Wednesday, December 21, 2011
In this issue:
- New: 6-month program - Write Your Novel
- Last minute gift vouchers from Sydney Writers’ Centre
- TIP: Christmastime or Christmas time?
- More Student Success – Congratulations Anthony Anderson
- 2012 Summer School
- WEBPICK: Puppy Christmas
It’s been a busy year for the Sydney Writers’ Centre and we’re all looking forward to a nice break over Christmas. I’m so impressed by the number of people who have already snapped up places in our January Summer School courses. It’s an ideal time of year to get some support with your new year’s writing resolutions.
We’ve got some amazing plans for you in 2012, including a 6-month program called Write Your Novel. This is perfect if you want to finish your novel and get it ready to submit to publishers. I’m so excited about this program which will be presented by author of 23 books, Pamela Freeman, and features guest speakers from the publishing industry.
There are also plenty of shorter courses and weekend intensive sessions for you to choose from. If you’re caught up with a hectic schedule this silly season and haven’t had a chance to enrol, you can book your course any time online over the Christmas break.
Gift vouchers
If you’re looking for a last minute gift voucher for the person in your life who loves writing, we can email this to you. Although it’s too late to post one of our beautiful gift vouchers printed on parchment-style paper, we can email you a beautifully designed, personalised gift voucher that you can print yourself to give to a loved one.
Just call us on (02) 9929 0088 and we can arrange this over the phone.
Office hours over Christmas
The Sydney Writers’ Centre office will close this Friday 23 December at 12noon and re-open on Tuesday 3 January 2012 at 9am. However, you can book into courses through our website any time during this period.
While there won’t be anyone here in the office to answer phone calls we will be checking emails regularly, so if you need to get in touch over the Christmas break email us at courses [at] spindriftmedia [dot] com [dot] au.
TIP: Christmastime or Christmas time?
Yet another Americanism seems to be sneaking into our vocabulary. We’re seeing more instances of the word “Christmastime” where “Christmas time” should be used.
According to Grammar Girl, “Christmastime” is becoming more common in American English and it’s even listed in the online version of the Merriam Webster Dictionary.
But it’s not listed in the Oxford Dictionary or the Macquarie Dictionary. The correct term here is “Christmas time”, meaning the Christmas season.
What's new at the Sydney Writers' Centre
More Student Success
We heard from former student, Anthony Anderson, this week, and he had some very exciting news about his writing adventures! He completed our Online Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults in June this year and has just published his first eBook for iPad.
Sid Surfasaurus: The Surfing Dinosaur is available on iTunes now.
Congratulations Anthony! We’re looking forward to hearing about your next book.
Kickstart your writing in 2012
We’re wasting no time getting back into it in 2012. In fact, we’ll have online courses starting from Tuesday 3 January 2012. So there’s no point delaying those new year’s resolutions!
We’ll get the year started with Online Courses in Creative Writing Stage 1 and Writing Books for Children and Young Adults. You can enrol now for yourself or, if you’re after any last minute Christmas gifts, enrol someone else! You can do our online courses from anywhere in Australia, or the world, at a time that suits you.
What past participants say:
“The online tutor's comments were succinct and very much to the point. I found her contribution extremely useful, and motivating.”
- Sarah McElwee
“It was easy and convenient. As a shift worker I was able to do the work at a time that suited me and the hours I work. The hardest thing was having to wait until the following week for the feedback!”
- Barbara Rosie
ONLINE COURSE: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Nicola Robinson
When: Week beginning Tuesday 3 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online
ONLINE COURSE: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Tuesday 3 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
No personal personnel
We spotted this sign near the Sydney Writers’ Centre office. We’re pretty sure they mean “No entry by non-RTA personnel”, not personal.
Summer School – see you soon!
In January 2012, the Sydney Writers' Centre Summer School kicks off. We've already had lots of interstate enrolments – so we can't wait to welcome you to Sydney, and to the Centre. The intensive courses are also ideal for those of you who can't commit to a five-week course.
You can choose from five consecutive days or a weekend course. The courses contain the same high quality content as our regular courses – the only difference is that you get to fast track your learning!
You can find out more here.
WEBPICK: Puppy Christmas
We’ve come the end of another huge year for the Sydney Writers’ Centre, and what better way to celebrate than with this utterly adorable video featuring two of our favourite things – puppies and Christmas. Lots of puppies. Puppies coming out of presents. Puppies playing with tinsel or struggling out of a Santa hat.
Like I said, adorable. Check it out here.
