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• Tip: Between you and me
• Start your year of writing – Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 1
• My Child/Parenting Express Writing Competition closes soon
• Did you know? GOP
• Learn the golden rules of writing for the web
• What we’re reading – Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith
• WEBPICK: Creative Kids Tales

What a busy start to the year. The Centre is truly buzzing right now with lots of students and plenty of courses to choose from. Today, I’m meeting with various publishers and editors. It’s always great to catch up with friends and colleagues in the industry. There seems to be a lot of optimism, which goes to show that reading, writing and publishing are thriving!

I’ve also been spending way too much time browsing through the “vicarious travel” section of various bookstores. It’s my way of escape as I live through the pages of other people’s experiences. Even though I’m sitting on my balcony with my cat Rocky (pictured), I’m being transported to Rome, Dublin, America and South-East Asia – thanks to these fabulous travel memoirs. If you’re interested in writing your own travel memoir, you’ll love our Travel Memoir course with the amazing Claire Scobie. You can find out more here.

• Summer School Intensives starting next week: There are just a few places left in Writing Picture Books and Writing for Magazines and Newspapers.
  
  
• New Dates: Our Creative Writing courses are filling fast, so we’ve scheduled more new dates. 
  
  
• This week on the Writing Bar: "I want to write it big in the movies" and a review of House of Sticks by Peggy Frew.
  
  
  

Want to join us for a creative writing course but just can’t make it to the Centre in Milsons Point? Our next online course in Creative Writing starts on Monday and it’s the perfect way to kickstart your writing year.
 
The online course is perfect for new writers or writers who’ve been working on a project and want to be sure they’re on the right track. You’ll learn about the essential elements of good fiction, including characters and dialogue, plot, and structure. And you can do all of this from wherever you are, whenever you like! You can even take it to the beach with you if you can’t stand to miss out on the beautiful Summer weather.
 
What past participants say:
“Cathie was quite excellent. She gave constructive feedback that I could really use.”
- Michelle Anne Webb

"I find the online delivery convenient in every way. I definitely recommend looking into this mode of learning for quick results."
- Patricia Hamilton-Brett

ONLINE COURSE: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman
When: Week beginning Monday 16 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
 
Click here for more information or to enrol online.

Rambo really likes going for walks in the rain.~

We’re pretty sure they mean Bilia is where Volvos, plural, come from. Once again, you don’t need the apostrophe to create a plural.

Did you know? GOP
Election season is in full swing in the US and we’ll be seeing a lot of media coverage about it here over the coming months. One term you’ll often hear is GOP, which is an abbreviation used for the Republican Party. Interestingly, few people in the US know what it means or its origins. Some interesting suggestions include “Grizzly Old People”, “God’s Own Party” and “Gas, Oil and Petrol”.

Well, no, none of those are correct. GOP is actually an acronym that originally stood for “Gallant Old Party”, but quickly came to mean “Grand Old Party”. The Republican Party was established in 1854, but the nickname, “Gallant Old Party”, didn’t come into use until about 1875, and this quickly changed to “Grand Old Party”, presumably encouraged by party members and supporters. In 1888, when the Republicans won that year’s election, the Chicago Tribune proclaimed: "Let us be thankful that under the rule of the Grand Old Party ... these United States will resume the onward and upward." And it’s been used ever since.

Interestingly, the name “Grand Old Party” would suggest that the Republican Party has been around longer than their political foes, the Democrats, but that’s not the case. The Democratic Party officially came into being in 1844 but has roots going as far back as 1792.

The golden rules of writing for the web
For many businesses their website will be the first place that potential customers will visit. We all know how important first impressions are so getting your website right should be a major priority for any business – big or small.

Writing for the web is not like writing for print. Your website copy needs to give visitors the information they’re searching for in a clear and concise way. You may already be a confident writer, but there are some golden rules you need to follow if you’re going to turn your hand to writing for your website. Our one-day seminar, Writing for the Web, will show you those rules and help you ensure your website is accessible and usable.

What past participants say:
"Grant Doyle was excellent. I enjoyed how he used relevant examples and engaged the audience by reviewing their own sites throughout the day."
- Sarah Collins

"I enjoyed the insights about how to structure content to make it more 'readable'. Grant is a good presenter, with excellent content and a well structured course."
- Leanne Anderson

Writing for the Web with Grant Doyle
When: Thursday 9 February 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $450

Click here for more information.

What we’re reading
This week Sydney Writers’ Centre course manager, Danielle Williams, is reading Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith. Danielle writes:

Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith is a thriller set in Stalin’s Soviet Union. It centres around disgraced MGB Agent, Leo Demidov, whose unquestioning loyalty to the state falters when he is involved in the interrogation of an innocent man. His fall from grace leads him to pursue the unthinkable in the Stalinist state – a child murderer. In a state where the official line is “there is no crime” Demidov’s investigation endangers his own life, as well as that of his family.
 
The first in a series of three thrillers featuring Demidov, Child 44 is a gripping read that also explores the absurd cruelty of Joseph Stalin’s reign, offering a glimpse into the lives of the people trying to survive it. There are some heartbreaking descriptions of hunger and poverty in the book, particularly in the first chapter.
 
