Free newsletter from the Sydney Writers' Centre packed with information about our upcoming courses and events, writing competitions, festivals, free articles on writing as well as freelance news and opportunities.
Here's a collection of some of our past newsletters.
Write for magazines and newspapers; New dates for Life Writing; Online Business Booster Bootcamp - Early bird offer; Melbourne Writers Festival
In this issue:
TIP: How to use “myriad”
Write for magazines and newspapers
Writing your life – New dates for Patti Miller course
Early bird price – Online Business Booster Bootcamp. Enrol now!
Win a copy of Lipstick Queen by Poppy King
Melbourne Writers Festival program announced
Make your novel a reality
WEBPICK: Visuwords – Online Graphical Dictionary
It’s
been a busy week at the Centre. We’ve been liaising with our partners
in Paris to bring lots of goodies for those of you going on the Writing in Paris tour in October 2009. You can find out more here.
We’ve also been taking lots of queries about my Online Business Booster Bootcamp – a one-day intensive Bootcamp for business owners, coaches, consultants and authors. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to use smart online marketing strategies
to build your profile and boost your bottom line. We have a special
offer exclusive to subscribers of this newsletter that you won’t want
to miss – scroll down for more details!
TIP: How to use ‘myriad’ There is much contention over the correct use of the word myriad. People argue over whether to use the word 'of'. For example:
A: There are a myriad stars in the sky.
OR
B: The tailors had to sew a myriad of sequins on the ballgown.
In fact, both are correct.
In option A: 'myriad' has been used as an adjective and there is no need to use the word "of". In option B: 'myriad' has been used as a noun and we use the word "of" in the same way as we would write, "flock of sheep."
Feature Writing Stage 1 If you think you have what it takes to write for magazines and newspapers,
and get paid for it, our Feature Writing course will show you how to do
it. Many of our past students go on to be published, some before
they’ve even finished the course!
Whether you’re a first time writer or you just want to enhance your skills, this course can show you how to write the best articles and what to do to sell them.
During the course you will learn:
which ideas work - and where to get them
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!
The course is taught 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. She writes on a wide range of subjects and,
most recently, has also been a lecturer and tutor in journalism at UTS.
She is passionate about helping students discover the world of
journalism and writing.
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Don’t live in Sydney or can’t get to an evening class? You can also do
this course online. You’ll receive the same practical information and
personal feedback in our virtual classroom. Best of all, you can take
the classes whenever you want!
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Writing your life We’re so excited to be able to announce another date for Patti Miller’s incredibly popular Life Writing course. We usually only run this once or twice a year but we’ve been able to secure Patti for one more course in 2009.
This course will set you on the journey of writing your life. You’ll
learn the fundamentals of writing a creative autobiography that engages
and absorbs your reader. The course will help you:
awaken memory and creativity
create the lived reality of your experience on the page
bring details to life
find structure in your work.
The course is taught by Patti Miller.
She has taught creative writing, with a particular focus on
autobiographical writing, for 20 years. At the Sydney Writers' Centre,
you learn from the best - and we believe Patti is the best life writing
teacher in Australia.
Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Every Friday starting Friday 11 September 2009 for six weeks Time: 10am - 12noon Cost: $450 Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Online Business Booster Bootcamp – early bird price! Do you want to get more customers and increase your revenue?
In one day, I’ll help you create a blueprint for your business that will:
make your marketing easier
generate you more revenue
increase your customers
build your brand and profile
This
Bootcamp is being personally hosted by me – Valerie Khoo. Most of you
know that I’m a journalist, author and entrepreneur. I have a passion
for writing and a passion for business, particularly smart online marketing strategies.
When I founded the Sydney Writers’ Centre, I had only 6 students in our
first class. And I was the only teacher in the whole centre! Now, hundreds of students
pass through our doors every week and we have a team of 17 of the
country’s best writing/editing/communications presenters. Our courses
have also expanded way beyond our first little training room into our
harbourside training room.
This has been done with NO advertising (except for Google Adwords) and with a smart online marketing system that I’ll share at the Bootcamp. You’ll leave the Bootcamp with a clear blueprint on what YOU need to do to take your business to the next level. You can find out more here.
We have only just launched the Bootcamp and I wanted to give you the
first opportunity at securing a place. I’m also giving you a special early bird price which is available until Friday 31 July 2009. After that, the retail price will apply.
What: Online Business Booster Bootcamp
When: Friday 28 August 2009 Time: 9.30am – 5.30pm Retail price: $695 Early bird price: $495 (if you enrol before Friday 31 July 2009)
When you book online, use the PROMO CODE:
OBBB310709 to take advantage of this early bird offer. The offer will
expire at midnight on 31 July 2009. If you would like to book over the
phone, call us – but remember you need to be a subscriber of this
newsletter to be eligible for the early bird price.
Win a copy of Lessons of a Lipstick Queen Recently I interviewed Poppy King
for our author podcast series. Poppy started her own business at the
age of 18, prompted by her fruitless search for the perfect lipstick.
Poppy Industries went on to become one the success stories of the
1990s. After a stint working for another cosmetics giant, Poppy is back
with a new range of lipsticks and a new company – Lipstick Queen.
