- Hello from Santiago in Chile
- How to write for the web
- It’s tax time - get deductions for your courses
- TIP: “wherein” and “whereby”
- How to write a screenplay
- TIP: Is “couple” singular or plural?
- Internship opportunity for aspiring feature writers/journalists
- One-day seminar - How to get publicity
Hello from Santiago in Chile. I'm currently stranded here thanks to the volcano that's causing havoc with so many flights around the world. Santiago was certainly not on my list of destinations this trip but here I am! I've taken the opportunity to check out the local arts scene and the country's rich literary history. That's me pictured at the former house of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda who won the Nobel Prize for Literature. Spending a lot of time on planes means I've also been busy reading. I've just finished a business book called "Content Rules" by Ann Handley and CC Chapman (yes, I like to mix it up a bit). It's a practical book about how important it is for businesses to create online content, ranging from articles to blogs posts, ebooks and web pages.
The book is full of ideas you can use but it's also important to remember that, while you are writing for the web, there are certain rules you need to follow. It's very different to writing for traditional print materials, such as brochures or annual reports. When you're writing for the web, your sentences need to be scannable and follow the golden rules of information design. That's why I know our seminar "Writing for the Web" is so powerful. If you don't know the right "rules" for writing for the web, then your efforts could be in vain.
This practical seminar covers:
- the difference between print and online writing
- golden rules of information design
- guidelines for concise writing
- do you need contextual links?
- using keywords for search engine optimisation
- writing for accessibility and usability
- and much more.
When: Tuesday 21 June 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
TIP: Using “wherein” and “whereby” in writing
Business writers find it difficult to resist the temptation to replace small words with big ones, and that’s fine when they get it right. Two words I see popping up often in more formal writing are “wherein” and “whereby”. They’re not interchangeable, but some writers seem to think they are. Wherein is a very formal way of saying “in which”. For example:
You should discuss the letter with your boss wherein he asks all staff to take their leave.
Whereby means “by which way or method”. For example:
We should arrange a meeting whereby everyone can learn about the new courses.
What's new at the Sydney Writers' Centre
- Filling fast: Sell Your Ebook on Amazon with Steven Lewis, 21 June.
- Our Book Club is meeting today for a chat about The Tiger’s Wife by Téa Obreht, and cake.
- Our podcast with one of the Anonymums authors, Mum A, is now online.
- Filling fast: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter, starts 27 June.
- Sydney Writers' Festival video: We talk to Man Booker Prize Winner 2010 Howard Jacobson. Check out the video here.
It’s tax time - can you deduct your courses with us?
With the end of the financial year fast approaching, this might be a good time to book into courses where you can claim a tax deduction for the fees. If your course helps you in your line of work, chances are that you’ll be able to claim it in this financial year. Of course, talk to your accountant to see if you can take advantage of this.
How to write a screenplay
Feeling inspired by the current Sydney Film Festival to write your own movie? Or are you working on an idea for the next Tropfest, or short film festival? If you want to get your idea out of your head and on to the page, our Screenwriting Stage 1 course is for you.This course will teach you the three fundamental elements of a good script – character, story and structure – while also giving you the chance to workshop your writing. You’ll discover how to structure your story, how to write characters people want to watch, and how to engage your audience. By the end of the course, you should have a first draft of your film script!
Here’s some feedback from previous participants:
"Tim was excellent – very practical and very helpful. He set a goal of each one of us writing a short film script and helped us along that journey by reviewing and providing feedback. He was able to simplify the process of writing for screen as opposed to a novel. The Sydney Writers' Centre offer very practical courses with experienced and wonderful teachers. It will get you motivated and inspired!"
- Kalppana Sundaralingam
"I definitely came away with knowledge of a process that I did not possess when I first started. I also have a broad overall knowledge of how to go about writing a script. Tim has plenty of industry knowledge and his editorial skills are excellent."