Other upcoming courses
Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Tuesday 3 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Online Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge/Nicola Robinson – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Tuesday 3 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Online Course: Travel Writing with Sue White
When: Week beginning Monday 9 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Online Course: Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Sue White
When: Week beginning Monday 9 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Daytime Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Monday 9 January to Friday 13 January 2012 (five consecutive mornings)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Daytime Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Sue White – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Monday 16 January to Friday 20 January 2012 (five consecutive mornings)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Daytime Writing Picture Books with Cathie Tasker – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Monday 16 January to Friday 20 January 2012 (five consecutive mornings)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Kate Forsyth
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 18 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Successful Freelancing with Valerie Khoo and Gayle Bryant
When: Thursday 19 January 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Course: Weekend Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 21 January and Sunday 22 January 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Weekend Travel Writing with Sue White – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 21 January and Sunday 22 January 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Daytime Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Sue White – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Monday 23 January and Tuesday 24 January 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to Write a Business Book with Valerie Khoo – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Tuesday 24 January 2012 (half-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 1.00pm
Cost: $295
Seminar: From Blog to Book with Kerri Sackville
When: Tuesday 24 January 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Course: Screenwriting Stage 1 with Tim Gooding
When: Every Monday starting Monday 30 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Travel Memoir with Claire Scobie
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 31 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Sell Your eBook on Amazon with Steven Lewis – NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 1 February 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Seminar: Daytime Introduction to Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 2 February 2012 (two-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am – 12.00noon
Cost: $85
Course: Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Marina Go
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 2 February 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Daytime How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 3 February 2012 (two-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $85
Course: Weekend Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Marina Go – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 4 February and Sunday 5 February 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Weekend Travel Memoir with Claire Scobie – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 4 February and Sunday 5 February 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 6 February 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Travel Writing with Sue White
When: Every Monday starting Monday 6 February 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Sue White
When: Tuesday 7 February 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $450
Seminar: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle – NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 8 February 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $450
Seminar: Writing for the Web with Grant Doyle
When: Thursday 9 February 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Writing Picture Books with Cathie Tasker – NEW DATE
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 9 February 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Weekend Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 11 February and Sunday 12 February 2012 (2 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Edit with Confidence with Deb Doyle
When: Wednesday 15 February 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Plotting and Planning with Kate Forsyth
When: Wednesday 22 February and Wednesday 29 February 2012 (2 evening classes)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $175
Seminar: PR and Media Releases that Get Results with Catriona Pollard
When: Thursday 23 February 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $495
Seminar: Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis – NEW DATE
When: Friday 24 February 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Weekend Life Writing with Patti Miller – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 25 February and Sunday 26 February 2012 (2 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $450
Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Monday starting Monday 5 March 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Self-Publishing – How to do it with Geoff Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Monday 12 March 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Seminar: Perfect Your Proofreading with Deb Doyle
When: Thursday 15 March 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Thriller Writing with L.A. Larkin – NEW COURSE
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 15 March 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Writing about Interiors, Style and Design with Nigel Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Thursday 15 March and Thursday 22 March 2012 (2 evening classes)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $175
Seminar: Introduction to Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Monday 19 March 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Seminar: How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Monday 26 March 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman – NEW DATE
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 24 April 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Screenwriting Stage 2 with Tim Gooding – NEW DATE
When: Every Monday starting Monday 9 July 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
WRITING TOURS
Writing in Bali with Patti Miller – NEW DATE
When: Saturday 21 July to Saturday 28 July 2012
Writing in Paris with Patti Miller – NEW DATE
Arrival: Thursday 18 October 2012
Departure: Saturday 3 November 2012
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Thursday, December 15, 2011
In this issue:
- TIP: What is bimonthly?
- Write your travel memoir
- My Child Writing Competition
- Test your English pronunciation
- How to thrive as a freelancer
- What we’re reading: 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
- WEBPICK: Lit-icism
Can you believe that Christmas is just around the corner? I can’t. Where did the year go? Here at the Sydney Writers’ Centre, we’re gearing up for a big start in 2012 as I know that many people will be taking action on their new year’s resolutions.
One seminar I’m particularly excited about is the one I’m presenting in January. How to Write a Business Book is a half-day seminar which is ideal if you are a speaker, entrepreneur or consultant who wants to showcase your expertise in your very own book.
I’m often asked about what makes a good business book and this seminar distils exactly that. I’ve created a step-by-step action plan to turn your ideas into a quality book.
This seminar will cover:
- how to make your business book different to the rest of the market
- the right way to structure your book
- innovative ways to keep your reader interested and engaged
- whether you should write it yourself – or outsource to a ghostwriter
- your publishing options – mainstream publishers versus self-publishing
- how to use your book as a lead generation tool
- the basics of publicity and promotion
- and MUCH more.
How to Write a Business Book with Valerie Khoo
When: Tuesday 24 January 2012 (half-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 1.00pm
Cost: $295
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
TIP: What is bimonthly?
Does “bimonthly” mean twice a month or every two months? There’s a lot of confusion around this one, and that’s because it actually means both!
The Macquarie Dictionary lists both meanings for bimonthly – every two months or twice a month. If a magazine is published bimonthly, it’s usually printed every two months. If your home loan payments are due bimonthly, that probably means you need to pay twice a month.
The same ambiguity occurs with “biweekly” – it can mean twice a week or every two weeks.
The best way to avoid confusion here is to use phrases like “twice a week” or “every two months”. Now if we could just convince banks to do the same …
What's new at the Sydney Writers' Centre
We'd love your feedback: online delivery of business courses
So many people have asked whether we will be delivering our popular business writing courses online. The short answer is: YES.
However, we want to ensure that you have a great online learning experience so would love your feedback in a very quick survey about how you would like to learn online (eg. video, audio, and so on). We would be so grateful if you could take a minute to do this survey.
Click here to fill out our quick survey
Thank you so much for your help.
Write your own travel memoir
The best travel experiences are inspiring and life-changing. So many of us have amazing travel stories to tell and it seems our thirst for travel stories is insatiable, with travel memoir being one of the most popular genres around. Just look at Eat, Pray, Love, Bill Bryson’s Down Under; and Almost French by Sarah Turnbull – their success proves we’re just as happy to read about travel as we are to do it ourselves!
No matter where your journey has taken you, if you dream of turning the experience into a book our Travel Memoir course can show you how. During this course you’ll learn how to make the story of your journey unique from the very first page.
What past participants say:
"I wanted to write about my experiences; this course made me realise that I could actually do it. It took a pipe-dream and made it more tangible."
- Chula Murray
"Claire is a phenomenal presenter with a wealth of writing technique knowledge and practical experience. She lives and breathes writing and it comes through as a passion that embraces and motivates her students."
- Penny Cannan
Travel Memoir with Claire Scobie
When: Tuesdays starting Tuesday 31 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
WEEKEND INTENSIVE Travel Memoir with Claire Scobie
When: Saturday 4 February & Sunday 5 February 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
My Child Writing Competition
Once again, the Sydney Writers’ Centre is sponsoring the annual My Child/Parenting Express writing competition. Mums and dads are invited to enter their non-fiction story of up to 850 words on a theme relating to pregnancy, birth or the first five years of a child’s life.