She can now also add ‘author’ to her resume. She’s just released a book
about her entrepreneurial journey and how you too can turn your passion
into a business. Part self-help, part biography, part business manual –
it’s a motivational book that could help you build your first company.
If you’d like to win a copy of Lessons of a Lipstick Queen
simply watch the video below, and answer the question. Email your
answers to courses@spindriftmedia.com.au by Friday 30 July 2009, and
don’t forget to include your postal address.
Melbourne Writers Festival The program for the 2009 Melbourne Writers Festival has been announced!
From 21 to 30 August, Australian and International authors will
converge on Federation Square in Melbourne’s CBD for a series of
panels, workshops and masterclasses, films, walks and a music concert featuring Paul Kelly, The Cat Empire and Archie Roach to raise money for the Indigenous Literacy Program.
Authors appearing include Danny Katz, Robert Dessaix, Nikki Gemmell,
Kate Grenville and Bernard Schlink. Tom Rob Smith and Lisa Lutz, who
will both feature in our podcast series soon, will also be appearing.
The list is long and impressive – you could easily spend the whole week
at the festival. (Just don’t forget to take some time out for shopping!)
Click here for more information and to book tickets.
Make your novel a reality Writing
a novel is a daunting project. You may have completed creative writing
courses or been writing for many years, but it’s still important to keep honing your writing to make it the best it can be.
That’s why we’ve developed the Novel Writing Workshop. For anyone who has a project they’ve been working on or would like to begin, this course will help you identify the problems in your writing and teach you to effectively critique your own and others work.
The class meets approximately every six weeks and each participant is given the opportunity to workshop their writing at least twice. You’ll also receive individual feedback from the presenter. Now you can take your writing to the next level.
This is an intensive workshopping opportunity so we only take 10
enrolments. You need to be quick if you want to take part in this
course!
This workshop is presented by Dr Pamela Freeman - author of 18 books, the most recent of which, Deep Water
(Book 2 of the Castings trilogy) is being published in the US, UK and
Germany as well as Australia. She also has a new children’s book, Victor’s Challenge, coming out in the UK and Australia. Pamela also teaches our hugely successful Creative Writing stage 1.
Novel Writing Workshop with Pamela Freeman
When: 5 evening classes held approximately every six weeks beginning Tuesday 11 August 2009
Participants should be able to attend on the following dates:
Session 1: Tuesday 11 August 2009 Session 2: Tuesday 13 October2009 Session 3: Tuesday 1 December 2009 Session 4: Tuesday 9 February 2010
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm Cost: $450
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
WEBPICK: Visuwords This week’s webpick is so much fun! It’s my new favourite way to waste time – while working on my vocabulary.
Visuwords is an online graphical dictionary.
Type in a word as you would for any dictionary. You’ll still see the
word’s meaning as well as noun, verb, adjective and adverb variations.
You can also look at words that are similar in meaning, the verb group
a word belongs to and other attributes of a word. It sounds just like a
dictionary, but I promise you this is much more fun!
Visit http://www.visuwords.com/search.php, type in a word, and you’ll see what I mean.
Other upcoming courses Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers Stage 1 with Judy Skatssoon
When: Every Monday starting Monday 27 July 2009 for five weeks Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm Cost: $395 Course: Online Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman / Cathie Tasker - FULL
When: Week beginning Monday 27 July 2009 for five weeks Time: Whenever suits you Cost: $395
Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson
When: Thursday 30 July 2009 (one-day seminar) Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm Cost: $395
Seminar: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett - FULL
When: Tuesday 4 August 2009 (one-evening seminar) Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $75
Course: Novel Writing Workshop with Pamela Freeman
When: 5 evening classes held approximately every six weeks beginning Tuesday 11 August 2009 Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm Cost: $450
Seminar: Self-publishing - How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 12 August 2009 (one-evening seminar) Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $75
Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When: Thursday 13 August 2009 (one-day seminar) Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm Cost: $345
Course: Writing for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 18 August 2009 for five weeks Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $395
Seminar: Writing for the Web with Grant Doyle - NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 19 August (one-day seminar) Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm Cost: $365
Seminar: How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett When: Wednesday 19 August (one-evening seminar) Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm Cost: $75
Seminar: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Thursday 20 August 2009 (one-day seminar) Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Kate Forsyth - FULL
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 20 August 2009 for five weeks Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Judith Ridge
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 26 August 2009 for five weeks Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $395 Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 1 September 2009 for five weeks Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $395
Course: Script Writing for the Short Films with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 3 September and Thursday 10 September 2009 (two evening seminars) Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm Cost: $165
Seminar: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett -
When: Friday 4 September 2009 (one-morning seminar) Time: 10am to 12noon Cost: $75
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller - NEW DATE
When: Every Friday starting Friday 11 September 2009 for six weeks Time: 10am – 12noon Cost: $450
Course: Marketing Your Book with Amanda Falconer - NEW DATE
When: Every Monday starting Monday 14 September 2009 for three weeks Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm Cost: $265
Seminar: Successful Freelancing with Gayle Bryant and Valerie Khoo When: Thursday 24 September 2009 (one-evening seminar) Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm Cost: $75
Seminar: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett - FULL
When: Wednesday 30 September 2009 (one-evening seminar) Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $75
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
How to make sure your book sells; Get published in your favourite magazines; Win a copy of Disco Boy by Dominic Knight; Editing Essentials enrolling now
Dear Fellow Writer,
In this issue:
TIP: Counting on words
Sell more of your book: Marketing Your Book
Get published in your favourite magazine!
