Get Published newsletter

New daytime Creative Writing course; Write your story in 12 words; How to get your book published; Book Giveaway; Lean from home - Online Feature Writing

In this issue:

• TIP: ‘Anytime’ versus ‘Any Time’
• DAYTIME Creative Writing
• Write your story with 12 words
• How to Get Your Book Published
• Book Giveaway - Don’t Look Back by Scott Frost
• Did you know? Terra Firma
• Learn from home - Online Feature Writing
• WEBPICK: 52 Suburbs

It's a busy week here at the Sydney Writers' Centre. I'm flat out organising to go to Las Vegas and New York next week. No, I'm not heading to Vegas to try my luck at the blackjack tables. But yes, I'm going to miss my cats Rex and Rocky (pictured) and my dog Rambo. I’m going to Vegas for a conference on online marketing. As regular readers will know, It's a subject I'm slightly obsessed with so I'm sure I'll be bringing back lots of ideas to share with you. And remember, if you've booked into the Online Business Booster Bootcamp, I'll be sharing my insights into exactly what kind of online marketing can boost your specific business. See you there!

Online Business Booster Bootcamp
When: Tuesday 24 November 2009
Time: 9.30am - 5.30pm
Cost: $695 (including GST)

Click here for more information or to enrol online.





New DAYTIME course for Creative Writing
We’ve had lots of feedback that many of you would prefer the option of attending a course in the morning rather than at night. So, here it is – our daytime Creative Writing Stage 1 course.

If you want to write stories, a novel or your family history, then this is the course for you. Designed for beginners and those who want to improve their creative writing, we’ll show you how to structure your story and write convincing characters.

During the course you’ll learn how to:

• kick-start the creative writing process
• tap into your imagination
• draw from everyday experiences and memories
• examine different types of creative writing
• give structure to your writing
• use characters and dialogue

Here’s what some recent participants had to say about the course:
‘[It is a] creative, positive and supportive environment, where ideas flow and imagination is allowed to express. I have a better understanding on the kind of commitment and passion needed to succeed in writing. I have only scratched the surface of my potential and this course has given me an opportunity to peek into what is possible and what I must do to make it happen.'
- Carlos Olles

‘I approach story-telling and my school lessons with more focus on the structure and engaging the reader/students. I enjoy hearing and reading stories more because I'm aware of the different dimensions that make a good story, especially the structure.’
- Callum Shipley

This course is taught by Jeni Mawter, children’s author of the hilarious ‘So’ series: So Gross!, So Feral!, So Sick!, So Festy!, So Grotty! and So Stinky! (HarperCollins) as well as the Freewheelers series: Unleashed!, Launched! and Extreme! (HarperCollins). Unleashed! was shortlisted for the WAYRBA Older Readers Award 2009.

Creative Writing Stage 1 DAYTIME course with Jeni Mawter
When: Fridays starting Friday 20 November 2009 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am – 12 noon
Cost: $395

Click here for more information or to enrol online.




Write your story with 12 Words
Just how ‘micro’ can micro-fiction get? If you can’t manage a six-word memoir (Smith Magazine’s famous micro-fiction phenomenon), how about a story of 12 words?

Launched in August, this project is being run by the local youth centre in the Nambucca Valley on the mid-north coast. So far, they’ve collected over 750 12-word stories from writers all over Australia. The competition component is for 15 to 25 year olds only, but older writers are encouraged to participate too. If you do fall into the competition’s age range, there are some great prizes to be won, including a $1,000 Random House writing mentorship!

Check it out at 12words.com.au.



 
How to Get Your Book Published
The path to publication is not always an easy one, but it can be made a whole lot easier if you know what you have to do! Our two-hour seminar will give you the essential overview in the publishing process. You’ll then have the confidence to approach and negotiate with publishers.

The seminar will cover:

• how to write a winning book proposal
• how to approach publishers
• do you need an agent?
• how much should you write before approaching a publisher?
• negotiating a fair contract
• the editing and re-writing process

Here’s what some recent participants had to say about the seminar:
‘Clear, easy to understand information, knowledgeable lecturer with quirky anecdotes. All my questions were answered. I thought it was a very good seminar process and I was surprised at how much fitted into two hours. The DREAM is a lot more tangible!’
- Amber Rose Gabriel

‘Simply packed with information from start to finish, the seminar provided all the answers to questions that I have had for years about how books get published! I now have a definite plan to work towards getting my first book published.’
- Lucy Marshall

This seminar is presented by Geoff Barlett, who is an author, journalist, actor and producer. He has filed articles and interviews for over 20 major newspapers and magazines around the country, including The Sydney Morning Herald, Courier Mail, Canberra Times, West Australian and Australian Style.

In 1999, Geoff's first book, was published in Australia and New Zealand through Harper Collins. Comedians in the Mist was a series of interviews with top Australian comedians.

How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Tuesday 24 November 2009 (two-hour seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $75

Click here for more information or to enrol online.




Book Giveaway – Don’t Look Back by Scott Frost
Our latest author podcast features Scott Frost, author and screenwriter. As a screenwriter he’s written for iconic shows such as Twin Peaks and The X-Files. He has also written five books, and his latest crime novel is Don’t Look Back.

The teenage girl is found in the dark field of the Rose Bowl, wrapped in a sleeping bag, her body frozen solid. There is only one clue – a copy of an etching, by Spanish artist Goya, of a dead woman in the exact same pose as the murdered girl.

Lieutenant Alex Delillo’s partner, Harrison, immediately recognises her as the daughter of a prominent LA lawyer who disappeared three years before, but what happened to her? It appears that ‘Goya’ is targeting those in power, but is he righting the wrongs of the past or is he insane? And are his victims really as innocent as they appear?

To win a copy of Don’t Look Back, simply watch the video below and answer the question.


Email your answers to courses@spindriftmedia.com.au by 6 November 2009 and remember to include your postal address.

 

Online Feature Writing
If you can’t make it to our next Feature Writing course, why not try our online version? You’ll be learning the same material, have the same opportunities to give and receive feedback, but all from the comfort of your own home.

Our Online Feature Writing course will show you how to write for magazines and newspapers – and get paid for it! If you’re thinking about making the move to writing as a career, this is the perfect course for you.

