Thursday, February 25, 2010
Make your travel pay; More student success; Online Writing Books for Children starts soon!; Book giveaway – The Vintner’s Luck
In this issue:
- TIP: Introducing the comma
- Make your travel pay – Travel Writing
- More student success – Niamh Griffin
- Online Writing Books for Children starts soon
- The Vintner’s Luck book giveaway
- National Young Writers’ Festival
- WEBPICK: Fancy Goods
This newsletter is coming to you from the Yarra Valley in Victoria. I love being a writer because as long as you have a computer, phone and internet you can do your work from anywhere.
A big welcome to all our new online writing course students. I’m especially looking forward to the Online Feature Writing course starting on Monday 1 March.
If you’d like to know what it takes to write polished feature articles and get them published, then this is the place to start. Your online feature writing course will teach you:
- 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 some of our recent participants had to say about the course:
‘[I enjoyed] the quality of the content and the manner in which it was delivered. Being able to listen to the audio and download the handouts anytime during the week was great. I also enjoyed the profile writing task and chance to get feedback on my writing from Valerie.’
- Frances Wood
‘I enjoyed the presenter's real life experiences and ideas. And also the fact she transitioned into a writing career from another career… and made it all seem possible! I have benefited a lot. I knew nothing about writing or journalism before this course and the learning curve over just 5 weeks has been amazing.’
- Anna Day
Online Feature Writing with Valerie Khoo
When: Week beginning Monday 1 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
TIP: Introducing the comma
In his book, The Little Green Grammar Book, Mark Tredinnick describes the comma as ‘the original pause for breath’. Its use is second only to the full stop. But there is still a lot of confusion on when they should be used, or left out completely.
One instance when you should use a comma is after an introductory word, phrase or clause. Here are some examples from The Little Green Grammar Book:
At the first gesture of morning, flies began stirring.
Before this year is over, I would like to have finished and published two more books.
The phrases before the commas are ‘introductory’. To leave the commas out could cause confusion for readers.
When the introductory element is very short, you don't always need a comma after it. But you're never wrong if you do use one.
Make your travel pay
We all love to travel – who doesn’t? But for those people who also love writing, travel is more than just a holiday. It’s inspiration! This daytime seminar will help guide you through the competitive and rewarding industry that is travel writing. The seminar will cover:
- publishing opportunities (newspapers, magazines, electronic publishing, travel literature, guidebooks, other avenues)
- types of travel stories (service stories, destination stories, personal essays)
- what it takes to be a travel writer
- some straight talk about earnings
- finding and focusing your story (the right subject, travel trends, developing your story)
- the art and craft of travel writing
- getting published and making contacts (including tips on joining professional associations such as the Australian Society of Travel Writers)
- writing for travel guidebooks
Here’s what some recent participants had to say about the seminar:
‘I enjoyed the no nonsense practical nature of the content and the delivery. I'm now motivated with a much clearer direction and realism around my personal objectives and strategy.’
- Nigel Smith
‘Geoff Bartlett drew from his own professional experience. It's nice hearing it from someone who knows the industry. There were a lot of hints and tips (industry related) Geoff gave that I will use myself.’
- Belinda Crestani
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.
DAYTIME Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 5 March 2010 (two-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $75
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Student success
Niamh Griffin has done quite a few courses with the Sydney Writers’ Centre, including Feature Writing stages 1 and 2. And she’s now having a lot of success with her writing.
Her blog, irishwanderings.com, has been nominated for the Irish Blog Awards for the best personal blog. She also contributes to another nominated blog, LA Makeup.
Congratulations Niamh!
Online writing for children starts soon
Think you could be the next J K Rowling? Well, why not! If you’re interested in writing for a younger audience our Online Writing Books for Children is perfect for you. This course will give you valuable insights into the world of children’s book publishing as well as giving you great tips on writing engaging and entertaining stories for younger readers.
The course will cover:
- how to get started
- finding the right voice
- creating characters and stories young readers will enjoy
- how to write believable dialogue
- common assumptions about writing for children and about young readers
- how to structure a story that works
- the secrets to plotting for different age groups
- what you need to know about getting into the children’s publishing market
This interactive online course covers the same content as our popular Writing Books for Children and Young Adults.
Online Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Nicola Robinson
When: Week starting Monday 15 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
The Vintner’s Luck book giveaway
Our friends at Icon Films have yet another giveaway for subscribers – but it’s not the usual film tickets. Instead, they’re giving away three copies of the book The Vintner’s Luck to celebrate the release of the upcoming movie!
The novel, written by award-winning author Elizabeth Knox, is set in a Burgundian village during the time of Napoleon. It’s the story of wine-maker Sobran Jordeau and his deepening friendship with an angel, Xas. And, thanks to Icon, we have three copies of the novel to giveaway.
Just tell us what you would ask an angel if he came to visit you. Email your entries to courses@spindrifmedia.com.au by Friday 5 March 2010, and don’t forget to include your postal address.