Win a copy of Disco Boy by Dominic Knight
Editing Essentials
TIP: How do you make ‘each other’ possessive?
WEBPICK: Blusterhead
Ooooooh! I’m so excited because I’ve been busy putting the finishing touches on our new Online Business Booster Bootcamp. As regular readers will know, I am slightly obsessed with technology and online communication. And, as a result of the many enquiries I’ve received to run a workshop in on this topic, I’m thrilled to launch the Online Business Booster Bootcamp – a one-day bootcamp that’s ideal for entrepreneurs, coaches, speakers, and authors.
Save the date: Friday 28 August 2009
More details soon - stay tuned for my special offer just to subscribers of this Get Published newsletter.
TIP: Counting on words There is often a lot of discussion (and sometimes argument!) about how to write numbers. That is, do you write: 3 or three?
While there is no hard and fast rule on this matter, you should be guided by your organisation's house style. For example, some organisations choose to write "five percent", while others prefer 5%.
If you don't have a house style to follow, but would like some guidelines, we suggest following the convention used by journalists. That is:
One to nine are spelt out
Numbers from 10 and above are written using numerals.
The exception to this rule is when a number starts the sentence. In this case, the number is spelt out. For example, it is correct to write:
Eleven-year-old dog Rambo is very youthful and active, despite his age.
Sell more of your book Don’t think that just because you’ve written and published your masterpiece you can rest on your laurels. If you want your book to sell, you need to get it out there, and the best way to do that is with an effective marketing campaign.
Whether you’ve self-published your book or you’ve scored a publishing contract with one of the majors, the work you do on the marketing could mean the difference between a best-seller and a, well, OK seller.
This course will help you develop the best marketing strategy for you. Best of all, we have tips on how to market your book for less money. During the course, you’ll discover:
The importance of positioning your book – who it's for and where you find this target market
How to prepare for media interviews
How to generate your own PR long after your publisher has moved on to the next title
How to promote your book using smart online strategies – do you need a website, blog, online video or a social media presence?
Case studies on online book marketing ideas that you can model.
This course is presented by Amanda Falconer who is a seasoned brand and marketing expert with over 20 years experience across industries ranging from the rag trade to building and now, books. Amanda is currently the national marketing manager of the Australian division of a global manufacturing company. She is executive editor of LookHome magazine and producer of myLOOKHOMEtv. She is also author of The Renovator’s Survival Guide. Since the book’s launch, she has been featured on Sunrise, 9am with David & Kim, A Current Affair, as well as numerous radio interviews including ABC Radio in Melbourne, Hobart, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, as well as 3AW and 2CA.
Marketing Your Book with Amanda Falconer
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 22 July 2009 for three weeks Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm Cost: $265
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Get published in your favourite magazine! Have you ever thought about writing an article for your favourite magazine, or getting published in local or national newspapers? Our next Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers course is coming up soon so why not start writing now!
This course will teach you the essentials you need to know for writing articles, and selling them. We’ll teach you how to research your article, how to approach an editor with ideas, and ultimately, how to sell your writing.
During the course you will learn:
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!
Here’s what two recent participants had to say about the course:
"Taking Judy Skatssoon's Feature Writing course was a great investment. Not only did Judy pass on great tips for writing features, but her enthusiasm encouraged me to pursue work as a freelance writer. Since taking her course I have been published in the Australian Associated Press and Canberra Times and can't stop writing." - Allison Garoza
"I loved learning a new skill. Making something which always seemed baffling, achievable and fun." - Natalie Macken
This course is presented by Judy Skatssoon, who is the features editor at Australian Associated Press (AAP). She has 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. She writes on a wide range and most recently, her has also been a lecturer and tutor in journalism at UTS and is passionate about helping students discover the world of journalism and writing.
Win a copy of Disco Boy by Dominic Knight Our latest podcast is now available to download from our site or through iTunes.
This week’s interview is with Dominic Knight, one founder of the Chaser team and a writer on The Chaser’s War on Everything. He is also a freelance writer and blogger and has written blogs for The Sydney Morning Herald. His debut novel, Disco Boy, is out now.
No DJ can mix ‘Celebration’ into ‘Come on Eileen’ quite like Paul Johnson, the king of rancid retro. But while he has the musical jumper leads to get even the most dismal party started, he can’t get his own life moving. Trapped in a job he despises, a perpetual failure with the ladies and living at home with his distinctly unhelpful parents, Paul’s life is stuck in limbo while everyone around him is limbo dancing.
If you’d like to win a copy of Disco Boy simply tell us what song always gets you on the dance-floor and why. Email your answers to courses@spindriftmedia.com.au by 5pm Friday 24 July, and don’t forget to include your postal address.