I read this in two days over the Christmas break, not only because I had the time to, but also because I really couldn’t put it down. Tom Rob Smith has written a thriller that promises the pace and excitement of that genre, but also offers a glimpse into a world of poverty, paranoia and fear.

We want to know what you're reading! You can write a book review for the Writing Bar and we'll feature an excerpt here in the newsletter. If you'd like to submit, check out the review guidelines here.

WEBPICK: Creative Kids Tales
Creative Kids Tales is a new Australian website that’s been set up by writer, Georgie Donaghey. As an unpublished author, Georgie was looking for somewhere she could display her work and hopefully gain additional exposure, but couldn’t find the right site. So she set it up herself!
 
Creative Kids Tales is a place for budding authors to display their work and find information about publishing and writing in Australia. Each month a member writer is featured as well as an established kids’ author – this month features Mem Fox.

Georgie hopes to build up the site as a go-to for publishing information and tips and a thriving community of children’s book writers.

Check it out here.

Other upcoming courses
Course: Daytime Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Sue White – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Monday 16 January to Friday 20 January 2012 (five consecutive mornings)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395

Course: Daytime Writing Picture Books with Cathie Tasker – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Monday 16 January to Friday 20 January 2012 (five consecutive mornings)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395

Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 16 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Kate Forsyth – FULL
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 18 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395 

Seminar: Successful Freelancing with Valerie Khoo and Gayle Bryant
When: Thursday 19 January 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85

Course: Weekend Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 21 January and Sunday 22 January 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395

Course: Weekend Travel Writing with Sue White – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 21 January and Sunday 22 January 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395

Course: Daytime Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Sue White – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Monday 23 January and Tuesday 24 January 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395

Online Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge/Nicola Robinson – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 23 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Online Course: Travel Writing with Sue White – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 23 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Online Course: Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Sue White – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 23 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Seminar: How to Write a Business Book with Valerie Khoo – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Tuesday 24 January 2012 (half-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 1.00pm
Cost: $295

Seminar: From Blog to Book with Kerri Sackville
When: Tuesday 24 January 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85

Course: Screenwriting Stage 1 with Tim Gooding
When: Every Monday starting Monday 30 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman – NEW DATE
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 31 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Travel Memoir with Claire Scobie
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 31 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Daytime Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter – NEW DATE
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 1 February 2012 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395

Seminar: Sell Your eBook on Amazon with Steven Lewis
When: Wednesday 1 February 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85

Seminar: Daytime Introduction to Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 2 February 2012 (two-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am – 12.00noon
Cost: $85

Course: Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Marina Go
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 2 February 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Daytime How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 3 February 2012 (two-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $85

Course: Weekend Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Marina Go – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 4 February and Sunday 5 February 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395

Course: Weekend Travel Memoir with Claire Scobie – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 4 February and Sunday 5 February 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395

Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 6 February 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Course: Travel Writing with Sue White
When: Every Monday starting Monday 6 February 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Sue White
When: Tuesday 7 February 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $450

Seminar: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Wednesday 8 February 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $450

Seminar: Writing for the Web with Grant Doyle
When: Thursday 9 February 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $450

Course: Writing Picture Books with Cathie Tasker
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 9 February 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Weekend Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 11 February and Sunday 12 February 2012 (2 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Edit with Confidence with Deb Doyle
When: Wednesday 15 February 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Melina Marchetta – NEW PRESENTER
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 22 February 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Plotting and Planning with Kate Forsyth
When: Wednesday 22 February and Wednesday 29 February 2012 (2 evening classes)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $175

Seminar: PR and Media Releases that Get Results with Catriona Pollard
When: Thursday 23 February 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $495

Seminar: Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis
When: Friday 24 February 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Weekend Life Writing with Patti Miller – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 25 February and Sunday 26 February 2012 (2 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $450

Seminar: Better Business Emails with Deb Doyle
When: Tuesday 28 February 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Monday starting Monday 5 March 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Self-Publishing – How to do it with Geoff Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Monday 12 March 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85

Seminar: Edit with Confidence with Deb Doyle
When: Thursday 15 March 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Thriller Writing with L.A. Larkin – NEW COURSE
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 15 March 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Writing about Interiors, Style and Design with Nigel Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Thursday 15 March and Thursday 22 March 2012 (2 evening classes)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $175

Seminar: Introduction to Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Monday 19 March 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85

Seminar: Perfect your Proofreading with Deb Doyle
When: Thursday 22 March 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Monday 26 March 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85

Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller – NEW DATE
When: Every Friday starting Friday 13 April 2012 for six weeks
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $450

Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 24 April 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Screenwriting Stage 2 with Tim Gooding
When: Every Monday starting Monday 9 July 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

WRITING TOURS
Writing in Bali with Patti Miller – NEW DATE
When: Saturday 21 July to Saturday 28 July 2012

Writing in Paris with Patti Miller – NEW DATE
Arrival: Thursday 18 October 2012
Departure: Saturday 3 November 2012