By the end of the course you will be able to:

• find ideas that work and know where to get them
• understand the magazine/news market
• analyse different types of feature articles
• research, structure and write a feature
• understand what editors want from a writer
• pitch your article or idea to a magazine and sell it!

Here’s what some recent participants have had to say about the course:
‘Due to my family commitments, I have little opportunity to pursue my own interests. The online structure meant that I could learn while the kids were in bed. The presentation and content of the course were fantastic! I couldn't fault anything. It was as though Valerie was in my study teaching me face to face. Her style was friendly and each lesson was relevant and brought to life with interesting case studies. I learnt so much and am looking forward to the next online course. I just wish there were more online courses available.’
- Silvana Wiggins

‘This is one of the few courses that I have done which was really worthwhile. Usually with a course, you find that they give you a textbook and you work your way through it. It's invaluable to get into Valerie's head and learn all the insider tips of an editor. You want to learn from someone who has several years experience working in the business.’
- Gillian Nalletamby

Online Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Valerie Khoo
When: Week beginning Monday 9 November 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

Did you know? Terra firma
Have you heard the expression ‘Terra firma? For example:

After sailing from Sydney to Hobart, Bonita said: "It's so good to be
back on terra firma."

Terra firma comes from the Latin words meaning ‘firm land’ or ‘solid land’. It was often used in Venice, to identify dry land as opposed to the sea.

WEBPICK: 52 Suburbs
I’ve chosen this week’s webpick not only for the writing, but also for the beautiful photography. 52 Suburbs – a search for beauty in the Sydney ‘burbs – is the blog of Louise Hawson. She’s lived in Sydney for over 30 years and has decided to visit one new suburb every week for one year. It’s the perfect example of how getting out of your comfort zone can be the inspiration for something wonderful!

So far she’s visited suburbs such as Potts Point, Cabramatta, Eveleigh and Wahroonga, and her most recent expedition took her to Harris Park near Parramatta.

Check out here.

Other upcoming courses
Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Pamela Wilson
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 5 November 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 6 November 2009 (2-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am - 12 noon
Cost: $75

Course: Online Feature Writing Stage 1 with Valerie Khoo
When: Week beginning Monday 9 November 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Course: Online Creative Writing with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman
When: Week beginning Monday 9 November 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter - FULL
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 11 November 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 DAYTIME course with Jeni Mawter - NEW DATE
When: Every Friday starting Friday 20 November 2009 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $395

Course: Online Business Booster Bootcamp with Valerie Khoo
When: Tuesday 24 November 2009
Time: 9.30am - 5.30pm
Cost: $695

Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Tuesday 24 November 2009 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75

Course: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson
When: Thursday 26 November 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 2 December 2009 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75

Seminar: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle - NEW DATE
When: Thursday 3 December 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Self-publishing - How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 9 December 2009 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75

Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 INTENSIVE DAYTIME course with Jeni Mawter - NEW DATE
When: Monday 11 January - Friday 15 January 2010 (5 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $395

Course: Marketing Your Book with Amanda Falconer
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 19 January 2010 for three weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $265

Course: Script Writing for the Short Films with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 20 January and Wednesday 27 January 2010 (two evening seminars)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $165

Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Every Friday starting Friday 22 January 2010 for six weeks
Time: 10am - 12noon
Cost: $450

Seminar: Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis - NEW DATE
When: Thursday 28 January 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $365

Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 3 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 16 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395

Publish your travel stories - Travel Writing seminar; Red Room Company's latest poetry project; Learn online with Online Creative Writing; Learn to write for magazines and newspapers

In this issue:

• TIP: Be very clear – remove unnecessary words
• Publish your travel stories – Travel Writing seminar
• Red Room Company’s latest poetry project
• Learn online with Online Creative Writing
• TIP: For all ‘intensive’ purposes
• Learn to write for magazines and newspapers
• Did you know? Vice Versa
• WEBPICK: The Adventurous Writer

I’m back from country Victoria and happy I’ve returned to the Land of Fast Internet! While I was away, I amused myself by taking photos of mis-used apostrophes. Okay, I can hear you now - you’re telling me to get a life! Anyhow, I found this mis-used apostrophe (Pictured bottom left) at the otherwise gorgeous Innocent Bystander winery in Healesville, which is like the Hunter Valley of Victoria.

I tweeted this image, warning people not to make the same mistake. You might be amused to know that the next day, Innocent Bystander Winery tweeted the following message (and posted the picture at the bottom right):

Love your work @valeriekhoo Faces red, apostrophe fixed, forceful resignation of offending staff member accepted.





Be very clear - remove unnecessary words
Sometimes improving your writing just means taking out the unnecessary words. If you really read what you’ve written carefully, you’re bound to find some superfluous words or expressions that could easily be removed to make your writing tighter. (Even I’m guilty of using unnecessary words – there are at least two words in that last sentence that don’t need to be there.)

Here are a couple of examples from Laurie Paulik-Kienlen – author of this week’s webpick:

Very – I’m very sick of this word. It doesn’t add meaning. In fact, it usually detracts from what you’re trying to say. I bet that if you took an article or blog post and crossed out every use of 'very,' you’d never know they were missing. And the writing would be tighter, too.

Kind of – ‘Very’ uses hyperbole, and ‘kind of' suffers from the opposite problem: understatement. I found myself typing ‘kind of’ and quickly added it to the list, because, well, it kind of weakens the point. Sometimes it makes sense for dialogue, though, especially if a character is insecure. But writers should avoid it, and use only in moderation.



Publish your travel stories
Summer is almost upon us. And for many people that means… holidays! If you’re a writer, travel and holidays can be an endless source of inspiration. Many of our former feature writing and travel writing students have had articles on their favourite destinations published in major newspapers. And there are so many online opportunities for travel writers too.
    
So, if you think travel writing could be your thing, you should come along to our Travel Writing seminar with Geoff Bartlett. This intensive two-hour seminar will give you the information you need to get started.