Editing Essentials Believe it or not, it is possible to turn even the worst writing into a professional, readable document. You just need to know how to edit it well. Understanding the basic principles of editing can save you hours of work (and frustration!) and give you the confidence to transform anyone’s writing.
Our practical and intensive one-day Editing Essentials seminar will teach you:
how to edit for structure and style
simple techniques that will improve anyone’s writing
standard proofreading symbols and how to use them
why a style manual is important - where to get one/how to create one
how to determine the tone and style of your document
common mistakes in punctuation and spelling
how to create professional documents that communicate effectively
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 13 August 2009 (one-day seminar) Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm Cost: $345
Click here for more information and to enrol online
TIP: How do you make ‘each other’ possessive? Here’s another handy hint from Grammar Girl – our daily grammar muse.
"Each other" is singular, so the proper way to make it possessive is to add an apostrophe "s."
We enjoyed each other's company.
They held each other's hand.
WEBPICK: Blusterhead
This is a site devoted to writers and new writers who need information. It can be difficult to find out about competitions, writing groups, publishers, agents – it's time consuming to research everything you want to know.
So Blusterhead is a great place to start! There’s information on copyright, local libraries, writing competitions – even how to deal with rejections. There are also a lot of handy links. This is a great resource site!
Other upcoming courses Course: Writing for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge - FULL
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 16 July 2009 for five weeks Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $395
Seminar: Writing for the Web with Grant Doyle
When: Tuesday 21 July 2009 (one-day seminar) Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm Cost: $365
Course: Marketing Your Book with Amanda Falconer
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 22 July 2009 for three weeks Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm Cost: $265
Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers Stage 1 with Judy Skatssoon
When: Every Monday starting Monday 27 July 2009 for five weeks Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm Cost: $395 Course: Online Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman / Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 27 July 2009 for five weeks Time: Whenever suits you Cost: $395
Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson
When: Thursday 30 July 2009 (one-day seminar) Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm Cost: $395
Seminar: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett - FULL
When: Tuesday 4 August 2009 (one-evening seminar) Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $75
Course: Novel Writing Workshop with Pamela Freeman
When: 5 evening classes held approximately every six weeks beginning Tuesday 11 August 2009 Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm Cost: $450
Seminar: Self-publishing - How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 12 August 2009 (one-evening seminar) Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $75
Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobely
When: Thursday 13 August 2009 (one-day seminar) Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm Cost: $345
Course: Writing for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 18 August 2009 for five weeks Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $395
Seminar: How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett When: Wednesday 19 August (one-evening seminar) Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm Cost: $75
Seminar: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Thursday 20 August 2009 (one-day seminar) Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Kate Forsyth - FULL
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 20 August 2009 for five weeks Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Judith Ridge
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 26 August 2009 for five weeks Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $395 Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 1 September 2009 for five weeks Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $395
Course: Script Writing for the Short Films with Geoff Bartlett - NEW DATE
When: Thursday 3 September and Thursday 10 September 2009 (two evening seminars) Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm Cost: $165
Course: Feature Writing Stage 2 with Judy Skatssoon
When: Every Monday starting Monday 7 September 2009 for five weeks Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm Cost: $395
Seminar: Successful Freelancing with Gayle Bryant and Valerie Khoo When: Thursday 24 September 2009 (one-evening seminar) Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm Cost: $75
How to kick-start your writing career; New daytime Travel Writing; Join us in Paris!; Enter the Allen & Unwin award for non-fiction
Dear Fellow Writer,
In this issue:
TIP: When to mind your P’s and Q’s or Ps and Qs?
Kick-start your writing with Creative Writing stage 1
New daytime seminar for Travel Writing
Cheri movie ticket giveaway
Join us in Paris for our first international writing tour this October!
Allen & Unwin Iremonger Award for non-fiction – win $10,000
WEBPICK: Fantasy Magazine
It’s been head down, bum up this week at the Sydney Writers’ Centre with so many activities going on. I’m particularly excited about our new course Marketing Your Book with brand expert Amanda Falconer. It’s just the sort of course I wish had existed when I was writing and marketing the five books I’ve authored! I’m so thrilled we’re able to bring this course to you.
I’m also looking forward to the course I’m leading next week, Online Feature Writing. This course has helped hundreds of students get published in magazines and newspapers. I’ve also been reading Christine Fogg’s book Release the Hounds, a guide to research for journalists and writers. Christine uses many of the same techniques I use when researching articles and I can’t wait to share them with you in the course!
TIP: When to mind your P’s and Q’s Do you mind your P’s and Q’s or your Ps and Qs?
You should never use an apostrophe when writing plural abbreviations – for example CDs, PJs, ATMs. However, both Grammar Girl and grammar guru Deb Doyle agree that if you come across an abbreviation of one letter only, you should use an apostrophe.
Here’s an example from Deb’s Grey Areas and Gremlins: A grammar and punctuation refresher.
WRONG: Noah’s animals came in 2s but the people came in 8s.
RIGHT: Noah’s animals came in 2’s but the people came in 8’s.
