In this issue:
- TIP: Me or I?
- Get published in magazines and newspapers
- Colour Blind Project – call for plays
- Write about your holidays – Travel Writing seminar
- Aurealis Awards – Congratulations to our presenters Pamela and Kate
- Wordwise: Neologisms
- WEBPICK: CreaWriter
Wow, it's been a busy week here at the Sydney Writers' Centre. We've been getting lots of enquiries and enrolments thanks to the article about us in the February 2010 issue of Dynamic Business. (Yes, that's me on the cover - and yes, it's very weird going to a newsagent to see me staring back at myself from the newsstand!)One of the things I talked to Dynamic Business about was our mission to inspire people and equip them with the tools they need in order to achieve their writing goals, regardless of where they live. And that's why our online courses are so popular, with students now enrolling from all over the world.
I love running our online courses - they're fun, interactive and just like a course in our training rooms, except you can do them from the comfort of your own home or hotel room (lots of frequent travellers find our online courses perfect for them).
Our upcoming online courses are:
Online Feature Writing with Valerie Khoo
When: Week beginning Monday 22 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever it suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Online Creative Writing with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 1 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever it suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Online Writing Books for Children with Judith Ridge
When: Week beginning Monday 1 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever it suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
TIP: ‘Me and my friend’ or ‘My friend and I’?
Which should you use – my friend and me or my friend and I? This one seems to worry people so much they often overcompensate and just use ‘I’ in every situation. But it’s actually fairly easy to remember the rule if you remember this sentence:
I am the subject of the sentence, but the object is the sentence of me.
In other words, if you are the subject of the sentence, or the one doing, then you use ‘I’. For example:
Which should you use – my friend and me or my friend and I? This one seems to worry people so much they often overcompensate and just use ‘I’ in every situation. But it’s actually fairly easy to remember the rule if you remember this sentence: I am the subject of the sentence, but the object is the sentence of me.
In other words, if you are the subject of the sentence, or the one doing, then you use ‘I’. For example:
Rambo and I went to a party last night.If you are the object of the sentence, or the person receiving the action, then you would use ‘me’. For example:
OR
I and Rambo went to a party last night. (Sounds odd, but according to askoxford.com, it is correct. However, the first version is the preferred one.)
My friend invited Rambo and me to a party.
OR
My friend invited me and Rambo to a party.
Get published in magazines and newspapers
If you’re looking for a way to kick-start your career as a freelance writer and get your articles published in magazines and newspapers, then our next daytime feature writing course is your first step. You’ll learn not only how to write the best article you can, you’ll also get insider information on how to get it published! The course will cover:
- which ideas work - and where to get them
- understanding the magazine/news market
- different types of feature articles
- how to research, structure and write a feature
- what editors want from a writer
- how to pitch your article or idea to a magazine and sell it!
Here’s what some recent participants had to say about the course:
'We had a fantastic group that I felt comfortable to ask questions and share ideas with. My daily intranet news stories have come to life! I'm not afraid of writing now and am actually enjoying a part of my job I used to dread.’
- Carolyn Hardy
‘[I enjoyed having] the opportunity to share ideas and opinions with classmates, and the writing assignment we were given. I was unaware there was so much involved in getting published, and I feel far more equipped to write and approach publications confidently now than I would have without the course.’
- Jessica Thompson
This course is taught by Vanessa Waters, an award-winning writer with over 15 years experience in the publishing industry. Since graduating with a BA in Communications from UTS she has worked in both newspapers and magazines, cutting her teeth on titles such as TV HITS, Girlfriend, Teen Hit, New Idea, That's Life!, Home Beautiful, SUNDAY Magazine, Marie Claire, Body + Soul and New Woman.
She is a seasoned lecturer, a contributing author of a women's anthology (released through Adams Media in the USA) and the author of Secrets of Our Success, published through Random House.
DAYTIME Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Vanessa Waters
When: Wednesdays starting Wednesday 3 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
The Colour Blind Project
For budding playwrights, a fascinating project is being run for the Tap Gallery Theatre in Darlinghurst. The festival will be held over ten days, 30 June to 10 July 2010, and producers are now calling for works by both professional and emerging writers. Here’s a little more about what they’re looking for: The Colour Blind Project festival is not just about telling another ‘ethnic’ story, but about embracing the multicultural artists of Australian society and portraying them in a light that is a part of Australian society, rather than something that is ‘different’ or external – something that an Australian audience has rarely seen before.
