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Online feature writing - starts Monday; Writing competition; Crime writing workshop; Book giveaway; do-it-yourself publishing


In this issue:

• Online Feature Writing – STARTS MONDAY
• TIP: The comma splice
• Raspberry & Vine competition
• The dark side of creative writing – Crime Writing Workshop
• Book Giveaway – Hot Tips for Career Chicks
• Do-it-yourself publishing
• Did you know?
• WEBPICK: Pamela Wilson's Writesmart

We’ve had a great week so far. On Tuesday, we were at Quay Restaurant in Sydney for the Dell Small Business Excellence awards where we were recognised as one of the 10 most innovative small businesses in Australia. It was great to have the whole team there because everyone here at the Sydney Writers’ Centre works so hard to make it the kind of place we hope you want to go to.

One of the areas we were recognised for was our online courses. We’ve always been committed to bringing our quality courses to people who can’t easily attend our face-to-face courses.

In fact, next week, you can enrol in Online Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers – which I’ll be teaching!




Online Feature Writing – STARTS MONDAY
Learn to write for magazines and newspapers from home – or wherever you are! Our Online Feature Writing course can be done anywhere you have access to the internet. The interactive style of this course means you can communicate with your presenter and classmates just as you would in a face-to-face class.

If you’re interested in writing for magazines and newspapers, then this course will help you do it. You’ll learn the essentials of writing good articles and getting 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!

Many previous participants in this course have gone on to be published.
Here’s what a few of them had to say:

‘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

‘I found the whole course to be interesting and relevant. It covered such a huge amount of material in a relatively short time and helped us all believe we have what it takes to pursue writing as a career!’
- Kristy McCormick

Online Feature Writing with Valerie Khoo
When: Week beginning Monday 28 September for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

TIP: The comma splice
Used properly, commas help readers understand your writing better. They can give pause to a sentence, as though it were being spoken. But commas can be overused too, and one notable way this happens is with the comma splice.

A comma splice occurs when a comma is used to separate two independent sentences.

For example:

Rambo went for a long walk today, he’s been stuck inside the house all week.

Really, this should be written as two separate sentences or with a conjunction, like this:

Rambo went for a long walk today because he’s been cooped up inside the house all week.

Comma splices are not uncommon, but they’re not good grammar, so read your sentence carefully and make sure you’re not splicing!

 
Raspberry & Vine Short Story Competition
Here’s a chance for you to write a short story on any theme – and possibly see it published online. You could also win $300.

The Raspberry & Vine competition is accepting short fiction of any genre up to 4,000 words. Entry fee is $10 per story and you have until Friday 30 October 2009 to enter.

You can download an entry form or read past winners here.

Crime Writing Workshop
Our very first Crime Writing Workshop is happening soon. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of Australia’s best-known crime writers.

If you’ve completed a creative writing course or you’d like to explore the world of crime writing further, this course will give you an insight into the darker side of writing.

During this weekend workshop you will discover:

• The “rules” of crime writing and how to get started
• Research resources for crime writers
• How to develop credible heroes and intriguing villains
• How to develop a sense of place in crime fiction
• The importance of plotting your crime
• How to plant clues and create suspense
• What crime fiction publishers are looking for

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.

A highly experienced teacher, Marele conducts creative writing courses throughout Australia and mentors emerging writers. She has won several awards including the Ned Kelly Lifetime Achievement in 2008. Her latest novel, released in 2009, is The Sea Bed.

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.


 
Student Success & book giveaway
Karen Adamedes has completed a number of courses with the Sydney Writers’ Centre, including Editing Essentials, Self-Publishing: How to do it and Marketing Your Book. All of these courses have come in very handy as she is just about to launch her book Hot Tips for Career Chicks. Congratulations Karen!

We have three copies of Karen’s book to give away. This is a guide for women who want to get ahead in the male dominated world of business. It’s full of tips on communication, operating style and career development, and could help you accelerate your career.