And for those people who like to see the film before reading the book (I know you’re out there), the film is showing in limited release at Dendy Opera Quays in Sydney, and also Canberra.
For details check out the Dendy website.
Unleash your creativity
If you want to kick-start your creativity and get started on that novel, memoir or short story, we now have a number of different learning options for our ever-popular Creative Writing Stage 1. You can now do a course in the evenings, the morning, or in one week!
Our next evening class is starting soon. This is your chance to enhance your creative writing and get that project started.
This creative writing 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
Here’s what some recent participants have had to say about the course:
‘Our presenter, Jeni Mawter, was very, very good! She was able to give us valuable information about actual writing but also about how the publishing world works. She was also a very engaging speaker and the course was structured well. I have a much better understanding of what the process of writing actually involves.’
- Elizabeth Santangelo
‘Apart from the help with actual literary techniques, Jeni gave me a realistic sense of what it would be like to be a writer. She spoke well about the industry and its intricacies as well as speaking of her own experiences. This course gave me a great sense of how to write for different audiences and how to overcome writers block. Most importantly though, it helped me realise that the first draft doesn't have to be perfect.’
- Raymond Cachia
The next course will be taught by Jeni Mawter, children’s author of the hilarious ‘So’ series: So Gross!, So Feral!, So Sick!, So Festy!, So Grotty! and So Stinky! (HarperCollins) as well as the Freewheelers series: Unleashed!, Launched! and Extreme! (HarperCollins). Unleashed! was shortlisted for the WAYRBA Older Readers Award 2009.
Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 16 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
National Young Writers’ Festival
NYWF is on again! This annual Newcastle event, part of the This Is Not Art festival, is currently in the planning stages and organisers want to hear from writers, poets, journalists, editors, playwrights – in fact, anyone involved in writing and publishing.
The festival will be held from 29 September to 4 October 2010, but submissions need to be in by Wednesday 31 March! So if you're interested in getting involved with this festival check out the website at www.nywf.org.au.
For more details, or download the submissions form click here.
WEBPICK: Fancy Goods
Fancy Goods is the latest blog for Australian readers and writers. Written by the team at Bookseller+Publisher Online, it’s the place to go for book reviews, author interviews and news about books, writing and publishing.
The name for the blog comes from the original title of D W Thorpe’s industry newsletter, which he established in 1921. At that time, Bookseller+Publisher went by the name of The Australian Stationery and Fancy Goods Journal. (I have to say, if I received a brochure with a name like that, I would almost certainly buy something from it!)
And so, Fancy Goods the blog has been born.
Check it out here.
Other upcoming courses
Course: Online Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge - FULL
When: Week beginning Monday 1 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Online Creative Writing with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman - FULL
When: Week beginning Monday 1 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Online Feature Writing Stage 1 with Valerie Khoo - NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 1 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley - FULL
When: Tuesday 2 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $365
Course: Feature Writing Stage 1 DAYTIME course with Vanessa Waters
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 3 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 5 March 2010 (2-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $75
Course: Online Creative Writing with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman - NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 8 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson - FULL
When: Tuesday 9 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Feature Writing Stage 1 course with Pamela Wilson
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 10 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 12 March 2010 (2-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $75
Course: Online Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge - NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 15 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Seminar: Self-Publishing: How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Monday 15 March 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Tuesday 16 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 16 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett - FULL
When: Tuesday 23 March 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Seminar: Writing for the web with Grant Doyle
When: Thursday 25 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm
Cost: $365
Seminar: Travel writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 25 March 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis
When: Tuesday 30 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $365
Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 30 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson - NEW DATE
When: Tuesday 6 April 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Kate Forsyth
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 8 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Monday starting Monday 12 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 5-day Intensive course with Jeni Mawter
When: Monday 12 April - Friday 16 April 2010 (5 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Feature Writing Stage 2 with Judy Skatssoon
When: Every Wednesday beginning Wednesday 14 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When: Friday 30 April 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $365
Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett - NEW DATE
When: Tuesday 4 May 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Script Writing for Short Films with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 13 May and 20 May 2010 (two evening seminars)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $165
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 July (two-day workshop)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $450
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 12 August 2010 for six weeks
Time: 10am - 12noon
Cost: $450
Writing Tour: Writing in Bali with Patti Miller
When: 30 September to 5 October 2010
Writing Tour: Writing in Paris with Patti Miller
Dates for 2010:
Arrival: Thursday 21 October 2010
Departure: Saturday 6 November 2010
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Thursday, February 18, 2010
Learn creative writing online; Further vs Farther; Overland bloggers wanted; Self-publish your book; Grammar and punctuation - what you need to know!
In this issue:
- TIP: Further versus Farther
- Learn creative writing - online!
- Overland bloggers wanted
- How to self-publish your book
- Wordwise: Maverick
- Grammar and punctuation - what you need to know
- WEBPICK: What Kate Did Next
I love receiving emails from former students to hear what they have been up to. This week, Steve Wilkinson emailed me:
“Within a month of completing your online feature writing course I’ve had my first article accepted for publication in ‘Finally at 40 – Life Begins’, with the promise of more work. I now have the confidence (and skills, thanks to you) to approach some bigger mags. My journey begins…”
Congratulations Steve. We’re thrilled to hear this!