Your submission must be an original response to ‘Halfway’, and should be no longer than 20 minutes long. It can be anything from a monologue, to a comedy piece, or even just a short scene. If you’d like more information and an application form email thecolourblindproject@hotmail.com.
Submissions close at 5pm on Monday 22 March 2010.
Write about your holidays!
Do you dream of writing about your trips to Paris, the Pyramids or Phuket? Do you want to make money from your holidays? Travel Writing can be a rewarding career, and you can take holidays that pay for themselves Our Travel Writing seminar will tell you what it’s really like to work as a travel writer, and how you can be successful. There are many publishing opportunities for travel writers, and you’ll learn more about them here.
The seminar will cover:
- publishing opportunities (newspapers, magazines, electronic publishing, travel literature, guidebooks, other avenues)
- types of travel stories (service stories, destination stories, personal essays)
- what it takes to be a travel writer
- some straight talk about earnings
- finding and focusing your story (the right subject, travel trends, developing your story)
- the art and craft of travel writing
- getting published and making contacts (including tips on joining professional associations such as the Australian Society of Travel Writers)
- writing for travel guidebooks
Here’s what one recent participant had to say about the course:
‘It was very informative and the handouts were really good. I now have a good knowledge of the direction I need to go in to become a travel writer. The course has given me lots of great ideas.’
- Adele Eldridge
This seminar is presented by Geoff Bartlett, he has worked as a freelance travel writer and photographer for magazines and websites for the last six years. His current areas of focus are the islands of the South Pacific and Asia. He is a regular contributor to Pacific Island Paradises and Asian Paradises.
Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 5 March 2010 (two-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $75
OR
When: Thursday 25 March 2010 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Aurealis Awards – Congratulations to Pamela and Kate
Readers of our blog will know that two of our creative writing presenters – Pamela Freeman and Kate Forsyth – were shortlisted for last year’s Aurealis Awards. Well, we received some fantastic news recently – Pamela’s book, Victor’s Challenge, received the award for the Best Children’s (8-12 years) short fiction/illustrated work/picture book. Congratulations Pamela! And congratulations also to Kate, whose book The Puzzle Ring was shortlisted in the Young Adult category.
If you’d like to see a full list of Aurealis Award winners click here.
Writing for the Web
One of our most popular one-day seminars is back after an extended Summer holiday.
Writing for the Web is for anyone who wants to write convincing and engaging web copy. You may have no problems writing reports or brochures, but writing web content is very different. This one-day seminar will show you how to best convey information, online.
This practical seminar covers:
Here’s what past participants have had to say about the seminar:
'The presenter was lovely, very friendly and helpful. I left the session feeling very inspired! My understanding of the topic has been improved and my horizons broadened.'
- Michelle Hooker
'I have gained more confidence to go forward and write content for the web without the doubt as to whether I am writing correctly.'
- Debbie Ansell
This seminar is presented by Grant Doyle, an experienced copywriter, content manager and web editor. After many years as a print journalist and author, Grant gravitated to web writing in 1999 and has been contracting or consulting to major corporations in various online content capacities since then. Grant continues to initiate and teach many in-house web writing programs in addition to developing corporate web writing style guides.
Writing for the Web with Grant Doyle
When: Thursday 25 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm
Cost: $365
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
One of our most popular one-day seminars is back after an extended Summer holiday. Writing for the Web is for anyone who wants to write convincing and engaging web copy. You may have no problems writing reports or brochures, but writing web content is very different. This one-day seminar will show you how to best convey information, online.
This practical seminar covers:
- the difference between print and online writing
- good content versus poor content
- how your readers engage with web content
- golden rules of information design
- writing for scannability
- guidelines for concise writing
- do you need contextual links?
- using keywords for search engine optimisation
- writing for accessibility and usability
- why you need a style guide
- and much more
Here’s what past participants have had to say about the seminar:
'The presenter was lovely, very friendly and helpful. I left the session feeling very inspired! My understanding of the topic has been improved and my horizons broadened.'
- Michelle Hooker
'I have gained more confidence to go forward and write content for the web without the doubt as to whether I am writing correctly.'