If you’d like to win a copy of Hot Tips for Career Chicks, tell us one way you’ve achieved your career goals. Email your answers to courses@spindriftmedia.com.au by Friday 2 October 2009, and remember to include your postal address.





Self-Publishing – here’s how
For many people, self-publishing is now the way to go if they want to see their book in print. Many small business owners and professionals use self-publishing as a way to get their expertise out there, and it’s also a popular path for people writing a family history.  

Of course, self-publishing can be a big job. Where do you start if you want to self-publish your book? Our two-hour seminar will give you the information you need to take on this rewarding journey.

It will cover:

• self-publishing versus commercial publishing
• the steps to successful self-publishing
• the importance of editing and layout
• how to get your book printed
• marketing and distributing your book
• what's it all going to cost?

Here’s what some recent participants had to say about the seminar:
‘Geoff is experienced, affable and treats the most outrageous questions with thought and consideration. I have absolutely benefited – wait until you see my book (just give me a few months).’
- Katie Whiffen

‘Geoff was totally in command of this subject and he packed LOTS of information into a short amount of time. I'm a busy person (writing plus earning a living), so I was especially grateful that he didn't waste my time.’
- Pamela Thorne

Self-Publishing: How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 14 October 2009 (2 hour seminar)
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $75

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

Did you know? “Alma mater”
You may have heard the term “alma mater” being used. Typically, it’s used when referring to the school or university you used to go to.

For example:
“My alma mater is the University of Sydney where I studied economics”.

However, did you know that the word comes from the Latin, meaning “nourishing mother”?

WEBPICK: Pamela Wilson's Writesmart
This week’s webpick is from one of our wonderful presenters here at the Sydney Writers’ Centre. Pamela Wilson teaches Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers, and is a freelance journalist herself. Her blog is very new, but already it has been shortlisted in the Top 10 Blogs for Writers.

Pamela’s blog is full of useful info for feature writers, as well as interviews with published authors and news about literary events around Australia.

Check it out at http://blog.writesmart.com.au/

Other upcoming courses
Seminar: Successful Freelancing with Gayle Bryant and Valerie Khoo
When: Thursday 24 September 2009 (one-evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75

Course: Online Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Valerie Khoo
When: Week beginning Monday 28 September 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever you want
Cost: $395

Course: Online Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman / Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 28 September 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Seminar: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 30 September 2009 (one-evening seminar)
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $75

Course: Script Writing for the Short Films with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 1 October 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 Weekend Workshop with Marele Day
When: Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October 2009 (2 day workshop)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
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

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

Seminar: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials 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 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: 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: 9.00am – 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: Online Business Booster Bootcamp with Valerie Khoo
When: Tuesday 24 November 2009
Time: 9.30am - 5.30pm
Cost: $695

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

In this issue:

• TIP: How to use acronyms in your writing
• Get started in script writing
• Student successes – Jane Rowley and Analaura Luna
• Learn the essentials of grammar and punctuation
• Book giveaway – Fear the Worst by Linwood Barclay
• Kick-start your writing with Online Creative Writing
• Did you know? What has Taylor Swift got to do with “ad nauseum”
• WEBPICK: Six Sentences

I’ve been busy editing a magazine this week. I’m nearly at the end of the process and I must say that it’s very exciting to see the magazine being “born”. The cornerstone of the magazine is the writing and I love working with this team of feature writers. That’s why I also love teaching the online Feature Writing course – the next one starts Monday 28 September. If you’re enrolling in that one, I’ll see you in the virtual classroom soon!

What: Online Feature Writing with Valerie Khoo
When: The week beginning 28 September 2009
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Click here for more information or to enrol online




TIP: Using acronyms in your writing
You may need to use acronyms in your writing. Acronyms can be really useful when you know what they mean – but make sure your readers do too.

Unless your house style says otherwise, you should always write the full name of the organisation/term in the first instance, followed by the acronym in brackets. After that, feel free to use the acronym only.

