Christchurch Writers’ Group (CLOSED!)

Free Your Inner Creator!

This is an in-person mentor led group, located in Christchurch.  We meet weekly, in a safe, supportive, fun and informal space.   Using proven writing techniques, we will help you free the creative writer trapped inside you, helping with the healing and story telling process.
 
This group is now closed to new members. If you are interested in joining a similar group, I now provide mentoring online, inside KESWiN Academy.
Visit KESWiN Academy
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Technology-Free Writing Process

There is zero technology required for the proven writing process we’ll be using.  You can leave your laptops, tablets and phones at home.  Basically, all you need to bring with you is a notebook and a pen.  Nothing else! 

I recommend you purchase a Visual Art Diary which is spiral bound, A5, with blank pages (no lines).  You can pick them up from:

Writing Practice Journal Series #005: "Deep Reflections"

Get Mentored Online

This Christchurch Writers Group is now closed to new members. If you are interested in joining a similar group, I now provide mentoring online, inside KESWiN Academy.
Visit KESWiN Academy

Why I started a Writing Group

A long time ago, in a far away galaxy…

Okay, not quite a far away galaxy.  But in the time before Covid, terrorist attacks, floods, wildfires and earthquakes changed our lives forever in Christchurch, I used to run an in-person creative writing group.  And over the past 15 years I have run many online writing groups. 

Writing does not have to be a solitary affair where you are tied to your computer screen.  In fact, when you meet up and write with others, that’s when the magic starts to happen!

How a Writing Group Helped Me

Back in that long time ago (actually 30+ years ago) prior to starting my first writing group, I was a wannabe author.  I had dreams.  I wrote in secret.  I lacked confidence in my writing skills (despite getting some great feedback from best selling authors!).  And I had plenty of half-finished, unread manuscripts sitting in the bottom drawer of my filing cabinet.

But then I decided to connect with other wannabe authors.  I put an ad in a newsletter, and had some interest.  And as we started writing together.  A core group of us bonded.  And over time, by the simple act of writing and sharing our stories with each other, we found our writing skills and confidence dramatically improved. 

More importantly, I self-published my first book.  And then I started working on my second book – a memoir of sorts – which ended up being independently published after the Christchurch Earthquake. 

And then I was approached to help edit and publish Responders which was an “overnight” success with the New Zealand booksellers and their customers.  Following on from that, a local book retailer suggested that I publish the Christchurch Then and Now books.  All in that series have been local best-sellers.  

How Being Part of a Writing Group Helps Others

“About Me” stories are never really about the person writing them.  They are about how that individual has helped others.  Since 2008 I’ve been coaching and mentoring individuals and groups, online and offline, to gain confidence in their writing skills and ideas.  

Some have even gone on to build solo-businesses, websites, write articles, and even independently publish their books!  But don’t take my word for it.  I’ve posted some of their testimonials at the bottom of this page. 

So if you’re wondering how writing groups help you improve your writing, here are some of the benefits you will receive:

  • connecting with like-minded travelling companions;
  • meeting regularly in-person (or online) in a safe space;
  • building trusting, supportive relationships with the group;
  • reconnecting with your inner creator;
  • starting to tell and share your story;
  • begin the heroic journey to healing and growing; and
  • most importantly, have a lot of fun and laughs along the way!
If you like the idea of this, then visit KESWiN Academy to learn more about group coaching, and complete the enquiry form to register your interest. Deb

Testimonials

It's awesome having Deb work with me to produce a real book! She delivers clear instructions and gives practical support in a friendly and approachable manner.
Dr Alan Fayter, Author, NZ
Dr Alan Fayter, Author, NZHow to Chill Out
Deb provides a fresh approach to learning about writing. Her training is professional and easy to follow. The workshops are fun and interactive.
Corinne Floyd
Corinne FloydCanada
Deb initiated our writing group. She is a constant source of inspiration for us in her commitment to writing. She is organised, focused, and gives feedback which is effective, prompt, and always kind.
Linda Manson
Linda MansonNew Zealand
Working with Deb gave me a real understanding of the factors involved to publish a book. I would never have completed my project without her help.
David Clarkson, Author, NZ
David Clarkson, Author, NZDare to Deliver
Deb taught me to write diamonds. I've written more in 2010 than any other time. As I write I feel a sense of who I am and who I might become.
Greg Gust
Greg GustUSA
Deb is the talented, constructive and supportive leader of our group. She knows, practices and teaches the process of self-publishing, as well as contemporary theories of writing practice and creativity.
Nancy Stewart
Nancy StewartNew Zealand
Deb provides good, practical information in her workshops, especially in relation to copyright and other aspects of publishing.
Jane Cowan-Harris, Author, NZ
Jane Cowan-Harris, Author, NZ10 Secrets to Creating a Healthy Home-Based Office
Deb's training has made me really excited about writing! I just needed someone to get me in the habit and doing it. Now I feel like I am on a roll.
Nicole Thomas
Nicole ThomasUSA
Deb is highly organised, well informed in writing and both motivated and a great motivator. She leads by example and is passionate about the creative process. She believes in equal opportunity and that we all have a story to tell.
Joyce Fraser
Joyce FraserNew Zealand
Deb has helped my writing skills improve tremendously. Now I not only have the confidence to sit and write, but I have the basic ability to communicate intelligibly while delivering some real value. This was a skill that was well beyond me prior to working with Deb.
Tom Renfro
Tom RenfroUSA
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