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Dear Fellow Writer,

In this issue:

• Harry Potter mania
• Creative Writing Stage 2 is here!
• Double movie passes to The Home Song Stories
• ONLINE feature writing course – starts soon
• Writer’s Prize for school/uni students
• Business Writing seminars

Taking the next step in creative writing: Creative Writing Stage 2
Creative Writing Stage 2 is ideal if you want further guidance on your creative writing journey. It’s perfect for students who have completed Creative Writing Stage 1 and who want to explore the craft further, or for those who are past the ‘beginners’ stage.

By the end of the course, you should have a completed short story in first draft. If you’re already working on a short story, you can use the course to improve it with guidance and feedback.

For the first three weeks, your presenter will focus on a specific area of creative writing, explore it further and lead the class in exercises that will help you hone your writing skills.

• Week 1: Character
• Week 2: Voice
• Week 3: Plot.

Weeks 4 and 5 will be devoted to workshopping and revising.

When: Every Monday from Monday 29 October 2007 for 5 weeks
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $395

If you would like a more comprehensive course outline click here. Or call us to enroll.

WIN: 10 double pass to The Home Song Stories

I love Australian stories. And I love movies. So I’m very keen to see The Home Song Stories by writer/director Tony Ayres. Based on his own life, The Home Song Stories is the true story of Rose (Joan Chen), a glamorous Shanghai nightclub singer, who struggles to survive in Seventies Australia with two young children. It’s a story about mothers and sons, mothers and daughters, unrequited love, betrayal and secrets.

I’ve had the privilege of reading the script so I’m very keen to see the translation to the big screen. The movie is in cinemas August 23.

Thanks to our wonderful friends at Dendy Films, we have 10 double passes to The Home Song Stories for the exclusive advance screenings on the weekend of Friday 17 to Sunday 19 August 2007.
www.homesongstories.com

All you have to do is write an opening paragraph to a story. Your paragraph should contain the word “home”. Email to competitions@spindriftmedia.com.au by Friday 3 August 2007. The best 10 opening paragraphs will win the writers a double movie pass each.

Travel Writing – get paid for your travels 

Our popular travel writing seminar is coming up. So if you are interested in exploring the world of travel writing, this seminar will give you an overview of the industry and what you can expect.

Our usual Travel Writing presenter, Cameron Duffy, is off on an extended break – in true form, he’s off traveling. Geoff Bartlett has stepped into his shoes and Geoff is also a veteran travel writer. 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.

To see if travel writing is for you, our introductory seminar is coming up soon.

When: Wednesday  15 August 2007
Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm
Cost: $65

For more information on this writing course visit our website. Or call us to enrol on
(02) 9929 9237.

ONLINE COURSE: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers
Our ONLINE course in Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers starts on the week beginning 20 August 2007. This is great if you don’t live in Sydney and find it hard to get to classes. Remember, if you DO live in Sydney, I strongly recommend you actually attend the classes in person.

But if you don’t, this is an excellent alternative. You join a “virtual” classroom and have “virtual” classmates. As it’s run online, you don’t have to attend the class at a set time. As long as you participate sometime during the week, you will be on track.

Through our innovative delivery (all you need is high speed internet access), you also have the opportunity to ask questions and get feedback.

The online course is almost the same as the actual course and you will need to commit a minimum of two hours a week to it.

When: The week beginning Monday 20 August 2007
Time: When it suits you!
Cost: $395

For more information on this writing course visit our website. Or call us to enroll on (02) 9929 9237.  

Social responsibility writer's prize for students

As some of you may know, social responsibility is a subject close to my heart. I run a social enterprise (www.taylorandkhoo.com) and I also recently wrote a book Australian Innovations: Towards a Sustainable Future which features a number of companies who are being socially responsible.

So I think it's great that the Prime Minister's Business Community Business Partnerships is running a Social Responsibility Writer's Prize for students. There is $12,000 to be won and the competition "is aimed at secondary school and tertiary students and offers an opportunity for students to express their opinions or concerns about the hopes for corporate social responsibility (CSR) and serves to promote CSR in the broader community by encouraging debate."

Entries must be submitted by 5.00pm Friday 3 August 2007.
For more information click here.

Other upcoming courses
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller – FULLY BOOKED
When: Thursday 2 August 2007
Time: 10am-12noon
Cost: $450

Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 9 August 2007
Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm
Cost: $65

Seminar: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 15 August 2007
Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm
Cost: $65

Seminar: How to Write Winning Reports and Proposals with Mel Wilkinson
When: Friday 31 August 2007
Time: 9.00am-5.00pm
Cost: $395

Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday for 5 weeks from Tuesday 28 August 2007
Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm
Cost $395

Seminar: Media Releases That Get Results with Luisa Volpato
When: Friday 14 September 2007
Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
Cost: $345

Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When: Friday 28 September 2007
Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
Cost: $285

Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Wednesday for 5 weeks from Wednesday 17 October 2007
Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm
Cost $395

Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Judith Ridge
When: Every Monday for 5 weeks from Monday 29 October 2007
Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm
Cost $395
 

Thanks for signing up to this newsletter. Remember, if you'd like to leave this list at any time just reply to this email letting us know.

Wishing you much writing success,

Dear Fellow Writer,

In this issue:

• Another student is published
• Daytime Life Writing course
• How to create a lucrative business from freelance writing
• How to get your book published
• New course dates announced

It was great to read this comment on our blog from Katherine this week:

Write your life story – DAYTIME CLASS
If writing a memoir is more up your alley, then you can’t miss the Life Writing course with Patti Miller. As you know, Patti usually only runs this course once a year at the Sydney Writers’ Centre, but due to popular demand, Patti has agreed to run the course again starting 2 August 2007. This will definitely the last time it will run in 2007.

Here’s what Patti’s previous students said about the course:

“I found the course liberating in overcoming the barrier to start writing. Patti is an inspiring and encouraging teacher and excellent group facilitator.”
– Carolyn Leigh

“The course was a breakthrough experience for many of us. It gave us inspiration, energy to write, excellent tips and a sense of achievement by the fifth class. In such a short time, Patti managed to make us write good pieces, almost a start of our own book.”
– Aurora Lopez

“I feel that I now have the wherewithal to begin writing. Patti's course acted as a catalyst for me.”
– Liz Barton

If you are interested in writing your life, Patti is an amazing teacher who can help you turn your life story into a compelling book. She has guided many stories to publication including:

• Good Man Hunting, Jacinta Tynan, Random House
• Sex at Six o'clock, Annarosa Berman, New Holland
• An Authentic Life, Caroline Jones, ABC Books
• Bend of the River, Skye and Jerry Rogers, Lansdowne Books
• Cecilia, Cecilia Inglis, Penguin
• The Long Way Home, Kate Shayler, Random House
• A Big Life, Jenny Kee, Penguin 2006
• And many, many more

When: Thursday 2 August 2007
Time: 10.00am-12 noon
Cost: $450

For more information on this writing course visit our website. Or call us to enroll on
(02) 9929 9237.

Sneak peek: Patti Miller at West Ryde Library

To get a taste of Patti Miller’s insights, she is speaking at West Ryde Library soon.