For example:
“The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA) issued a warning on new tax rules that apply to writers. The ICAA will be holding a seminar on this issue next month.”

(Don’t be alarmed: the above example is fictional!)

Get started in scriptwriting
Many big screen directors made their start with short films – think Adam Elliott or the Edgerton Brothers (Mmmmm – Joel Edgerton). Short films now are so popular there are countless festivals dedicated to the art around Australia and the world.

If you’ve got an idea for a short film and want to know how to get it written, filmed and seen, join us for our Script Writing for Short Films seminar.

This course will cover:

• how to select and develop suitable ideas for a short film
• what narrative elements you need in a short film screenplay (characters, plot, dialogue etc)
• what technical elements must you consider in a short film screenplay (locations, props, budget etc)
• the roles of the writer/director/producer and how they interact
• getting your film seen and sold
  
  

This course is presented by Geoff Bartlett who has written for several Australian TV shows and produced three short films. Two were semi finalists at Tropfest and one screened in competition at Flickerfest. They were also bought by Foxtel (The Comedy Channel), ABC TV, Qantas, Telstra and Japanese TV.

Here’s what some recent participants had to say about the course:
‘Geoff’s real world experience was invaluable and worth the price alone. I’ve rethought how I practice writing based on Geoff’s research and real life examples.’
- Chris Bradford

‘It was fantastic to understand the process of a short film and how ideas become reality. Before this course I had a few vague ideas for short films. I now know what to do next if I want to enter Tropfest!’
- Katie Whiffen

Script Writing for Short Films with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursdays 1 and 8 October 2009 (2 evening seminars)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $165

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

 
Student Successes
Jane Rowley, one of our former Feature Writing students, has had her first article published. Her article will appear in the September/October issue of Australian Pilot – and she’ll be following that up with two more articles for the same mag. Congratulations Jane!

We’ve also had news of more self-publishing success. Analaura Luna attended our Self-Publishing: How to do it seminar and has now published Your Family, Your Money: Real money advice for families. It’s the first in a series of books on family finances. Congratulations Analaura!

(Last week we told you about another successful student, Nitasha Richardson. And we’re very embarrassed to say we got her name wrong! It was Nitasha Thomson whose article was published in Natural Health and Vegetarian Life. We’re sorry for the error Nitasha.)

Spot the error
It seems we all make mistakes!  I saw this sign in the Sydney CBD last night and thought I’d include it here for your amusement. Can you spot the error?



 
Learn the essentials of grammar and punctuation
Grammar is a funny thing. Some people are so passionate about it – and why not, it’s the glue that holds our language together. But in Australia, many of us weren’t taught grammar at school, leaving us to figure out for ourselves where the apostrophe should go, whether to use ‘which’ or ‘that’, or when to use a hyphen.  

If you’d like to get a grip on grammar, or you think you know the rules but want to know more about the 'why', then this one-day seminar could be for you. It’s a practical and intensive day and will help you transform your writing.

This seminar will give you:

• knowledge that you can apply easily and immediately in your writing
• a clear understanding of how to treat common mistakes - such as apostrophes and plurals
• an understanding of when to bend, break or keep a rule or convention
• the ability to discern when more than one solution is acceptable
• a taste of how professional editors approach their craft
• more confidence in applying the standard hard-copy editing marks to double-spaced copy
• and much more

The workshop is presented 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. Deb's courses are interactive and fun. You'll be amazed at how engaging and interesting a workshop in grammar and punctuation can be.

Here’s what some recent participants had to say about the seminar:
‘The reference book was very comprehensive and will be an excellent resource for the future. I have gained confidence with report writing and grammar and punctuation skills.’
- Jo Porter

‘Deb was fantastic. She really knows her stuff. I now have a better basic knowledge of grammar and punctuation.’
- Stephanie Johnston

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

Click here for more information or to enrol online.