- David Owens
This course is taught by Tim Gooding. He writes for stage, film and television. He has written television drama – Rafferty’s Rules, Blue Heelers, Stingers, Water Rats, All Saints – and comedy – The Aunty Jack Show, The Norman Gunston Show, Wollongong The Brave, Ratbags. He also devised and co-wrote the ABC TV series Sweet and Sour. Tim’s feature film credits include Heatwave and On the Loose. He is the recipient of a “Distinctly Australian” Writer’s Fellowship from the Australian Film Commission.
Screenwriting Stage 1 with Tim Gooding
When: Mondays starting Monday 20 June 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Internship opportunity for aspiring feature writers/journalists
Would you like to learn from the best? Are you interested in journalism and writing? Do you want to be part of the team at Australia's leading writers' centre?We have a rare opportunity for an intern at the Sydney Writers' Centre at Milsons Point. You'll get to work as part of our team producing an exciting new online magazine – all about writing, books and creativity. You must be in at least your second year of journalism studies at uni or higher and have a passion for feature writing, interviewing people and crafting articles.
You'll hone your writing skills, meet successful authors and work directly with the talented team at the Centre and with me, Valerie Khoo – journalist and director of the Sydney Writers' Centre. This is a unique opportunity for a self-starting individual who can work independently but who also thrives on guidance from a professional writer.
If you can commit to at least two days a week (or more), internships run in four-week blocks with the opportunity to extend. Apply by sending your resume, information about the courses you have studied and at least three samples of your writing to courses [at] spindriftmedia [dot] com [dot] au.
Applications close Monday 27 June 2011.
TIP: Is “couple” singular or plural?
One of our readers emailed us wanting to know why he often hears news readers say something like, “the couple was arrested at the scene” rather than “the couple were arrested at the scene”.Both versions are actually correct. So which should you use? This depends on whether you treat the word "couple" as singular or plural. This is often dictated by the house style of a publication or news room.
For example, The Economist magazine treats the word "couple" as a plural. So it would use: "The couple were arrested at the scene."
However, Flinders University's Style Guide states that "couple" is treated as singular because it's a noun that names a group. So it would use: "The couple was arrested at the scene."
Both versions are acceptable.
Join us on LinkedInAre you part of LinkedIn? We are!
The Sydney Writers' Centre community group offers members the chance to discuss their professional writing challenges, and meet one another. If you loved studying at the Sydney Writers' Centre, we'd love for you to head on over and let everyone know exactly why the course you did with us improved your writing. You can do so here.
Thank you!
How to get publicity - PR and Media Releases that get Results
Getting publicity for your business doesn’t need to cost the earth. Putting together a great PR strategy and improving your company’s bottom line can be done even if you’re not a PR expert. You just need the right tools!Our one-day seminar PR and Media Releases that get Results is an intensive yet enjoyable day. The tools you’ll learn apply across many industries, so whether you’re part of a larger company, you’re running your own business, or working for a not-for-profit, this seminar will give you the confidence to develop your own publicity strategy.
By the end of the day you’ll know how to determine your target audience, how to write a great press release, and how to deal with journalists. You’ll also learn about using online strategies and the benefits of contributing articles to publications.
Here’s some feedback from previous participants:
“The seminar set out beautifully the steps to media releases and pitches – it was just what I needed. Catriona was well presented and interested in what we had to say. She gave lots of advice and ideas.”
- Colleen Filippa
“Catriona generously shared her golden IP. It was a day chock full of golden information and advice. She shared her knowledge in a way tailored to each person. The presenters at the Sydney Writers’ Centre are experts in their field and are very generous in sharing their experience and knowledge. I look forward to the next course!”
- Linda Chaousis
This seminar is taught by Catriona Pollard. Catriona is director of CP Communications and has 17 years experience in developing and managing public relations and marketing programs. She has previously set up the marketing communications department for a leading software company and managed a diverse range of accounts within PR agencies. She has extensive experience in managing public affairs and marketing in federal and state governments.