The seminar will cover:

• publishing opportunities (newspapers, magazines, electronic publishing, travel literature, guidebooks, other avenues)
• types of travel stories (service stories, destination stories, personal essays)
• some straight talk about earnings
• finding and focusing your story (the right subject, travel trends, developing your story)
• the art and craft of travel writing
• getting published and making contacts
• writing for travel guidebooks

Here’s what some recent participants had to say about the seminar:
‘I’ve gained more motivation to write and also found out the avenues to take to get articles published.’
- Tina Cicolini

‘[I enjoyed] the "real world" experience and advice. The fact that Geoff has worked in many different types of writing was great too. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and extremely encouraging. I’ve gained confidence to give writing a fair go!’
- Hillary Wild

This seminar is presented by Geoff Bartlett, who has worked as a freelance travel writer and photographer for magazines and websites for the last six years. His current areas of focus are the islands of the South Pacific and Asia. He is a regular contributor to Pacific Island Paradises and Asian Paradises.

Travel Writing DAYTIME seminar with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 6 November 2009 (2-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am - 12 noon
Cost: $75

Travel Writing EVENING seminar with Geoff Barlett
When: Wednesday 2 December 2009 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75

Click here for more information or to enrol online.



 
Red Room Company and Sea Things
In October and November, Red Room Company is holding a unique poetry event around Australia. Called Sea Things, the project is commissioning poetry from four major Australian poets - Graeme Miles, Petra White, Luke Beesley and Sandra Thibodeaux.

The poems will be carried in two duffel bags on a sea journey along the East Coast of Australia. Along the way, members of the public will be invited to contribute their own poems. The journey will end on 26 November at Rushcutters Bay in Sydney, but there are still many stops to go.

If you’re interested in submitting a poem or would like to be there for one of the many readings along the way, check out the website.






Learn online with Online Creative Writing
It’s great to know that so many of our subscribers come from all over the country, even the world! And we know that many of you can’t make it to our courses here in Milsons Point, so we’ve developed some online options for you.

Our most popular is the Online Creative Writing. Based on our Creative Writing course, this 5-week offering will unleash your creativity and help you on your writing journey. Whether it’s a novel, short stories or a family history, this course will help you get started.

During the course you’ll learn how to:

• tap into your imagination
• draw from everyday experiences and memories
• examine different types of creative writing
• give structure to your writing
• use characters and dialogue

Here’s what some recent participants had to say about the course:
‘I enjoyed listening to Valerie’s lecture presentations each week. I intend to review each lesson quite a few times. It’s many years since I sat in a classroom, my formal education is limited, but I think learning is a life long experience to enjoy and I ENJOYED this course. I now read more attentively and appreciate the written word so much, which inspires me to put my thoughts into words.’
- Judith Harding

‘I liked the flexibility, but also the deadlines, and I also like to listen and relisten to the modules on my ipod. It’s opened my eyes to the more technical side of writing that I knew was there but couldn’t put my finger on.’
- Jackie Randall

Online Creative Writing with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman
When: Week beginning Monday 26 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

 
TIP: For all ‘intensive’ purposes
Another common phrase error that we are seeing more and more is ‘for all intensive purposes’. The correct term is actually ‘for all intents and purposes’.

It’s an old English law term that first came into use in the 1500s. It means ‘for all practical purposes’ and is generally used to compare two acts or deeds.

For example:
'We've got a few things to finish, but for all intents and purposes, the job is done.'

‘For all intensive purposes’ is never right. It’s just another example of how we write what we hear.

Learn to write for magazines and newspapers
If you’re one of those people who read magazines and newspapers and think ‘I could do that’, then you should join us for our next Feature Writing course. Whether you’re a first-time writer or you want to hone your skills, we’ll show you how to write an article and get it published.

The course will cover:

• which ideas work - and where to get them
• understanding the magazine/news market
• different types of feature articles
• how to research, structure and write a feature
• what editors want from a writer
• how to pitch your article or idea to a magazine and sell it!

Many participants in this course have gone on to be published in major publications around Australia.

Here’s what some recent participants had to say about the course:
‘The structure of the course led the novice step by step through to enable the student to begin to plan his/her first feature article. It has given me a clearer and more realistic idea of what is involved and how achievable it is.’
- Aisling Kelly

‘Feedback from Pam on writing assignments has given me greater confidence in my abilities as a writer and pointed me to areas I need to improve. Coupled with learning the realities of the industry I feel like I have a head-start.’
- Kate Hawkshaw

This course is taught by Pamela Wilson. She has worked as a freelance journalist for the past seven years. Her articles regularly appear in Medical Observer, Reader’s Digest and Health Smart. She has also contributed to various publications including Men’s Health, Good Health and Medicine, Australian Parents, Travel Vacations and Ninemsn online.

In her 18 years in journalism Pamela has worked at the Gold Coast Bulletin, AAP and The Daily Telegraph in a variety of positions covering areas as diverse as medicine, politics, health and family issues, education, travel, books, lifestyle and men’s and women’s issues.

Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers Stage 1 with Pamela Wilson
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 5 November 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

Did you know? Vice Versa
We often use the term ‘vice versa’. For example:

Rambo the dog is scared of Rocky the cat - and vice versa.

We use ‘vice versa’ to indicate that Rambo the dog is scared of Rocky the cat – and when you switch that around it's also true.

This comes from the Latin words ‘vice versa’, which means ‘with position having been turned’.

WEBPICK: The Adventurous Writer
This blog by freelance writer Laurie Paulik-Kienlen is the perfect site for ‘Quips and Tips’ about writing.

Each blog post features practical advice on writing and freelancing and is accompanied by an inspirational quote from a writer. There are also writer profiles and interviews. Laurie is a Canadian writer (and obviously a very busy one as she writes four blogs on various topics) but the advice here can apply to anyone.

