In this issue:
- TIP: ‘In the process of’ deleting redundant phrases
- How to make freelance work pay!
- Student Successes
- Crime Writing
- Write the next great Australian novel
- Where does “et cetera” come from?
- Learn to write for magazines and newspapers - online course
- WEBPICK: Pimp My Novel
What a buzz there is at the Sydney Writers’ Centre at the moment. A couple of weeks ago, I hosted the Online Business Booster Bootcamp which was a jam-packed day filled with lots of information. It’s for anyone who wants to master online marketing strategies to boost their business. We’ve received so many requests to run it again that I’ve decided to schedule one more Bootcamp before the end of the year.
Date: Tuesday 24 November 2009
Time: 9.30am - 5.30pm
Regular price: $695
Early bird price: $495 if you book before Friday 25 September
Book online here and use the promo code: OBBBEARLY2509
Here’s what some of the participants had to say:
Sylvia Aitken:
“The information was excellent - extremely useful and practical. We were shown how to actually implement systems rather than just learning about the theory of implementing them. Valerie cut through all the confusion of the many systems out there so I now feel like I actually have the knowledge and tools to start implementing some online marketing.”
Amanda Hampson:
“Hallelujah - our eyes have been opened! Valerie has inducted us into the world of web marketing. The incredible detail of this seminar and thorough notes made a one day workshop into a web marketing immersion experience. Anyone - everyone! - who is serious about marketing on the web should do this course and save themselves months of blind messing about. The seminar has opened me up to the hundreds of possibilities and given me the practical skills (and the inspiration) to get started.”
Michelle Feros, Vision Decisions
“Huge amounts of practical and useful information. This seminar has refocused me about what I need to do with my website and more importantly my business. My head is buzzing with ideas about what to do next.”
TIP: ‘In the process of’ deleting redundant phrasesGrammar Girl, from the website quickanddirtytips.com, recently recorded a podcast on redundant phrases. She’s picked out quite a few of them, and it’s surprising just how many sneak into our writing without us noticing. Here’s just one redundant phrase she recommends you avoid.
In the Process Of
One such phrase to excise from your writing is “in the process of,” as in, “My kids are in the process of driving me crazy.” Delete it, and you have, “My kids are driving me crazy.” Anytime you see “in the process of,” take it out and check to see whether any meaning is lost. You’ll save your fingers thousands of superfluous keystrokes.
How to make freelance work pay!
If you’ve already done some freelance writing, then you know there’s more to making a career from it than just completing the article! Our Successful Freelancing seminar is designed to give you the knowledge and confidence to build your freelance career. Just because you freelance, doesn’t mean you have to be poor. Establishing yourself as a freelancer is like setting up a small business – there are ways to make sure you’re successful!
NOTE: This is designed for people who are already freelancing (but want to take it to the next level) or for those already in the publishing industry (who want to take the plunge into freelancing). If you have NOT had much experience in writing and getting published in magazines/newspapers, then we suggest you consider the course Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers instead.
This two-hour seminar will help you:
- understand the business basics – what you need to get you started
- get repeat commissions and find regular work
- approach editors with your ideas
- invoice and chase payment
- how to build a regular and healthy income stream
- negotiate your rates
Here’s what some previous participants had to say about the seminar:
"Since attending the Successful Freelancing Seminar in February I have had three stories accepted for a parenting publication and have begun writing for business publications. The seminar motivated me and pointed me in the right direction. Thank you!"
- Sandy Leen
"I was at the Successful Freelancing seminar last night and just wanted to say thanks. I came up from Melbourne especially for it, and it was definitely worth the trip!"
- Daniel Papas
Successful Freelancing with Valerie Khoo and Gayle Bryant
When: Thursday 24 September 2009 (two-hour seminar)
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $75
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Student Successes – books and articles publishedLinda Mondy recently told us: ‘I attended your fantastic Editing course with Katrina Lobley in February 2008, which was very helpful.’ She has since edited and published a book - Newpin: Courage to change together. Helping families achieve generational change. Congratulations Linda!
Nitasha Thomson completed Feature Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Wilson and has had her article published in the Spring issue of Natural Health and Vegetarian Life. Congratulations Nitasha!
Crime Writing
This week the Crime Writing Association of Australia announced the winners of their Ned Kelly Awards. This year Peter Corris (Deep Water) and Kel Robertson (Smoke and Mirrors) were joint winners for the best fiction award. The Ned Kelly Awards have been running since 1996, proof of how popular crime writing has become in Australia. If you’d like to delve into the dark side and try your hand at crime writing, our Crime Writing Workshop is for you. This is our newest course and will show you how to craft a compelling mystery or an engrossing crime thriller.