Win Fear the Worst by Linwood Barclay
Our latest podcast is now online and this week we’re featuring the hugely successful Canadian author, Linwood Barclay. His latest thriller is Fear the Worst.

The worst day of Tim Blake's life started out with him making breakfast for his seventeen-year-old daughter Sydney. Syd was staying with him while she worked a summer job - even if he wasn't entirely sure what her job at the Just Inn Time motel actually was - and Tim hoped this quality father-daughter time would somehow help her deal with his divorce from Susanne. When she didn't arrive home at her usual time, he thought she'd probably gone to the mall to hang with her friends. When she didn't answer her phone he began to worry. When she didn't come home at all, he began to panic.

If you would like to win a copy of Fear the Worst simply watch the video below and answer the question. Email your answers to courses@spindriftmedia.com.au by Friday 25 September 2009, and don’t forget to include your postal address.

Kick-start your writing with Online Creative Writing
If you’d like to kick-start your writing but can’t attend classes at our Milsons Point training room, then why not join our next Online Creative Writing course. Whether you’re interested in writing short stories, a novel, or your family history, this course will give you the confidence to indulge your creative side.

During this 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

We’ve had students from all over Australia and the world complete our Online Creative Writing course. Here’s what some of them have had to say:

“I have had an amazing 5 weeks. I have learnt so much in such a short time. I want more. My writing is so much tigher. I look back to my first submission and know what to do with it now. This has been a fantastic course. I have been able to fit it into my life. There has been no pressure, just support and understanding. Thank you.”
- Angelina Cimino

"My writing or authorship has improved immensely. I now know how to structure my writing and how to structure my story for publication. I didn't have to arrange babysitters and could do it at home at any time that suited."
- Karlene Dalbraithe

Online Creative Writing with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 28 September 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

Did you know?
The latin phrase ‘ad nauseam’ literally means ‘to the point of nausea’. It’s a phrase used when referring to something that has been discussed or repeated extensively – until you are sick of it.

So, if you’ve heard the song ‘Love Story’ by Taylor Swift five times in one day and it’s making you feel ill, it’s because the local radio station is playing it ‘ad nauseam’.

WEBPICK: Six Sentences
We’ve seen six word memoirs, and now it’s time to let yourself go wild and see if what you can say with six sentences! This blog accepts submissions from all over the world. Your story must be one paragraph of no more than six sentences.

It’s an exercise in restraint, but you’d be surprised how much you can say with so few words. There are some fabulous stories here – lucky they’re so short, it would be easy to spend a whole day reading them.

You can read six sentence entries and submit your own work here - http://sixsentences.blogspot.com/

Other upcoming courses
Seminar: Successful Freelancing with Gayle Bryant and Valerie Khoo
When: Thursday 24 September 2009 (one-evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75

Course: Online Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Valerie Khoo
When: Week beginning Monday 28 September 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever you want
Cost: $395

Course: Online Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman / Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 28 September 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Seminar: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 30 September 2009 (one-evening seminar)
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $75

Course: Script Writing for the Short Films with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 1 October 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 Weekend Workshop with Marele Day
When: Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October 2009 (2 day workshop)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
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

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

Seminar: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials 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 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: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman
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: 9.00am – 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: Online Business Booster Bootcamp with Valerie Khoo
When: Tuesday 24 November 2009
Time: 9.30am - 5.30pm
Cost: $695

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

How to make freelance work pay; Crime Writing Workshop; Write the next great Australian novel; Online course starts soon

In this issue:

• TIP: ‘In the process of’ deleting redundant phrases
• How to make freelance work pay!
• Student Successes
• Crime Writing
• Write the next great Australian novel
• Where does “et cetera” come from?
• Learn to write for magazines and newspapers - online course
• WEBPICK: Pimp My Novel

What a buzz there is at the Sydney Writers’ Centre at the moment. A couple of weeks ago, I hosted the Online Business Booster Bootcamp which was a jam-packed day filled with lots of information. It’s for anyone who wants to master online marketing strategies to boost their business.