If you’re interested in getting published in magazines and newspapers two upcoming courses include:
Online Feature Writing with Valerie Khoo
When: Week beginning Monday 22 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
And if you’d like to attend in person, we have a day time course that may suit those of you who can’t attend in the evenings.
DAYTIME Feature Writing with Vanessa Waters
When: Wednesdays starting Wednesday 3 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
TIP: Further vs Farther
You may have noticed that the English language seems to have an endless list of easily confused words. And here is another addition to that list - further versus farther. While they are often used interchangeably, a subtle difference has developed between them and there are cases where you would use one over the other. Grammar Girl explains it like this:
The quick and dirty tip here is that you use farther to talk about physical distance and further to talk about metaphorical, or figurative, distance. It's easy to remember because farther has the word far in it, and far obviously relates to physical distance.
For example:
‘How much farther do we have to walk?’ (or, how much distance do we have to walk?)
‘If you have any further questions, please contact us.’ (or, if you have more or additional questions)
Learn creative writing - online!
Imagine being able to learn from home, your office, or even a hotel room! Well, that’s exactly what you can do with our Online Creative Writing course. If you’ve always wanted to do a creative writing course but just can’t make it to our face-to-face classes in Milsons Point, then here’s your solution.
You’ll join 15 other writers in a virtual classroom, designed so that you get the same interaction and feedback as you would from a real classroom.
You'll learn how to:
- kick-start the creative writing process
- tap into your imagination
- draw from everyday experiences and memories
- examine different types of creative writing
- give structure to your writing
- use characters and dialogue
Here’s what some recent participants said about the online course:
‘Relevant and informative, but also interesting and enjoyable. Having the lectures as downloadable MP3s was particularly convenient for me. I now know a lot more about the technique of writing creative fiction, and have what will be useful resource materials for when I seek to have something published.’
- Peter Tiffen
‘Having the ability to revise notes, using the audio and access to other students' work and responses from the tutor, were invaluable learning tools. Ease and convenience was the best thing. Often the only time you have to write is at midnight. Online courses offer you the ability to do so.’
- Jody Watkins
Online Creative Writing with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman
When: Week beginning Monday 1 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Overland bloggers wanted
Here’s a great opportunity if you’d like to get involved in an online community of readers and writers. Overland is one of Australia’s oldest literary publications and publishes features, fiction, poetry and commentary in a quarterly magazine.
It also has a strong online presence and a group blog that is currently written by editorial staff in Melbourne. They’re now looking to expand that content to include writers from all over Australia. So, if you like writing about books, politics, festivals, or poetry, and would like to join the lively discussion at Overland blog, you have until the end of February to apply for a regular blogging role. While this is an unpaid gig, it’s also an excellent opportunity to have your writing published on a well-known and well-respected site.
Click here for more information.
How to self-publish your book
For many people, a commercial publisher is not necessarily the best way to go. Self-publishing is becoming more and more prevalent, and many writers have had great success taking this route – just ask Sandra Cabot (The Liver Cleansing Diet) or Matthew Reilly (Contest).
If you’re a professional or business owner and want to write a book about what you do, self-publishing is definitely the way to go. It can also be suitable for some non-fiction books and occasionally fiction as well.
Our Self-publishing seminar will help you decide if this is the right path for you.
The seminar 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:
‘Curious is the best word I can use to describe the reason I enrolled and I was starting from a zero knowledge base on any type of publishing. So I found the entire seminar enjoyable to attend. It's great knowledge to file away and a fabulous base for learning more about the publishing world.’
- Karen Ranga
‘Geoff was totally in command of hs subject, and he packed LOTS of information into a short amount of time. Well done all round.’
- Pamela Thorne
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.
Self-publishing - How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Monday 15 March 2010 (two-hour morning seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Wordwise: Maverick
You’ll most often hear the word ‘maverick’ used to describe an individual or person considered a loner or dissenter. But the Macquarie dictionary also offers two other meanings – a maverick is also an animal found without its owner’s brand or a calf separated from its mother.
This meaning actually originated with a man named Samuel Augustus Maverick. He was a Yale graduate, lawyer, a war veteran, and also the Mayor of San Antonio – basically an all-round over achiever. But he wasn’t much of a farmer. In the 1840s he was given a herd of cattle in exchange for a debt, but he neglected them so much calves were often found wondering the plains without a brand – absolutely unheard of in those days!
So, when these stray calves were found, they were called ‘mavericks’. The name stuck, and eventually came to also be applied to dissenters – often intellectuals, artists or politicians – who took a stand apart from their colleagues or associates.
Grammar and Punctuation - what you need to know
Here’s another perfect example of why punctuation is so important. I found a link to this one on Twitter. It’s called ‘Punctuation saves lives’.