First prize is valued at almost $2,000 and includes a Magazine and Newspaper Writing course with us, and publication in the autumn issue of My Child. There are also prizes for three runners-up.
For more details check out the Writing Bar.
Did you know? Typos and the Bible
Think embarrassing typos are a new phenomenon? They certainly aren’t. In fact, typos have plagued writers since we could, well, write, and the Bible seems to be particularly prone.
One of the more famous typos ever recorded was in a 1612 version of the King James Bible. In Psalm 119:161, the passage reads "Printers have persecuted me without a cause" rather than "Princes have persecuted me...". As a result, this version is often called the “Printer's Bible”.
Even more confusing is the 1635 “Sinner’s Bible”, so named because the 7th commandment reads, “Thou shalt commit adultery” rather than “Thou shalt not commit adultery”. Apparently this one was swiftly recalled but there are 11 known copies still in existence today.
2012 Online Courses – get started on your holidays
Want to get your new year off to a creative start? With four online courses starting on 9 January 2012, we’re bound to have something to help you achieve your new year’s resolutions.
Whether you’re keen to get your novel written, or want to write a book for kids or young adults, or even if you want to try your hand at travel writing – we have an online course to suit you.
Our online courses are perfect for anyone who can’t get to our training rooms in Milsons Point. You can join us in our virtual classroom any time that suits you, yet still benefit from our excellent courses and teaching.
What previous participants say:
"The online course was easy and convenient. As a shift worker I was able to do the work at a time that suited me and the hours I work."
- Barbara Rosie
"The course is efficient, packed with useful information, and never dull."
- Pascal Soren Huet
"The best thing about the online delivery is being able to download the lectures and listen to them more than once."
- Lindy Alexander
ONLINE COURSE: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 9 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
ONLINE COURSE: Magazine and Newspaper Writing with Sue White
When: Week beginning Monday 9 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
ONLINE COURSE: Travel Writing with Sue White
When: Week beginning Monday 9 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
ONLINE COURSE: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Nicola Robinson
When: Week beginning Monday 9 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
A test...
According to this post on a spelling blog, if you can correctly read every word in this poem, then you’ll be speaking English better than 90% of native English speakers.
Here’s a small sample (from a long poem):
Dearest creature in creation,
Study English pronunciation.
I will teach you in my verse
Sounds like corpse, corps, horse, and worse
I will keep you, Suzy, busy,
Make your head with heat grow dizzy.
Tear in eye, your dress will tear.
So shall I! Oh hear my prayer.
You can read the full poem, and test your English pronunciation, here.
Thanks to our Writing Books for Children and Young Adults presenter, Judith Ridge, for this great post.
Movie ticket giveaway
Holidays mean more trips to the cinema! And one of the most anticipated releases this year is The Iron Lady, the Margaret Thatcher biopic starring Meryl Streep and Jim Broadbent.
The film follows Thatcher’s early political life as she battles to overcome gender and class bias in British politics. It also covers the Falklands conflict and the miners' strike as well as Lady Thatcher in old age.
Icon Movies have sent us five in-season double passes to give away. If you would like to win a double pass just tell us which historical female figure you admire and why. Email your answers to courses [at] spindriftmedia [dot] com [dot] au by 5pm, Tuesday 20 December 2011.
How to thrive as a freelancer
Have you been freelancing for a while and want to take your business to the next level? Our Successful Freelancing seminar will be held again in 2012 and is perfect for writers who have been freelancing for at least six months, or anyone who works as a writer or editor and wants to take their career in a new direction.
This seminar covers business basics and what you need to get started, how to get repeat commissions and keep the work coming in, and how to invoice and chase payment (without burning bridges).
What past participants say:
"I enjoyed hearing from established freelancers about the reality of the business. The presenters were fantastic! Easy to listen to and they kept the discussion relevant and on track."
- Lori Dwyer
"Both presenters were knowledgeable, confident and entertaining."
- Neva Grant
Successful Freelancing with Gayle Bryant and Valerie Khoo
When: Thursday 19 January 2012 (two-hour seminar)
Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Festive comma catastrophes
Thanks to reader Rachel Cuthbert, who sent us this pic:
Even if “love” isn’t spelt out, there definitely shouldn’t be an apostrophe there. You only use an apostrophe to show possession or indicate a letter is missing. Neither is the case here.

What we’re reading
This week Sydney Writers’ Centre communications coordinator, Rose Powell, is reading 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami. She writes:
1Q84 was one of the most anticipated releases of 2011. Murakami is widely recognised as Japan's leading author and he has developed a cult following in the West. His work is an effortless blend of popular culture, jazz music, magical realism and elegant writing.
1Q84 is the three-book tale of Tengu, an aspiring author, and Aomame, a gym instructor and secret assassin who sends violent husbands over to the other side.
Tengu is asked to ghost-write a story that appears to be fantasy, but the publication of the book propels him into a parallel world. Aomame enters the same world via another portal. Murakami's gift for quirky, brilliant metaphors and similes is in full force in this book. However, perhaps because of the anticipation for the book, or the masterpiece quality of his earlier Kafka by the Shore, it was disappointing.
My lingering impression was that it really needed a severe edit. The plot stalls and struggles at points, and there are just a few too many descriptions of breasts and characters going to the bathroom. Because of this fixation on breasts and peeing, combined with underdevelopment of Aomame's character, I think the book has nothing on his earlier, wonderful novels.
We want to know what you're reading! You can write a book review for the Writing Bar and we'll feature an excerpt here in the newsletter. If you'd like to submit, check out the review guidelines here.

