New semesters of literary courses are about to start so if you’re wondering what you’re going to do with yourself now winter is kicking in, dither no longer.

The Whitireia online Diploma in Publishing (previously mentioned here earlier this year in an article on NZ publishing) covers editing, marketing and trade knowledge, project management, typesetting and typography and has been very well received so far in the industry. The course starts on July 24 but you must apply by June 1. That’s not far away, people. Check the website for more details.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the publishing machine, the Waiairki Certificate in Creative Writing, similarly online and now in its second year, will be starting on June 5. The tutors of the programme, which covers short stories, poetry, family history or non fiction, have not been sitting about waiting for students to show up.

Lead tutor Sue Emms from Tauranga has had a short story, The Weakness of Women, chosen for inclusion in a Best NZ Fiction Anthology, edited by Dame Fiona Kidman and published by Random House. Sue has also recently had a poem accepted for publication in Takahe. Her second novel, Come Yesterday, was published late last year to excellent reviews.

Jenny Argante’s column, The Write Place, continues in the Bay of Plenty Times, and she has a piece of work included in the June edition of North and South magazine. She’s also working on a biography and is putting together a collection of New Zealand poems for children that will be launched by Reed on Montana Poetry Day next year.

And Kingi McKinnon continues his work with Scholastic publishers. Kingi has a collection of short stories set among Maori communities coming out in October. He also has a poem included in Jenny Argante’s book, and a short story titled The one that got away is included in an anthology of Pacific and Maori writers being edited by Tessa Duder.

Busy busy. It's always good if your tutors are out there doing it. If you’re interested in honing your talents, or indeed, checking on their whereabouts, don’t be shy. Check them out here or freephone 0800 924 274. Here’s to a productive winter.