‘Let’s eat Grandpa!’
‘Let’s eat, Grandpa!’
It’s only a comma, but what a difference it makes! And it just goes to show how important grammar and punctuation are in writing.
Our one-day seminar in grammar and punctuation is an intensive and interactive course designed to give you the tools to improve your writing (and the writing of others) at work.
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
- the basic rules you need to know to be confident in the workplace
- an understanding of when to bend, break or keep a rule or convention
- ability to discern when more than one solution is acceptable
- empowerment to justify your corrections to your own and other people's writing
- 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
Here’s what past participants have had to say about the seminar:
‘[The most enjoyable thing about the seminar was] by far the teacher - she was brilliant, incredibly professional and knowledgeable.’
- Rachel Courtright
‘Deb is fabulous!’
- Sze Wing Yip
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.
Grammar and Punctiation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Tuesday 16 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395 (includes GST)
Includes comprehensive text-workbook Grey Areas and Gremlins: A grammar and punctuation refresher (valued at $50).
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
WEBPICK: What Kate Did Next
Kate Lord Brown is an English writer and blogger, and this is where she writes ‘tales of babes and books’. Her blog is a mixture of book reviews, author interviews (she recently interviewed one of our writing presenters, Kate Forsyth, about her latest book), her own writing and stories about her family and life, and also writing prompts for other budding authors. She has a really nice writing style and blogs regularly – lately about her big move to Qatar. The Daily Reviewer recently named her blog one of the ‘Top 100 Writing Blogs’, so it’s definitely worth checking out!
Check it out here.
Other upcoming courses
Course: Online Feature Writing Stage 1 with Valerie Khoo
When: Week beginning Monday 22 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter - FULL
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 25 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Online Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Week beginning Monday 1 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Online Creative Writing with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman
When: Week beginning Monday 1 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When: Tuesday 2 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $365
Course: Feature Writing Stage 1 DAYTIME course with Vanessa Waters
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 3 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 5 March 2010 (2-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am - 12 noon
Cost: $75
Course: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson
When: Tuesday 9 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Feature Writing Stage 1 course with Pamela Wilson
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 10 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 12 March 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $75
Seminar: Self-Publishing: How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Monday 15 March 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Tuesday 16 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 16 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Tuesday 23 March 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Seminar: Writing for the web with Grant Doyle
When: Thursday 25 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm
Cost: $365
Seminar: Travel writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 25 March 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis
When: Tuesday 30 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $365
Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 30 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Kate Forsyth
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 8 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Monday starting Monday 12 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 5-day Intensive course with Jeni Mawter
When: Monday 12 April - Friday 16 April 2010 (5 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Feature Writing Stage 2 with Judy Skatssoon
When: Every Wednesday beginning Wednesday 14 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley - NEW DATE
When: Friday 30 April 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $365
Course: Script Writing for Short Films with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 13 May and 20 May 2010 (two evening seminars)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $165
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 July (two-day workshop)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $450
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 12 August 2010 for six weeks
Time: 10am - 12noon
Cost: $450
Writing Tour: Writing in Bali with Patti Miller
When: 30 September to 5 October 2010
Writing Tour: Writing in Paris with Patti Miller
Dates for 2010:
Arrival: Thursday 21 October 2010
Departure: Saturday 6 November 2010
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- http://www.sydneywriterscentre.com.au/BlogRetrieve.aspx?BlogID=2268&PostID=69983&A=Trackback
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Thursday, February 11, 2010
Get published in magazines and newspapers; Write about your holidays!; Aurealis Award winners; New date for Writing for the Web
In this issue:
- TIP: Me or I?
- Get published in magazines and newspapers
- Colour Blind Project – call for plays
- Write about your holidays – Travel Writing seminar
- Aurealis Awards – Congratulations to our presenters Pamela and Kate
- Wordwise: Neologisms
- WEBPICK: CreaWriter
Wow, it's been a busy week here at the Sydney Writers' Centre. We've been getting lots of enquiries and enrolments thanks to the article about us in the February 2010 issue of Dynamic Business. (Yes, that's me on the cover - and yes, it's very weird going to a newsagent to see me staring back at myself from the newsstand!)
One of the things I talked to Dynamic Business about was our mission to inspire people and equip them with the tools they need in order to achieve their writing goals, regardless of where they live. And that's why our online courses are so popular, with students now enrolling from all over the world.
I love running our online courses - they're fun, interactive and just like a course in our training rooms, except you can do them from the comfort of your own home or hotel room (lots of frequent travellers find our online courses perfect for them).
Our upcoming online courses are:
Online Feature Writing with Valerie Khoo
When: Week beginning Monday 22 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever it suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Online Creative Writing with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 1 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever it suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Online Writing Books for Children with Judith Ridge
When: Week beginning Monday 1 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever it suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
TIP: ‘Me and my friend’ or ‘My friend and I’?