WEBPICK: Lit-icism
There’s a new literary blogger on the block! Bethanie Blanchard, a writer and editor from Melbourne, has taken Angela Meyer’s place as the crikey.com bookish blogger.
The new blog will include lots of industry commentary and book reviews, and she’s kicked it off with a review of Paul Keating’s After Words: The Post-Prime Ministerial Speeches.
Check it out here.
Other upcoming courses
Online Course: Travel Writing with Sue White
When: Week beginning Monday 9 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 9 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Online Course: Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Sue White
When: Week beginning Monday 9 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Online Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge/Nicola Robinson
When: Week beginning Monday 9 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Daytime Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Monday 9 January to Friday 13 January 2012 (five consecutive mornings)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Daytime Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Sue White – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Monday 16 January to Friday 20 January 2012 (five consecutive mornings)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Daytime Writing Picture Books with Cathie Tasker – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Monday 16 January to Friday 20 January 2012 (five consecutive mornings)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Kate Forsyth
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 18 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Successful Freelancing with Valerie Khoo and Gayle Bryant
When: Thursday 19 January 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Course: Weekend Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 21 January and Sunday 22 January 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Weekend Travel Writing with Sue White – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 21 January and Sunday 22 January 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Daytime Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Sue White – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Monday 23 January and Tuesday 24 January 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to Write a Business Book with Valerie Khoo – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Tuesday 24 January 2012 (half-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 1.00pm
Cost: $295
Seminar: From Blog to Book with Kerri Sackville
When: Tuesday 24 January 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Course: Screenwriting Stage 1 with Tim Gooding
When: Every Monday starting Monday 30 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Travel Memoir with Claire Scobie
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 31 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Sell Your eBook on Amazon with Steven Lewis – NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 1 February 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Seminar: Daytime Introduction to Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 2 February 2012 (two-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am – 12.00noon
Cost: $85
Course: Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Marina Go
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 2 February 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Daytime How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 3 February 2012 (two-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $85
Course: Weekend Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Marina Go – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 4 February and Sunday 5 February 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Weekend Travel Memoir with Claire Scobie – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 4 February and Sunday 5 February 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 6 February 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Travel Writing with Sue White
When: Every Monday starting Monday 6 February 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Sue White
When: Tuesday 7 February 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $450
Seminar: Writing for the Web with Grant Doyle – NEW DATE
When: Thursday 9 February 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Writing Picture Books with Cathie Tasker – NEW DATE
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 9 February 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Weekend Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 11 February and Sunday 12 February 2012 (2 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Edit with Confidence with Deb Doyle – NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 15 February 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Plotting and Planning with Kate Forsyth
When: Wednesday 22 February and Wednesday 29 February 2012 (2 evening classes)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $175
Seminar: PR and Media Releases that Get Results with Catriona Pollard
When: Thursday 23 February 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $495
Course: Weekend Life Writing with Patti Miller – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 25 February and Sunday 26 February 2012 (2 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $450
Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Monday starting Monday 5 March 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Self-Publishing – How to do it with Geoff Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Monday 12 March 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Seminar: Perfect Your Proofreading with Deb Doyle
When: Thursday 15 March 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Thriller Writing with L.A. Larkin – NEW COURSE
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 15 March 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Writing about Interiors, Style and Design with Nigel Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Thursday 15 March and Thursday 22 March 2012 (2 evening classes)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $175
Seminar: Introduction to Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Monday 19 March 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Seminar: How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Monday 26 March 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman – NEW DATE
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 24 April 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Screenwriting Stage 2 with Tim Gooding – NEW DATE
When: Every Monday starting Monday 9 July 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
WRITING TOURS
Writing in Bali with Patti Miller – NEW DATE
When: Saturday 21 July to Saturday 28 July 2012
Writing in Paris with Patti Miller – NEW DATE
Arrival: Thursday 18 October 2012
Departure: Saturday 3 November 2012
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Thursday, December 08, 2011
In this issue:
- TIP: Sight, site or cite?
- Five days of inspiration – Weekday intensive courses
- Josephine Ulrick Prizes now open!
- Your Grammar and Punctuation refresher
- What we’re reading – This is How by MJ Hyland
- WEBPICK: HarvardGenerator
It’s been a busy week at the Sydney Writers’ Centre. Best-selling author Tara Moss dropped in to chat about her new book The Spider Goddess (video of my chat with Tara will be online soon). Heaps of people are already booking into our January Summer School courses. And the silly season is well and truly upon us.
I haven’t done my Christmas shopping yet and I’m freaking out. As the saying goes, there’s so much to do, but so little time. If you haven’t done your shopping yet, a great gift idea for Christmas is a Sydney Writers' Centre gift voucher.
You can either purchase a gift voucher for a specific course. Or you can purchase a gift voucher to a specific amount so that the recipient can choose the course they would like to use it towards.
Gift vouchers come in an attractive design imprinted with the Sydney Writers' Centre insignia. We can send this directly to you or to the recipient. Please note that gift vouchers are not exchangeable for cash. They are valid for one year after date of purchase.
Please feel free to call us on (02) 9929 0088 if you'd like to organise a gift voucher for someone.
TIP: Site, sight or cite?
Sight, site and cite are homophones – words that sound exactly the same but have very different meanings. Not surprisingly, they’re often confused.
Sight and site are the two you’ll see misused most often. Sight is the power or faculty of seeing, or vision. For example:
It’s not true that eating lots of carrots will improve your sight.
A site is an area on which something, such as a building, is situated. It’s also used to refer to a website. For example:
The neighbours weren’t happy with the chosen site for the development.
I spend far too much time reading this (web)site.
Cite is to quote or to mention in support of something. For example:
To prove her point, she cited examples from university studies.
What's new at the Sydney Writers' Centre
- Want to take part in the Sydney Morning Herald’s first online novel? Details are on the Writing Bar.