What: Writing True Stories
When: Thursday 26 July, 2007
Where: West Ryde Library
Time: 6.00pm-7.30pm
Numbers limited

Phone: (02) 9952 8376
Age restrictions apply

Boost your freelance writing business

Are you already an established writer? Do you want to know how take your freelance writing business to the next level? As romantic as it may sound, I don’t subscribe to the theory that writers need to be artists starving in a garret. If you want to make a lucrative income from freelance writing, it’s possible.

The Freelance Success seminar shows you how.

When: Monday 30 July 2007
Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm
Cost: $65

NOTE: You must already be an established freelance writer to attend this seminar. It is assumed that you already have expertise in the art of writing and pitching to editors. This is about the business of freelancing. We do not cover any writing techniques in this seminar.

For more information on this writing course visit our website. Or call us to enroll on (02) 9929 9237.

How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett

Geoff Bartlett’s popular seminar on How To Get Your Book Published is coming up. Geoff already has three books under his belt – with more on the way.


The idea for his second book came to him while talking to a friend and within two weeks he had a book deal with a major publisher. That’s because Geoff knows what publishers want and how to write a proposal that will get their attention.

He’ll give you an overview of the publishing process and what you need to do to get started.

When: Thursday 9 August 2007
Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm
Cost: $65

For more information on this writing course visit our website. Or call us to enroll on (02) 9929 9237.

Self-Publishing with Valerie Khoo

If self-publishing is more up your alley, particularly if you are a speaker, coach or consultant who wants a book to add to your credibility and product offering, our seminar will give you an overview of what you need to know.

When: Monday 23 July 2007
Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm
Cost: $65

For more information on this writing course visit our website. Or call us to enroll on (02) 9929 9237.

ONLINE FEATURE WRITING

Thank you to those of you who have registered interest in the ONLINE feature writing course which starts on 20 August 2007. You will be receiving an email this week with more details - so watch your inbox!

Other upcoming courses
Course: Creative Writing with Pamela Freeman – ONLY ONE SPOT LEFT
When: Every Tuesday for 5 weeks from Tuesday 17 July 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 15 August 2007
Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm
Cost: $65

Seminar: Media Releases That Get Results with Luisa Volpato
When: Friday 24 August 2007
Time: 9.00am – 1.00pm
Cost: $185

Seminar: How to Write Winning Reports and Proposals with Mel Wilkinson
When: Friday 31 August 2007
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $395

Course: Creative Writing with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday for 5 weeks from Tuesday 28 August 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost $395

Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Wednesday for 5 weeks from Wednesday 17 October 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost $395
 

Thanks for signing up to this newsletter. Remember, if you'd like to leave this list at any time just reply to this email letting us know.

Wishing you much writing success,

Dear Fellow Writer,

In this issue:

• Explode your freelance writing career
• Ubud Writers and Readers Festival
• Have you considered your story may be a great children’s book?
• Learning the rules to make business writing easy
• Thanks for your feedback
• NEW: Online feature writing course

Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, 2007
When: 25-30 September, 2007
Where: Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
 

Well we all know that the Byron Bay Writers Festival is on next month from 26 – 29 July, 2007. And I know there are a number of Sydney Writers’ Centre students who are making the pilgrimage there for it. It’s great fun and in a fantastic location with a program packed with writers.

If you want to venture further afield, the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival is on in September. I haven’t actually attended this festival before but I love Ubud and have heard great reports about it. In 2006, it was named ‘one of the world’s great book events’ by Conde Nast Traveler and ‘among the top six literary Festivals in the world’ by Harper’s Bazaar.

This year the agenda boasts "discussions, creative workshops, book launches, luscious literary lunches and dinners, a free children’s program plus poetry, theater, film, music and dance". It features 80 writers from 16 different countries.

For more information go to: http://www.ubudwritersfestival.com

How to write books for children and young adults

There’s something magical about the timelessness of children’s books. I know there are certain books I read as a child that have stuck with me for all these years.

Sydney Writers’ Centre presenter, Judith Ridge, is so passionate about children’s books, her enthusiasm is palpable. Judith has over 2000 children’s books in her collection! 

Judith is a specialist editor in books for children and young adults and she is widely recognised as one of the best editors of this genre in Australia. Judith says: "Many children's and young adult authors didn't realise their books were best suited to young readers when they started out – they were just telling the story they needed to tell." 

If you’re interested in writing books for children, the next course starts:

Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults
When: Every Wednesday for 5 weeks from Wednesday 17 October 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost $395

Here’s what some students have said about the course:
“Overall, the course was excellent. Judith covered a lot of ground in the short time available and gave a lot of examples of existing publications. The course was structured in such a way that complete beginners could get as much out of it as more experienced participants.”
- Patrick Silsbey

“Judith is a fantastic teacher. She covered all the aspects that I expected out of the course and more. She made extra effort in reviewing work and suggesting and providing additional reading material to my particular area of interest. She openly shared her expertise and encouraged us all.”
- Libbie Doherty

For more information on this writing course visit our website. Or call us to enroll on (02) 9929 9237.

Learning the rules of writing winning reports and proposals

As a podcast fanatic, I was interested to see that one of the most downloaded podcasts in iTunes is about grammar! I guess that goes to show that we are either a nation of pedants OR we simply need help when it comes to structuring our sentences correctly.

The reality is that there ARE rules and best practice ways to use the English language. And when it comes to business writing that’s so important. At work, your performance could be judged on your writing skills. So if you need to write or edit documents at work, you can make your job easier by learning the right rules.

There are two upcoming seminars you’ll find useful.

How to write winning reports and proposals
Do you need to write reports or proposals at work? Do you struggle to find the right words to convey a clear message?

What: How to Write Winning Reports and Proposals
When: Thursday 28 June 2007
Time: 9.00am to 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Includes comprehensive course manual.

This seminar is taught by communications specialist Mel Wilkinson. Mel is an experienced corporate writer and former guest lecturer at the Financial Services Institute of Australia. Mel runs a corporate writing agency and specializes in writing, editing and proofreading corporate collateral such as tender documents, annual reports, brochures, website content, newsletters, newspaper editorial, advertising copy, adviser and employee communication and sector reports.

For more information on this writing course visit our website. Or call us to enroll on (02) 9929 9237.

Editing Essentials
If you need to edit documents for work, this seminar will provide you with essentials rule and tips to help make your job easier.

Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When: Friday 29 June 2007
Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
Cost: $285

For more information visit our website or enroll by calling (02) 9929 9237

This seminar is presented by Katrina Lobley, an experienced journalist and editor. With 18 years' experience in the publishing industry, Katrina recently spent five years as a sub-editor on The Sydney Morning Herald and is currently in demand as a freelance editor of corporate and consumer publications.         

Here’s what former students had to say:
“The workshop on Editing Essentials facilitated by Katrina Lobley was an eye-opening experience into all the dos and don'ts of writing. As a journalist and PR consultant, the material learned in this course can be applied to all aspects of my job including media release writing, article writing and proposal writing.”
- Dionne Moskow, Journalist & PR consultant.

