WordSpace
WordSpace is a series of video conference discussions between secondary school students and leading New Zealand writers. It provides a forum for inspiration, education and the exchange of ideas, and is offered as part of the New Zealand Book Council's Writers in Schools programme.
Participating schools connect to the writers via videoconferencing technology, effectively creating a nationwide classroom. The programme is of particular interest for students studying English, Drama, Creative Writing and Media Studies
WordSpace is presented by the New Zealand Book Council and CWA New Media, with support from the Southern Trust.
The WordSpace video conferences are finished for the year, but you can buy DVDs of the sessions. Scroll down for further details.
How to Take Part
To participate in Wordspace, your school will need access to videoconferencing equipment with a polycom unit.
WordSpace is open to all secondary schools that are members of the New Zealand Book Council. Once a member, secondary schools have the opportunity to register for all ten sessions.
To find out how to become a member of the Book Council visit: www.bookcouncil.org.nz/about/aboutschoolmembers.html
Or contact Educational Manager, Sarah Hughes
Ph: (04) 499 1569, email: education@bookcouncil.org.nz
Please contact Megan O'Donovan at CWA New Media if you have any questions about equipment or registering for a WordSpace session.
Ph: (04) 382 6515, email: digitalconversations@cwa.co.nz
WordSpace DVDs
Recordings of WordSpace video conferences are now available on DVD for purchase. These DVDs are an invaluable resource for students of English, Creative Writing and Media Studies, and anyone interested in New Zealand writing.
The New Zealand Book Council is pleased to announce five new titles in the WordSpace DVD series, starring many home-grown literary stars.
The new titles are:
Fiction, with Kate De Goldi and Paula Boock
Kate and Paula are renowned writers who have written award-winning young adult fiction. They discuss their inspirations for writing fiction; their favourite themes and characters; the writing process and trusting their instincts; the difference between young adult fiction and adult fiction; and how they react when they get a bad review.
Creative Non-fiction and Reviewing, with Harry Ricketts and David Eggleton
Harry and David are reviewers, poets and creative non-fiction writers. They discuss how to write a review; what creative non-fiction is; whether there is anything you cannot write about; how to silence your inner critic; some of the responses to their reviews; how long they research for writing a book; and what happens when you miss a deadline.
Journalism, with Lynn Freeman and Julie Hill
Lynn and Julie are arts journalists of note and have worked in a variety of media. They talk with students about how to get into journalism in New Zealand; their favourite things about the job; how to deal with reluctant interviewees; how to research a story; and how to write a good headline.
Scriptwriting and Playwriting, with James Griffin and Fiona Samuel
James and Fiona are award-winning scriptwriters and playwrights. They discuss creating character; how to become a scriptwriter or playwright; how New Zealand writers are regarded internationally; writing about culture; and how to deal with emotion in dramatic writing.
Poetry, with James Brown and Hinemoana Baker
James and Hinemoana are Wellington-based poets. They explain poetic licence; and talk about their inspirations, their favourite poets and their favourite lines from their own work. They also discuss maintaining rhythm and give advice about that essential first line. Hinemoana also reads some of her poetry.
2006 DVDs
- Poetry with Jenny Bornholdt and Glenn Colquhoun
- Fantasy Fiction with Elizabeth Knox and VM Jones
- The Writing of Janet Frame with Gregory O'Brien and Pamela Gordon
- Playwriting with Lynda Chanwai-Earle and Briar Grace-Smith
- Writing from a Non-European Perspective with Tusiata Avia and Lynda Chanwai-Earle
- Creative Writing with Damien Wilkins and Frances Samuel
- Reviewing with Nick Bollinger and David Hill
- Journalism with Sean Plunket and Lane Nichols
- Young Adult Fiction with Fleur Beale and Eirlys Hunter
2007 DVDs
- Fiction, with Kate De Goldi and Paula Boock
- Creative Non-fiction and Reviewing, with Harry Ricketts and David Eggleton
- Journalism, with Lynn Freeman and Julie Hill
- Scriptwriting and Playwriting, with James Griffin and Fiona Samuel
- Poetry, with James Brown and Hinemoana Baker
Prices:
Please note you can no longer order sets of nine of the 2006 DVDs. You can now order 2007 DVDs in sets of five.
- Book Council members, per DVD $10 / per set of 5, $40
- Non-members, per DVD $15 / per set of 5, $60
If you would like to place an order for WordSpace DVDs email: reception@bookcouncil.org.nz
You do not need to be a school to order these DVDs.
CWA New Media has clips from two WordSpace sessions on its Digital Conversations website.
To view clips from the Poetry session with Glenn Colquhoun and the Playwriting session with Hone Kouka, Bernard Beckett and Lynda Chanwai-Earle visit: www.digitalconversations.org.nz