- NEW DATES: We've just scheduled a bunch of new online course dates for 2012. Check them out here.
- Find out how you can make a full-time income as a writer – with 1000 true fans. Details here.
- Our new 5-week online course in Travel Writing has gotten off to a huge start. We expect to see lots of published articles come out of the upcoming holidays!
Five days of inspiration – Weekday Intensive courses
If your New Year’s resolutions involve writing, there’s no point delaying – why not book in now for one of our Summer School courses? In January, we get the chance to open our doors for more weekday and weekend courses so it’s the perfect time for you to get started on your novel, explore writing for magazines and newspapers, or maybe even write a picture book.
For those of you who prefer to do an intensive course during the week, we have plenty of options. The Daytime Intensive courses are held over five consecutive mornings, from Monday to Friday. This is a great way to get your new year off to the right start!
DAYTIME INTENSIVE Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter
When: Monday 9 January to Friday 13 January 2012
(five consecutive mornings)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online
DAYTIME INTENSIVE Magazine and Newspaper Writing with Sue White
When: Monday 16 January to Friday 20 January 2012
(five consecutive mornings)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
DAYTIME INTENSIVE Writing Picture Books with Cathie Tasker
When: Monday 16 January to Friday 20 January 2012
(five consecutive mornings)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
If you prefer to really fast track your learning on our weekend
courses, find out more here.
Josephine Ulrick Prizes for Literature and Poetry
The Josephine Ulrick prizes for literature (a short story of 1,000 – 3,000 words) and poetry (up to 200 lines for a poem or suite of poems) is one of Australia’s most generous writing awards. Established in memory of Ulrick, a writer, poet and patron for the arts in South-East Queensland, the prize money in 2012 is worth $40,000.
Both the literature prize and the poetry prize will offer $10,000 to the best short story or poem, with a second prize of $5,000 for both categories and two commended prizes of $2,500 each, again for both categories.
Entries close on Tuesday 31 January 2012 and you can download an entry form and conditions of entry here.
Oops Word
The writers of this sign should have said “a hostess”, not “an hostess”. The rule here is that you use “a” if the next word starts with a consonant sound, and “an” if it starts with a vowel sound. The “h” in “hostess” is a consonant sound so use “a” here. However, you would write: "a hotel", "a horse" but "an hour".
Your Grammar and Punctuation Refresher
Want to know how you can improve your writing in just one day? Our final Grammar and Punctuation Essentials seminar is happening soon. In this intensive seminar you’ll learn how to avoid the most common grammar mistakes, and transform your writing.
Through practical and interactive exercises you’ll learn about the nine parts of speech, the construction of English, and how and when to use punctuation. After this seminar, you need never fear apostrophes again!
What past participants say:
"Grammar and punctuation could be a boring topic, however, Deb's flamboyance and energy made it fun and interesting to learn."
- Divina Gola
"This course was definitely the most engaging professional development course I have ever attended. All day I found myself on the edge of my seat, waiting for the next piece of invaluable information. Deb was a skilled presenter who was most engaging and had excellent knowledge of the subject."
- Rebecca Louie
This seminar is taught by Deb Doyle. Deb is 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: Wednesday 14 December 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $450
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Foreign words to watch
There are many foreign words that have snuck into our everyday vocabulary. But as these words become more common in English writing, so do the spelling errors! Here are a few regularly used foreign words that are often misspelt.
A capella – This is singing performed without instrumental accompaniment. It’s often spelt “acapella” but it should be two words: a capella.
Chaise longue – The chaise longue, or “day chair” in French, is often spelt “chaise lounge” in English. But watch that you use longue, not the incorrect lounge.
Flak – This word is an acronym taken from the German word, Fliegerabwehrkanonen, or antiaircraft guns and the shells fired from them. In English we also use it to mean criticism, as in, “He copped a lot of flak for his decision”. It’s often misspelled as flack but drop the c – the Macquarie Dictionary lists it as flak.
For more misspelt foreign words check out this Daily Writing Tips post.
Is self-publishing right for you?
Self-publishing is a useful strategy for writers of non-fiction, especially business owners or experts who want to write about their professional experience. But even fiction writers can benefit from self-publishing – Matthew Reilly’s meteoric rise in publishing started with his self-published novel, Contest. With so many self-publishing options available to authors, including digital publishing, it can be difficult to decide if this is the right path for your book.
Our two-hour seminar, Self-Publishing: How to do it, will show you what you need to do to self-publish a printed book. You’ll cover all the important steps you need to take when considering self-publishing and also look at marketing and distribution, and where to get your book printed.
What past participants say:
"Geoff is excellent and willing to help during and after the course. His knowledge of the subject is boundless and he shares that willingly."
- James Pratt
"It was so informative – the advice on printing was excellent but the advice on the 'small business' you become when selling your own book was invaluable."
- Claire O'Connor
This seminar is taught by Geoff Bartlett. Geoff is an author, journalist, actor and producer. He has filed articles and interviews for over 20 major newspapers and magazines around the country, including The Sydney Morning Herald, Courier Mail, Canberra Times, West Australian and Australian Style. Geoff's books include Comedians in the Mist, Cattitude and Mutterings.
Self-Publishing: How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Monday 12 December 2011 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Best books of the year
Need help with your Christmas shopping? Books are still one of the most popular gift options but… which one should you buy?! There are so many books out there and it’s always tricky choosing the right one. Thankfully the “Best books of 2011” lists are starting to come in. Here are a few that may help you find that perfect gift.
New York Times – The 10 best books of 2011
This one includes fiction and non-fiction.
The Guardian – Books of the year 2011
Writers at The Guardian have compiled a list of the best books for 2011.
Goodreads – Choice Awards
As chosen by Goodreads members, these are the best books for the year in a number of categories, including best fiction, fantasy, romance, biography and travel.
