Read NZ, Te Pou Muramura, writers in schools programme brought Philippa Werry to our library for a whole day of very engaging presentations and workshops.

Philippa delighted our students with stories about her writing world. She gave an insight into the way she gets ideas and how she expands them into books.  Given our experience with Covid 19 it was really interesting for our students to hear about the polio epidemic that featured in her book, "Enemy at the Gate".   She talked about taking snippets of history, or family stories, and using them as starters for writing. Her book "The Telegram," about a post-girl who had to deliver telegrams to people during the first world war, is an example of this.

Philippa took writing workshops for our junior and senior writers. They were thoroughly engaged, taking part in a variety of writing exercises, and working on their ideas and techniques. Here are some of the many positive responses from our students:

What did you enjoy, or learn, from the presentation or workshop?

"I learned many processes and ways to build a character, setting and also how to use dialogue to my advantage."

"A huge amount! How to create characters, dialogue etc. How to write short stories and  find ideas."

"I loved all the advice and tips she gave us, I will definitely be using them for future stories."

"The way small ideas can grow into books. The idea of using the "what if" statement to bring more to the story."

Have you been inspired to continue with your own writing? Explain .....

"Yes, the workshop has made me want to get back into writing. I forgot how much fun writing was and the workshop really just reminded me of how good it was and definitely inspired me to write more."

"It has been helpful as it made me understand that there is a certain logic to writing stories. In this aspect it has, in its own way encouraged me to keep at it."

"I have, her workshop has helped me develop a brand new story idea! And I’m very grateful for it."

"Yes. Its been my dream to be an author for years."