12 June 2008

Dear Fellow Writer,

In this issue:

Wonderful student successes
Would you like to have lunch with me?
Polish your business writing - the easy way
Will Smith cancels on me!
Funny signs that get lost in translation
Top ten blogs for writers
Win tickets to Ten Empty

Wow, this week has been busy. Yesterday, I had a chat with a senior executive of a global firm for a video podcast. A mere two years ago, video podcasts were not the norm. But technology is enabling us to share and communicate ideas in ways we never could before.

That’s why I love our online courses in Creative Writing and Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspaper

s. Thanks to technology, if you can’t attend our harbourside training rooms, you can still experience our courses as if you are right here.

David gets published
Former online student David Kennedy has done just that - with a wonderful outcome. The article he wrote when the course finished appears in the July 2008 issue of Management Today.

You can see the article here.

David did Online Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers. He says:
"This was my first attempt at writing a feature after completing the course and while there's always room for improvement I'm happy with the result and the experience. It's been a confidence-builder to get the story picked up and I'm now working on a couple of
follow-ups."

Online Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers starts 23 June 2008.
Find out more here.

Congratulations Mitch - the start of things to come

In the meantime, congratulations to the talented Mitch Lewis who has just been accepted into the Australian Society of Authors mentorship program. When Mitch emailed us the big news last week, we were over the moon! Mitch previously completed Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman

Online Creative Writing Stage 1 start next week from 16 June 2008. Find out more here.

But not every week is full of great news. I was supposed to meet Will Smith and Charlize Theron this week – but they cancelled their trip to Australia to promote the new motion picture Hancock. At least I've had the pleasure of meeting Will Smith before. Oh well, next time!

Polish your writing at work - the easy way

When it comes to writing at work, the words you choose can have a huge impact on what people think of your professional expertise. If you sometimes wonder whether you are approaching your written business communication in the best way, our seminars will equip you with the guidelines to take the guesswork out of writing.

Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson
This will help you to produce concise written documents at work. Whether you’re writing a letter, rep

ort or proposal, your performance can be measured by the quality of your writing

Mel will guide you through the structure of writing professionally at work. She will reveal the best way to convey your information, teach you how to avoid common mistakes and how to structure your documents through this valuable one-day seminar.

Here's what recent participant Jan Campbell said about the seminar:
"I found the course terrific. I can apply the ideas and methodology directly to the various forms of writing I
am required to do - from academic to work reports."

All participants receive the Sydney Writers' Centre Editorial Style Guide for Business valued at $75. This style guide is essential for anyone who writes business documents. The style guide contains information on misused words, formats, common errors and clarifies issues that frequently arise in the world of business writing.

Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson
When: Tuesday 24 June 2008 for one-day only
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Cost: $395

Click here for more details or to enroll online.

Media Releases that get results with Luisa Volpato

This seminar will teach you how media releases can work for your business. It’s ideal for people who want to learn more about how to get the publicity to give your business the profile it deserves.

Luisa will guide you through the structure of a media release, what information you must include, what quotes to use and who you should send the media release to.

Here's what participant Mary Jane Trujillo said about the seminar:
"Excellent ideas and polished presentation. It was well-researched and it was great to hear ideas from other attendees. I'm looking forward to attending
another workshop."

Seminar: Media Releases That Get Results with Luisa Volpato
When: Friday 20 June 2008 for one-day only
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $345

Click here for more details or to enroll online.

Would you like to have lunch?
I’m speaking at a lunch hosted by Women’s Network Australia next week. I’ll be talking about “How to attract media attention”.

If you’re in the mood for networking, good food and would like to hear some inside tips on how to get publicity, I’ll see you there.

When: Thursday 19 June 2008
Time: 11:30am - 2:15pm
Cost: Members $75.00 Visitors $95.00
Where: The Vibe Hotel, 111 Goulburn Street, Sydney

RSVP by: Monday 16 June 2008

For more details and to book click here.

Webpick

Lost in translation
http://www.chinglish.de

Chinglish is a blog about signs - and the way language can be interpreted. It has hilarious examples of how Chinese signs have been translated into English.

It just goes to show how easily words can be misused and misunderstood - often with very funny results.

Oliver, the blogger behind this site says it's about “The wonderful results of an English dictionary meeting Chinese grammar. This is about passion not mockery.”

Here are some examples from the blog:

A new magazine with a difference

Mindfood Magazine or Mindfood online is a novel way to choose how and when you want to view content.

There are podcasts, blogs, profiles, news and all the genres such as health, relationships, entertainment and fashion which you can access through the internet, audio or by reading the magazine.

Mindfood is part of McHugh Media and is privately owned by husband and wife Michael and Michelle McHugh.

Mindfood is this team's newest magazine launch and with a website that has both local and global information. Their tagline is “Smart thinking”. And after
checking it out, I think they’re right. www.mindfood.com

The top ten blogs for writers

Don’t you love the internet? It’s a treasure trove of ideas and tips. A recent announcement listed the Top 10 Blogs for Writing.

These bloggers range from Amy Derby, a writer on an individual journey who cites her own experiences to Brian Clark who writes about entrepreneurs and copywriting.

You might not get inspiration from every post you read, but there are certainly some gems in there. A recent post by Brian even brought a tear to my eye and reminded me why I’m a writer.

For the full list visit our blog.

10 double passes for you to Ten Empty

I love Australian motion pictures. And here’s a new one I’m keen to see - Ten Empty, starring Jack Thompson and Lucy Bell.

Elliot returns home after 10 years in time for the christening of his half-brother, who is named after a local beer.

Elliot's father has married his late wife's sister and Elliot's younger brother Brett has gone completely silent.

This Australian drama is set in small town Adelaide and you are bound to be familiar with the ups and downs of family life. During the weekend of Elliot's return the entire family discovers a whole lot of secrets they all
have to deal with.

We have 10 double passes to give away thanks to Dendy. Ten Empty starts on 3 July 2008. Click here to find session times and locations.

Just answer the question below and the best ten answers will receive a double pass.

What is the best thing about family?
Email your answer by 5pm Thursday 19 June 2008 to competitions@spindriftmedia.com.au

Other upcoming courses
ONLINE Course: Creative Writing with Pamela Freeman
When: Week beginning Monday 16 June 2008 for 5 weeks
Time: Whenever it suits you
Cost: $395

Seminar: Media Releases That Get Results with Luisa Volpato
When: Friday 20 June 2008 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $345

ONLINE Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Valerie Khoo
When: Week beginning Monday 23 June 2008 for 5 weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Course: Creative Writing with Pamela Freeman - FULL - Call us to go on Standby
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 24 June 2008 for 5 weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson
When: Tuesday 24 June 2008 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 10 July 2008 (one-evening seminar)
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Cost: $65

Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Valerie Khoo
When: Every Monday starting Monday 14 July 2008 for 5 weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 17 July 2008 (one-evening seminar)
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $65

Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 30 July 2008 for 5 weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When: Friday 1 August 2008 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9:30am-4:30pm
Cost: $345

Course: Creative Writing with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 12 August 2008 for 5 weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Freelance Success with Valerie Khoo and Gayle Bryant
When: Monday 18 August 2008 (one-evening seminar)
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $65

Seminar: Self publishing - How to do it with Valerie Khoo
When: Thursday 21 August 2008 (one-evening seminar)
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $65

Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Judith Ridge
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 17 September 2008 for 5 weeks
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,