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.
I am the Director of Hagley Writer’s Institute (HWI), and lecture and tutor in creative at the University of Canterbury and Arcadia University (for Belmont University).
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.
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 class” Write On Saturday Class
“Thank you Mel! Saturday mornings at Hagley Writers’ Institute have been the highlight of my year!” Paula
“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
“I had lots of fun during this year as well so thank you very much for your teaching style. Quite excellent.” Alba
