This course will look at the fundamentals of all good writing, be it fiction or non-fiction. We will  study extracts from a range of writers, and identify what makes for writing that grips a reader. And we will put what we’ve learned into practice.

The aim is that by the end of the week everyone will have written at least one piece of a publishable standard.

Requirements: pen, paper, life experience, an open mind, an interest in words and a willingness to laugh.

Joe Bennett has been a full-time writer for 25 years. His newspaper columns are syndicated throughout the country and he has been Columnist of the Year several times. He has over 20 books to his name.

Website: joebennett.co.nz