What we’re reading
This week Sydney Writers’ Centre course manager, Danielle Williams, is reading This is How by MJ Hyland. She writes:
MJ Hyland’s third novel, This is How, hasn’t enjoyed the sales of her previous novel, Carry Me Down. Despite glowing reviews and critical acclaim from fellow authors, such as Helen Garner, This is How has sold less than 3,000 copies worldwide – or so the author explained at a recent dinner I attended with her in Sydney. She seemed perplexed by this, and so am I.
This is How opens with Patrick Oxtoby arriving at a beachside boarding house in a small English town. He’s escaping London after his fiancée broke off their engagement but is also fleeing his family’s suffocating judgement and expectations.
The book is a frightening insight into the mind of a truly troubled soul, yet it’s also very moving. While very little actually happens in the first half of the book, Hyland skilfully builds the tension as Patrick slowly but surely unravels. I highly recommend this one.
We want to know what you're reading! You can write a book review for the Writing Bar and we'll feature an excerpt here in the newsletter. If you'd like to submit, check out the review guidelines here.
WEBPICK: HarvardGenerator
For writers, referencing articles, websites or books correctly in their work can be a tedious task. The HarvardGenerator, however, makes it easy.
It is is a free tool that allows you to quickly and easily format references and sources in the correct Harvard Referencing Format. You can reference electronic or print sources and your references will be saved. All you need to do is enter the website or book details and click generate.
Check it out here.
Other upcoming courses
Seminar: Self-Publishing – How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Monday 12 December 2011 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Seminar: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Wednesday 14 December 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $450
Online Course: Travel Writing with Sue White – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 9 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 9 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Online Course: Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Sue White – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 9 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Online Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge/Nicola Robinson – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 9 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Daytime Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Monday 9 January to Friday 13 January 2012 (five consecutive mornings)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Daytime Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Sue White – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Monday 16 January to Friday 20 January 2012 (five consecutive mornings)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Daytime Writing Picture Books with Cathie Tasker – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Monday 16 January to Friday 20 January 2012 (five consecutive mornings)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Kate Forsyth
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 18 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Successful Freelancing with Valerie Khoo and Gayle Bryant
When: Thursday 19 January 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Course: Weekend Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 21 January and Sunday 22 January 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Weekend Travel Writing with Sue White – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 21 January and Sunday 22 January 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Daytime Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Sue White – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Monday 23 January and Tuesday 24 January 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to Write a Business Book with Valerie Khoo – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Tuesday 24 January 2012 (half-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 1.00pm
Cost: $295
Seminar: From Blog to Book with Kerri Sackville
When: Tuesday 24 January 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Course: Screenwriting Stage 1 with Tim Gooding
When: Every Monday starting Monday 30 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Travel Memoir with Claire Scobie
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 31 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Sell Your eBook on Amazon with Steven Lewis – NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 1 February 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Seminar: Daytime Introduction to Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 2 February 2012 (two-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am – 12.00noon
Cost: $85
Course: Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Marina Go
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 2 February 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Daytime How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 3 February 2012 (two-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $85
Course: Weekend Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Marina Go – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 4 February and Sunday 5 February 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Weekend Travel Memoir with Claire Scobie – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 4 February and Sunday 5 February 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 6 February 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Travel Writing with Sue White
When: Every Monday starting Monday 6 February 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Sue White
When: Tuesday 7 February 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $450
Seminar: Introduction to Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 8 February 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Seminar: Writing for the Web with Grant Doyle – NEW DATE
When: Thursday 9 February 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Weekend Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 11 February and Sunday 12 February 2012 (2 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Edit with Confidence with Deb Doyle – NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 15 February 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Plotting and Planning with Kate Forsyth – NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 22 February and Wednesday 29 February 2012 (2 evening classes)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $175
Seminar: PR and Media Releases that Get Results with Catriona Pollard – NEW DATE
When: Thursday 23 February 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $495
Course: Weekend Life Writing with Patti Miller – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 25 February and Sunday 26 February 2012 (2 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $450
Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Monday starting Monday 5 March 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Perfect Your Proofreading with Deb Doyle
When: Thursday 15 March 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Thriller Writing with L.A. Larkin – NEW COURSE
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 15 March 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Writing about Interiors, Style and Design with Nigel Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Thursday 15 March and Thursday 22 March 2012 (2 evening classes)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $175
Seminar: Introduction to Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Monday 19 March 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Seminar: How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Monday 26 March 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman – NEW DATE
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 24 April 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Screenwriting Stage 2 with Tim Gooding – NEW DATE
When: Every Monday starting Monday 9 July 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
WRITING TOURS
Writing in Bali with Patti Miller – NEW DATE
When: Saturday 21 July to Saturday 28 July 2012
Writing in Paris with Patti Miller – NEW DATE
Arrival: Thursday 18 October 2012
Departure: Saturday 3 November 2012
- Trackback Link
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Thursday, December 01, 2011
In this issue:
- TIP: Back to basics – how to use a slash
- Get your articles published – Online Magazine and Newspaper Writing
- 2012 Mardi Gras Short Story Competition – win courses with us!
- Build your business blog
- What The Great Gatsby was almost called
- What we’re reading – A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
- WEBPICK: The Amazing Type-Writer
I’m absolutely loving the warmer weather and daylight saving here in Sydney. It’s a gorgeous time of year here at the Sydney Writers’ Centre, as we’re right on the harbour, next to a peaceful park, and have views that stretch on forever. You can’t help but be inspired in this setting.
That’s why I’m so excited by our Summer School. We already have interstate visitors booking into our summer series of courses which are designed to fast track your learning. The new year is the perfect time to get started on the book you’ve always wanted to write or the new career you’d like to transition into.