Check it out here - http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting

Other upcoming courses
Seminar: Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis
When: Friday 23 October 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $365

Course: Online Creative Writing with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman
When: Week beginning Monday 26 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Pamela Wilson
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 5 November 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 6 November 2009 (2-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am - 12 noon
Cost: $75

Course: Online Feature Writing Stage 1 with Valerie Khoo - NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 9 November 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter - NEW PRESENTER
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 11 November 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Online Business Booster Bootcamp with Valerie Khoo
When: Tuesday 24 November 2009
Time: 9.30am - 5.30pm
Cost: $695

Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Tuesday 24 November 2009 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75

Course: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson
When: Thursday 26 November 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 2 December 2009 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75

Seminar: Self-publishing - How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 9 December 2009 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75

Course: Marketing Your Book with Amanda Falconer
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 19 January 2010 for three weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $265

Course: Script Writing for the Short Films with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 20 January and Wednesday 27 January 2009 (two evening seminars)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $165

Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Every Friday starting Friday 22 January 2010 for six weeks
Time: 10am - 12noon
Cost: $450

Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge - NEW DATE
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 3 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 16 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395

Continue your writing journey with Feature Writing Stage 2; Finch Memoir Prize; Make editing easy with Editing Essentials; Book Giveaway; NaNoWriMo starts soon!

In this issue:

• TIP: On tenterhooks over spelling
• Continue your writing journey with Feature Writing Stage 2
• The Finch Memoir Prize
• How to make editing easy - Editing Essentials
• Book Giveaway - The Interrogator by JJ Cooper
• Building a blog for your business
• Don’t forget! NaNoWriMo starts soon
• Did you know? Rex and Regina
• WEBPICK: Sharing Machine

I'm writing this from chilly Healesville in country Victoria (it's 10 degrees) where I'm taking some time away from the city in order to focus on some writing - and also developing our online courses for you. For those of you who've emailed us asking for more online courses, we hear you!

I'm also thrilled to welcome acclaimed author Jeni Mawter to our team. Jeni will be teaching Creative Writing at the Sydney Writers' Centre - the next 5-week course starts Wednesday 11 November 2009. Jeni is author of the ‘So’ series: So Gross!, So Feral!, So Sick!, So Festy!, So Grotty! and So Stinky! (HarperCollins) as well as the Freewheelers series: Unleashed!, Launched! and Extreme! (HarperCollins). Other books include the junior novel Team Dream and the picture book There’s a Sun Fairy in Our Garden.

Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter
When: Wednesdays starting Wednesday 11 November 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Click here for more information or to enrol online.



TIP: On tenterhooks over spelling
Here’s another example of how speaking a word can sometimes influence the way it is spelled. A common phrase in English is ‘I’m on tenterhooks’ or, as you’ll often see it written, ‘I’m on tenderhooks’. The problem here is that while the phrase is very common, the word itself isn’t.

If you look up ‘tenderhooks’ in the dictionary, you won’t find it. That’s because it’s not a word. The correct spelling here is ‘tenterhooks’.

What’s a tenterhook? It’s one of the hooks or bent nails that hold cloth stretched on a tenter. So, what’s a tenter? That’s a wooden frame over which you would stretch canvas or cloth to dry.

So, if you’re on tenterhooks, you’re in a state of uneasy suspense or painful anxiety.






Feature Writing Stage 2
If you’ve completed Feature Writing stage 1, then you’re well on your way to fulfilling your dream of becoming a writer. But of course, there’s always more to learn! Our Feature Writing Stage 2 course will give you the insight you need to develop your career as a writer and learn the ‘tricks of the trade’ in the world of journalism.
    
In this course, you'll learn practical skills on:

• how to find the right angle
• how to attribute quotes correctly
• advanced interviewing techniques
• how to create balance in your stories
• nailing the lead of your feature
• finding hard-to-get interviewees
• Freedom of Information
• where to find relevant sources for your story
• ethics and protocol
• facing journalistic dilemmas
• managing your contact book
• dealing with editors in the real world

This course is presented by Judy Skatssoon who is the features editor at Australian Associated Press (AAP). She has also been a successful freelance feature writer, contributing to a diverse range of publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, life etc, Sydney's Child, Women’s Health, ABC Online and many more. At AAP, Judy held a variety of positions including state political correspondent and national medical correspondent. She writes on a wide range of issues including the arts, health, politics, technology, women’s issues, business and more. Recently, Judy has also been a lecturer and tutor in journalism at UTS and is passionate about helping students discover the world of journalism and writing.

Feature Writing Stage 2 with Judy Skatssoon
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 21 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Click here for more information or to enrol online.




 
The Finch Memoir Prize
If you’ve done a Life Writing course with Patti Miller, or you’re one of the lucky 12 people attending her course in Paris this year, then you’ll be very interested in this competition.

The Finch Memoir Prize will run for the first time this year and will be awarded for an unpublished, non-fiction manuscript written as a memoir. The lucky winner will receive $10,000 and have their book published by Finch Publishing. This is an impressive prize so make sure you read the entry conditions carefully.

Entries close on 18 January 2010.

For full details visit the Finch Publishing website.






Make editing easy
Don’t let the task of editing your colleague’s (or boss’) writing overwhelm you. It may be easier than you think. Editing is a crucial skill if you’re dealing with written communication in your job, and our one-day seminar can show you how you can edit other people’s work confidently and with ease.

Using practical exercises on editing and proofreading, this one-day seminar will show you how to: 

• edit for structure and style
• improve anyone's writing using simple techniques
• use and understand standard proofreading symbols
  
• use a style manual, and where to get one/how to create one
• determine the tone and style of your document
• identify common mistakes in punctuation and spelling
• create professional documents that communicate effectively

Here’s what some recent participants had to say about this seminar:
‘When I edit documents now, I feel a lot more confident to make necessary adjustments. I no longer deliberate over a single aspect, like punctuation, for long periods of time.’
- Elizabeth Evans

‘It was an interactive forum that focussed on all aspects of editing. I found it particularly helpful when Katrina discussed dealing with the writers - the course gave me a lot of perspective and confidence.’
- Sarah Webb

The seminar is presented by Katrina Lobley, an experienced journalist and editor. With 20 years' experience in the publishing industry, Katrina spent five years as a sub-editor on The Sydney Morning Herald and is currently in demand as a freelance writer and editor of corporate and consumer publications.

Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When: Thursday 22 October 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $345

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

 
Book Giveaway
Author JJ Cooper has certainly had an interesting life – he spent 17 years in the Australian army, much of that as a Human Intelligence specialist! So you can be sure that his first novel The Interrogator will be a thriller that will have you wondering what’s fiction and what’s real life.