Which should you use – my friend and me or my friend and I? This one seems to worry people so much they often overcompensate and just use ‘I’ in every situation. But it’s actually fairly easy to remember the rule if you remember this sentence:
I am the subject of the sentence, but the object is the sentence of me.
In other words, if you are the subject of the sentence, or the one doing, then you use ‘I’. For example:
Rambo and I went to a party last night.
OR
I and Rambo went to a party last night. (Sounds odd, but according to askoxford.com, it is correct. However, the first version is the preferred one.)
If you are the object of the sentence, or the person receiving the action, then you would use ‘me’. For example:
My friend invited Rambo and me to a party.
OR
My friend invited me and Rambo to a party.
Get published in magazines and newspapers
If you’re looking for a way to kick-start your career as a freelance writer and get your articles published in magazines and newspapers, then our next daytime feature writing course is your first step.
You’ll learn not only how to write the best article you can, you’ll also get insider information on how to get it published! The course will cover:
- which ideas work - and where to get them
- understanding the magazine/news market
- different types of feature articles
- how to research, structure and write a feature
- what editors want from a writer
- how to pitch your article or idea to a magazine and sell it!
Here’s what some recent participants had to say about the course:
'We had a fantastic group that I felt comfortable to ask questions and share ideas with. My daily intranet news stories have come to life! I'm not afraid of writing now and am actually enjoying a part of my job I used to dread.’
- Carolyn Hardy
‘[I enjoyed having] the opportunity to share ideas and opinions with classmates, and the writing assignment we were given. I was unaware there was so much involved in getting published, and I feel far more equipped to write and approach publications confidently now than I would have without the course.’
- Jessica Thompson
This course is taught by Vanessa Waters, an award-winning writer with over 15 years experience in the publishing industry. Since graduating with a BA in Communications from UTS she has worked in both newspapers and magazines, cutting her teeth on titles such as TV HITS, Girlfriend, Teen Hit, New Idea, That's Life!, Home Beautiful, SUNDAY Magazine, Marie Claire, Body + Soul and New Woman.
She is a seasoned lecturer, a contributing author of a women's anthology (released through Adams Media in the USA) and the author of Secrets of Our Success, published through Random House.
DAYTIME Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Vanessa Waters
When: Wednesdays starting Wednesday 3 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
For budding playwrights, a fascinating project is being run for the Tap Gallery Theatre in Darlinghurst. The festival will be held over ten days, 30 June to 10 July 2010, and producers are now calling for works by both professional and emerging writers. Here’s a little more about what they’re looking for:
The Colour Blind Project festival is not just about telling another ‘ethnic’ story, but about embracing the multicultural artists of Australian society and portraying them in a light that is a part of Australian society, rather than something that is ‘different’ or external – something that an Australian audience has rarely seen before.
Your submission must be an original response to ‘Halfway’, and should be no longer than 20 minutes long. It can be anything from a monologue, to a comedy piece, or even just a short scene. If you’d like more information and an application form email thecolourblindproject@hotmail.com.
Submissions close at 5pm on Monday 22 March 2010.
Write about your holidays!
Do you dream of writing about your trips to Paris, the Pyramids or Phuket? Do you want to make money from your holidays? Travel Writing can be a rewarding career, and you can take holidays that pay for themselves
Our Travel Writing seminar will tell you what it’s really like to work as a travel writer, and how you can be successful. There are many publishing opportunities for travel writers, and you’ll learn more about them here.
The seminar will cover:
- publishing opportunities (newspapers, magazines, electronic publishing, travel literature, guidebooks, other avenues)
- types of travel stories (service stories, destination stories, personal essays)
- what it takes to be a travel writer
- some straight talk about earnings
- finding and focusing your story (the right subject, travel trends, developing your story)
- the art and craft of travel writing
- getting published and making contacts (including tips on joining professional associations such as the Australian Society of Travel Writers)
- writing for travel guidebooks
Here’s what one recent participant had to say about the course:
‘It was very informative and the handouts were really good. I now have a good knowledge of the direction I need to go in to become a travel writer. The course has given me lots of great ideas.’
- Adele Eldridge
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.
Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 5 March 2010 (two-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $75
OR
When: Thursday 25 March 2010 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Aurealis Awards – Congratulations to Pamela and Kate
Readers of our blog will know that two of our creative writing presenters – Pamela Freeman and Kate Forsyth – were shortlisted for last year’s Aurealis Awards. Well, we received some fantastic news recently – Pamela’s book, Victor’s Challenge, received the award for the Best Children’s (8-12 years) short fiction/illustrated work/picture book. Congratulations Pamela!
And congratulations also to Kate, whose book The Puzzle Ring was shortlisted in the Young Adult category.
If you’d like to see a full list of Aurealis Award winners click here.
Writing for the Web
One of our most popular one-day seminars is back after an extended Summer holiday.
Writing for the Web is for anyone who wants to write convincing and engaging web copy. You may have no problems writing reports or brochures, but writing web content is very different. This one-day seminar will show you how to best convey information, online.