You can download our Summer School brochure here.
There are heaps of courses to choose from including:
- Creative Writing Stage 1
- Writing Picture Books
- Magazine and Newspaper Writing
- Travel Writing
- How to Write a Business Book
- Travel Memoir
- Writing Books for Children and Young Adults
- Life Writing with Patti Miller
Book in now to secure your place as these courses are always popular.
Back to basics: how to use a slash
For a punctuation mark that should be rarely used in writing, the slash, or solidus, seems to cause many writers problems.
The slash, which means or, is used to present alternatives.
For example:
He/She
Yes/No
Rocky/Rambo
So, do you need a space on either side of the slash? No, you don’t. If you’re simply presenting alternatives, as in he/she or yes/no, then no, there is no space. So this is wrong: Yes / No; He/ She.
Also, watch that you don’t use a slash where you should be
using a hyphen or en rule. For example, often you’ll see
financial years written as 2010/11, when in fact it should be 2010-11.
What's new at the Sydney Writers' Centre
Get your articles published!
We know that for many of you, summer holidays are the best time of year to take time out for yourself, and start writing! That’s why our online courses will continue right through December. And one of our most popular online courses is Online Magazine and Newspaper Writing. During this course we’ll show you how you can master the art of writing a great feature article, and get it published.
You’ll learn how to generate story ideas, how to research and structure your article, and how to approach an editor. This course is ideal if you’re interested in writing articles about travel, lifestyle, politics, sport, entertainment – just about anything you can think of. And you can do the whole course from wherever you are, whenever you want to!
What past participants say:
"I really enjoyed the content and structure. It was very easy to follow and logical. Sue was excellent, with great insight and feedback."
- Rebecca Livesey
"It is a very practical format for busy people. I loved that you could download the modules. I would put them on my iPhone so that I could listen to them anywhere. Thank you!"
- Caroline Fonda
ONLINE COURSE: Magazine and Newspaper Writing with Sue White
When: Week beginning Monday 5 December 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Class schedule for Online Course: Magazine and Newspaper Writing
Module 1: Starts week beginning Monday 5 December
Module 2: Starts week beginning Monday 12 December
Module 3: Starts week beginning Monday 19 December
Christmas break: Week of 25 December to 2 January
Module 4: Starts week beginning Tuesday 3 January
Module 5: Starts week beginning Monday 9 January
2012 Mardi Gras Short Story Competition
Once again, we’re proud to be sponsoring the annual short story competition run by the folks at Mardi Gras 2012. This is a national competition open to members and friends of the LGBTQI community. This year’s theme is "Hero" and writers are asked to enter stories of 750 words or less. You can interpret that theme any way you wish.
There are some great prizes on offer this year – including writing courses with us! There will also be cash prizes of up to $2,000 for the best stories.
TIP: Internment or interment?
One of our readers, Richard Goodwin, emailed us recently wanting to know about the difference between internment and interment. He’d inadvertently referred to the internment of ashes at a funeral, but the priest used interment.
Internment is a period of imprisonment and often refers to confining large groups of people for military or political reasons. For example:
There were many internment camps set up in Australia during both world wars.
The prisoner was released after a long internment.
An interment is a burial. For example:
A funeral service followed by interment was held at the local church.
Build your business blog
There are now endless opportunities for online marketing for your business. Everything from Twitter to Facebook to your website can be harnessed to increase your online profile and bring you more customers. Blogging is also an increasingly popular way to keep your customers informed and is also a great way to engage a new audience.
If you want to explore how a blog could build your business, or if you’re already blogging at work and want to refine your blog posts, join us for the one-day seminar, Blogging for Business. In one day you’ll learn the terminology of blogging, how to make your blog stand out from the crowd, and how to build and maintain your audience.
What past participants say:
"Steven was excellent. He was enthusiastic and willingly shared his knowledge and answered the numerous questions from the participants."
- Kaye Higgins
"Steven is an excellent presenter. He was able to share the information in a manner that was relevant, current and extremely useful."
- Wendi Wettin
This seminar is presented by Steven Lewis. Steven has consulted on blogging, podcasting and other Web 2.0 tools for companies such as Westpac and IAG. For Tourism Tasmania he created a ground-breaking series of travel podcasts, with similar projects in the works for companies like V Australia and Time Out. Steven has also promoted blogs, wikis and podcasts as a corporate insider, having worked for AMP as an in-house evangelist for its enterprise 2.0 tools.
Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis
When: Thursday 8 December 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Did you know? The Great Gatsby
Sydney’s gossip columnists have been in overdrive since September, with the arrival of Leonardo Di Caprio, Tobey Maguire and Carey Mulligan, all stars of Baz Lurhmann’s grand adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s, The Great Gatsby. But did you know this 20th century classic was very nearly called Trimalchio in West Egg?
Apparently, Fitzgerald really struggled with the title for this book. The Trimalchio in West Egg suggestion was a reference to a character in Petronius’s Satyricon. His publisher rightly assumed this would go over most people’s heads.
Other suggestions were Among Ash-Heaps and Millionaires; Gold-Hatted Gatsby; and The High-Bouncing Lover. Even once author and publisher had settled on The Great Gatsby, and the book was ready to be printed, Fitzgerald wanted yet another title to be considered – Under the Red White and Blue. Once again his publisher won out and refused the last-minute title change.
Another apostrophe catastrophe
We spotted this apostrophe catastrophe in a bridal events brochure. These are three of the errors we spotted. We assume that "Chair Sash's" actually means "Chair Sashes", as in more than one chair sash. And it's strange to see the apostrophes missing from "Bridesmaids Bouquets" and "Mothers Lapelle" when it's there for "Father's Buttonhole"! If the bouquets and the lapelles belong to the bridesmaids and mothers, then there should definitely be apostrophes there. As for the spelling, "lapelle" should actually be "lapel".