“Katrina is one of the best presenters I have ever met.”
- Martin Hadley                                  

NEW: Creative Writing Stage 2

Thanks for your all feedback and interest in Creative Writing Stage 2. This is now underway and we’ll have details for you in the next newsletter. We think the course will start in the next couple of months.

Other upcoming courses
Course: Creative Writing with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday for 5 weeks from Tuesday 17 July 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Self-publishing: how to do it with Valerie Khoo
When: Monday 23 July 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $65

Seminar: Freelance Success with Valerie Khoo & Gayle Bryant
When: Monday 30 July 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $65

Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Every Thursday for 6 weeks from Thursday 2 August 2007
Time: 10.00am-12 noon
Cost: $450

Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 9 August 2007
Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm
Cost: $65

Seminar: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 15 August 2007
Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm
Cost: $65
 

Thanks for signing up to this newsletter. Remember, if you'd like to leave this list at any time just reply to this email letting us know.

Wishing you much writing success,

Dear Fellow Writer,

In this issue:

• Make your job easier – business writing courses
• Marketing writer wanted
• Travel writer wanted
• New: Mentoring program – Kickstart your freelance writing career
• New: Creative Writing Stage 2 – we would love your feedback
• Enroll in Writing Books for Children and Young Adults

I hope you got to see two of our wonderful presenters – Pamela Freeman and Patti Miller- speak at the Sydney Writers’ Festival on the weekend. As you know, at the Sydney Writers’ Centre you learn from the best, so we’re very proud that Pamela and Patti are key teachers here.

As for me, right now I’m working on a major corporate writing project that’s driving me slightly crazy. Nevertheless, it’s working really well and I’m grateful for all the rules and writing tips I’ve picked up over the years. Even though this writing project is bigger than Ben Hur, I’m not daunted by it because I know that if I apply the right writing guidelines and use the relevant writing tools, I’ll end up with a good result.

I’m passionate about making the writing process easier for everyone – whether you are writing for business or pleasure.

With business writing, if you equip yourself with the right skills and tools, writing will be a piece of cake. And that’s what our business seminars are designed to do – to help make your job easier. Instead of poring over a blank computer screen, you’ll learn guidelines and tips that will get you writing like a pro.

So what’s coming up?
Seminar: How to Write Media Releases 
The first cab off the rank is How to Write Media Releases. This is a half-day seminar taught by the talented and experienced Luisa Volpato. As a public relations guru, Luisa has extensive experience in writing media releases both here and in the UK. She has worked on major accounts with multinational organizations, government departments and non-for-profits.

What: How to Write Media Releases
When: Wednesday 13 June 2007
Time: 9.00am-1.00pm
Cost: $185
Participants receive a comprehensive take-home workbook.

For more information visit our website. Or call us to enroll on (02) 9929 9237.

This is next week so book now!

How to Write Winning Reports and Proposals

Do you need to write reports or proposals at work? Do you struggle to find the right words to convey a clear message?

When: Thursday 28 June 2007
Time: 9.00am to 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Includes comprehensive course manual.

For more information visit our website. Or call us to enroll on (02) 9929 9237.

Editing Essentials
If you need to edit documents for work, this seminar will provide you with essentials rule and tips to help make your job easier.

When: Friday 29 June 2007 
Time: 9.30am to 4.30pm
Cost: $285

For more information visit our website. Or call us to enroll on (02) 9929 9237.

Marketing writer wanted
This week, I was pleased to hear from a former student Sue. She did the course Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers some time ago and then managed to make a transition into a career in writing. I was so thrilled that she found the skills to make a change in her career.

It was great to hear from Sue this week. Her team is looking to hire a new marketing writer and she asked me if I would include this in the newsletter.

The full details on the role and how to apply are on our blog. Good luck.

Travel writer wanted

A travel company is also looking for an experienced travel writer to help with writing web content for a new travel bookings website. More details and how to apply are posted on our blog.

Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers

This is the course that has changed the career direction for many people. I’m so happy to help people develop a career in writing, if that’s what they want.

Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers is a practical course that equips you with the knowledge on how to get published in newspapers and magazines.

When: Every Monday for five weeks from Monday 18 June 2007
Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm
Cost: $395 

For more information visit our website or enroll by calling (02) 9929 9237

NEW: Mentoring program – Kickstart your freelance feature writing career

If you have already completed the course Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers and want further coaching and mentoring to take your feature writing career to the next level, we are launching a coaching and mentoring program where you will receive one-on-one advice from me.

The program includes:

• Your very own password-protected access page

       where you can upload your writing which will
       be personally reviewed by me

• Direct feedback from me about how your writing might

       be improved

• Opportunity to ask questions to me through your

       password-protected access page (this is a private
       line of communication between you and me)

• Guidance on how to improve your skills

• Exclusive advice on developing your freelance feature writing career
• Coaching on how to pitch stories and dealing with publishers

Mentoring fee is $99 per month. (There is a minimum commitment of six months, so that you can see results). If you pay upfront, you receive 2 extra months at no charge.

I am passionate about helping people kickstart their freelance writing career. Many people have already benefited from my advice and have forged new and successful careers as a result.

Email us if you are serious about kick-starting your freelance feature writing career and would like more information on our mentoring program.

NEW: Creative Writing Stage 2

For those of you who have wet your appetite with the Creative Writing course and want to keep your creative juices flowing, you don’t have to wait too long. Creative Writing Stage 2 is in the works – stay tuned to this newsletter. This will be a follow-on course for those who have done the introductory Creative Writing course – but who are not yet ready to tackle the Novel Writing Workshop.

If you have any thoughts on this – good idea, bad idea, love it, hate it – drop me a line by replying to this email. I’d love to hear from you.

Writing Books for Children and Young Adults

Whether you want to be the next James Valentine, JK Rowling or Andrew Daddo, children’s books can be a great start in the publishing industry. You’ll be taught by Judith Ridge, one of the most sought after children’s book editors in Australia. 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.

When: Every Wednesday for 5 weeks from Wednesday 11 July 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost $395

The course covers:

• How to get started
• Finding the right voice
• Creating characters and stories young readers will enjoy
• Common assumptions about writing for children and about young readers
• Understanding the children's publishing market.

Libbie Doherty recently completed the course with Judith. Here’s what she said:
“Judith is a fantastic teacher. She covered all the aspects that I expected out of the course and more. She made extra effort in reviewing work and suggesting and providing additional reading material to my particular area of interest. She openly shared her expertise and encouraged us all.”

For more information visit our website. Or call us to enrol on (02) 9929 9237.

Other upcoming courses
Seminar: How to Write Media Releases with Luisa Volpato
When: Wednesday 13 June 2007
Time: 9.00am-1.00pm
Cost: $185

Seminar: Travel Writing with Cameron Duffy
When: Wednesday 13 June 2007
Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm
Cost: $65

Course:Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers (evening) with Valerie Khoo
When: Every Monday for five weeks from Monday 18 June 2007
Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm
Cost: $395

Weekday course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers (INTENSIVE) with Valerie Khoo
When: Monday 16 July to Friday 20 July (5 consecutive days)
Time: 9.30am–11.30am
Cost: $395

Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When: Friday 29 June 2007
Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
Cost: $285

Seminar: How to Write Winning Reports and Proposals with Mel Wilkinson
When: Thursday 28 June 2007
Time: 9.00am to 5.00pm
Cost: $395

Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Wednesday for 5 weeks from Wednesday 11 July 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Creative Writing with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday for 5 weeks from Tuesday 17 July 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Self-publishing: how to do it with Valerie Khoo
When: Monday 23 July 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $65

Seminar: Freelance Success with Valerie Khoo & Gayle Bryant
When: Monday 30 July 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $65

Thanks for signing up to this newsletter. Remember, if you'd like to leave this list at any time just reply to this email letting us know.