We’ve received so many requests to run it again that I’ve decided to schedule one more Bootcamp before the end of the year.

Date: Tuesday 24 November 2009
Time: 9.30am - 5.30pm
Regular price: $695
Early bird price: $495 if you book before Friday 25 September
Book online here and use the promo code: OBBBEARLY2509

Here’s what some of the participants had to say:
Sylvia Aitken:
“The information was excellent - extremely useful and practical. We were shown how to actually implement systems rather than just learning about the theory of implementing them. Valerie cut through all the confusion of the many systems out there so I now feel like I actually have the knowledge and tools to start implementing some online marketing.”

Amanda Hampson:
“Hallelujah - our eyes have been opened! Valerie has inducted us into the world of web marketing. The incredible detail of this seminar and thorough notes made a one day workshop into a web marketing immersion experience. Anyone - everyone! - who is serious about marketing on the web should do this course and save themselves months of blind messing about. The seminar has opened me up to the hundreds of possibilities and given me the practical skills (and the inspiration) to get started.”

Michelle Feros, Vision Decisions
“Huge amounts of practical and useful information. This seminar has refocused me about what I need to do with my website and more importantly my business. My head is buzzing with ideas about what to do next.”




TIP: ‘In the process of’ deleting redundant phrases
Grammar Girl, from the website quickanddirtytips.com, recently recorded a podcast on redundant phrases. She’s picked out quite a few of them, and it’s surprising just how many sneak into our writing without us noticing. Here’s just one redundant phrase she recommends you avoid.

In the Process Of
One such phrase to excise from your writing is “in the process of,” as in, “My kids are in the process of driving me crazy.” Delete it, and you have, “My kids are driving me crazy.” Anytime you see “in the process of,” take it out and check to see whether any meaning is lost. You’ll save your fingers thousands of superfluous keystrokes.

How to make freelance work pay!
If you’ve already done some freelance writing, then you know there’s more to making a career from it than just completing the article! Our Successful Freelancing seminar is designed to give you the knowledge and confidence to build your freelance career.

Just because you freelance, doesn’t mean you have to be poor. Establishing yourself as a freelancer is like setting up a small business – there are ways to make sure you’re successful!

NOTE: This is designed for people who are already freelancing (but want to take it to the next level) or for those already in the publishing industry (who want to take the plunge into freelancing). If you have NOT had much experience in writing and getting published in magazines/newspapers, then we suggest you consider the course Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers instead.

This two-hour seminar will help you:

• understand the business basics – what you need to get you started
  
• get repeat commissions and find regular work
• approach editors with your ideas
• invoice and chase payment
• how to build a regular and healthy income stream
• negotiate your rates

Here’s what some previous participants had to say about the seminar:
"Since attending the Successful Freelancing Seminar in February I have had three stories accepted for a parenting publication and have begun writing for business publications. The seminar motivated me and pointed me in the right direction. Thank you!"

- Sandy Leen

"I was at the Successful Freelancing seminar last night and just wanted to say thanks. I came up from Melbourne especially for it, and it was definitely worth the trip!"

- Daniel Papas

Successful Freelancing with Valerie Khoo and Gayle Bryant
When: Thursday 24 September 2009 (two-hour seminar)
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $75

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

 
Student Successes – books and articles published
Linda Mondy recently told us: ‘I attended your fantastic Editing course with Katrina Lobley in February 2008, which was very helpful.’ She has since edited and published a book - Newpin: Courage to change together. Helping families achieve generational change. Congratulations Linda!

Nitasha Thomson completed Feature Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Wilson and has had her article published in the Spring issue of Natural Health and Vegetarian Life. Congratulations Nitasha!