Learn the golden rules of grammar and punctuation
Are you afraid your apostrophes aren’t where they should be? Our final Grammar and Punctuation Essentials seminar for 2011 will show how to avoid your own apostrophe catastrophe.
Learning the basics of grammar and punctuation can have an immediate effect on your writing. Once you know the golden rules, you can avoid errors in your writing and make your meaning clearer. This intensive yet enjoyable grammar refresher will give you knowledge you can apply immediately to your writing through a series of practical and interactive exercises. You'll be amazed at how engaging and interesting a workshop in grammar and punctuation can be!
What past participants say:
"Grammar and punctuation could be a boring topic, however, Deb's
flamboyance and energy made it fun and interesting to learn."
- Divina Gola
"This course was definitely the most engaging professional development course I have ever attended. All day I found myself on the edge of my seat, waiting for the next piece of invaluable information. Deb was a skilled presenter who was most engaging and had excellent knowledge of the subject."
- Rebecca Louie
This seminar is taught by Deb Doyle. Deb is 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.
Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Wednesday 14 December 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $450
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
What we’re reading
This week Sydney Writers’ Centre intern, Katie Booth, is reading A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan. She writes:
“Time’s a goon, right? You gonna let that push you around?” And so Jennifer Egan explores in her 2011 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction winner, A Visit from the Goon Squad.
The book tells the tale of an array of characters in the San Francisco punk music scene in the 1970s. It begins in a bathroom in New York, where a kleptomaniac by the name of Sasha is poised to steal a wallet. We then meet an assortment of characters who take us on a family safari in Africa, to a journey to New York in the future.
It may take you a bit of time to get used to Egan’s style as she changes the narration voice every chapter. But once you do, A Visit from the Goon Squad is a superb read, where time is a goon who, in the end, catches up to all of the characters and leaves no person untouched.
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WEBPICK: The Amazing Type-Writer
Any writers out there remember the sound of a typewriter? The clickety-clack as you hit the keys, and then that satisfying DING as you finish a line? Well, one app developer does and, for a limited time, you can purchase the Amazing Type-Writer for your phone. Surely the world’s first pocket type-writer, the app mimics the font and sound of a Remington, and even uses a simulated piece of mimeograph paper. There’s even a gallery where you can display your typed musings.
It costs $1.99 on iTunes – a small price to pay for some literary nostalgia.
Check it out here.
Other upcoming courses
Online Course: Travel Writing with Sue White
When: Week beginning Monday 5 December 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 5 December 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Online Course: Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Sue White
When: Week beginning Monday 5 December 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Online Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge/Nicola Robinson
When: Week beginning Monday 5 December 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Seminar: Sell Your eBook on Amazon with Steven Lewis
When: Wednesday 7 December 2011 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Seminar: Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis
When: Thursday 8 December 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Self-Publishing – How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Monday 12 December 2011 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Seminar: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Wednesday 14 December 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $450
Course: Daytime Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Monday 9 January to Friday 13 January 2012 (five consecutive mornings)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Daytime Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Sue White – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Monday 16 January to Friday 20 January 2012 (five consecutive mornings)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Daytime Writing Picture Books with Cathie Tasker – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Monday 16 January to Friday 20 January 2012 (five consecutive mornings)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Kate Forsyth
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 18 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Successful Freelancing with Valerie Khoo and Gayle Bryant
When: Thursday 19 January 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Course: Weekend Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 21 January and Sunday 22 January 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Weekend Travel Writing with Sue White – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 21 January and Sunday 22 January 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Daytime Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Sue White – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Monday 23 January and Tuesday 24 January 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to Write a Business Book with Valerie Khoo – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Tuesday 24 January 2012 (half-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 1.00pm
Cost: $295
Seminar: From Blog to Book with Kerri Sackville
When: Tuesday 24 January 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Course: Screenwriting Stage 1 with Tim Gooding
When: Every Monday starting Monday 30 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Travel Memoir with Claire Scobie
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 31 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Daytime Introduction to Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Thursday 2 February 2012 (two-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am – 12.00noon
Cost: $85
Course: Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Marina Go – NEW DATE
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 2 February 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Daytime How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Friday 3 February 2012 (two-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $85
Course: Daytime Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Marina Go – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 4 February and Sunday 5 February 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Weekend Travel Memoir with Claire Scobie – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 4 February and Sunday 5 February 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 6 February 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Travel Writing with Sue White
When: Every Monday starting Monday 6 February 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Sue White – NEW DATE
When: Tuesday 7 February 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $450
Seminar: Introduction to Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 8 February 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Course: Weekend Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 11 February and Sunday 12 February 2012 (2 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Edit with Confidence with Deb Doyle – NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 15 February 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 15 February 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Course: Plotting and Planning with Kate Forsyth – NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 22 February and Wednesday 29 February 2012 (2 evening classes)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $175
Course: Weekend Life Writing with Patti Miller – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 25 February and Sunday 26 February 2012 (2 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $450
Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Monday starting Monday 5 March 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Perfect Your Proofreading with Deb Doyle – NEW DATE
When: Thursday 15 March 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Thriller Writing with L.A. Larkin – NEW COURSE
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 15 March 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Writing about Interiors, Style and Design with Nigel Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Thursday 15 March 2012 and Thursday 22 March 2012 (2 evening classes)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $175
Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman – NEW DATE
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 24 April 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Screenwriting Stage 2 with Tim Gooding – NEW DATE
When: Every Monday starting Monday 9 July 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
WRITING TOURS
Writing in Bali with Patti Miller – NEW DATE
When: Saturday 21 July to Saturday 28 July 2012
Writing in Paris with Patti Miller – NEW DATE
Arrival: Thursday 18 October 2012
Departure: Saturday 3 November 2012
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