Here’s a little more about the book:
Jay Ryan is used to being in control. As the Australian army’s highest-ranking interrogator he always gets the answers. But when he finds himself on the other side of the table, being brutally interrogated, everything – and everyone – he knows and trusts shatters into devastating illusion.

Ryan is blackmailed into a mission: to find his missing father who’s hiding top-secret information. Enter Sarah Evans, a secret agent entrusted with his protection – or so Jay thinks…

We have one copy of The Interrogator to give away. To win, just tell us what question have you always wanted answered. Email your answers by Friday 23 October 2009 to courses@spindriftmedia.com.au and remember to include your postal address.

You can hear more about JJ’s journey from interrogator to writer on our podcast, also available through iTunes.

Blogging for Business
These days, it seems everyone’s writing a blog, or at least regularly reading one. Many companies have already realised the benefits of using a blog to build their market and share or to communicate with staff and customers. A good corporate blog will be informative and will encourage your audience to return.

Our brand new Blogging for Business seminar will help you create a blog for your company – whether you’re blogging for customers or for staff. It’s also ideal for those who have started a blog, but want to blog more confidently.

The seminar will cover:

• the critical distinctions between a blog and an ordinary company webpage
• the terminology of blogging
• what readers expect from a corporate blog
• how to write a blog that stands out
• finding and building an audience
• how and what to measure
• common internal objections to blogging and how to overcome them
• best practice policies and guidelines for corporate bloggers
• building the business case for your blog
• what you should be looking for in your blogging software

The seminar is presented by Steven Lewis, who has consulted on blogging, podcasting and other Web 2.0 tools for companies such as Westpac and IAG. For Tourism Tasmania he created a ground-breaking series of travel podcasts, with similar projects in the works for companies like V Australia and Time Out. Steven has also promoted blogs, wikis and podcasts as a corporate insider, having worked for AMP as an in-house evangelist for its enterprise 2.0 tools.

Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis
When: Friday 23 October 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $365

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

Don’t Forget! NaNoWriMo starts soon
National Novel Writing Month starts on 1 November 2009. If you haven’t already registered, check out http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/whatisnano and see if you’re up to the challenge of writing a 50,000-word novel in one month!

This could just be the ultimate writers’-block buster.

Did you know? Rex and Regina
Regular readers of this newsletter will know that the name of one of my cats is Rex. Did you know that Rex comes from the Latin word ‘rex’ meaning ‘king’?

In Latin, ‘regina’ means ‘queen’. That’s why the letters ‘ER’ are often found on royal crests or ciphers. This stands for ‘Elizabeth Regina’ – referring to Queen Elizabeth.

WEBPICK: T-shirts for Wordsmiths
Sometimes it’s fun to celebrate your geeky side, and these t-shirts are perfect for doing just that. Sharing Machine is the site of Drew and Natalie Dee, who have designed heaps of t-shirts with funny and quirky designs on them. You can also buy prints and original artwork. Grammar nerds will love the t-shirts devoted to apostrophes and adjectives.

You can check out the designs, and buy tees, at www.sharingmachine.com

Other upcoming courses
Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 15 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Online Feature Writing Stage 1 with Valerie Khoo
When: Week beginning Monday 19 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman - FULL
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 20 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Feature Writing Stage 2 with Judy Skatssoon
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 21 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When: Thursday 22 October 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $345

Seminar: Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis
When: Friday 23 October 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $365

Course: Online Creative Writing with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman
When: Week beginning Monday 26 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Pamela Wilson
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 5 November 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 6 November 2009 (2-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am - 12 noon
Cost: $75

Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter - NEW PRESENTER
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 11 November 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Online Business Booster Bootcamp with Valerie Khoo
When: Tuesday 24 November 2009
Time: 9.30am - 5.30pm
Cost: $695

Course: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson
When: Thursday 26 November 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 2 December 2009 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75

Seminar: Self-publishing - How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 9 December 2009 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75

Course: Marketing Your Book with Amanda Falconer
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 19 January 2010 for three weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $265

Course: Script Writing for the Short Films with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 20 January and Wednesday 27 January 2009 (two evening seminars)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $165

Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Every Friday starting Friday 22 January 2010 for six weeks
Time: 10am - 12noon
Cost: $450

Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 16 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395

Delve into your dark side with Crime Writing; More Student Success; Learn online - Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers; Learn the essentials of grammar and improve your writing

In this issue:

• TIP: Hear, hear to using the correct spelling!
• Delve into your dark side with Crime Writing
• Student Success – Aoife McGee is published
• Learn online – Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers
• Melbourne Poets Union International Poetry Competition
• Learn the essentials of grammar and improve your writing
• Did you know? What's your 'magnum opus'?
• WEBPICK: Hey! Teenager of the Year

It's been a busy week here at the Sydney Writers' Centre. We've been putting the finishing touches on our new online course: Writing for the Web presented by web writing expert Grant Doyle. This is going to be available as a self-study module. It's packed with useful information and guidelines on the right way to write web content. I'm so impressed with it - if I do say so myself!

I'm also really looking forward to our Crime Writing Weekend Workshop THIS weekend. This is going to be two days of mystery and suspense - and lots of wonderful teaching from crime author Marele Day. It's such a great opportunity to learn from Marele, who does not usually live in Sydney. So we're thrilled she's agreed to host this weekend for you. It won't be held again this year. See you there!




Hear, hear to using the correct spelling!
I’ve noticed lately that the saying ‘hear, hear’ seems to have morphed into ‘here, here’.

The saying ‘hear, hear’ is a contraction of ‘hear him, hear him!’ and has been in use in the English language since the late 1600s. It’s usually exclaimed as an expression of agreement, for example:

‘We’ve been working so hard at the Sydney Writers’ Centre this week we deserve an award.’

‘Hear, hear!’

So, that’s ‘hear’ NOT ‘here’. For some reason, ‘here, here’ has become the catchcry, particularly online.  And, in fact, the use of ‘here, here’ is almost outnumbering the correct use of ‘hear, hear’!

Delve into your dark side with Crime Writing
There are only a few spaces left in our first ever Crime Writing Workshop. Crime writing expert and author Marele Day will show you the essentials of writing a good crime story over this intensive writing weekend. It’s bound to be a weekend full of mystery, drama – and writing!