Wishing you much writing success,

Dear Fellow Writer,

In this issue:

• Two Sydney Writers’ Centre presenters feature at the Sydney Writers’ Festival - Pamela Freeman and Patti Miller
• How to get your organization or message into the media
• Write children’s books
• How to write winning reports and proposals
• Double passes to Chauvel Cinema for subscribers
• Upcoming course dates

Hear our presenters speak at Sydney Writers’ Festival
With the Sydney Writers’ Festival just around the corner, we’re thrilled that two of our wonderful presenters – Pamela Freeman and Patti Miller – are key features of the Festival program.

Pamela teaches the Creative Writing course and Patti teaches the Life Writing course.

When are the sessions?

Making it: how to get published
Date: Sunday 3 June 2007
Time: 3.30pm to 4.30pm
Cost: Free
Where:
SPC (Sydney Philharmonia Choir) Rehearsal Room, Pier 4/5, Hickson Road, Walsh Bay
Panel:
Pamela Freeman (right), Anita Heiss, Libby Gleeson, Jeremy Fisher!

Writing the Story of Your Life
Date: Sunday 3 June 2007
Time: 5.00pm to 6.00pm
Cost: Free
Where:
SPC (Sydney Philharmonia Choir) Rehearsal Room, Pier 4/5, Hickson Road, Walsh Bay
Panel:
Patti Miller (right), Carmel Bird, Kate Holden, Luis Garcia, Anton Enus
 
For more details and to check if there are any changes between now and then visit www.swf.org.au

How to write media releases that get results
As a journalist, media releases come across my desk every single day. And it’s amazing the difference a well-written, well-targeted release can make. Some people send out media releases that barely make sense – or that clearly demonstrate that they have no idea about how the media works. Of course, these releases end up in the bin!

To ensure that you’re not wasting your time (or that of the media), our seminar: How To Write Media Releases will equip you with the skills to be able to write media releases that get results.

More importantly, it will give you a clear understanding of how the media works, which will influence what you write.

The seminar is presented by the very talented Luisa Volpato. Luisa is a public relations expert with over 15 years experience in corporate, consumer, government and not-for-profit areas. She has formerly held senior positions at Burson-Marstellar London and Edelman Sydney. She has also worked in public relations at The Children's Hospital, Westmead.

Since 2004, Luisa has been a presenter in corporate communications with the University of Sydney's Centre of Continuing Education.

What: How to Write Media Releases
When: Wednesday 13 June 2007
Time: 9.00am-1.00pm
Cost: $185
Participants receive a comprehensive take-home workbook.

For more information visit our website. Or call us to enroll on (02) 9929 9237.

Writing Books for Children and Young Adults

This wonderful course is always very popular and we’re happy to announce that dates for the next session are:

When: Every Wednesday for 5 weeks from Wednesday 20 June 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost $395

The course covers:
•  How to get started
•  Finding the right voice
•  Creating characters and stories young readers
   will enjoy
•  Common assumptions about writing for children and
   about young readers
•  Understanding the children's publishing market.

Libbie Doherty recently completed the course with Judith. Here’s what she said:
“Judith is a fantastic teacher. She covered all the aspects that I expected out of the course and more. She made extra effort in reviewing work and suggesting and providing additional reading material to my particular area of interest. She openly shared her expertise and encouraged us all.”

It’s a great way to get started on your journey to becoming the next J K Rowling!

For more information visit our website or enroll by calling (02) 9929 9237.

How to get your book published

I’m so thrilled that former Sydney Writers’ Centre students Grant Hyman is soon to release his book. I’ve seen the proofs and I think they are fantastic. Grant did the seminars: How to Get Published and Self-Publishing: How to do it.

They started Grant on his way down his publishing journey. A number of other students have also started on their own journey, and it’s exciting to see their progress.

If you want a good overview of the publishing process, I recommend the seminar: How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett.

It’s in a couple of weeks so enrol now!

What: How to Get Your Book Published
When: Tuesday 29 May 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $65

For more information visit our website. Or call us to enroll on (02) 9929 9237.

Seminar: How to writing winning reports and proposals

If you need to write reports and proposals in your job, then this seminar will help make your job easier. Importantly, it will take the guesswork out of how to structure a report, what to include, what to leave out and how to use words that are clear, concise and, where needed, persuasive.

If you can’t communicate clearly in business, this can affect your career prospects and how your bosses perceive you.

This practical seminar covers:

    •  how to structure reports and proposals
    •  the fundamentals of persuasive writing
    •  tips and rules for stress-free writing
    •  how to gain the reader's attention
    •  the 7 step plan to write winning proposals
    •  the words you should never use

Remember: at the Sydney Writers’ Centre you learn from the best. This seminar is presented by Mel Wilkinson, an experienced corporate writer and former guest lecturer at the Financial Services Institute of Australia. Mel runs a corporate writing agency and specialises in writing, editing and proofreading corporate collateral such as tender documents, annual reports, brochures, website content, newsletters, newspaper editorial, advertising copy, adviser and employee communication and sector reports.

What: How to Write Winning Reports and Proposals
When: Thursday 28 June 2007
Time: 9.00am to 5.00pm
Cost: $395

Includes a comprehensive course manual.

Sydney Writers Festival Fever hits the Chauvel!

It’s not just Walsh Bay that’s going to be full of Sydney Writers’ Festival activity. Our friends at the Chauvel in Paddington also have a week full of Q&As and onstage conversations regarding some of the best adaptations from book to screen. As a book lover AND a movie lover, I’m going to be there!

Here are some you might be interested in:
What: Ten Canoes followed by on stage conversation with Rolf De Heer
When: Monday 28 May
Tickets: $15

What: Operaball followed by Q&A with author Josef Haslinger
When: Tuesday 29 May
Tickets: $15

What: Withnail & I, introduced by Richard E Grant
When: Friday 1 June
Tickets: $15

Great Adaptations Film Season
On Saturday 2 June, you might like a bit of a marathon, watching the screen version of some great books.
2pm Three Dollars
4.30pm My Brilliant Career
6.30pm Breakfast At Tiffany's

On Sunday 3 June:
2.30pm Schindler's List
4.00pm LA Confidential

Other upcoming courses
Seminar: How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett.
When: Tuesday 29 May 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $65

Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers (evening)
When: Every Monday for five weeks from Monday 18 June 2007
Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm
Cost: $395

Weekend course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers (INTENSIVE)
When: Monday 16 July to Friday 20 July (5 consecutive days)
Time: 9.30am–11.30am
Cost: $395.00

Seminar: How to Write Media Releases with Luisa Volpato
When: Wednesday 13 June 2007
Time: 9.00am-1.00pm
Cost: $185

Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults
When: Every Wednesday for 5 weeks from Wednesday 20 June 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost $395

Seminar: How to Write Winning Reports and Proposals
When: Thursday 28 June 2007
Time: 9.00am to 5.00pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When: Friday 29 June 2007
Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
Cost: $285

Course: Creative Writing with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday for 5 weeks from Tuesday 17 July 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Self-publishing: how to do it
When: Monday 23 July 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $65

Seminar: Freelance Success
When: Monday 30 July 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $65

Thanks for signing up to this newsletter. Remember, if you'd like to leave this list at any time just reply to this email letting us know.