PR and Media Releases that get Results with Catriona Pollard
When: Thursday 23 June 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $495
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Like poetry? You could receive $20,000
The UTS Centre for New Writing and the NSW government (through Arts NSW) is now accepting applications for the 2011 Sydney City Poet. This is a unique opportunity for a local poet to write for various public occasions and events, and represent poetry in the community. They’re looking for emerging poets who can demonstrate literary excellence and can commit to working on a part-time basis for one year.In return, the Sydney City Poet will receive a stipend of $20,000 for the year and have a chance to see their poems published. The successful poet will also be involved in delivering workshops and seminars, and giving public readings.
Applications close on Thursday 28 July 2011.
For more details on how to apply click here.
When words aren’t really wordsWatching television recently I noticed something – advertisers are making up words! OK, so that’s really not big news. It is interesting to note though how many words are used in marketing that aren’t in the dictionary. Well, not yet – who knows, maybe they’ll get there eventually.
Anyway, here are just a few I’ve noticed that aren’t listed in the Macquarie English Dictionary:
Volumise – as in, “volumise your lashes”And here's a few from our twitter followers:
Texturise – again, for the eyelashes
"Favouritise" and "Parameterise" - thanks @geoffthecrank
"EOFYS" - made popular by Foxtel for End Of Financial Year Sale. Thanks @FelicityMoore
Sydney Writers’ Festival – Did you miss it?Missed out on the Sydney Writers’ Festival? Many of the most popular, and most controversial, sessions are now available online.
You can now download podcasts and videos through Slow TV, ABC Radio National and ABC Big Ideas. And don’t forget our interviews with many of the authors, including Howard Jacobson, David Mitchell and Michael Cunningham, which you can watch here.
Writing Books for Children
It’s not hard to introduce children to the joys of reading. There are many wonderful books available for younger readers, and their popularity is growing. Readers love the books of Morris Gleitzman, J K Rowling, and Stephanie Meyer. In fact, even adults love a good YA novel! If you have an idea for a children’s book, or you’ve been working on a YA novel but need to know how to improve it, you just need to know the tools and techniques used by bestselling authors. Writing Books for Children and Young Adults is a five-week course that will show you how to write an engaging and entertaining story, that publishers and children will love.
During the course you’ll 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
- and MUCH more.
"The course was a rare opportunity to share my writing with a new group of like-minded beginners, and to share their successes and insights too. Judith is friendly, supportive, wise, generous and personable! The course was certainly what I needed at this point in my writing endeavours, and it came with plenty of support material."
- Ian McLean
"Judith is a fantastic presenter, enthusiastic and passionate about children's literature and you can't help but get caught up in her enthusiasm."
- Germaine Leece
This course is taught by Judith Ridge. Judith is well-known in Australia and internationally for her expertise in writing for children. Judith has worked with the Children's Book Council, as an editor at ABC Children's Books and the NSW School Magazine and freelances as an editor for Random House. Judith edited Handle with Care: Making Friends with Animals by Paul McGreevy – one of Halstead Press' all-time top sellers. She has also edited Piccolo and Annabelle 4: The Steamer Demons by Stephen Axelsen (Random House) and numerous books for ABC Books.
Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Wednesdays starting Wednesday 22 June 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
What we’re reading
This week one of our readers, Mimi Parfitt, is reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett.Not so very long ago, black people in the south of the USA had to give up their bus seats for whites. They also attended segregated schools, churches, hospitals and grocery stores. Woolworths had a ‘whites only’ counter.
Author Kathryn Stockett shows us a closeup of this world in her first novel, The Help (Penguin, 2009). We see inside the homes of Jackson, Mississippi, in the early 1960s. In alternating sections, written in first-person voices that convincingly conjure the south, we come to know various characters including Miss Skeeter, the single young white aspiring writer who decides to record the maids’ stories in a book about a town called ‘Niceville’.
