He's passionate and serious about his writing, and attracted attention from the moment he first got published. She's energetic and multi-talented, not only writing great books for kids, but also running the Rotorua Music School.He's passionate and serious about his writing, and attracted attention from the moment he first got published. She's energetic and multi-talented, not only writing great books for kids, but also running the Rotorua Music School.James George and Sharon Whillis (pictured) are two more additional reasons if you want to be a writer to it do it online with Waiariki Institute of Technology, whose online Certificate in Creative Writing is now in its 3rd successful year.

In 2006 inaugural tutor Kingi Mckinnon died tragically sudden two days before The Six Pack with his winning story 'Maik'i was published to celebrate New Zealand Book Month. Waiariki IT has set up 'The Kingi Mckinnon Scholarship for Emerging Writers' in his honour - now open for entries - and course leader Sue Emms, herself a novelist of high reputation, has had the hard task of replacing Kingi, a valued colleague and friend.

James George will now teach 'Contemporary Maori Literature' and 'Writing with a Maori Voice'. He is eminently qualified to do so. His second novel, Hummingbird, was shortlisted for both the Montana Book Awards and the Tasmania Pacific Fiction Prize, and won the premiere1 section of the Maori Literature Awards. George toured France in November 2006 as part of the 'Twelve New Zealand Writers - Beautiful Strangers' team, and, like Emms, was one of only 20 writers included in Best New Zealand Fiction 3, edited by Dame Fiona Kidman. George is keenly interested in contemporary Maori writers and writing, and will bring a broad depth of experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to his teaching.

Sharon Whillis will take over the remaining Mckinnon module, 'Writing for Children', one of the most popular on the course. Her own books include To the Dump, The Boxing Day Test and Old Score and are all published by Scholastic. Her subjects embrace iconic Kiwi themes, and don't only delight and inform her young writers, but their parents and teachers, too.

"With James and Sharon now teaching on our great creative writing programme it's about to get even better", says Sue Emms. "We're delighted to welcome them to Waiariki."

15/1/07