Wishing you much writing success,

Valerie Khoo
Director
Sydney Writers‘ Centre
102 Alfred Street Milsons Point
Ph: (02) 9929 9237
valerie@spindriftmedia.com.au
www.sydneywriterscentre.com.au

About Valerie:
Valerie Khoo is a journalist, author of five books and founder of the Sydney Writers' Centre. She is passionate about helping people achieve their writing goals. The Sydney Writers' Centre runs short courses and seminars that will help you improve your writing skills and get published. 

Dear Fellow Writer,

In this issue:

• We’ve got books coming out of our ears
• NEW Life Writing course announced
• Jobs for journalists
• New presenter joins the Sydney Writers’ Centre
• Sydney Writers’ Festival
• Upcoming course dates

New Life Writing course with Patti Miller announced
We are so thrilled to be able to announce that Patti Miller has agreed to run another Life Writing course this year. As many of you know, Patti usually only runs the course once a year here so we’re very honoured she will be with us again. If you missed out last time, secure your place now.

Patti will be very busy in the coming months as her new book – The Memoir Book – is being launched this Friday. We know it will be a winner. For more information on Patti’s book visit our blog.

The Life Writing course explores creative autobiographical writing and will set you on the journey of writing your life. Patti is author of the best-selling book, Writing Your Life, and she will show you how to shape your experiences into a well-written, absorbing story.

The course includes workshops that will help you:

•  awaken memory and creativity
•  create the lived reality of your experience on the page
•  bring details to life
•  find structure to your work.

When: Every Thursday for 6 weeks starting Thursday 2 August 2007
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $450

For more information visit our website. Or call us to enroll on (02) 9929 9237.

Lots of jobs for journalists and writers

Has anyone noticed that there are quite a number of jobs around for journalists at the moment? From time to time, I search for “journalist” on seek.com.au just to see how the market is doing.

Right now, there are more than the usual number of jobs being advertised. Admittedly many of them are in niche industries – pharma, computer games, sport, science – but that’s certainly a good entry point for someone considering a transition from another career. For example, one of our former students (and excellent writer) Paul was a truck driver before transitioning into a fulltime editorial role for a trucking magazine. (Hi Paul!)

If you happen to like real estate writing, I’ve placed a link to a position for a real estate copywriter on our blog.

We’re delighted to announce that PR guru and experienced corporate writer Luisa Volpato has joined our team at the Sydney Writers’ Centre. Luisa will be presenting the seminar How To Write Media Releases. She will also co-teach with me on other courses to be released later in the year.

Luisa has over 15 years experience in public relations and marketing. She has worked as an account director/manager for international public relations companies such as Burson-Marsteller London and Edelman Sydney, across consumer, healthcare and corporate clients. She has also worked in the government, not-for-profit and charity sectors. Most recently Luisa was second in charge of a medium-sized PR and events agency with beauty, lifestyle and fashion clients.

Luisa and I both developed the seminar How to Write Media Releases together a couple of years ago. And we’re thrilled that so many people have found it useful.

Here’s what recent student Atlanta emailed us about the seminar:

"Your media release writing course has paid off for me in terms of publicity.
I could not be happier. Thanks for the great advice. It works!"
- Atlanta Camilleri, Recovery Coach

Thanks Atlanta!

The next seminar in How to Write Media Releases
When: Wednesday 13 June 2007
Time: 9.00am-1.00pm
Cost: $185

Participants receive a comprehensive take-home workbook.

For more information visit our website or enroll by calling (02) 9929 9237.

Sydney Writers’ Festival
28 May – 3 June 2007
I always love the program of the Sydney Writers’ Festival. I’m just not that fond of the crowds. Nevertheless, there are always some gems to be founds – so do pore over their comprehensive offering. If you pick the right sessions, you’ll hopefully come away inspired and ready to write some more.

There is too much to list here, so do visit their website: www.swf.org.au                                              

Seminar: How to write winning reports and proposals

We’ve received a lot of queries about the next date for this seminar. I just wanted to let you know that we’re finalizing this in the next few days. If you're interested, reply to this email with “REPORTS” in the subject line and I will ensure I will email you personally once the date is announced.

Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
For those of you who have been waiting for the next Editing Essentials seminar, the date is confirmed!

When: Friday 29 June 2007
Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
Cost: $265

For more information visit our website or enroll by calling (02) 9929 9237

Other upcoming courses
Weekend course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Valerie Khoo
When: Saturday 26 May and Saturday 2 June 2007 (two consecutive Saturdays)
Time: 9.30am–3.00pm
Cost: $395.00

Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers (evening)
When: Every Monday for five weeks from Monday 18 June 2007
Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: How to Write Media Releases with Luisa Volpato
When: Wednesday 13 June 2007
Time: 9.00am-1.00pm
Cost: $185

Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults
When: Every Wednesday for 5 weeks from Wednesday 20 June 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost $395

Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When: Friday 29 June 2007
Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
Cost: $265

Course: Creative Writing with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday for 5 weeks from Tuesday 17 July 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $395 

Thanks for signing up to this newsletter. Remember, if you'd like to leave this list at any time just reply to this email letting us know.

Wishing you much writing success,

Valerie Khoo
Director
Sydney Writers‘ Centre
102 Alfred Street Milsons Point
Ph: (02) 9929 9237
valerie@spindriftmedia.com.au
www.sydneywriterscentre.com.au

About Valerie:
Valerie Khoo is a journalist, author of five books and founder of the Sydney Writers' Centre. She is passionate about helping people achieve their writing goals. The Sydney Writers' Centre runs short courses and seminars that will help you improve your writing skills and get published. 

Dear Fellow Writer,

In this issue:

• Diary note: Byron Bay Writers’ Festival
• Writing books for children and young adults
• How to get an agent
• Magazine writing (Saturday course)
• Book Club in North Sydney

We’ve had a great week so far. I’ve been busy teaching Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers. We’re running an intensive course over five consecutive days. It’s been wonderful to have students attend from all over Australia including Perth, Brisbane, the Hunter Valley and the Snowy Mountains!

Apart from that we’ve been busy in planning mode ensuring we schedule enough courses for you over the next few months.

Many people think that writing a children’s book is a breeze. But nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, writing books for children and young adults can be hugely challenging. One of the many things that presenter Judith Ridge teaches students is about the common assumptions that people have about writing for kids.