Crime Writing
This week the Crime Writing Association of Australia announced the winners of their Ned Kelly Awards. This year Peter Corris (Deep Water) and Kel Robertson (Smoke and Mirrors) were joint winners for the best fiction award. The Ned Kelly Awards have been running since 1996, proof of how popular crime writing has become in Australia.

If you’d like to delve into the dark side and try your hand at crime writing, our Crime Writing Workshop is for you. This is our newest course and will show you how to craft a compelling mystery or an engrossing crime thriller.

During the course you’ll discover:

• The “rules” of crime writing and how to get started
• Research resources for crime writers
• How to develop credible heroes and intriguing villains
• How to develop a sense of place in crime fiction
• The importance of plotting your crime
• How to plant clues and create suspense
• What crime fiction publishers are looking for

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 and Sunday 11 October (two-day workshop)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395

Click here for more information or to enrol online.


 
DID YOU KNOW? Et cetera
We use the term “etc”, the abbreviation for “et cetera” so often that it’s easy to think it’s a regular English word. For me, I can never think of “et cetera” without the image of Yul Brynner as the King of Siam in the movie the King and I (1956), where he utters the phrase “et cetera, et cetera, et cetera” repeatedly. (No, I’m not that old – I just love musicals!)

Anyhow, “et cetera” actually comes from the Latin words “and the rest”. In Latin, “et” means “and”. “Cetera” means “the rest”. So now, when you use “etc”, you can think of it’s Latin origin – or Yul Brynner!  






Write the next great Australian novel
I know, it sounds impossible, especially when the closing date for this one is 30 September! But it’s not as difficult as it sounds – you only have to write the first paragraph.

To celebrate Books Alive, ABC’s Nightlife program is holding its annual competition to find the best first paragraph for a great Australian novel. You can submit your entry online at the ABC Contribute discussion board. Details for posting entries can also be found here.

If you’re one of three lucky winners you’ll receive 50 new release books. Three runners up will receive 10 audio books. That should be enough to keep keen readers busy for a while.

Learn to write for magazines and newspapers – online course
If you’d like to learn how to write for magazines and newspapers, but can’t make it to one of our face-to-face classes, why not join us online for an interactive class? Our Online Feature Writing course has the same practical and insightful information you’d receive in our regular course, but it’s delivered straight to you! All you need is high-speed internet access, and a few hours a week to complete the modules.

If you’re new to feature writing, or you want to brush up on your skills and learn more about how to get your work published, this course is for you.

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!

Here’s what recent participants have said about the course:
‘I loved how practical the course was. I’ve studied writing at uni but it was all theory and no practical. I feel like I have a lot more confidence to go out and pitch – knowing exactly what editors expect.’
- Maraya Bell

‘Easy to follow; informative; credible; positive; objective; realistic. The course dispelled many of my reservations and confirmed many of my perceptions about feature writing. I was able to work around my schedule – listen in the car or while walking the dog.’
- Con Calagis

Online Feature Writing with Valerie Khoo
When: Week beginning Monday 28 September 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

WEBPICK: Pimp My Novel
Want to know what happens to your book after it’s been picked up by a publisher? Pimp My Novel is the blog of Eric, who works in the sales department of a major trade publisher. It’s an amusing look at the not-so-glamorous side of publishing and is also full of useful information for writers who may find the process of publishing overwhelming, if not completely bewildering.

Visit Pimp My Novel for a laugh, and maybe even some really helpful advice.

Other upcoming courses
Seminar: Successful Freelancing with Gayle Bryant and Valerie Khoo
When: Thursday 24 September 2009 (one-evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75

Course: Online Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Valerie Khoo - NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 28 September 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever you want
Cost: $395

Course: Online Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman / Cathie Tasker - NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 28 September 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Seminar: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 30 September 2009 (one-evening seminar)
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $75

Course: Script Writing for the Short Films with Geoff Bartlett - NEW DATE
When: Thursday 1 October 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 Weekend Workshop with Marele Day - NEW COURSE
When: Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October 2009 (2 day workshop)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
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