Kick-start your writing Our Creative Writing stage 1 course is one of our most popular, and it’s no wonder with great teachers like Dr Pamela Freeman and Kate Forsyth.
If you’d like to see your words in print or get that book going that you’ve always known you had in you, this course will help kick-start your writing journey. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to write short stories, a novel or turn their journal into something more. This creative writing course will teach you 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
The next upcoming course is taught by Pamela Freeman.
Dr Pamela Freeman is the author of 18 books, the most recent of which, Deep Water (Book 2 of the Castings trilogy) is being published in the US, UK and Germany as well as Australia. She also has a new children’s book, Victor’s Challenge, released in the UK and Australia. Many of her books have been shortlisted for the State Literary Awards, the Children's Book Council Book of the Year Awards, the Koala Awards and the Wilderness Society Environment Awards.
Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 1 September 2009 for five weeks Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Travel Writing – new daytime seminar You can get paid to travel, and our Travel Writing seminar is the perfect introduction to how you can do it. And, to make it easier for you to attend, we’ve now scheduled a daytime seminar (for those of you who can’t make it at night) as well as an evening one.
So, if you love travelling and want to combine that with writing, come along and learn how you can write travel features for magazines and newspapers, or contribute to guide books. The seminar will cover:
Types of travel stories (service stories, destination stories, personal essays)
What it takes to be a travel writer
Some straight talk about earnings
Getting published and making contacts (including tips on joining professional associations such as the Australian Society of Travel Writers)
Writing for travel guidebooks
This seminar is presented by Geoff Bartlett, he 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.
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Movie ticket giveaway Only a couple of months now until our first Writing in Paris trip kicks off, so we thought we’d get you in a French mood this week with free tickets to Cheri. Based on Colette’s 1920 novel about a Parisian courtesan and her young lover, the film stars Michelle Pfeiffer and Rupert Friend and is directed by Stephen Frears (The Queen, Dangerous Liaisons).
Thanks to Icon Films, we have ten double passes to give away. Here’s a little more about the film:
Set in the luxurious demi-monde of pre-First World War Paris, CHÉRI is the story of the love affair between the beautiful retired courtesan Léa (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Chéri (Rupert Friend), the son of her old colleague and rival, Mme Peloux (Kathy Bates).
Léa has educated the spoilt and callow boy in the ways of love, but after six years Mme Peloux has secretly arranged a marriage between Chéri and Edmée (Felicity Jones), daughter of another rich courtesan, Marie Laure (Iben Hjejle).
As the inevitable moment of parting approaches, Léa and Chéri try to come to terms with their imminent separation, but the roots of their life of ease and pleasure reach deeper than even they imagine and they begin to understand, too late, how much they mean to one another.
If you’d like to win a double pass to Cheri email courses@spindriftmedia.com.au the answer to this question:
What location in Paris do you think is the most romantic?
You don't have to have been to Paris to answer this question.
Don’t forget to include your name and postal address. Entries close 5pm Friday 17 July.
Writing in Paris Our very first Writing in Paris trip begins on 23 October – and we have only two spots left on this trip of a lifetime. Imagine living in your own Parisian apartment, sipping coffee on the Champs Elysee, wondering the Louvre, exploring the bookshops and walking the streets once walked by Victor Hugo and Marcel Proust. You’ll also take part in a Memoir Writing course with one of Australia’s best known writing tutors, Patti Miller.
This really will be the experience of a lifetime and a trip you’ll never forget!
Writing in Paris with Patti Miller
When: 23 October to 7 November 2009
Click here for more information and to receive a brochure.
Allen & Unwin Iremonger Award for non-fiction Entries are now open for the annual Iremonger Award for writing on public issues. The winning entry will receive $10,000, guaranteed publication, royalties on book sales and editorial support to develop the proposal into a finished manuscript. So, if you have an idea for a book that tackles a contemporary Australian political, social or cultural issue, then get your proposal together before 1 September 2009.
WEBPICK: Fantasy Magazine This one is for lovers of fantasy fiction and also for those who are dabbling in writing some fantasy themselves. Fantasy Magazine is an online weekly magazine of all forms of fantasy fiction. It has book reviews, author interviews, articles, and also publishes short stories and holds competitions for micro-fiction.
High fantasy, surrealism, magical realism, science fantasy, folktales - it’s all here.
If you’re interested in submitting a piece of fiction or non-fiction, visit their submissions page first. Or click here for interviews, reviews and short stories.