Interviews are conducted in secret as more maids become involved, some with tales of kindness and generosity, others with tales of shameful hypocrisy. The tension that mounts when the collection finally reaches the bookshops is exquisite. By then, the reader, if human, has come to love and fear for The Help’s key characters. It’s hard to let them go when that last page is done, but there’s also the satisfying warmth of having read a richly rewarding story well told.
We want to know what you’re reading! If you’d like to submit a short book review (no more than 200 words) send it to courses [at] spindriftmedia [dot] com [dot] au and we’ll consider it for publication in our newsletter or blog.
WEBPICK: Random Ramblings of a Stay at Home Mum
This week, we’re looking at the winner of the Lifestyle/Personal category of the Best Australian Blogs Competition. This category was won by Lori Dwyer, author of Random Ramblings of a Stay at Home Mum.Judge Brenda Gaddi said "I chose Random Ramblings of a Stay at Home Mum as the overall winner for this category for the simple reason that her writing is brilliant. It's painfully raw and brutally honest.”
And it is. There’s some tough reading here but also some inspiring and uplifting posts.
Check it out here.
Other upcoming courses
Seminar: Self-Publishing – How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 16 June 2011 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Course: Your Story Structure with Kathryn Heyman - 1 PLACE LEFT
When: Friday 17 June 2011 and Friday 24 June 2011 (2 half-day classes)
Time: 9.30am - 12.30pm
Cost: $215
Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 20 June 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Screenwriting Stage 1 with Tim Gooding
When: Every Monday starting Monday 20 June 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Sell your ebook on Amazon with Steven Lewis
When: Tuesday 21 June 2011 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Seminar: Writing for the Web with Grant Doyle
When: Tuesday 21 June 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Writing about Interiors, Style and Design with Nigel Bartlett
When: Wednesday 22 June 2011 and Wednesday 29 June 2011 (2 evening classes)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $175
Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 22 June 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: PR and Media Releases that Get Results with Catriona Pollard
When: Thursday 23 June 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $495
Course: Travel Writing: Get Paid for Your Adventures with Sue White
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 23 June 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter
When: Every Monday starting Monday 27 June 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 27 June 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Online Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Sue White – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 27 June 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Tuesday 28 June 2011 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Seminar: Edit with Confidence with Deb Doyle
When: Wednesday 29 June 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis
When: Thursday 30 June 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Life Writing Masterclass with Patti Miller – FULL
When: Every Friday starting Friday 1 July 2011 for eight weeks
Time: 10.00am - 12.00noon
Cost: $650
Online Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Laurine Croasdale/Judith Ridge/Nicola Robinson
When: Week beginning Monday 4 July 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Jeni Mawter
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 5 July 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Novel Writing Workshop with Pamela Freeman – FULL
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 5 July 2011 for six weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $495
Course: Perfecting Your Pitch with Sue White
When: Wednesday 13 July 2011 and Wednesday 20 July 2011 (2 evening classes)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $175
Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Marina Go
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 14 July 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Friday 15 July 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $450
Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Sue White
When: Tuesday 19 July 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $450
Seminar: Perfect Your Proofreading with Deb Doyle
When: Wednesday 27 July 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Daytime Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 27 July 2011 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am - 12.00noon
Cost: $395
Course: Travel Memoir with Claire Scobie
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 27 July 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Introduction to Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 27 July 2011 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Seminar: Better Business Communications with Deb Doyle – NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 17 August 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Every Friday starting Friday 9 September 2011 for six weeks
Time: 10.00am - 12.00noon
Cost: $450
Course: Writing a Picture Book with Cathie Tasker – NEW COURSE
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 6 October 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Novel Writing Workshop with Pamela Freeman – NEW DATE
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 11 October 2011 for six weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $495
Course: Plotting and Planning with Kate Forsyth – NEW DATE
When: Monday 28 November 2011 and Monday 5 December 2011 (2 evening classes)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $175
WRITING TOURS
Writing in Bali with Patti Miller – FULL
When: Saturday 18 June to Saturday 25 June 2011
Writing in Paris with Patti Miller
When: Thursday 20 October to Saturday 5 November 2011
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