This practical seminar covers:
- the difference between print and online writing
- good content versus poor content
- how your readers engage with web content
- golden rules of information design
- writing for scannability
- guidelines for concise writing
- do you need contextual links?
- using keywords for search engine optimisation
- writing for accessibility and usability
- why you need a style guide
- and much more
Here’s what past participants have had to say about the seminar:
'The presenter was lovely, very friendly and helpful. I left the session feeling very inspired! My understanding of the topic has been improved and my horizons broadened.'
- Michelle Hooker
'I have gained more confidence to go forward and write content for the web without the doubt as to whether I am writing correctly.'
- Debbie Ansell
This seminar is presented by Grant Doyle, an experienced copywriter, content manager and web editor. After many years as a print journalist and author, Grant gravitated to web writing in 1999 and has been contracting or consulting to major corporations in various online content capacities since then. Grant continues to initiate and teach many in-house web writing programs in addition to developing corporate web writing style guides.
Writing for the Web with Grant Doyle
When: Thursday 25 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm
Cost: $365
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Wordwise: Neologisms
The Macquarie Dictionary describes a neologism as a new word or phrase; the introduction or use of new words, or new senses of words. And it seems new words and meanings are being created all the time.
Every month The Washington Post runs a competition for readers to send their own neologisms in, words for which they’ve offered alternative meanings. The best submissions for 2009 were recently published, and here are some of them.
-
Coffee (n.), the person upon whom one coughs.
-
Flabbergasted (adj.), appalled over how much weight you have gained.
-
Abdicate (v.), to give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.
-
Esplanade (v.), to attempt an explanation while drunk.
-
Lymph (v.), to walk with a lisp.
-
Balderdash (n.), a rapidly receding hairline.
(Thanks to the readers who sent us this email.)
Writing in Paris and Writing in Bali
Wow, even though we only announced the prices and details for Writing in Bali last week, a quarter of the places have already been booked up! Similarly, Writing in Paris is almost half full. And both tours are not until October! If you have been thinking about going on one of these unique trips, you should think about booking now.
More details here:
Writing in Paris
Dates: Thursday 21 October to Saturday 6 November 2010
Writing in Bali
Dates: Thursday 30 September to Tuesday 5 October 2010
WEBPICK: Creawriter
You may remember one of our recent webpicks in which we told you about the Ommwriter. This word processor is designed to help you focus on the writing task at hand by giving you a distraction-free background and an ambient soundtrack. But this one is only available for those of you using a Mac.
Well, we’ve now found a Windows version! Creawriter is a direct response to the Ommwriter and will give PC users a chance to experience a similarly zen-like writing space. The CreaWriter again uses a minimalist background with a choice of sounds to play while you write. Both of these programs promise to increase your creativity.
Click here if you want to try CreaWriter.
Other upcoming courses
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller - FULL
When: Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 February (two-day workshop)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $450
Course: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett - FULL
When: Monday 15 February 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Online Feature Writing Stage 1 with Valerie Khoo - FULL
When: Week beginning Monday 15 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Online Creative Writing with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman - FULL
When: Week beginning Monday 15 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle - FULL
When: Tuesday 16 February 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman - FULL
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 16 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 DAYTIME course with Jeni Mawter - FULL
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 18 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Online Feature Writing Stage 1 with Valerie Khoo - NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 22 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter - FULL
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 25 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Online Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Week beginning Monday 1 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Online Creative Writing with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman
When: Week beginning Monday 1 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley - FULL
When: Tuesday 2 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $365
Course: Feature Writing Stage 1 DAYTIME course with Vanessa Waters
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 3 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 5 March 2010 (2-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am - 12 noon
Cost: $75
Course: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson
When: Tuesday 9 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Feature Writing Stage 1 course with Pamela Wilson
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 10 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 12 March 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $75
Seminar: Self-Publishing: How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Monday 15 March 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle - NEW DATE
When: Tuesday 16 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter - NEW DATE
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 16 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Tuesday 23 March 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Seminar: Writing for the web with Grant Doyle - NEW DATE
When: Thursday 25 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm
Cost: $365
Seminar: Travel writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 25 March 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis
When: Tuesday 30 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $365
Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 30 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Kate Forsyth
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 8 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Monday starting Monday 12 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 5-day Intensive course with Jeni Mawter
When: Monday 12 April - Friday 16 April 2010 (5 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Feature Writing Stage 2 with Judy Skatssoon
When: Every Wednesday beginning Wednesday 14 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley - NEW DATE
When: Friday 30 April 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $365
Course: Script Writing for Short Films with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 13 May and 20 May 2010 (two evening seminars)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $165
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 July (two-day workshop)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $450
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 12 August 2010 for six weeks
Time: 10am - 12noon
Cost: $450
Writing Tour: Writing in Bali with Patti Miller
When: 30 September to 5 October 2010
Writing Tour: Writing in Paris with Patti Miller
Dates for 2010:
Arrival: Thursday 21 October 2010
Departure: Saturday 6 November 2010
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Thursday, February 04, 2010
Writing the senses in Bali; Book giveaway; Spot the comma crime; Online Writing Book for Children
4 February 2010
Dear {tag_recipientfirstname},
In this issue:
- TIP: Is it OK to start with because?
