I am an experienced tutor and mentor and have worked with students across a wide range of ages, from eight-year-old kids to retirees. My objective is to help people get the most out of their writing in a safe and fun environment, through writing exercises, feedback and workshopping. Many of my students have gone on to publication and/or competition success including in Toitoi, Re-draft, Write On, fingers comma toes, and National Flash Fiction Day.

As Director/Tutor at Hagley Writer’s Institute (HWI), I currently organise this highly-respected programme, as well as teach across the year. I also tutor at the University of Canterbury, and regularly teach with Write On School for Young Writers both as part of their regular classes and running specialist classes in schools.

I am happy to work with students of all ages, in groups or as individuals, in person or online. I run courses across a wide range of writing styles from memoir, non-fiction and poetry, to speculative and historic fiction. Please contact me if you’d like to find out how I could help you in your writing journey. I look forward to working with you. (021 0366 343)


Testimonials

You have been an amazing tutor to all of us over the past few terms. All of us really appreciate the hard work. You have taught us some really great writing skills and you are a really fun teacher! We all value you so much. Thank you for handling such a crazy bunch. Thank you again – your crazy writing classWrite On Saturday Class 2020

Thank you Mel! Saturday mornings at Hagley Writers’ Institute have been the highlight of my year!Paula, HWI 2023

I just wanted to say how much I am getting from the course, and the supportive way you run it. Thank you for this opportunity and for your gift at teaching.” Liana, HWI 2023

“I had lots of fun during this year as well so thank you very much for your teaching style. Quite excellent.” Alba, HWI 2023