Other upcoming courses Course: Online Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Valerie Khoo - NEXT WEEK
When: Week beginning Monday 13 July for five weeks Time: Whenever you want Cost: $395
Course: Writing for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge - FULL
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 16 July 2009 for five weeks Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $395
Seminar: Writing for the Web with Grant Doyle
When: Tuesday 21 July 2009 (one-day seminar) Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm Cost: $365
Course: Marketing Your Book with Amanda Falconer
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 22 July 2009 for three weeks Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm Cost: $265
Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers Stage 1 with Judy Skatssoon
When: Every Monday starting Monday 27 July 2009 for five weeks Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm Cost: $395 Course: Online Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman / Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 27 July 2009 for five weeks Time: Whenever suits you Cost: $395
Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson
When: Thursday 30 July 2009 (one-day seminar) Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm Cost: $395
Seminar: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett - FULL
When: Tuesday 4 August 2009 (one-evening seminar) Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $75
Course: Novel Writing Workshop with Pamela Freeman
When: 5 evening classes held approximately every six weeks beginning Tuesday 11 August 2009 Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm Cost: $450
Seminar: Self-publishing - How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 12 August 2009 (one-evening seminar) Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $75
Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobely
When: Thursday 13 August 2009 (one-day seminar) Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm Cost: $345
Course: Writing for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 18 August 2009 for five weeks Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $395
Seminar: How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett When: Wednesday 19 August (one-evening seminar) Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm Cost: $75
Seminar: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Thursday 20 August 2009 (one-day seminar) Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Kate Forsyth - FULL
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 20 August 2009 for five weeks Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Judith Ridge
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 26 August 2009 for five weeks Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $395 Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 1 September 2009 for five weeks Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $395
Course: Script Writing for the Short Films with Geoff Bartlett - NEW DATE
When: Thursday 3 September and Thursday 10 September 2009 (two evening seminars) Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm Cost: $165
Course: Feature Writing Stage 2 with Judy Skatssoon
When: Every Monday starting Monday 7 September 2009 for five weeks Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm Cost: $395
Seminar: Successful Freelancing with Gayle Bryant and Valerie Khoo When: Thursday 24 September 2009 (one-evening seminar) Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm Cost: $75
Market your book so it's a best-seller; book giveaway; More student success; Study when you want - Online Feature Writing
In this issue:
TIP: Should you capitalise the first word after a colon?
New Podcast: Market your book so it’s a best-seller!
SlimInk Book Giveaway: The Book of Rapture by Nikki Gemmell
More Student success – Angela Furlong on the cover of Home Beautiful
Study when you want where you want – Online Feature Writing
Manuscript clinic with Maree Giles
WEBPICK: Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest
Happy new financial year! We’re half way through 2009. I know this is not traditionally the time to make new year’s resolutions but why not take the opportunity? If you’ve always been meaning to start writing your book or enrol in that course that you’ve had your eye on for a while, it’s time to take action. Otherwise, another half of the year will have gone before you know it.
In the meantime, many of you know that three of my biggest passions are writing, technology and business. If you’re interested in my personal Business Bootcamp newsletter this is where you’ll learn how to grow your business and boost your bottom line. You can sign up here.
Should you capitalise the first word after a colon? Here’s some advice from Grammar Girl on when to capitalise after a colon.
If the words that follow a colon couldn't be a complete sentence on their own, the first letter is always lowercase (unless it's a proper noun, such as a name).
Squiggly loves two things: chocolate and hiking.
Squiggly has two friends: Aardvark and Sir Fragalot.
If the words that follow a colon could be a complete sentence on their own, the Australian Style Guide says you should capitalise. For example:
We ask you: Can you support him? Can you persuade others to vote for him?
This is another instance though where you should always check the style guide of the organisation you are writing for.
New podcast: Discover how former student Amanda Falconer ensured her book’s success! Our next podcast is available tomorrow (Friday). This week I’ve interviewed Amanda Falconer, author of The Renovator’s Survival Guide. Amanda’s book was published by Penguin in February this year and since then, Amanda has been continuously promoting her book all over the country.
Amanda will be sharing her marketing and promotion knowledge at the Sydney Writers’ Centre over three weeks from 22 July. Her course Marketing Your Book: Your Best-seller Blueprint will give you the foundation needed to develop an effective promotional campaign to help you sell more of your book.
The course will cover:
The importance of positioning your book – who its for and where you find this target market
Positioning yourself - what’s your author brand all about?
How to choose the most appropriate promotional tactics
What your publisher does (if you have one) and when they do it – and what they want from you. Also, find out what they don’t do.
How to prepare for media interviews
How to generate your own PR long after your publisher has moved on to the next title
How to promote your book using smart online strategies – do you need a website, blog, online video or a social media presence?
Case studies on online book marketing ideas that you can model.
Amanda is a brand and marketing expert with over 20 years experience across industries ranging from the rag trade to building and now, books. Amanda is currently the national marketing manager of the Australian division of a global manufacturing company. She’s had TV appearances on 9am with David & Kim and A Current Affair. She’s also scored radio interviews on ABC radio in Melbourne, Hobart, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. And I haven’t even mentioned print media yet! Amanda has had her book reviewed in The Sunday Telegraph, New Idea, The Newcastle Herald, and The Sydney Morning Herald’s Domain, and it's been recommended by The Sunday Age.
Our podcast with Amanda is out tomorrow (Friday) so make sure you listen to the podcast here or visit iTunes.
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Book giveaway
This month’s Slim Ink book giveaway is by Nikki Gemmell. Her newest offering is The Book of Rapture. Don’t expect the same erotic tale we saw in The Bride Stripped Bare. This is a very different book that explores the tricky subjects of religion and science.
Three children wake up in a basement room. They have been drugged and taken from their beds in the middle of the night. Now they are alone.
