In this issue:
- TIP: How does ‘effect’ affect the sentence?
- How to make your website stand out - Writing for the Web
- Where to go for advice - Copyright Agency Limited
- Get published in magazines and newspapers – Feature Writing Stage 1
- Book giveaway - Louise Bagshawe's Passion
- WEBPICK: Bad Language
This week I wanted to share a quote with you that really resonates with me. It's by Rudyard Kipling from the poem "If". The wonderful and entertaining Susannah Fullerton - President of the Jane Austen Society of Australia - brought it up recently when I interviewed her for our podcast series (I'll let you know when her interview is up on iTunes).
Anyhow, here it is:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it
I love it because I think it applies to so many things. It can apply to your writing - instead of procrastinating about putting your fingers to the keyboard, make the most of your time. It can apply to your relationships and it can apply to your life. Make the most of what you have, in the time you've got. I've printed it out and stuck it in front of me to remind me that so much is possible, if only you make make it happen!
How does ‘effect’ affect the sentence?
'Affect' and 'Effect' are so often confused in writing. How are we supposed to tell the difference between two words that sound almost the same? Well, it’s fairly easy. ‘Affect’ is a verb and means ‘to influence’. For example:
‘The rain affected Rambo because he couldn’t go for a walk.’‘Effect’ is a noun and essentially means ‘a result’.
‘The rain had no effect on Rambo as he was wearing a coat.’There are occasions when the two swap roles, and ‘affect’ becomes a noun and ‘effect’ a verb, but they are rare and if you stick to the rules above, you should be right most of the time.
How to make your website stand out - Writing for the Web
There is a big difference between writing for print and writing for your website. Visitors to your site want to read clear, concise and engaging writing. Scannability, information design and search engine optimisation all have an impact on how your website will be received – and how many people visit.Our one-day Writing for the Web seminar will give you the skills you need to write better content for your website. During the seminar you will learn:
- the difference between print and online writing
- good content versus poor content
- how your readers engage with web content
- golden rules of information design
- guidelines for concise writing
- using keywords for search engine optimisation
- and much more
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.
Here's what past participant Ruth Tofler-Riesel says about the seminar:
“Grant led a lively workshop in which participants became fully involved. He successfully integrated the excellent seminar materials with participants' individual work situations/experience, creating interesting models for discussion and analysis.”
Writing for the Web with Grant Doyle
When: Friday 26 June 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Cost: $325
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Where to go for advice - Copyright Agency LimitedWe receive a lot of calls at the Sydney Writers’ Centre from people needing information on copyright. Copyright law is extremely complex and, particularly for new writers, deciphering it can be intimidating. So, if you have a question about copyright, the best place to go is straight to the experts at the Copyright Agency Limited. They have an excellent website that clearly outlines your rights and obligations under copyright.
Visit www.copyright.com.au for more information.
Get published in magazines and newspapers - Feature Writing stage 1 with Pamela Wilson
Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers is one of our most popular courses. And why shouldn’t it be? Many participants have articles published in a variety of national publications - and some even get published before they’ve finished the course!The course is perfect for first-time writers or those who want to brush up on their skills. Past students have had their work published in magazines such as Cleo, Cosmopolitan and BRW, and national newspapers including The Sydney Morning Herald and The Sunday Telegraph.
During this course you will learn:
- which ideas work - and where to get them
- how the magazine/news market works
- about 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!
This course will be taught by Pamela Wilson, who has worked as a freelance journalist for the past seven years. Her articles regularly appear in Medical Observer, Reader’s Digest and Health Smart. She has also contributed to various publications including Men’s Health, Good Health and Medicine, Australian Parents, Travel Vacations and Ninemsn online.
Here's what past participants say about Pamela's course:
“Pamela is a great teacher, very encouraging and motivating. There is an enormous amount of information covered, and by the end of the course you feel prepared to begin the freelance journey.” - Aja Stuart
“Despite a journalism qualification, I was unsure how and where to start writing. Pam's experience and positivity has given me a big push forward.” - Meryl Hancock
Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Pamela Wilson
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 1 July 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Book Giveaway - Louise Bagshawe's Passion
I recently interviewed UK author Louise Bagshawe for our author podcast series. She has had incredible success with her books – including Glitz and Glamour – and is also well known for her work with the UK Conservative Party and many charities. Her latest offering is Passion and we have one copy to give away.
Orphan William Hyde and professor’s daughter Melissa Elmet fell passionately in love as teenagers. But her family intervened, and their secret marriage was annulled. Melissa, heartbroken, became a shy academic, while bitter will started a new life in New York, determined to forget Melissa forever.
Years later, the two are living completely different lives. Until four people are murdered, all connected in some way to Melissa’s late father and his ground-breaking invention. Only Will realises the next hit may be Melissa…
To win a copy of Passion simply tell us the name of Louise's sister (Hint: she is also a successful author).
Please email your answer along with your full name and postal address to courses@spindriftmedia.com.au by 5pm Friday 26 June. Don’t forget to include your postal address in the email. And watch out for my interview with Louise on our podcast page, which will be available tomorrow (Friday).
It’s written by Matthew Stibbe, a marketing expert, copywriter and blogger. It’s a well designed and well written blog and worth a visit.
WEBPICK: Bad Language
Bad language is a blog about the business of writing. While it has a web and business writing focus, and can be a bit ‘techy’, it does have some really helpful posts like how to overcome writers’ block, how to write good web content, and, while not necessarily writing focused, how to train yourself to get up earlier – something I’m sure we could all use!
http://www.badlanguage.net/
Other upcoming courses
One-on-one Manuscript Clinic with Maree Giles - FULL
When: Wednesday 24 June 2009, one hour sessions
Time: Call 9929 9237 to arrange an appointment
Cost: $150
Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 25 June 2009 (one-evening seminar)
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $75
Seminar: Writing for the Web with Grant Doyle
When: Friday 26 June 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Cost: $325
Course: Online Creative Writing with Pamela Freeman / Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 29 June 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 30 June 2009 for five weeks - FULL
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Pamela Wilson
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 1 July 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Script Writing for the Short Films with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 2 July and Thursday 9 July 2009 (two evening seminars)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $165
Seminar: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Friday 3 July 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Online Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Valerie Khoo
When: Week beginning Monday 13 July 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Writing for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 16 July 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Marketing Your Book with Amanda Falconer
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 22 July 2009 for three weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $235
Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson
When: Thursday 30 July 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Tuesday 4 August 2009 (one-evening seminar)
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Novel Writing Workshop with Pamela Freeman
When: 5 evening classes held approximately every six weeks beginning Tuesday 11 August 2009
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $450
Seminar: Self-publishing - How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 12 August 2009 (one-evening seminar)
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $75
Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When: Thursday 13 August 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $345
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Kate Forsyth
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 20 August 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Judith Ridge
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 26 August 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Feature Writing Stage 2 with Judy Skatssoon
When: Every Monday starting Monday 7 September 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
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