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

Seminar: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials 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 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: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman
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: Online Business Booster Bootcamp with Valerie Khoo - NEW DATE
When: Tuesday 24 November 2009
Time: 9.30am - 5.30pm
Cost: $695

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

How to set up your business blog - new course!; New date for Script Writing for Short Films; Learn Creative Writing online

In this issue:

• Nova Radio at the Sydney Writers' Centre
  
• TIP: How a comma can prevent repetitive writing
• How to set up your business blog
• Book Giveaway – The World Beneath by Cate Kennedy
• New date for Script Writing for Short Films
• Speed read the new Dan Brown novel and win
• Learn Creative Writing online
• Did you know: Is that God in the machine?
• WEBPICK: Bookseeker

Today, we’ve had the team from Nova Radio in our training rooms with two winners of a Fathers’ Day promotion - see Tony, myself and Joe pictured to the right. Tony and Joe are going head to head in a competition that will see one of them win $5000. My job today was to give them a poetry lesson. (Yes, I’m a closet poet!) So I taught them “The Cheat’s Guide To Writing a  Really Cool Poem”. They both wrote poems about their respective daughters and both did a great job. Good luck to Tony and Joe! And thanks to Nova Radio for visiting us at the Sydney Writers’ Centre.

Next week, I’m also thrilled to be leading the Online Feature Writing course for a new group of aspiring feature writers. I always get a buzz from the results we get from this course. If you’re enrolled, I’ll “see” you in the virtual classroom soon!

Online Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Valerie Khoo
When: Week beginning Monday 7 September 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever you want
Cost: $395




TIP: How a comma can prevent repetitive writing
Like apostrophes, commas have many uses, and many rules applying to these uses.

Here’s one from Mark Tredinnick’s Little Green Grammar Book.

A specialised use of the comma is to indicate you’ve left some words out of a sentence, which it would be clumsy to repeat. This is only going to happen in the second half of a sentence, where generally the second half is a clause (introduced by a semicolon) that sets up a contrast with the first:

Many fiction writers perform their work by trying to execute elaborate plans; others, by sitting down to see what comes their way.

The comma in the above sentence is used to replace the words fiction writers perform their work.

How to set up your business blog
We’re so excited about our newest business seminar – Blogging for Business. This seminar is for anyone who blogs for work or is thinking of setting up a blog for their business.

There are so many reasons to blog, and so many different types of blogs. An increasing number of  businesses are seeing the potential benefits in setting up their own blog, either for customers or staff. This one-day seminar will show you how to setup a blog how to grow and sustain your blog readership and how to integrate it into your marketing.

During the seminar you will learn:

• 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

This seminar is presented by business blogging expert 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.

Before moving into the world of Web 2.0, Steven had a long history in translating online tools for non-technical audiences writing as a journalist for mainstream publications around the world.

Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis
When: Friday 23 October 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm
Cost: $365

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

 
Slim Ink book giveaway
This month, Slim Ink is giving away Cate Kennedy’s new novel, The World Beneath. While Cate Kennedy is an experienced and much published writer, this is her first novel. She’s best known for her short story collections, including Dark Roots and Joyflight. Her stories have also appeared in The New York Times and she has twice won The Age Short Story Competition.

Here’s a little more about her first novel:
Once, Rich and Sandy were environmental activists, part of a world-famous blockade in Tasmania to save the wilderness. Now, twenty-five years later, they have both settled into the uncomfortable compromises of middle age - although they've gone about it in very different ways. About the only thing they have in common these days is their fifteen-year-old daughter, Sophie.

When the perennially restless Rich decides to take Sophie, who he hardly knows, on a trek into the Tasmanian wilderness, his overconfidence and her growing disillusion with him set off a chain of events that no one could have predicted. Instead of respect, Rich finds antagonism in the relationship with Sophie; and, in the vast landscape he once felt an affinity with, he encounters nothing but disorientation and fear.

