In this issue:
- TIP: Insure or ensure?
- Writing Letters and Emails – NEW COURSE
- Student success – Helen Bryen
- Publish your book!
- Did you know? Bull in a china shop
- Write books kids will read
- WEBPICK: Book Oven
This week I have some very exciting news to share with you ... we're expanding! No, that's not from the Haigh's chocolates that somehow make their way into our office. Nor is it from the Maggie Beer Burnt Fig and Honeycomb Ice-cream that finds its way into my freezer. We're expanding in a very different way.If you visit us from today onwards, you'll find a brand new training room here at the Sydney Writers' Centre. And this is the view (pictured right). I'm sure you'll agree that a view like this is bound to inspire you and help get your creative juices flowing. If you're attending a course at the Centre soon, make sure you check your emails so that you know whether you are in the Blue Training Room or the Red Training Room. (Don't worry, they're right next to each other and very easy to find).
Tonight I’m speaking about freelancing at an event run by Australian Science Communicators. Also speaking is the talented Bianca Nogrady, journalist and author. If you are going to be there, come and say hi!
TIP: Insure or ensure?
I’m always surprised when I see writers confuse ‘insure’ and ‘ensure’. And it seems the error is so common, even Grammar Girl has noticed. Here’s what she says about ensuring you use the right word: Ensure is something you do to guarantee an event or condition, as in To ensure there'd be enough food, Aardvark ordered twice as much food as last year. You can remember that guarantee has those two e's on the end to help you remember that to ensure (with an e) is to guarantee something.
Insure can be done to a person, place, or thing, but it's reserved for limiting financial liability, most commonly by obtaining an insurance policy, as in Aardvark wondered if the caterers were insured against loss. You can remember that we take out insurance to protect our income if we become unemployed, disabled, or injured in an accident. Both insure and income begin with -in.
Writing letters and emails – NEW SEMINAR
Communicating clearly in emails and letters is a crucial skill for any employee. Whether you’re the receptionist, the admin manager or even the boss, you’ll spend a large part of your day writing correspondence.
Our newest seminar is designed to make you more confident in writing letters and emails, and therefore more productive. Knowing the essential elements of writing well will free you up to get on with other important tasks in your day. This seminar is a must for anyone who writes emails or letters at work.
During this one-day seminar you’ll discover:
Writing Letters and Emails with Deb Doyle
When: Tuesday 20 July 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm
Cost: $365
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Student Success
Here’s some more great news from one of our former Online Feature Writing students. Helen Bryen did the course in February 2009 and recently wrote to us to let us know about her new career. Here’s what she had to say:
I am long overdue in writing and tell you of my success since completing the online Feature Article Writing course in Feb 09.
I undertook the course to play in an area I’d always been interested in, and to add another service to my graphic design business. The skills I learned in the online course have been put to good use, as I have spent a large portion of my time since October last year writing case studies for a government department. I really feel that the skills and thought processes that were developed during the online course were instrumental in my current success.
Thank you for your assistance during this course, it was invaluable.
Congratulations Helen! Your success just goes to show how useful feature writing skills are in a variety of careers. We look forward to hearing more about your writing successes.
Publish your book!
The path to publication can be a difficult one, but if you know how the industry works and what’s expected of you as an author, you’ll make it much easier on yourself.
How to get your book published will take you through all the steps involved in publishing your work – from writing the proposal, to signing the contract. This two hour seminar is packed full of information and will cover:
‘Everything I heard for 2 hours straight was new to me! Many of my assumptions were completely wrong, and advice I had been given from friends was also wrong. Geoff really inspired confidence that he knew what he was talking about, and used the 2 hours well without wasting time. I found out everything I wanted to know, and he even made sure that each individual there had their questions answered.’
This seminar is presented by Geoff Bartlett who 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.
In 1999, Geoff's first book, was published in Australia and New Zealand through Harper Collins. Comedians in the Mist was a series of interviews with top Australian comedians.
How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Tuesday 15 June 2010 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Did you know? Bull in a china shop
You've heard the term "a bull in a china shop”. It usually refers to someone who is behaving aggressively in an environment where they should be more restrained. Well, where did the phrase come from?