- Writing the senses – in Bali!
- Book giveaway – Girl By Sea by Penelope Green
- Word crimes and how you can avoid them
- Macquarie Dictionary’s Word of the Year
- Online Writing Books for Children
- WEBPICK: Isabel Allende on ted.com
I'm currently in Byron Bay at a conference. When I'm not in workshops, I'll be checking out the things to see and do when we come back up here for the wonderful Byron Bay Writers' Festival in August. In the meantime, I want to thank those of you who have voted in our survey about which online course you'd like to see next at the Sydney Writers' Centre. If you haven't voted yet, you still have on more week to do it – whichever course gets the most votes will soon be available online.
You can vote here.
You are part of such a wonderful and dynamic community, which makes the Sydney Writers’ Centre such a great place to work. We really value your feedback. Another course that has resulted from your feedback is the DAYTIME Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers. We received so many requests for this course to be held during the day – and we heard you!
The next DAYTIME course in Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers is:
When: Wednesdays starting Wednesday 3 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
This course is taught by award-winning feature writer, Vanessa Waters. I'm so thrilled that Vanessa has joined our team at the Sydney Writers' Centre. Vanessa and I go way back – we used to work across the hall from each other at Pacific Publications in the days when we were running around to press conferences and media briefings.
She has over 15 years’ experience in the publishing industry and has worked in both newspapers and magazines, cutting her teeth on titles such as TV HITS, Girlfriend, Teen Hit, New Idea, That's Life!, Home Beautiful, SUNDAY Magazine, Marie Claire, Body + Soul and New Woman.
TIP: Is it OK to start with because?
Is it acceptable to start a sentence with ‘Because’? Yes, it is – as long as it’s a complete sentence, not a sentence fragment. ‘Because’ is a conjunction – it links a subordinate clause to a main clause. For example:
Rambo didn’t go for a walk today because it was raining.
(Subordinate clause second)
There’s nothing wrong with having the subordinate clause first – or starting the sentence with ‘Because’. It would then go like this:
Because it was raining, Rambo didn’t go for a walk today.
(Subordinate clause first)
So don’t be afraid to start your sentence with ‘because’, just make sure you use it in a complete sentence.
Writing the senses in Bali
Where better to relax and soak up some tropical inspiration than the beautiful mountain village of Ubud in Bali. And who better to take you there than the Sydney Writers’ Centre! That’s right – our very first Writing in Bali trip is happening in October, and details are now available.
For seven days you’ll immerse yourself in the culture and natural beauty of Ubud. In the mornings, you’ll join Patti Miller for an inspirational course on writing the senses. The afternoons will be yours to write, visit local temples, or shop in the many arts and crafts markets in Ubud. You’ll have your own room in the beautiful Villa Sanggingnan and will even have a chance to attend the world-renowned Ubud Writers and Readers Festival.
Your writing tutor, Patti Miller, has over 20 years’ experience teaching creative writing, and she will take you through the Art and Craft of Writing the Senses. This is a unique writing course that will show you how to create colour, texture and sensory richness in your work.
To register your interest and to receive a comprehensive itinerary visit our website.
The Art and Craft of Writing the Senses with Patti Miller
When: Thursday 30 September to Tuesday 5 October 2010
Where: Ubud, Bali
Click here for more information or to register your interest.
Book giveaway – Girl By Sea by Penelope Green
We recently interviewed bestselling author Penelope Green for our podcast interview series. She’s written three fascinating books on her time living in Italy. Girl By Sea is the latest in the series and recounts her life on the island of Procida in the Bay of Naples. Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it?
Here’s some more about the book:
For Penny and her new Italian love, Alfonso, the island of Procida can offer the life they are looking for. But first Penny has to find a way into its tight community. One thing she has in common with the locals is a love of food, so she sets herself a goal - to master the Procidan cuisine and become more than just a visitor.
You can listen to our interview with Penny about her writing and her Italian experience tomorrow (Friday 5 February 2010).
We have one copy of Girl By Sea to giveaway. Just tell us what country you’d like to live in and write about, and why. Email your answers to courses@spindriftmedia.com.au by 5pm Friday 12 February, and remember to include your postal address.
Word crimes and how you can avoid them
Maybe it’s the time of year, but there seem to be a lot of word crimes being committed lately. Apostrophes in the wrong place and over enthusiastic use of commas are the most common. Here’s one I spotted at my gym not long ago...
There is simply no need for a comma in this sentence.
It’s easy to make the mistake – but it’s also surprisingly easy to avoid them! Our one-day Grammar and Punctuation Essentials course will show you when and how to use apostrophes and commas, as well as teach you the golden rules of grammar, which will improve your writing!