If you’ve ever thought about children’s writing, Judith presents a wonderful course here at the Sydney Writers’ Centre. The course covers:

•  How to get started
•  Finding the right voice
•  Creating characters and stories young readers will enjoy
•  Common assumptions about writing for children and about young readers
•  Understanding the children's publishing market.

Libbie Doherty recently completed the course with Judith. Here’s what she said:
“Judith is a fantastic teacher. She covered all the aspects that I expected out of the course and more. She made extra effort in reviewing work and suggesting and providing additional reading material to my particular area of interest. She openly shared her expertise and encouraged us all.”

It’s a great way to get started on your journey to becoming the next J K Rowling!
For more information visit our website or enroll by calling (02) 9929 9237.

How to get an agent

There’s a very useful article on the website of the Australian Literary Agents’ Assocation about how to approach agents, what you should send them, what you can expect them to read, what fees they may charge and whether you should post, email or drop in your submission. (Thanks to our wonderful presenter Judith for sending this through).

I can’t reprint the whole article here so please do read it yourself if you’re interested. The link is here:

http://austlitagentsassoc.com.au/finding.html

Ultimately, remember that you should get your submission into a version that you are really happy with before you send it. Don’t assume that an agent is going to turn a blind eye at spelling or grammar mistakes. And don’t assume that an editor is going to fix your errors. Make sure your submission is something that you are really proud of. Remember, you only have one chance to make a first impression – so make it count!

The next seminar on How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett is coming up. Make sure you secure your place in this popular seminar.

When: Tuesday 29 May 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $65

The seminar will cover:

•  How to write a winning book proposal
•  How to approach publishers
•  Do you need an agent?
•  How much should you write before approaching a 
   publisher?
•  Negotiating a fair contract
•  The editing and re-writing process

Michael Neaylon attended the last seminar. This is what he said:
“Great info told in a no nonsense, real yet inspirational way. It was well organised, extremely good value and very comprehensive given the short duration, very well presented, very helpful. I've been able to draft a strong proposal today.”

Roenna Baker said:
“I really enjoyed the seminar. I feel more confident about the stories I have written and feel more confident in approaching publishers.”

For more information visit our website or enroll by calling (02) 9929 9237.

Feature writing for magazines and newspapers
Our popular course Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers will show you how to get published. If you can’t attend on weekdays, we have a weekend course that goes over two consecutive Saturdays coming up.

When: Saturday 26 May AND Saturday 2 June 2007
(You must be able to attend both days)
Time: 9.30am-3.00pm
Course fee: $395.

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

For more information visit our website or enroll by calling (02) 9929 9237

Book Club in North Sydney

As writers, we all love to read. And sometimes there is nothing better than getting lost in a great book. I often receive requests for information about local book clubs. If you are looking for one, Café Conte will be holding one on Saturday mornings in North Sydney.

For more information check out all the details which have been posted on our blog.

Other upcoming courses
Course: Creative Writing with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday for 5 weeks from Tuesday 5 June 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost $395

Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers (evening)
When: Every Monday for five weeks from Monday 18 June 2007
Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: How to Write Media Releases
When: Wednesday 13 June 2007
Time: 9.00am-1.00pm
Cost: $185

Thanks for signing up to this newsletter. Remember, if you'd like to leave this list at any time just reply to this email letting us know.

Wishing you much writing success,

Valerie Khoo
Director
Sydney Writers‘ Centre
102 Alfred Street Milsons Point
Ph: (02) 9929 9237
valerie@spindriftmedia.com.au
www.sydneywriterscentre.com.au

About Valerie:
Valerie Khoo is a journalist, author of five books and founder of the Sydney Writers' Centre. She is passionate about helping people achieve their writing goals. The Sydney Writers' Centre runs short courses and seminars that will help you improve your writing skills and get published. 

Dear Fellow Writer,

In this issue:

• Become a travel writer
• Magazine writing (weekday and weekend courses)
• 5 month novel writing workshop
• Diary note: Sydney Writers’ Festival
• Enter the Vogel Award for Australian literature
• Career transition: become a writer

I’m back from working in Singapore and Cambodia for a couple of weeks and excited about all the new courses at the Sydney Writers’ Centre.

Thanks to the magic of the internet, I was able to continue filing my stories for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age regardless of whether I was sitting in Starbucks in Singapore or at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in Phnom Penh.

That’s the beauty about being a writer – it’s such a portable career. For those of you who would like to combine your writing with your travels, you’ll learn a lot from our Travel Writing seminar with Cameron Duffy.

When: Monday 16 April to Friday 20 April 2007
(5 days in a row)
Time: 9.30-11.30am
Cost: $395

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

Here’s what some former students say about the course:
“Every bit of information that was provided was practical. Valerie's passion for writing was clearly evident and her enthusiasm to help others realize their dreams was awesome. LOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED IT.

"I would highly recommend it. I could not have imagined that I would have got so much out of it in such a small time frame.”
- Ana Vavdinos

"Thanks to your support and inspiration, I am now officially able to join the ranks of your published former students. If not for your very clear message that there is so much material being published that there is definitely work out there for those who want it, I would have given up, thinking it is a closed shop. Thanks for your support."
- Carolyn Swindell

Weekend course
If you prefer to take the course on the weekend, we’re holding it over two consecutive Saturdays.

Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers
9.30am-3.00pm on two consecutive Saturdays
Course fee: $395.

Course dates:
Saturday 26 May AND Saturday 2 June 2007
(You must be able to attend both days)

For more information visit our website or enroll by calling (02) 9929 9237

Novel Writing workshop (over 5 months)

There are only a couple of places left in this one so book now if you are interested. If you've already done the Creative Writing course and are ready to sink your teeth into your novel, then our Novel Writing Workshop with Pamela Freeman will get you where you need to go.

The class meets approximately every six weeks over a five month period. This means participants have a block of time to develop their work further before each session. You must already have done the creative writing course or have a novel you are working on.

Participants should be able to attend on the following dates:
1st meeting: Tuesday 10 April
2nd meeting: Tuesday 22 May
3rd meeting: Tuesday 10 July
4th meeting: Tuesday 21 August

Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Course fee: $450

For more information visit our website or enroll by calling (02) 9929 9237

Always a worthwhile event. Although bear in mind that it really should be called the Sydney Readers’ Festival as it’s a great place to go meet and hear readings from your favourite authors. This year’s festival features a who’s who of the publishing industry.
Mark your diaries: 28 May – 3 June 2007

For more information: www.swf.org.au

The Australian Vogel Literary Award 2007
This prestigious award has launched the careers of many fledgling writers into becoming full time authors. It's great because it's an award for an unpublished manuscript, which means you can be a complete unknown and have a decent chance. The only catch is that you have to be under 35.

Your book gets published by Allen & Unwin and you get $20,000. Yes, you read that correctly. $20,000. A friend of mine won a few years ago and she also got three loaves of bread. That's right - it's THAT Vogel. 

For more information: http://www.allenandunwin.com/vogel/entry.asp

Audio program: Reinvent Yourself: So you want to be a writer …

Our audio program Reinvent Yourself: So you want to be a writer … is a practical guide to help you transition into becoming a writer. It will show you the steps you need to take to make your goal a reality.