It was first used in 1834 in Frederick Marryat's novel Jacob Faithful:
Whatever it is that smashes, Mrs T always swears it was the most valuable thing in the room. I'm like a bull in a china shop.
Trivia: In 1939 in the US, an orchestra leader and sports commentator made a bet with each other. The loser had to lead a bull through a fancy china shop on Fifth Avenue and pay for all the damage caused by the bull. The trouble was that the bull was perfectly behaved and didn't break a thing. The only item to break was a plate and teacup dropped by one of the men!
Trivia buffs can read the original story here.
Write books kids will read
For those of you who can’t make it to our training rooms in Milsons Point, or it’s simply too cold for you to leave the house, our online courses mean you can learn from the comfort (and warmth!) or your own home. And one of our most popular online courses, Writing Books for Children and Young Adults, is starting soon.
If you want to write great stories that will inspire and engage kids, this is the place to start. You’ll learn about the children’s publishing industry and how to write for different age groups. You’ll also cover:
‘The weekly assignments were superb and forced me to consider many different aspects of writing a story well whilst getting feedback on my own work. The best thing about this mode of delivery was the convenience of participating when geographically a long way from the Sydney Writers’ Centre. It was easy, convenient, flexible and well structured.’
- Cherri Ryan
‘This class was far more interactive than previous classes I have taken, which made it feel more like we all knew each other better. The ease of listening to audio when convenient is a definite plus. The tutor's thoughtful feedback gave good ideas for improvement and was very encouraging. Judith Ridge did a great job with chatting to the class as though she were in the room. The hand-outs were all helpful and applicable, in particular all the info about publishers and new writers support sites on the web.’
- Christine Huntsdale
Online Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Nicola Robinson
When: Week beginning Monday 14 June 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
WEBPICK: Book Oven
We’re always looking for new ways for writers to publish and there are endless opportunities online. One website that is experimenting with online publishing is the Book Oven. It’s currently in its beta stage (or usability testing stage) so now is a good time to check it out and see what you think!
The book oven basically helps teams of people turn manuscripts into finished books and publish them, by bringing together writers, editors, proofreaders and designers. As a writer, you can either write directly into the book oven, or upload a manuscript, and invite collaborators to work on it with you. When your manuscript is ready, you can publish your book as a PDF or ebook. Eventually, Book Oven will sell books on their site for a small commission but for now they’re just working on the collaboration process.
So, check it out here.
Other upcoming courses
Course: Online Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Nicola Robinson
When: Week beginning Monday 14 June 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Online Creative Writing Stage 1 with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman
When: Week beginning Monday 14 June 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Tuesday 15 June 2010 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Seminar: Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis
When: Friday 18 June 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Cost: $365
Course: Online Feature Writing Stage 1 with Valerie Khoo/Pamela Wilson - NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 21 June 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When: Thursday 24 June 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $365
Course: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 25 June 2010 (2-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $75
Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson
When: Tuesday 29 June 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett - NEW DATE
When: Tuesday 29 June 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Seminar: Writing for the web with Grant Doyle
When: Wednesday 30 June 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Cost: $365
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 5-day Intensive course with Jeni Mawter
When: Monday 5 July - Friday 9 July 2010 (5 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Tuesday 6 July 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Writing Books for Children with Judith Ridge
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 7 July 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Online Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman
When: Week beginning Monday 12 July 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Perfecting your pitch with Sue White
When: Monday 12 July and 19 July 2010 (two evening seminars)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $175
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 13 July 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Script Writing for Short Films with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 14 July and 21 July 2010 (two evening seminars)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $165
Course: DAYTIME Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter
When: Every Friday starting Friday 16 July 2010 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 July 2010 (two-day workshop)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $450
Course: Build Your Online Profile with Tristan Bancks
When: Mondays beginning Monday 19 July 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Writing Letters and Emails with Deb Doyle - NEW COURSE
When: Tuesday 20 July 2010
Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Cost: $365
Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 27 July 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 12 August 2010 for six weeks
Time: 10am - 12noon
Cost: $450
Course: Travel Writing: Get paid for your adventures with Sue White - NEW COURSE
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 2 September 2010 for four weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $345
Course: Novel writing workshop with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday beginning Tuesday 12 October 2010 for six weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $495
Writing Tour: Writing in Bali with Patti Miller - FULL
When: 30 September to 5 October 2010
Writing Tour: Writing in Paris with Patti Miller - FULL
Dates for 2010:
Arrival: Thursday 21 October 2010
Departure: Saturday 6 November 2010
Communicating clearly in emails and letters is a crucial skill for any employee. Whether you’re the receptionist, the admin manager or even the boss, you’ll spend a large part of your day writing correspondence. Our newest seminar is designed to make you more confident in writing letters and emails, and therefore more productive. Knowing the essential elements of writing well will free you up to get on with other important tasks in your day. This seminar is a must for anyone who writes emails or letters at work.