- Debbie Ansell
This seminar is presented by Grant Doyle, an experienced copywriter, content manager and web editor. After many years as a print journalist and author, Grant gravitated to web writing in 1999 and has been contracting or consulting to major corporations in various online content capacities since then. Grant continues to initiate and teach many in-house web writing programs in addition to developing corporate web writing style guides.
Writing for the Web with Grant Doyle
When: Thursday 25 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm
Cost: $365
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Wordwise: Neologisms
The Macquarie Dictionary describes a neologism as a new word or phrase; the introduction or use of new words, or new senses of words. And it seems new words and meanings are being created all the time. Every month The Washington Post runs a competition for readers to send their own neologisms in, words for which they’ve offered alternative meanings. The best submissions for 2009 were recently published, and here are some of them.
- Coffee (n.), the person upon whom one coughs.
- Flabbergasted (adj.), appalled over how much weight you have gained.
- Abdicate (v.), to give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.
- Esplanade (v.), to attempt an explanation while drunk.
- Lymph (v.), to walk with a lisp.
- Balderdash (n.), a rapidly receding hairline.
Writing in Paris and Writing in Bali
Wow, even though we only announced the prices and details for Writing in Bali last week, a quarter of the places have already been booked up! Similarly, Writing in Paris is almost half full. And both tours are not until October! If you have been thinking about going on one of these unique trips, you should think about booking now. More details here:
Writing in Paris
Dates: Thursday 21 October to Saturday 6 November 2010
Writing in Bali
Dates: Thursday 30 September to Tuesday 5 October 2010
WEBPICK: CreawriterYou may remember one of our recent webpicks in which we told you about the Ommwriter. This word processor is designed to help you focus on the writing task at hand by giving you a distraction-free background and an ambient soundtrack. But this one is only available for those of you using a Mac.
Well, we’ve now found a Windows version! Creawriter is a direct response to the Ommwriter and will give PC users a chance to experience a similarly zen-like writing space. The CreaWriter again uses a minimalist background with a choice of sounds to play while you write. Both of these programs promise to increase your creativity.
Click here if you want to try CreaWriter.
Other upcoming courses
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller - FULL
When: Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 February (two-day workshop)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $450
Course: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett - FULL
When: Monday 15 February 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Online Feature Writing Stage 1 with Valerie Khoo - FULL
When: Week beginning Monday 15 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Online Creative Writing with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman - FULL
When: Week beginning Monday 15 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle - FULL
When: Tuesday 16 February 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman - FULL
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 16 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 DAYTIME course with Jeni Mawter - FULL
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 18 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Online Feature Writing Stage 1 with Valerie Khoo - NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 22 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter - FULL
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 25 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Online Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Week beginning Monday 1 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Online Creative Writing with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman
When: Week beginning Monday 1 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley - FULL
When: Tuesday 2 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $365
Course: Feature Writing Stage 1 DAYTIME course with Vanessa Waters
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 3 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 5 March 2010 (2-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am - 12 noon
Cost: $75
Course: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson
When: Tuesday 9 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Feature Writing Stage 1 course with Pamela Wilson
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 10 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 12 March 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $75
Seminar: Self-Publishing: How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Monday 15 March 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle - NEW DATE
When: Tuesday 16 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter - NEW DATE
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 16 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Tuesday 23 March 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Seminar: Writing for the web with Grant Doyle - NEW DATE
When: Thursday 25 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm
Cost: $365
Seminar: Travel writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 25 March 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis
When: Tuesday 30 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $365
Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 30 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Kate Forsyth
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 8 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Monday starting Monday 12 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 5-day Intensive course with Jeni Mawter
When: Monday 12 April - Friday 16 April 2010 (5 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Feature Writing Stage 2 with Judy Skatssoon
When: Every Wednesday beginning Wednesday 14 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley - NEW DATE
When: Friday 30 April 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $365
Course: Script Writing for Short Films with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 13 May and 20 May 2010 (two evening seminars)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $165
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 July (two-day workshop)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $450
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 12 August 2010 for six weeks
Time: 10am - 12noon
Cost: $450
Writing Tour: Writing in Bali with Patti Miller
When: 30 September to 5 October 2010
Writing Tour: Writing in Paris with Patti Miller
Dates for 2010:
Arrival: Thursday 21 October 2010
Departure: Saturday 6 November 2010
Comments
Post has no comments.