SERVICES

Presenter and event chair

Caroline is a skilled and engaging presenter who brings energy, warmth, and professionalism to the stage. She has chaired and spoken at dozens of festivals and literary events across New Zealand and Australia, including delivering keynote speeches on writing and literature.

Contact Caroline to enquire.

As event Chair: Auckland Writers Festival (Dame Fiona Kidman, Joshua Prendeville, Richard Shaw, Alexander McKinnon), Hamilton Book Month (Ngāhuia Te Awakotuku, Emma Wehipeihana and Craig Hoyle), St Cuthbert’s Literary Evening (Rachel Paris, Stacy Gregg, Emma Vere-Jones, Lisa Allen, Sophie van Waardenburg), We Read Auckland (Rachel Paris and Gina Butson), Going West (Rosetta Allan and Craig Cliff)

As author: Auckland Writers Festival, WOMAD, Nelson Arts Festival, Queenstown Writers Festival, WORD Christchurch, Crimes on the Coast (Ngaio Marsh events), Affirm Press Australia Roadshows, Hamilton Book Month (alongside Dame Fiona Kidman and Charlotte Grimshaw).

As keynote speaker: NZSA Roadshows, Auckland English Teachers Association Conference, Diocesan School, St Cuthbert’s College.

Creative writing teacher

Caroline is passionate about sharing her knowledge and helping writers develop their craft. She offers live and online courses on many aspects of the writer’s journey — including memoir, story structure, writing craft, book promotion, and literary citizenship. She has taught courses for NZ Society of Authors, at festivals including Hamilton Book Month, Queenstown Writers Festival, WriteFest and Nelson Arts Festival, and at venues including Te Atamira Queenstown, Whangārei Library and Auckland Transport HQ.

With a wealth of experience, she has tutored on creative writing programmes, judged regional and international writing competitions, assessed applications for Creative New Zealand, and examined Master’s-level theses.

Caroline brings energy, encouragement, and practical insight to every session, creating a supportive environment where writers feel inspired to grow and take creative risks.

Contact Caroline to enquire.

Manuscript assessor and story consultant

For many years, Caroline worked as a manuscript assessor and story coach, both independently and through the New Zealand Society of Authors. Whilst she is no longer taking on new clients, this background informs her teaching and presenting, where she continues to support emerging writers through creative writing workshops and literary events.

“Caroline is a natural teacher who has the unique ability to critique and criticise, while building her clients’ confidence and celebrating their successes.”
Stephen Tester author of The Kiss of Death (working title)

“As a first time author Caroline has been fantastic to work with. Her suggestions are first class she is positive and encouraging and just makes the whole process very stress free. Caroline also has a wide range of contacts that she recommends and they also are very helpful. Thanks Caroline for helping me.”
Joe Voorouw, author of You Were Born to be Successful

“Caroline’s mentorship and guidance has been critical to my growth as a writer. Without her kind, well-reasoned and expert advice, my first manuscript wouldn't have developed into a publishable work. I would still be floundering! She has supported my work and encouraged me to hone my skills, for example with short stories, which has given me the thrill seeing my work published. I wouldn't be here without Caroline.”
Emily, published author

“Caroline was just the person to inspire me to grasp the metal and look objectively at my lengthy manuscript. Her website and proximity to our home drew me to her as someone to whom I could trust my words. Caroline’s professionalism and generous advice was particularly pivotal as we entered lockdown.”
Mary Tallon, author of Jack’s Voice

“It is a book about the family history and first twenty-one years of Richie McCaw, New Zealand's most successful and acknowledged All Black. I have found Caroline to be an extremely astute, motivated, and wise editor and coach. Her advice has been not only practical—she clearly understands how passionate and absorbed writers become in their work. I would recommend her without reservation. I have written three other books.”
Todd R. Nicholls

“Caroline responded with a supportive, astute and helpful assessment of my book’s excerpt with startling speed. She is one of those rare people who critique with warmth. People deliver best when their mahi lights them up. Caroline clearly loves her work.”
Anissa Ljanta, author of The Dx Files

“Caroline did an excellent job of assessing and critiquing a manuscript for Bateman Books recently. Her report was comprehensive and clear, and she provided a number of constructive suggestions that the author duly implemented. Caroline is extremely well-read and understands the mechanics of writing fiction, and is able to explain it in a way that is quite exemplary and extremely straightforward and helpful for publishers like me.”
Louise Russell, Publisher at Bateman Books

“Caroline’s contribution to my professional development, including her deep understanding of character and story, has strengthened my work immeasurably. I completely rewrote my debut novel Gang Girl following Caroline’s advice, leading to its successful publication. Her input on my second book, The Road to Madhapur, became the catalyst for an immeasurably stronger final draft.

Manuscript assessment can make or break a book—and an author’s career. Finding the right editor is essential for every writer. It is their most important professional relationship. I’m glad I found Caroline.”
David Whittet, author of Gang Girl and The Road to Madhapur

Literature sector contractor

Caroline has a unique 360-degree view of the literary sector through her contacts across the industry. Her work has included project management, funding and grant application writing, and literary event planning and programming. Clients include Auckland Writers Festival | Waituhi o Tāmaki (where she was Acting Marketing and Development Manager), New Zealand Society of Authors, Storylines, Michael King Writers Centre and 1001 Nights Writing Project.

These days, Caroline focuses her energy on writing, presenting and teaching.

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