During this one-day seminar you’ll discover:
- Knowledge that you can apply easily and immediately when writing correspondence
- Knowledge of the four steps for writing any document
- Ability to ask yourself four key questions when drafting your letters or emails
- Analysis of the ‘CSAW’ method of writing: Collect; Select; Arrange; Write
- Ability to apply the learning to your own sample letter and email
- An action plan for improving your writing
- Valuable templates to help you write your letters and emails
- More confidence in drafting formal letters and informal emails
- Ability to ensure that any paragraph you write is clear, concise and conveys the right information
- And much more
Writing Letters and Emails with Deb Doyle
When: Tuesday 20 July 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm
Cost: $365
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Student Success
Here’s some more great news from one of our former Online Feature Writing students. Helen Bryen did the course in February 2009 and recently wrote to us to let us know about her new career. Here’s what she had to say: I am long overdue in writing and tell you of my success since completing the online Feature Article Writing course in Feb 09.
I undertook the course to play in an area I’d always been interested in, and to add another service to my graphic design business. The skills I learned in the online course have been put to good use, as I have spent a large portion of my time since October last year writing case studies for a government department. I really feel that the skills and thought processes that were developed during the online course were instrumental in my current success.
Thank you for your assistance during this course, it was invaluable.
Congratulations Helen! Your success just goes to show how useful feature writing skills are in a variety of careers. We look forward to hearing more about your writing successes.
Publish your book!
The path to publication can be a difficult one, but if you know how the industry works and what’s expected of you as an author, you’ll make it much easier on yourself. How to get your book published will take you through all the steps involved in publishing your work – from writing the proposal, to signing the contract. This two hour seminar is packed full of information and 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
‘Everything I heard for 2 hours straight was new to me! Many of my assumptions were completely wrong, and advice I had been given from friends was also wrong. Geoff really inspired confidence that he knew what he was talking about, and used the 2 hours well without wasting time. I found out everything I wanted to know, and he even made sure that each individual there had their questions answered.’
This seminar is presented by Geoff Bartlett who 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.
In 1999, Geoff's first book, was published in Australia and New Zealand through Harper Collins. Comedians in the Mist was a series of interviews with top Australian comedians.
How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Tuesday 15 June 2010 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Did you know? Bull in a china shop
You've heard the term "a bull in a china shop”. It usually refers to someone who is behaving aggressively in an environment where they should be more restrained. Well, where did the phrase come from? It was first used in 1834 in Frederick Marryat's novel Jacob Faithful:
Whatever it is that smashes, Mrs T always swears it was the most valuable thing in the room. I'm like a bull in a china shop.
Trivia: In 1939 in the US, an orchestra leader and sports commentator made a bet with each other. The loser had to lead a bull through a fancy china shop on Fifth Avenue and pay for all the damage caused by the bull. The trouble was that the bull was perfectly behaved and didn't break a thing. The only item to break was a plate and teacup dropped by one of the men!
Trivia buffs can read the original story here.