During the course you’ll discover:
- The “rules” of crime writing and how to get started
- Research resources for crime writers
- How to develop credible heroes and intriguing villains
- How to develop a sense of place in crime fiction
- The importance of plotting your crime
- How to plant clues and create suspense
- What crime fiction publishers are looking for
The workshop is presented by Marele Day, author of four crime novels – The Life and Crimes of Harry Lavender, The Case of the Chinese Boxes, The Last Tango of Dolores Delgado and The Disappearances of Madalena Grimaldi – as well as a collection of crime-comedy stories – Mavis Levack, PI. She is also the editor of How to Write Crime. Other novels include the acclaimed Lambs of God and Mrs Cook: The Real and Imagined Life of the Captain’s Wife.
Crime Writing Workshop with Marele Day
When: Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October (two-day workshop)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
DID YOU KNOW? Et ceteraWe use the term “etc”, the abbreviation for “et cetera” so often that it’s easy to think it’s a regular English word. For me, I can never think of “et cetera” without the image of Yul Brynner as the King of Siam in the movie the King and I (1956), where he utters the phrase “et cetera, et cetera, et cetera” repeatedly. (No, I’m not that old – I just love musicals!)
Anyhow, “et cetera” actually comes from the Latin words “and the rest”. In Latin, “et” means “and”. “Cetera” means “the rest”. So now, when you use “etc”, you can think of it’s Latin origin – or Yul Brynner!
Write the next great Australian novelI know, it sounds impossible, especially when the closing date for this one is 30 September! But it’s not as difficult as it sounds – you only have to write the first paragraph.
To celebrate Books Alive, ABC’s Nightlife program is holding its annual competition to find the best first paragraph for a great Australian novel. You can submit your entry online at the ABC Contribute discussion board. Details for posting entries can also be found here.
If you’re one of three lucky winners you’ll receive 50 new release books. Three runners up will receive 10 audio books. That should be enough to keep keen readers busy for a while.
Learn to write for magazines and newspapers – online course
If you’d like to learn how to write for magazines and newspapers, but can’t make it to one of our face-to-face classes, why not join us online for an interactive class? Our Online Feature Writing course has the same practical and insightful information you’d receive in our regular course, but it’s delivered straight to you! All you need is high-speed internet access, and a few hours a week to complete the modules. If you’re new to feature writing, or you want to brush up on your skills and learn more about how to get your work published, this course is for you.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- find ideas that work and know where to get them
- understand the magazine/news market
- analyse different types of feature articles
- research, structure and write a feature
- understand what editors want from a writer
- pitch your article or idea to a magazine and sell it!
Here’s what recent participants have said about the course:
‘I loved how practical the course was. I’ve studied writing at uni but it was all theory and no practical. I feel like I have a lot more confidence to go out and pitch – knowing exactly what editors expect.’
- Maraya Bell
‘Easy to follow; informative; credible; positive; objective; realistic. The course dispelled many of my reservations and confirmed many of my perceptions about feature writing. I was able to work around my schedule – listen in the car or while walking the dog.’
- Con Calagis
Online Feature Writing with Valerie Khoo
When: Week beginning Monday 28 September 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
WEBPICK: Pimp My NovelWant to know what happens to your book after it’s been picked up by a publisher? Pimp My Novel is the blog of Eric, who works in the sales department of a major trade publisher. It’s an amusing look at the not-so-glamorous side of publishing and is also full of useful information for writers who may find the process of publishing overwhelming, if not completely bewildering.
Visit Pimp My Novel for a laugh, and maybe even some really helpful advice.
Other upcoming courses
Seminar: Successful Freelancing with Gayle Bryant and Valerie Khoo
When: Thursday 24 September 2009 (one-evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Online Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Valerie Khoo - NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 28 September 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever you want
Cost: $395
Course: Online Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman / Cathie Tasker - NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 28 September 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Seminar: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 30 September 2009 (one-evening seminar)
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Script Writing for the Short Films with Geoff Bartlett - NEW DATE
When: Thursday 1 October and Thursday 8 October 2009 (two evening seminars)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $165
Seminar: How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 7 October 2009 (one-evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Crime Writing Weekend Workshop with Marele Day - NEW COURSE
When: Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October 2009 (2 day workshop)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Katrina Lobley
When: Every Monday starting Monday 12 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson
When: Tuesday 13 October 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Wednesday 14 October 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Self-Publishing: How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 14 October 2009 (one-evening seminar)
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Writing for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 15 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 20 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Feature Writing Stage 2 with Judy Skatssoon
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 21 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When: Thursday 22 October 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $345
Seminar: Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis – NEW COURSE
When: Friday 23 October 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $365
Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Pamela Wilson
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 5 November 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Online Business Booster Bootcamp with Valerie Khoo - NEW DATE
When: Tuesday 24 November 2009
Time: 9.30am - 5.30pm
Cost: $695
Course: Marketing Your Book with Amanda Falconer
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 19 January 2009 for three weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $265
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Every Friday starting Friday 22 January 2010 for six weeks
Time: 10am – 12noon
Cost: $450
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