You’ll learn all about how to maintain suspense, how to create memorable and believable characters, and what editors look for in a good crime novel.

You’ll also discover:

• The “rules” of crime writing and how to get started
• Research resources for crime writers
• How to develop a sense of place in crime fiction
• The importance of plotting your crime
• How to plant clues and create suspense

The workshop is presented by Marele Day, author of four crime novels – The Life and Crimes of Harry Lavender, The Case of the Chinese Boxes, The Last Tango of Dolores Delgado and The Disappearances of Madalena Grimaldi – as well as a collection of crime-comedy stories – Mavis Levack, PI. She is also the editor of How to Write Crime. Other novels include the acclaimed Lambs of God and Mrs Cook: The Real and Imagined Life of the Captain’s Wife.

Crime Writing Workshop with Marele Day
When: Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 October 2009 (two-day workshop)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $395

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

 
Student Success
Aoife McGee completed a Feature Writing course with us two years ago and has since gone from strength to strength with her writing career. She is now a regular contributor to weekendnotes.com and has also been offered a column in the UK based Australia and New Zealand Magazine. She’s written a number of articles for the magazine, including an interview with Ber Carroll and one on her own experiences as an Irish expat in Australia, and has been offered a regular diary post until April next year.

Congratulations Aoife! It sounds like your writing career is really taking off.

"Just thought I'd let you know I have had a lot of successs with my writing recently. I have gone at with with full force over the last few months ... I'm over the moon really and it just goes to show that if you want something bad enough, you just have to keep reaching out for it! Thanks again for your guidance at the beginning of my journey."
- Aoife McGee

Learn online – Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers
We have another Online Feature Writing course coming up and with 2009 drawing to a close, now’s the time to get started on your magazine writing career.

This great course is for anyone who’s interested in writing for magazines and newspapers – total beginners or for those who want to brush up on their writing skills.

Through our interactive classroom, you’ll learn the essential skills needed to write great articles, and get them published.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• find ideas that work and know where to get them
• understand the magazine/news market
• analyse different types of feature articles
• research, structure and write a feature
• understand what editors want from a writer
• pitch your article or idea to a magazine and sell it!

The best thing about learning online is that you can login to your password-protected classroom any time that suits you! But you’ll still get the benefit of expert feedback on your work and a chance to interact with your presenter and classmates.

Here’s what one recent participant had to say about the course:
‘I have been looking at doing a course with the Sydney Writers' Centre for ages, but as a mother I am time poor. I eventually signed up with the Feature Writing Course, at a particularly busy time in my schedule. However, the podcasts are so easy to listen to. I was able to learn while cooking & cleaning, so it did not take up much of my time. Valerie shared her experience and insight generously and I feel like I have done a two-year English course in five weeks. I learnt a lot about the process of writing, and I especially liked the podcast responses to our questions.’
- Heather Smith

Online Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Valerie Khoo
When: Week beginning Monday 19 October 2009
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Click here for more information or to enrol online.


 
Melbourne Poets Union International Poetry Competition
Entries are now being accepted for the Melbourne Poets Union’s annual poetry competition. This is an international competition with a generous first prize of $1,000. Second prize is $300 and third $200. $100 will also be awarded for the Martin Downey Urban Realist Award.

Prizes will be awarded for the best original and unpublished poems on any theme. Poems can be up to 50 lines, and you can enter as many as you like!

Entries close on Friday 30 October and the entry fee is $6 per poem or $15 for three poems.

For full entry details and form click here.




Learn the essentials of grammar and improve your writing
Many people find the thought of grammar and punctuation intimidating, and it’s no wonder when so many of us weren’t taught it in school! But knowing the basics of grammar and punctuation will give you the tools to improve your writing – and it doesn’t have to be hard to learn.

Our one-day grammar and punctuation seminar is an intensive yet fun way to learn the essentials of this important topic. You’ll finish the day with a much better understanding of the building blocks of English, and be able to confidently apply your new knowledge immediately.

During this seminar you will learn:

• how to treat common mistakes - such as apostrophes and plurals
• the basic rules you need to know to be confident in the workplace
• when to bend, break or keep a rule or convention
• how to discern when more than one solution is acceptable
• how professional editors approach their craft
• how to apply the standard hard-copy editing marks to double-spaced copy
• and much more

Recent participant Marissa Loe had this to say about the course:
‘The presenter was easy to follow and friendly. Deb was always happy to answer our questions and tackle any grammar issues we were facing in our everyday line of work.’

This seminar is taught by Deb Doyle, an experienced editorial-training consultant and publication editor. Deb has conducted courses for the Productivity Commission, AMP and Wizard Home Loans as well as many other corporate and government entities located in Sydney or Melbourne.

Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Wednesday 14 October 2009
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $395 Includes comprehensive text-workbook Grey Areas and Gremlins: A grammar and punctuation refresher (valued at $50)

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

Writing tip: Using ellipsis correctly ... commonly known as "dot dot dot"
Sometimes, you use the ellipsis - a series of three dots - to indicate that some words have been omitted. However, make sure you use the ellipsis correctly. Unless you have a house style that states otherwise, there is typically a space on either side of the ellipsis. And remember that you don't use more than three dots.

CORRECT: Greg Norman said: ‘I thought I was in love with Chris ... but I was wrong.’

INCORRECT: Greg Norman said: ‘I thought I was in love......but the media thinks I was in love with my ego.’

Have you written your ‘magnum opus’?
You may have heard of the ‘magnum opus’. You'll often hear it associated with artists, musicians or people with a body of creative work. Their 'magnum opus' usually refers to their biggest creative achievement. Magnum opus is Latin for 'great work'.

For example:

"Some people say that architect Jørn Utzon's magnum opus is the Opera House."

"Classical music experts agree that The Magic Flute is Mozart's magnum opus."

"Sgt. Pepper is often described as The Beatles' magnum opus."

WEBPICK: Hey! Teenager of the Year
This is another blog on Young Adult literature, but this one is unique because it is written from the perspective of a young adult. Steph Bowe is 15 and is an aspiring author and lover of YA fiction. She writes book reviews and author interviews. She was also a judge for the Inky Awards 2009 (awards for YA fiction in Australia). And did I mention she’s only 15 years old?

