In New Zealand, it's relatively easy to meet well-known authors. Many writers regularly visit bookclubs, most hold signings, and a select few are even prepared to share the secrets of their trade.

The University of Auckland's Summer Writing Workshops are a case in point. If you're a budding novelist, you can sign up for a five-day course called The Next Step: Writing The Novel, presented by Sarah Quigley (pictured) of Shot fame. The fee is $395, the course includes a one-on-one session with Sarah, and places are limited to 15. This should be an excellent opportunity to gain practical advice from one of the country's top writers.

Other courses include Freelance Journalism & Non-Fiction Writing (Paul Smith), Reading Poetry, Writing Poetry (Jan Kemp), Creativity & The Demon: Writing Short Fiction (Tina Shaw), So You Want To Write? (Joan Rosier-Jones), Writing Romance From Page One to Publisher (Frances Housden), Travel & Write To Publish (Jill Malcolm) and Editing (Stephen Stratford).

The courses run from 12-18 January 2004 at AU's Tamaki Campus in Glen Innes. For more information, call (09) 373 7599 ext 87831/2, or email conted@auckland.ac.nz.