If you would like to win a copy of The World Beneath tell us your favourite wilderness area in Australia. Email your answers to us by Friday 11 September 2009 - and don't forget to include your name and postal address.

Do you have a script inside you?
Have you got an idea for a short film but just don’t know where to start? Are you thinking of entering one of Australia’s many short film competitions in 2010? Our Script Writing for Short Films course will show you how to write your script and get it made.

This course will cover:

• How to select and develop suitable ideas for a short film
• What narrative elements do you need in a short film screenplay (characters, plot, dialogue etc)
• What technical elements must you consider in a short film screenplay (locations, props, budget etc)
• What are the roles of the writer/director/producer and how do they interact?
• Getting your film seen and sold

This course is presented by Geoff Bartlett who has written for several Australian TV shows and produced three short films. Two were semi finalists at Tropfest and one screened in competition at Flickerfest. They were also bought by Foxtel (The Comedy Channel), ABC TV, Qantas, Telstra and Japanese TV.

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

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

 
Speed-read the new Dan Brown novel – and win books!
All you speed readers out there should be very pleased to hear about this competition at the State Library of NSW. Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol, the follow-up to the hugely successful The Da Vinci Code, is being released in Australia on 15 September 2009.

At 9.00am on that day, a select group of speed-readers gathered at the Library, will be given a copy of The Lost Symbol – the first person to finish will also be the first person in Australia to review the book, on TV, radio and in newspapers.

Not only will you enjoy (probably fleeting) fame as the country’s fastest reader and first reviewer of this highly anticipated sequel, you’ll also receive $500 worth of books from Random House.

If you think you’re up to the challenge, click here to enter.





Online Creative Writing – learn from wherever you are
Our Creative Writing course is one of our most popular, often filling well before the start date. That’s why we developed the online course as well. This way you can learn the same course – but from the comfort of your home. We have students from all over Australia and the world.

If you’re interested in writing fiction, short stories or even a novel, this course will help you improve your creative writing skills and give you valuable feedback from our experienced presenters.

The course will teach you 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

Online Creative Writing with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman
When: Week beginning Monday 7 September 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever you want
Cost: $395

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

DID YOU KNOW: Is that God I see in the machine?
Sydney-siders may be familiar with the popular cafe/motorcycle shop in Camperdown called Deus Ex Machina. It's a pretty groovy place where you can get a super strong coffee and delicious breakfast alongside rows of motorcycles and even artworks. It's reputation is spreading as a cool, industrial-style store with an equally cool menu.

However, did you know that Deus Ex Machina is actually Latin for ‘god out of the machine’? It comes from some tragic plays in ancient Greece. At the end of the play, a deity would be lowered on to the stage using a crane ... god out of the machine.

WEBPICK: Bookseeker
You’ve just finished a great book and now you’re stuck for something to read. There’s just too much to choose from in your library or bookshop – the choices are too overwhelming! Well, here’s a site that can help you pick.

Just type in the title and author of the book you’ve just read, and you’ll be given three lists – recommendations from Amazon, BookArmy and LibraryThing. Easy!

Check it out here.

Other upcoming courses
Course: Online Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Valerie Khoo
When: Week beginning Monday 7 September 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever you want
Cost: $395

Course: Online Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman / Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 7 September 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson - FULL
When: Wednesday 9 September 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $395

Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller - FULL
When: Every Friday starting Friday 11 September 2009 for six weeks
Time: 10am – 12noon
Cost: $450

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
When: Wednesday 30 September 2009 (one-evening seminar)
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $75

Course: Script Writing for the Short Films with Geoff Bartlett - NEW DATE
When: Thursday 1 October 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 Weekend Workshop with Marele Day - NEW COURSE
When: Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October 2009 (2 day workshop)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
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

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

Seminar: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials 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 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: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman
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: Marketing Your Book with Amanda Falconer - NEW DATE
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 19 January 2009 for three weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $265

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