You can check it out here - http://heyteenager.blogspot.com

Other upcoming courses
Course: Crime Writing Workshop with Marele Day - THIS WEEKEND
When: Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October 2009 (2-day workshop)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Online Creative Writing with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman
When: Week beginning Monday 12 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Katrina Lobley - FULL
When: Every Monday starting Monday 12 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson - FULL
When: Tuesday 13 October 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395

Course: Grammar and Punctuation with Deb Doyle
When: Wednesday 14 October 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Self-Publishing: How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 14 October 2009 (one-evening seminar)
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $75

Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 15 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Online Feature Writing Stage 1 with Valerie Khoo
When: Week beginning Monday 19 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman - FULL
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 20 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Feature Writing Stage 2 with Judy Skatssoon
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 21 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When: Thursday 22 October 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $345

Seminar: Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis
When: Friday 23 October 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $365

Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Pamela Wilson
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 5 November 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 6 November 2009 (2-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am - 12 noon
Cost: $75

Course: Online Business Booster Bootcamp with Valerie Khoo
When: Tuesday 24 November 2009
Time: 9.30am - 5.30pm
Cost: $695

Course: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson
When: Thursday 26 November 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395

Course: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 2 December 2009 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75

Course: Marketing Your Book with Amanda Falconer
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 19 January 2010 for three weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $265

Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Every Friday starting Friday 22 January 2010 for six weeks
Time: 10am - 12noon
Cost: $450

Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 16 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395

Brand new - Feature Writing: Your Bliueprint in a Box; More student success; Write a book children will love - Writing for Children and Young Adults; Slim Ink Book Giveaway

In this issue:

• Brand new! Feature Writing: Your Blueprint in a Box
• Student Success - Matthew Da Silva is published!
• Write the book children will love – Writing for Children and Young Adults
• Slim Ink Book Giveaway
• Editing Essentials – how to make your job easier
• Write for Neighbours
• WEBPICK: Fuel Your Writing

I'm so excited about the upcoming Crime Writing Weekend workshop on 10 and 11 October 2009. There's nothing quite like curling up in bed with a compelling crime novel. I've always admired how good crime writers can build such effective suspense, clever plots and characters that range from the real to the deranged. When I interviewed crime writer Marele Day for our podcast recently, I knew that she would be a great addition to our team of presenters. As the best crime writing teacher in the country, I'm thrilled Marele is holding this Crime Writing Weekend workshop just for the Sydney Writers' Centre.

Marele lives up on the NSW north coast so this is a rare opportunity to tap into her expertise. It promises to be a weekend of crime, investigation, writing and exploring how to write a crime story that keeps your readers hanging on to your every word.

Crime Writing Workshop with Marele Day
When: Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October 2009 (2 day workshop)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395

Click here for more information or to enrol online.




TIP: Contracting words
When we speak, we often contract words. We do it in our writing too. It’s not unusual to see the words ‘could’ve’ or ‘should’ve’ in our writing. For example:

Rex could’ve spent the day in the sun, but had to go to the vet.

It’s also not unusual to see ‘could’ve’ written as ‘could of’. It’s an easy mistake to make. When you say it, it sounds like ‘could of’, but that’s not how it’s written! ‘Could’ve’ is a contraction. The apostrophe takes the place of missing letters – in this case ‘ha’. If you’re writing ‘could’ve’ out in full you must write ‘could have’.

Brand new – Feature Writing: Your Blueprint in a Box
We’re about to launch an exciting new self-study version of one of our most popular courses – ‘How to Get Published in Magazines and Newspapers: Your Blueprint in a Box’. We haven’t made it available to the public yet because we want to give our newsletter subscribers a chance to purchase at an exclusive price first.

This is a self-study course based on the course Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers. It’s ideal if you want to study at your own pace.

Here's what you receive:

• Inspiring and informative audio program of 10 CDs
• 400+ page workbook and transcript for easy reference of notes and instructions
• Your step-by-step guide on how to get published
• How to pitch to editors
• Case studies and templates
• Valerie Khoo’s insider tips
• Bonus CDs featuring journalists and authors

You can find out more here (note this web page is not available to the public yet).

Special offer
When we launch this product to the public, it’s going to retail for $395. However, as subscriber to this newsletter, your pre-launch price is only $345. And that includes postage to anywhere in Australia.
When you purchase online use the Promo Code: SUBSCRIBE301009 (at the shopping cart).

You’ll make a big saving if you purchase before our launch. Just order online before Friday 30 October 2009. After that, the price goes back to retail.

Find out more here.

 
Student Success
Matthew Da Silva recently completed our Feature Writing course with Pamela Wilson and has just had his first article published. His article, 'Facebook defies negative spin', was published in the online business magazine, Australian Anthill. And he's since been published again in the same magazine.

Congratulations Matthew!

Write the book children will love – Writing Books for Children and Young Adults
Do you dream of writing books for children? Have you got a story you’d like to write for your kids? If you’re new to writing for children and young adults then this course will give you the confidence to get started.

While writing for children and young adults may not be as easy as it seems, this course will give you the essential steps to write your kid’s book. Focusing on longer works (although picture books will be touched on).

This course will cover:

• how to get started
• finding the right voice
• creating characters and stories young readers will enjoy
• common assumptions about writing for children and about young readers
• understanding the children's publishing market

Here’s what some recent participants had to say about the course:
‘It was fabulous to spend two hours in Judy’s company every Thursday night. She has got fantastic energy. I am even more dedicated to building up stories around my characters. I am inspired to make my writing happen.’
- Christina Biel

‘I really liked the way Judith was very open to answering everybody’s questions and giving honest feedback on our work. Judith’s comments on my work have helped me very much. The information she presented us with was also very useful.’
- Karyn Sepulveda

This course is presented by Judith Ridge. Judith has worked with the Children's Book Council, as an editor at ABC Children's Books and the NSW School Magazine and freelances as an editor for Random House. For the past two years, Judith has taught ‘Writing for Children’ at the University of Sydney MA in Creative Writing.

Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 15 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $395

Click here for more information or to enrol online.


 
Slim Ink Book Giveaway
This month our very generous friends at Slim Ink are giving away one copy of Stieg Larsson’s latest (and possibly last) book, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest. Larsson was the Swedish author of the hugely successful Millenium series. The first two books in the series, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and The Girl Who Played With Fire made Larsson the second bestselling author in the world in 2008 – even though he died in 2004.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest is the third book in the trilogy.

Salander is plotting her revenge - against the man who tried to kill her, and against the government institutions that very nearly destroyed her life. But it is not going to be a straight-forward campaign. After taking a bullet to the head, Salander is under close supervision in Intensive Care, and is set to face trial for three murders and one attempted murder on her eventual release.
 
With the help of journalist Mikael Blomkvist and his researchers at Millennium magazine, Salander must not only prove her innocence, but identify and denounce the corrupt politicians that have allowed the vulnerable to become victims of abuse and violence. Once a victim herself, Salander is now ready to fight back.

If you’d like to win a copy tell us about your ideal villain (in 25 words or less). Email your answers to courses@spindriftmedia.com.au by Friday 9 October 2009, and remember to include your postal address.

New at Slim Ink! Passion Plan 5 - Book Clubs - https://www.slimink.com.au/plans




Editing Essentials - how to make your job easier
Editing at work can be tricky. If you’re not confident in your decisions, how will you convince others that the changes should be made? If you want to make sure your company’s documents are well written, and therefore well received, then knowing the basics of editing will help you.

Our one-day Editing Essentials seminar is ideal for anyone who needs to edit documents at work, or for those who’d like an introduction into the world of professional editing.

During the seminar you will learn how to:

• edit for structure and style
• improve anyone's writing using simple techniques
• understand standard proofreading symbols and how to use them
• understand why a style manual is important - where to get one/how to create one
• determine the tone and style of your document
• identify common mistakes in punctuation and spelling
• create professional documents that communicate effectively

Many people have attended this seminar and benefited immediately.

Here’s what two recent participants had to say:
‘When I edit documents now I feel a lot more confident to make necessary adjustments. I no longer deliberate over a single aspect, like punctuation, for long periods of time.’
- Sarah Webb

‘It was an interactive forum that focussed on all aspects of editing. I found it particularly helpful when Katrina discussed dealing with the writers - the course gave me a lot of perspective and confidence.’
- Fran Strachan

The seminar is presented by Katrina Lobley, an experienced journalist and editor. With 20 years' experience in the publishing industry, Katrina spent five years as a sub-editor on The Sydney Morning Herald and is currently in demand as a freelance writer and editor of corporate and consumer publications.

Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When: Thursday 22 October 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $345

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

Write for Neighbours!
Admit it. You watch Neighbours. You have done for years. And you would love to write for Neighbours too. Well, now’s your chance. The Australian Writers’ Guild and FremantleMedia have teamed up to offer the Neighbours Scriptwriter Training Initiative.

This is a unique opportunity for two budding writers to work on a television serial for six weeks. The winners will work as trainee storyliners and will learn all there is to know about writing for television. They’ll also receive $5,000 prize money. This is the third year this competition has run and winners from the previous two years have gone on to become permanent storyliners for the show.

So get those story ideas on paper now! To enter, you need to provide a story idea using current Neighbours characters (so if you haven’t been watching, you’d better start).
Entries close on Friday 16 October 2009.

For more information email admin@awg.com.au

Did you know?
You may have heard the term ‘pleb’ used to describe someone who is ignorant or who lacks culture. ‘Pleb’ is actually short for ‘plebeian’. For example:

‘I'm a real pleb when it comes to wine - I can't tell the difference between cask wine and Grange Hermitage?’

‘He is a man of plebeian tastes.’

‘She behaves like such a snob when she's actually a real 'pleb'.’

Well, did you know that the word plebeian actually comes from the Latin word plebius, which means ‘common people’? In Roman times, there used to be the Patricians (the nobility) and the Plebians (the common people).

WEBPICK: Fuel Your Writing
There is so much on this site I don’t where to begin!

Fuel Your Writing is the brainchild of Melissa Krasniak Oxman, an American copywriter and marketing expert. In her own words FYW is 'the inspirational “go to” site for writers of all flavors’. There are articles here on business writing, creative writing, love letters as inspiration, graphic novels, and writing a novel. As well as regular author interviews and writing news, this is a site full of inspiration for any writer! No wonder it was selected as one of Copyblogger’s Top Ten Blogs for Writers.

http://www.fuelyourwriting.com/

Other upcoming courses
Course: Script Writing for the Short Films with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 1 September and Thursday 8 October 2009 (two evening seminars)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $165

Seminar: How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 7 October 2009 (one-evening seminar)
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $75

Course: Crime Writing Workshop with Marele Day
When: Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October (2-day workshop)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Online Creative Writing with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman - NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 12 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Katrina Lobley
When: Every Monday starting Monday 12 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson - FULL
When: Tuesday 13 October 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $395

Course: Grammar and Punctuation with Deb Doyle
When: Wednesday 14 October 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Self-Publishing: How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 14 October 2009 (one-evening seminar)
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $75

Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 15 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Online Feature Writing Stage 1 with Valerie Khoo
When: Week beginning Monday 19 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman - FULL
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 20 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Feature Writing Stage 2 with Judy Skatssoon
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 21 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When: Thursday 22 October 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $345

Seminar: Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis - NEW COURSE
When: Friday 23 October 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $365

Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Pamela Wilson
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 5 November 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett - NEW DATE
When: Friday 6 November 2009 (2-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am – 12 noon
Cost: $75

Course: Online Business Booster Bootcamp with Valerie Khoo
When: Tuesday 24 November 2009
Time: 9.30am - 5.30pm
Cost: $695

Course: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson - NEW DATE
When: Thursday 26 November 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $395

Course: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett - NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 2 December 2009 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $75

Course: Marketing Your Book with Amanda Falconer
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 19 January 2009 for three weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $265

Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Every Friday starting Friday 22 January 2010 for six weeks
Time: 10am – 12noon
Cost: $450

Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman - NEW DATE
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 16 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395