was short-listed in the 2021 Heritage Book awards, and Riccarton and the Deans family was a finalist in the 2016 Heritage Book Awards. Joanna was the 2009 University of Otago College of Education Children’s Writer in Residence.

Joanna Orwin

Tina Shaw

Tina Shaw is a novelist, short story and freelance writer who lives
in Taupo. Her stories have been published in anthologies, literary journals and magazines. Her recent literary novel for adults is The Children’s Pond (Pointer Press). In 2013 she edited the Bateman New Zealand Writer’s Handbook.

She is a winner of the Buddle Findlay Sargeson Fellowship, has held the Creative New Zealand Berlin Writers’ Residency, and was Writer in Residence at the University of Waikato. She has also written junior and young adult fiction, including Into the Hinterland, and its sequel Dogs of the Hinterland as well as books for the ‘Kiwi Bites’ and ‘Mainsails’ series. Her young adult novel About Griffen’s Heart was a Storylines Notable Book in 2010.

Tina has many years experience as a manuscript assessor. She is a mentor and assessor for the NZ Society of Authors. Her website is www.tinashaw.co.nz

What You'll Learn.

1. Getting Started.

2. Writing The First Two Chapters.

3. Choose Names For The Characters.

4. Developing The Middle Story.

5. Writing The Story’s Climax.

6. Getting Your Novel Published.

NZIBS Writing Blog.

  • Beyond Words: The Role of Setting in Creative Writing
    We often focus on the characters, plot development, and dialogue when discussing storytelling. However, what is often overlooked but plays an essential role in …
  • Benefits of Writing Poetry
    Poetry is often considered a niche art form, reserved for literary aficionados and high school English classes. But did you know that writing poetry can benefit …
  • No More Lemons! | Kirsty Geary
    Someone very wise once said when life gives you lemons, make lemonade (Elbert Hubbard in 1915 specifically, thanks Google). I decided that I’d had my share of s …
  • Proofreader vs Spell Check
    Proofreading and spell checking are tools that can improve the quality of written content, but they offer different benefits. Here are five benefits of using a …
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FAQs.

We have been operating since 1991 and have thousands of graduates all over the world. Our courses are conducted by correspondence. You decide when and where you study. The course material (including books) is sent to you, and you submit your assignments regularly. You don't have to take time off work or travel to classes.