Write books kids will read
For those of you who can’t make it to our training rooms in Milsons Point, or it’s simply too cold for you to leave the house, our online courses mean you can learn from the comfort (and warmth!) or your own home. And one of our most popular online courses, Writing Books for Children and Young Adults, is starting soon. If you want to write great stories that will inspire and engage kids, this is the place to start. You’ll learn about the children’s publishing industry and how to write for different age groups. You’ll also cover:
- how to get started
- finding the right voice
- creating characters and stories young readers will enjoy
- how to write believable dialogue
- common assumptions about writing for children and about young readers
- how to structure a story that works
- the secrets to plotting for different age groups
- what you need to know about getting into the children’s publishing market
‘The weekly assignments were superb and forced me to consider many different aspects of writing a story well whilst getting feedback on my own work. The best thing about this mode of delivery was the convenience of participating when geographically a long way from the Sydney Writers’ Centre. It was easy, convenient, flexible and well structured.’
- Cherri Ryan
‘This class was far more interactive than previous classes I have taken, which made it feel more like we all knew each other better. The ease of listening to audio when convenient is a definite plus. The tutor's thoughtful feedback gave good ideas for improvement and was very encouraging. Judith Ridge did a great job with chatting to the class as though she were in the room. The hand-outs were all helpful and applicable, in particular all the info about publishers and new writers support sites on the web.’
- Christine Huntsdale
Online Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Nicola Robinson
When: Week beginning Monday 14 June 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
WEBPICK: Book OvenWe’re always looking for new ways for writers to publish and there are endless opportunities online. One website that is experimenting with online publishing is the Book Oven. It’s currently in its beta stage (or usability testing stage) so now is a good time to check it out and see what you think!
The book oven basically helps teams of people turn manuscripts into finished books and publish them, by bringing together writers, editors, proofreaders and designers. As a writer, you can either write directly into the book oven, or upload a manuscript, and invite collaborators to work on it with you. When your manuscript is ready, you can publish your book as a PDF or ebook. Eventually, Book Oven will sell books on their site for a small commission but for now they’re just working on the collaboration process.
So, check it out here.
Other upcoming courses
Course: Online Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Nicola Robinson
When: Week beginning Monday 14 June 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Online Creative Writing Stage 1 with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman
When: Week beginning Monday 14 June 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Tuesday 15 June 2010 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Seminar: Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis
When: Friday 18 June 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Cost: $365
Course: Online Feature Writing Stage 1 with Valerie Khoo/Pamela Wilson - NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 21 June 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When: Thursday 24 June 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $365
Course: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 25 June 2010 (2-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $75
Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson
When: Tuesday 29 June 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett - NEW DATE
When: Tuesday 29 June 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Seminar: Writing for the web with Grant Doyle
When: Wednesday 30 June 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Cost: $365
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 5-day Intensive course with Jeni Mawter
When: Monday 5 July - Friday 9 July 2010 (5 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Tuesday 6 July 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Writing Books for Children with Judith Ridge
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 7 July 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Online Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman
When: Week beginning Monday 12 July 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Perfecting your pitch with Sue White
When: Monday 12 July and 19 July 2010 (two evening seminars)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $175
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 13 July 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Script Writing for Short Films with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 14 July and 21 July 2010 (two evening seminars)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $165
Course: DAYTIME Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter
When: Every Friday starting Friday 16 July 2010 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 July 2010 (two-day workshop)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $450
Course: Build Your Online Profile with Tristan Bancks
When: Mondays beginning Monday 19 July 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Writing Letters and Emails with Deb Doyle - NEW COURSE
When: Tuesday 20 July 2010
Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Cost: $365
Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 27 July 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 12 August 2010 for six weeks
Time: 10am - 12noon
Cost: $450
Course: Travel Writing: Get paid for your adventures with Sue White - NEW COURSE
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 2 September 2010 for four weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $345
Course: Novel writing workshop with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday beginning Tuesday 12 October 2010 for six weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $495
Writing Tour: Writing in Bali with Patti Miller - FULL
When: 30 September to 5 October 2010
Writing Tour: Writing in Paris with Patti Miller - FULL
Dates for 2010:
Arrival: Thursday 21 October 2010
Departure: Saturday 6 November 2010
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