I was thrilled to receive this email from Natalie Devlin who purchased the program:

Hi Valerie,

I’m Natalie and I completed the Writing for newspapers and magazines in January this year. Since then I have also purchased and currently using the Reinvent Yourself audio program.

I’m just writing to let you know that these two courses have really helped me focus on my writing and encouraged me to write more frequently and with more focus and structure. I recently had an article published in the local paper about an award I received a few weeks ago and the tools and feedback I received in both courses really helped.

With the help of both courses I have now made writing a part of my everyday life, rather than just a hobby that I do when I have time. I am writing a daily journal which helps me collect my thoughts and I have also joined my local writers group. This has been very worthwhile because I am associating with people that are interested and passionate about writing like me. I feel that my confidence is building and I’m moving forward with my passion. Thankyou.

I could not have made these simple changes without your guidance.

Natalie Devlin

For more information on our audio program and to take your first step to becoming a writer,
click here. Or call us on (02) 9929 9237.

Other upcoming courses
Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Tuesday for 5 weeks starting Tuesday 2 May 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost $395

Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Tuesday 29 May 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $65

Creative Writing with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday for 5 weeks from Tuesday 5 June 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost $395

Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers (evening) with Valerie Khoo
When: Every Monday for five weeks from Monday 18 June 2007
Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm
Cost: $395 

Thanks for signing up to this newsletter. Remember, if you'd like to leave this list at any time just reply to this email letting us know.

Wishing you much writing success,

Valerie Khoo
Director
Sydney Writers‘ Centre
102 Alfred Street Milsons Point
Ph: (02) 9929 9237
valerie@spindriftmedia.com.au
www.sydneywriterscentre.com.au

About Valerie:
Valerie Khoo is a journalist, author of five books and founder of the Sydney Writers' Centre. She is passionate about helping people achieve their writing goals. The Sydney Writers' Centre runs short courses and seminars that will help you improve your writing skills and get published. 

Dear Fellow Writer,

In this issue:

• More students are published
• Editing Essentials – next week Friday 16 March
• Red Bubble Short Story Competition
• Win 5 double passes to movie: Becoming Jane
• New weekend courses – now available
• How to writing winning reports and proposals
• Novel writing workshop

t's been a productive week at the Sydney Writers' Centre with news from former students being published and preparations underway for our new courses.

There will be a three-week gap between this newsletter and the next one because I will be overseas. Next week, I am going to Singapore to present a writing training program for a global corporation. After that I will be heading to Cambodia to work with land mine sufferers and orphans in poverty with my work with Taylor & Khoo.

However, you are in very capable hands with Tracy and our wonderful team of presenters at the Sydney Writers' Centre. If you do need to catch me before I go, call me by Wednesday 14 March.

More students are published
I was thrilled to receive a couple of emails this week from former students ...

Anh Dang only finished the course Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers on Monday night (five days ago) and the next day she emailed me with the great news that her first article is going to be published by The Sydney Morning Herald. Great work Anh!

Ray O'Brien completed the Creative Writing course back in 2005 and it was wonderful to hear from him that's he's still writing. Ray had a small piece of creative nonfiction in the latest edition of online publication (or Ezine) Flashquake http://www.flashquake.org/

His story, The Green Coat, can be seen if you follow the link to Nonfiction on the left. Great work Ray.

I also spoke to recent student Eden Riley who completed the Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers course in February. She is embarking with gusto on her career as a freelance journalist. She has been busy printing her new business cards and has already been commissioned! Well done Eden.

Editing Essentials – next week Friday 16 March
There are only a couple of places left in next week's seminar: Editing Essentials on Friday 16 March.

If you have to edit documents at work, this seminar will help make your job easier. Katrina Lobley is our resident editing guru and is a veteran journalist and editor. Katrina will provide you with insight, tips and techniques behind the editing process.

When: Friday 16 March 2007
Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
Cost: $265

For more information visit our website or enroll by calling (02) 9929 9237.

Red Bubble Short Story Competition

If you haven't yet discovered it, Red Bubble is a new Australian website that "combines a creative community with a marketplace for artists to sell their work online".

They are currently running a short story competition. Short stories of no more than 1500 words incorporating the theme of "unleashed" are being sought. Fifteen winning short stories will be published in a compilation book. Winners will receive two copies of the book, tickets to the Emerging Writers' Festival and a $200 voucher to spend at RedBubble.

Entries due by Friday 13th April 2007.
Book launch will be held in late May 2007.

I love how technology is providing more opportunities for writers than ever before - so check them out!

For more about Red Bubble, visit: www.redbubble.com.au/competitions ...

Opening paragraph competition:
Win one of 5 double passes to the movie Becoming Jane

It's time for another Sydney Writers' Centre Opening Paragraph Competition. This time you get a chance to win one of 5 double passes to the movie Becoming Jane, thanks to Dendy Films. The passes are valid for the sneak preview weekend, from Friday 23 – Sunday 25 March, before the film’s official release on 29 March.

Here's some information about the movie …

Jane Austen is famous for one of the "most romantic books of all time" Pride and Prejudice. Now, a major new film is about to detonate the common perception of the famous author as a dowdy maid toiling away in a lonely room. We know Jane Austen lit up the world with her words, wit and wisdom, but her life too was stoked by passion and romance. At the age of 20 she fell in love and sparked a tale as real and romantic as her greatest work.  In Becoming Jane, a young lady on the first rung of literary greatness risks a romance that was to shape her life and her work.

Starring Anne Hathaway (The Devil Wears Prada) and James McAvoy (The Last King of Scotland), BECOMING JANE releases in cinemas across Australia on March 29.

So what do you have to do to win? Write an opening paragraph to a short story or novel that must contain the name "Jane".

Send your entry to competitions@spindriftmedia.com.au by 5pm Wednesday 14 March 2007.

Weekend courses: now available 

I really appreciate the feedback from everyone who emailed their thoughts on weekend courses. I am pleased to announce that these are now available.
We're starting off with Feature Writing for Magazines
and Newspapers and will add more later in the year. Email me on which courses you'd like to see available on the weekend.

Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers (Intensive weekend sessions)
with Valerie Khoo
Course fee: $395.
9.30am-3.00pm on two consecutive Saturdays

Course dates:
Saturday 26 May AND Saturday 2 June 2007
(You must be able to attend both days)

For more information visit our website or enroll by calling (02) 9929 9237

Other options for Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers
Intensive daytime weekday sessions
Course fee: $395 
5 consecutive days
9.30am-11.30am
Course dates: Monday 16 April to Friday 20 April 2007

Evening course
Course fee: $395 
Evening classes (once a week) for five weeks
6.30pm-8.30pm
Course dates: Every Monday for five weeks from Monday 18 June 2007

How to Write Winning Reports and Proposals

One-day seminar
If you need to write reports and proposals that clearly communicate details about a project or initiative, this one-day seminar is for you. It will cover:

•  how to structure reports and proposals
•  the fundamentals of persuasive writing
•  tips and rules for stress-free writing
•  how to gain the reader's attention
•  the 7 step plan to write winning proposals
•  the words you should never use

When: Friday 27 April 2007
Time: 9.00am-5.00pm
Cost: $345

Alison Aphrys has taught business writing and provides participants with a comprehensive – yet straightforward – overview of how to write winning reports and proposals. Participants receive a take-home workbook with useful reference material.