Where are their parents? Who can they trust? The family has been betrayed to the government and Salt Cottage, their home on a clifftop above the ocean, is no longer safe. Their mother′s scientific work has put them all in danger. To protect them, she must let them go. She must put her faith in an old family friend – and in her children′s own resilience and courage.
Each chapter in this novel is followed by a quote from sources such as the Bible, the Koran and the Dalai Lama. Gemmell reportedly spent weeks finding the perfect passages!
So, to win a copy of The Book of Rapture, tell us what your favourite quote is and why.
Email your answer to courses@spindriftmedia.com.au - and don't forget to include your name and postal address.
Study when you want where you want – Online Feature Writing Our next Online Feature Writing course will begin on Monday 13 July. If you want to learn how to write for magazines and newspapers, and get paid for it, then this course is for you. Held in our virtual classroom, we’ll give you the skills to write articles and get them published. It suits first-time writers or anyone who wants to brush up on their writing skills. The course will teach you about:
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!
Here’s what former student Persephone Nicholas had to say about the course: "The course equipped me with all the practical information I needed to get started in my new career as a freelance writer. I learned how to develop and pitch appropriate ideas to editors, techniques for improving my writing plus countless insider tips that have helped me behave professionally in my dealings with magazines and newspapers. I believed I was a reasonable writer before I did the course but doing it has enabled me to get published.
"I am now working as a writer and recommend 'Online Feature Writing for Magazines & Newspapers' to anyone wishing to do the same."
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Student success cover story We’ve received more great news this week from one of our former students. Angela Furlong completed our Feature Writing stage 1 course and one of her stories will be featured on the front cover of Home Beautiful this month.
Congratulations Angela!
Manuscript Assessment Clinic We’ve managed to secure Maree Giles for one more day this year so if you missed out on our first Manuscript Clinic, you can still book in on Wednesday 8 July.
Sessions are for one hour and will give you feedback and guidance on your novel or short story. During the clinic you will discover:
How to improve and “repair” your work: grammar, characterisation, plot, voice, viewpoint
How to edit your own work
How to create an opening that will hook an agent/publisher/reader
Your work will be treated in the strictest confidence
There’s also the option of receiving ongoing mentoring support via email for an additional fee.
Maree Giles is an award-winning Australian author living in the UK and this will be your only opportunity this year to learn from one of the best. She is the author of three literary novels, The Past Is A Secret Country, Invisible Thread and Under The Green Moon (published by Virago Press). She has taught journalism and creative writing to students at various adult education colleges and writing centres in England and Australia, has been a guest speaker at the Sydney Writers' Festival and the Byron Bay Writers' Festival, where she also ran Master classes in Creative Writing. At present she is a Royal Literary Fellow Writer-in-Residence at Kingston University, London.
Manuscript Clinic with Maree Giles
When: Wednesday 8 July 2009 Time: Please call 9929 9237 for an appointment Cost: $150 for one hour
WEBPICK
For examples of how not to write, or how to write badly well, visit the the Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest website for this year’s results. Held in honour of the Victorian novelist Edward George Earl Bulwer-Lytton, this annual competition aims to find the worst opening sentence to an imaginary novel – something like this, which Bulwer-Lytton wrote in 1830: “It was a dark and stormy night.”
Check out this year’s winners at:
http://www.bulwer-lytton.com/2009.htm.
And start working on your entries for 2010!
Other upcoming courses Course: Script Writing for the Short Films with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 2 July and Thursday 9 July 2009 (two evening seminars) Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm Cost: $165
Seminar: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle - FULL
When: Friday 3 July 2009 (one-day seminar) Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm Cost: $395
One-on-one Manuscript Clinic with Maree Giles - NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 8 July 2009, one hour sessions Time: Call 9929 9237 to arrange an appointment Cost: $150
Seminar: Writing for the Web with Grant Doyle
When: Tuesday 21 July 2009 (one-day seminar) Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm Cost: $365
Course: Marketing Your Book with Amanda Falconer
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 22 July 2009 for three weeks Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm Cost: $265
Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers Stage 1 with Judy Skatssoon
When: Every Monday starting Monday 27 July 2009 for five weeks Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm Cost: $395 Course: Online Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman / Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 27 July 2009 for five weeks Time: Whenever suits you Cost: $395
Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson
When: Thursday 30 July 2009 (one-day seminar) Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm Cost: $395
Seminar: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Tuesday 4 August 2009 (one-evening seminar) Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $75
Course: Novel Writing Workshop with Pamela Freeman
When: 5 evening classes held approximately every six weeks beginning Tuesday 11 August 2009 Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm Cost: $450
Seminar: Self-publishing - How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 12 August 2009 (one-evening seminar) Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $75
Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobely
When: Thursday 13 August 2009 (one-day seminar) Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm Cost: $345
Course: Writing for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge - NEW DATE
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 18 August 2009 for five weeks Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $395
Seminar: How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett When: Wednesday 19 August (one-evening seminar) Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm Cost: $75
Seminar: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Thursday 20 August 2009 (one-day seminar) Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Kate Forsyth
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 20 August 2009 for five weeks Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Judith Ridge
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 26 August 2009 for five weeks Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $395 Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman - NEW DATE
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 1 September 2009 for five weeks Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $395
Course: Feature Writing Stage 2 with Judy Skatssoon
When: Every Monday starting Monday 7 September 2009 for five weeks Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm Cost: $395
Seminar: Successful Freelancing with Gayle Bryant and Valerie Khoo - NEW DATE When: Thursday 24 September 2009 (one-evening seminar) Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm Cost: $75
It’s
been a busy week at the Centre. We’ve been liaising with our partners
in Paris to bring lots of goodies for those of you going on the Writing in Paris tour in October 2009. You can find out more here.