You'll come away with
- 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
- the basic rules you need to know to be confident in the workplace
- an understanding of when to bend, break or keep a rule or convention
- ability to discern when more than one solution is acceptable
- empowerment to justify your corrections to your own and other people's writing
- 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
You’ll also receive a copy of Deb Doyle’s book Grey Areas and Gremlins: A grammar and punctuation refresher (valued at $50), the perfect take-home text that you’ll be able to refer to for all your grammar and punctuation dilemnas.
Here’s what some of our most recent participants had to say about the seminar:
‘Deb is fabulous! I am now more aware of what I write and try to avoid mistakes.’
- Sze Wing Yip
‘FANTASTIC KNOWLEDGE from Presenter Deb Doyle, she is very enthusiastic about her subject and a strong communicator, able to answer all questions in a fun and memorable way. I learnt SO MUCH in one day that I'd really like to do more study and/or courses. The course was exactly what I'd hoped it would be, very practical as well.’
- Fiona Goldsworthy
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.
Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Tuesday 16 February 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Macquarie Dictionary’s Word of the Year
Macquarie Dictionary has just announced its 2009 Word of the Year. And the winner is… shovel-ready.
Shovel-ready
adjective (of a building or infrastructure project) capable of being initiated immediately as soon as funding is assured.
I have to admit, I’ve never heard of it. But some of the honourable mentions should be familiar to many of you. They include:
tweet
verb (i) 1. to post a message on the social network site Twitter.
–verb (t) 2. to post such a message to (someone).
–noun 3. such a message.
cyberbully
noun (plural cyberbullies) 1. a person who bullies another using email, chat rooms, social network sites, etc.
–verb (t) (cyberbullied, cyberbullying) 2. to bully (another) in this way. Also, cyber bully, cyber-
head-nodder
noun a supporter of a politician or other media figure who stands beside them in the frame of a television shot and nods his or her head in agreement with what the speaker is saying.
–head-nodding, noun
Perhaps not surprisingly, the People’s Choice Award went to ‘tweet’.
For winners in all categories click here.
If want to write engaging stories for kids and younger readers, our latest online course can show you how to do it – and you can learn from wherever you are! Our interactive online classroom is open to anyone with internet access, whether you’re interstate or overseas.
During this course, you’ll learn the secrets to writing great books for kids, as well as
- how to get started
- finding the right voice
- creating characters and stories young readers will enjoy
- how to write believable dialogue
- common assumptions about writing for children and about young readers
- how to structure a story that works
- the secrets to plotting for different age groups
- what you need to know about getting into the children’s publishing market
This online course has been developed, and is presented by Judith Ridge. She is well-known in Australia and internationally for her involvement with writing for children. Judith has worked with the Children's Book Council, as an editor at ABC Children's Books and the NSW School Magazine and freelances as an editor for Random House. Judith edited Handle with Care: Making Friends with Animals by Paul McGreevy - one of Halstead Press' all-time top sellers. She has also edited Piccolo and Annabelle 4: The Steamer Demons by Stephen Axelsen (Random House) and numerous books for ABC Books.
Online Writing Books for Children with Judith Ridge
When: Week beginning Monday 1 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
WEBPICK: Isabel Allende on ted.com
No doubt you’ve heard of Isabel Allende. She has published around 20 books and is one of Chile’s most well-known and bestselling authors – over 50 millions books sold worldwide.
She is passionate about her writing and also a wonderful speaker. In this footage, which you can view on our blog, she talks about women and creativity.
Check it out here.
Other upcoming courses
Course: Online Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge - FULL
When: Week beginning Monday 8 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson - FULL
When: Thursday 11 February 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller - FULL
When: Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 February (two-day workshop)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $450
Course: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett - FULL
When: Monday 15 February 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Online Feature Writing Stage 1 with Valerie Khoo
When: Week beginning Monday 15 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Online Creative Writing with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman - FULL
When: Week beginning Monday 15 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Tuesday 16 February 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman - FULL
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 16 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 DAYTIME course with Jeni Mawter
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 18 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter - FULL
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 25 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Online Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Week beginning Monday 1 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Online Creative Writing with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman - NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 1 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When: Tuesday 2 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $345
Course: Feature Writing Stage 1 DAYTIME course with Vanessa Waters
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 3 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 5 March 2010 (2-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am - 12 noon
Cost: $75
Course: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson
When: Tuesday 9 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Feature Writing Stage 1 course with Pamela Wilson
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 10 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Self-Publishing: How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Monday 15 March 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Tuesday 23 March 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Seminar: Travel writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 25 March 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis
When: Tuesday 30 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $365
Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 30 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Kate Forsyth
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 8 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Monday starting Monday 12 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 5-day Intensive course with Jeni Mawter
When: Monday 12 April - Friday 16 April 2010 (5 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Feature Writing Stage 2 with Judy Skatssoon
When: Every Wednesday beginning Wednesday 14 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Script Writing for Short Films with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 13 May and 20 May 2010 (two evening seminars)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $165
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 July (two-day workshop)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $450
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 12 August 2010 for six weeks
Time: 10am - 12noon
Cost: $450
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