For more information visit our website or enroll by calling (02) 9929 9237

Novel Writing workshop (over 5 months)

This is already being booked so secure your place. If you've already done the Creative Writing course and are ready to sink your teeth into your novel, then our Novel Writing Workshop with Pamela Freeman will get you where you need to go.

The class meets approximately every six weeks over a five month period. This means participants have a block of time to develop their work further before each session.

Participants should be able to attend on the following dates:
1st meeting: Tuesday 10 April
2nd meeting: Tuesday 22 May
3rd meeting: Tuesday 10 July
4th meeting: Tuesday 21 August

Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Course fee: $450

For more information visit our website or enroll by calling (02) 9929 9237.

Other upcoming courses
Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Tuesday 3 April 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $65

Seminar: Freelance success with Valerie Khoo & Gayle Bryant
When: Tuesday 3 April 2007
Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Cost: $65

Half-day seminar: How to Write Media Releases with Valerie Khoo
When: Friday 13 April 2007
Time: 9.00am-1.00pm
Cost $165

Travel Writing with Cameron Duffy
When: Thursday 19 April 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $65

Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Tuesday for 5 weeks starting Tuesday 2 May 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost $395

Creative Writing with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday for 5 weeks from Tuesday 5 June 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost $395

Thanks for signing up to this newsletter. Remember, if you'd like to leave this list at anytime just reply to this email letting us know.

Wishing you much writing success,

Valerie Khoo
Director
Sydney Writers‘ Centre
102 Alfred Street Milsons Point
Ph: (02) 9929 9237
valerie@spindriftmedia.com.au
www.sydneywriterscentre.com.au

About Valerie:
Valerie Khoo is a journalist, author of five books and founder of the Sydney Writers' Centre. She is passionate about helping people achieve their writing goals. The Sydney Writers' Centre runs short courses and seminars that will help you improve your writing skills and get published.

 

Dear Fellow Writer,

In this issue:

• Author interview with Margo Lanagan
• Travel writing – from adventure to article
• How to write media releases – the right way to get publicity
• Starlight Cinema double pass announced
• Reinvent Yourself online audio program

Author interview with Margo Lanagan
Sydney based Margo Lanagan is author of Red Spikes - a collection of short stories which are read by BOTH adults and teenagers.

It is her third book of short stories. Her second collection, Black Juice, won the World Fantasy Award for Best Collection, among other awards.

She is a super-accomplished author who recently secured a six-figure deal with the prestigious Knopf imprint of Random House for North American English language rights to Red Spikes.

The full transcript of my interview is on our blog and Margo shares some fascinating insights about writing. Here are only couple of excerpts from the interview…

Valerie: Red Spikes is a collection of short stories. Can you describe your experiences writing shorter pieces versus getting your teeth into a longer novel? Which do you prefer and why?

Margo: Well, it's a choice between surfing and climbing a mountain. Short stories are perfect when I'm trying to fit writing into a busy life with family, work (as a contract technical writer), writerly-but-not-exactly-writing commitments.

I take a single story idea, poke at it so that it squirms and changes shape in some way, and in a couple of days I can have what I would call a short story.

Novels - a big sigh here, because I've been trying to finish a novel to my satisfaction for about ten years now - well, novels need a more methodical approach, but somehow while I'm working on getting the wordcount up, I have to hold my mind in a particular way that is very similar to the way it hums along when a short story is happening.

Valerie: What would your advice be to aspiring authors who are reading this on how to improve their writing and how to get noticed/published?

Margo: Work reasonably consistently on both writing and reading. Remove as much of your ego from the writing equation as you can, without stopping writing. Be patient. The cream will rise, but there has to BE cream in the first place; if it isn't rising, there's a chance it's not cream yet.

For the full interview, you can read the unabridged transcript on our blog.

Evening seminar: Travel Writing with Cameron Duffy
When: Thursday 15 February 2006 (one evening)
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost $65

There are only a couple of places left in this so book now! If you want to see your adventures published in your favourite magazine or newspaper, this is the seminar for you.

Here's what former participant Alyson Warnock said about the seminar:
“Cameron was excellent - very prepared, great examples, and very patient with our questions. I left satisfied that everything I had hoped to get information on had been covered, and with some very solid examples as a future guide.”

For more information visit our website or enroll by calling (02) 9929 9237

Evening seminar:
Self-publishing – how to do it

When: Thursday 8 March 2007 (one evening)
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost $65

Self-publishing your book is a useful strategy for professionals or business owners who want to write
a book based on their professional experience – a book can often be a credible marketing tool or “calling card”.

It is also a suitable option for some non-fiction books.

For more information visit our website or enroll by calling (02) 9929 9237

Half-day seminar: How to Write Media Releases with Valerie Khoo

When: Friday 23 February 2007
Time: 9.00am-1.00pm
Cost: $165

If you want to get your message into the media, gain publicity for your business or lobby for a cause, you'll learn what you need to know from this seminar.

Here's what former participant Verity Lomax said abut the seminar:
“The whole day was kept interesting by the fact that many of the points that were made were backed by entertaining real life stories that really painted an exciting picture of the media world. Valerie has clearly has a lot of experience in the field so I feel like she passed on the lessons that she has learnt over the years, but summarized them into half a day!”

Full-day seminar:
Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley

If you need to edit documents at work, this seminar will make your job easier. It will provide you with a guideline to edit documents efficiently and a framework that will help you turn difficult prose into clear communication.

When: Friday 16 March 2007
Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
Cost: $265

For more information visit our website or enroll by calling (02) 9929 9237

Starlight Cinema double pass winner

Thanks to everyone who entered our Opening Paragraph competition. We had lots of great entries but there can only be one winner.

We're pleased to announce that person is Craig Priddle – your prize will be posted directly to you. Enjoy!

There has already been great demand for the NEW audio program Reinvent Yourself: So you want to be a writer …

For more information visit our website.

Other upcoming courses
Creative Writing with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday for 5 weeks from Tuesday 17 April 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost $395

Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Valerie Khoo
Daytime session
When: Monday 16 to Friday 20 April 2007 – 5 consecutive days
Time: 9.30-11.30am
Cost $395

Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Tuesday 3 April 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $65

Seminar: Freelance success with Valerie Khoo & Gayle Bryant
When: Tuesday 3 April 2007
Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Cost: $65

Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Tuesday for 5 weeks starting Tuesday 2 May 2007
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost $395

Thanks for signing up to this newsletter. Remember, if you'd like to leave this list at anytime just reply to this email letting us know.

Wishing you much writing success,

Valerie Khoo
Director
Sydney Writers‘ Centre
102 Alfred Street Milsons Point
Ph: (02) 9929 9237
valerie@spindriftmedia.com.au
www.sydneywriterscentre.com.au

About Valerie:
Valerie Khoo is a journalist, author of five books and founder of the Sydney Writers' Centre. She is passionate about helping people achieve their writing goals. The Sydney Writers' Centre runs short courses and seminars that will help you improve your writing skills and get published.