There is much contention over the correct use of the word myriad. People argue over whether to use the word 'of'. For example: 
If you think you have what it takes to write for magazines and newspapers,
and get paid for it, our Feature Writing course will show you how to do
it. Many of our past students go on to be published, some before
they’ve even finished the course! 
We’re so excited to be able to announce another date for Patti Miller’s incredibly popular Life Writing course. We usually only run this once or twice a year but we’ve been able to secure Patti for one more course in 2009. 
Do you want to get more customers and increase your revenue?
Recently I interviewed Poppy King
for our author podcast series. Poppy started her own business at the
age of 18, prompted by her fruitless search for the perfect lipstick.
Poppy Industries went on to become one the success stories of the
1990s. After a stint working for another cosmetics giant, Poppy is back
with a new range of lipsticks and a new company – Lipstick Queen. 
The program for the 2009 Melbourne Writers Festival has been announced!
From 21 to 30 August, Australian and International authors will
converge on Federation Square in Melbourne’s CBD for a series of
panels, workshops and masterclasses, films, walks and a music concert featuring Paul Kelly, The Cat Empire and Archie Roach to raise money for the Indigenous Literacy Program. 
Writing
a novel is a daunting project. You may have completed creative writing
courses or been writing for many years, but it’s still important to keep honing your writing to make it the best it can be. 
WEBPICK: Visuwords
Ooooooh! I’m so excited because I’ve been busy putting the finishing touches on our new Online Business Booster Bootcamp. As regular readers will know, I am slightly obsessed with technology and online communication. And, as a result of the many enquiries I’ve received to run a workshop in on this topic, I’m thrilled to launch the Online Business Booster Bootcamp – a one-day bootcamp that’s ideal for entrepreneurs, coaches, speakers, and authors. 
There is often a lot of discussion (and sometimes argument!) about how to write numbers. That is, do you write: 3 or three?
Don’t think that just because you’ve written and published your masterpiece you can rest on your laurels. If you want your book to sell, you need to get it out there, and the best way to do that is with an effective marketing campaign. 
Have you ever thought about writing an article for your favourite magazine, or getting published in local or national newspapers? Our next Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers course is coming up soon so why not start writing now!
Our latest podcast is now available to download from our site or through iTunes. 
Believe it or not, it is possible to turn even the worst writing into a professional, readable document. You just need to know how to edit it well. Understanding the basic principles of editing can save you hours of work (and frustration!) and give you the confidence to transform anyone’s writing. 
WEBPICK: Blusterhead
It’s been head down, bum up this week at the Sydney Writers’ Centre with so many activities going on. I’m particularly excited about our new course Marketing Your Book with brand expert Amanda Falconer. It’s just the sort of course I wish had existed when I was writing and marketing the five books I’ve authored! I’m so thrilled we’re able to bring this course to you.
Do you mind your P’s and Q’s or your Ps and Qs? 
Our Creative Writing stage 1 course is one of our most popular, and it’s no wonder with great teachers like Dr Pamela Freeman and Kate Forsyth. 
You can get paid to travel, and our Travel Writing seminar is the perfect introduction to how you can do it. And, to make it easier for you to attend, we’ve now scheduled a daytime seminar (for those of you who can’t make it at night) as well as an evening one. 
Only a couple of months now until our first 
Our very first 
Allen & Unwin Iremonger Award for non-fiction
This one is for lovers of fantasy fiction and also for those who are dabbling in writing some fantasy themselves. Fantasy Magazine is an online weekly magazine of all forms of fantasy fiction. It has book reviews, author interviews, articles, and also publishes short stories and holds competitions for micro-fiction. 
Happy new financial year! We’re half way through 2009. I know this is not traditionally the time to make new year’s resolutions but why not take the opportunity? If you’ve always been meaning to start writing your book or enrol in that course that you’ve had your eye on for a while, it’s time to take action. Otherwise, another half of the year will have gone before you know it.
Here’s some advice from 
Our next podcast is available tomorrow (Friday). This week I’ve interviewed Amanda Falconer, author of The Renovator’s Survival Guide. Amanda’s book was published by Penguin in February this year and since then, Amanda has been continuously promoting her book all over the country.
Book giveaway
Our next Online Feature Writing course will begin on Monday 13 July. If you want to learn how to write for magazines and newspapers, and get paid for it, then this course is for you. Held in our virtual classroom, we’ll give you the skills to write articles and get them published. It suits first-time writers or anyone who wants to brush up on their writing skills. The course will teach you about:
Manuscript Assessment Clinic
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