In this issue:
- TIP: “Installed” or “In store”?
- Make money from your travels
- TIP: Social media-speak
- Student Success – Heather Smith
- Engage and inspire kids – Writing Books for Children
- Latin trivia – what does “Ibidem” mean?
- Essential editing skills for work
- WEBPICK: storybag.com.au
I love reading the work of our talented students. In fact, while I was at the hair salon yesterday, I had my laptop in front of me and I was reviewing the wonderful writing of some of our online Creative Writing students. All I can say is: Wow. One of the most exciting aspects of my job is being able to see the start of someone’s writing journey, and then watching them improve and blossom over time. It doesn’t happen overnight, but it happens sooner than you think if you are committed to learning and honing your writing.
The next Online Creative Writing course starts:
When: Week beginning Monday 22 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
TIP: “Installed” or “In store”?
Okay I confess. I’m addicted to The Biggest Loser (Go Phil!). I even don’t mind when the Commando gets on screen and takes himself too seriously. But I get really annoyed when he uses the wrong words! He’s not the only one though – I hear this word crime being committed all the time, particularly among MCs or people who are hosting events …
Make money from your travel
Why wouldn’t you want to be a travel writer? You can be paid for visiting glamorous or adventurous locations, staying in swanky hotels, or even for visiting your favourite local spot.
Our Travel Writing seminar will give you useful tips on how you can break into this popular industry. The seminar will cover:
Here’s what some recent participants had to say about the seminar:
"The advice was the most valuable of all things in a course: practical. I can take what I learned and apply it immediately."
- Steven Lewis
"Packed full of helpful information from someone who's current in the industry. It will, with a bit of luck, launch my travel writing career."
- Pamela Thorne
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: Thursday 25 March 2010 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $75
OR
When: Friday 9 April 2010 (two-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $75
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Student Success
We’ve received more great news from one of our former students. This week we heard from Heather Smith, who completed our Online Feature Writing course in 2009. She’s had many articles published since completing the course and had this to say:
“Valerie’s course broached the idea of interviewing people and using their quotes. This is the first time I have done this. I now have a quarterly column in the Australian Fitness Network called Grow Your Business!”
Heather’s also had articles published on news.com.au and flyingsolo.com.au. Congratulations Heather!
You can hear what Heather says about the online course in Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers yourself here on this video.
TIP: Social media-speak
If you use twitter or facebook, or text message a lot, you’ve probably seen many abbreviations for phrases. Despite the fact that they are used commonly, you may find yourself scratching your head trying to figure some of these out! Well, here’s a run down on some of the more commonly used abbreviations from AskOxford.com.
Engage and inspire kids – Writing Books for Children
Children love to read! The huge children’s and young adult book market is testament to that. If you think you’ve got what it takes to write engaging and exciting books for younger readers, our Writing Books for Children and Young Adults course will show you how it can be done.
This popular course is designed to give you an insight into the world of children's book publishing, and show you what you need to consider when you write for this audience. Even if you’ve never written before, or are not sure you can write, you’ll finish this course with the confidence and skills to start! The course will cover:
Here’s what some recent participants had to say about the course:
"It was amazing to be surrounded by so many creative and talented writers. It was truly inspiring. I have made a network of aspiring writers who have offered support and encouragment for me to succeed. I have re-awoken my passion for writing."
- Carolyn Francis
"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 presented by Judith Ridge. Judith Ridge is well-known in Australia and internationally for her involvement with 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: Mondays starting Monday 12 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
You can also now do this great course online!
ONLINE Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge/Nicola Robinson
When: Week beginning Monday 29 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
WEBPICK: Storybag
Here’s a unique opportunity to get your work read by more people.
In the interests of bringing literature to the masses, storybag.com.au will pay writers for their short stories or poems to be printed on bags and cups. That’s right – you could be reading your latest masterpiece on a coffee cup, or a sandwich bag. Of course, you need to be comfortable with the idea of your work being used for advertising, but you are paid and the site is run by writers.
What better way to start the day than reading some great literature on your coffee?
Check it out at storybag.com.au
Other upcoming courses
Course: Online Creative Writing with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman
When: Week beginning Monday 22 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett - FULL
When: Tuesday 23 March 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Seminar: Writing for the web with Grant Doyle - FULL
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: Online Writing Books for Children with Judith Ridge/Nicola Robinson - NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 29 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Online Feature Writing Stage 1 with Valerie Khoo - NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 29 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
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: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson
When: Tuesday 6 April 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Kate Forsyth - FULL
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 8 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 9 April 2010 (2-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $75
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 1 with Pamela Wilson
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 14 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Feature Writing Stage 2 with Judy Skatssoon
When: Every Wednesday beginning Wednesday 14 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Tuesday 20 April 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett - NEW DATE
When: Friday 23 April 2010 (2-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $75
Seminar: Writing for the web with Grant Doyle - NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 28 April 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Cost: $365
Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When: Friday 30 April 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $365
Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Tuesday 4 May 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Perfecting your pitch with Sue White
When: Tuesday 11 May and 18 May 2010 (two evening seminars)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $175
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: Novel writing workshop with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday beginning Tuesday 25 May 2010 for six weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $495
Seminar: Self-Publishing: How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 2 June 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter - NEW DATE
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 9 June 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
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 - FULL
Dates for 2010:
Arrival: Thursday 21 October 2010
Departure: Saturday 6 November 2010
Okay I confess. I’m addicted to The Biggest Loser (Go Phil!). I even don’t mind when the Commando gets on screen and takes himself too seriously. But I get really annoyed when he uses the wrong words! He’s not the only one though – I hear this word crime being committed all the time, particularly among MCs or people who are hosting events …“We have a great show installed for you” andNo, no, no! The correct usage is:
“Just wait and see what I’ve got installed for them.”
“We have a great show in store for you” andYou’re not installing a sink or a Foxtel box. You’re telling people what a fabulous lineup of events you have in store for them.
“Just wait and see what I’ve got in store for them.”
Make money from your travel
Why wouldn’t you want to be a travel writer? You can be paid for visiting glamorous or adventurous locations, staying in swanky hotels, or even for visiting your favourite local spot. Our Travel Writing seminar will give you useful tips on how you can break into this popular industry. 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 some recent participants had to say about the seminar:
"The advice was the most valuable of all things in a course: practical. I can take what I learned and apply it immediately."
- Steven Lewis
"Packed full of helpful information from someone who's current in the industry. It will, with a bit of luck, launch my travel writing career."
- Pamela Thorne
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: Thursday 25 March 2010 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $75
OR
When: Friday 9 April 2010 (two-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $75
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Student Success
We’ve received more great news from one of our former students. This week we heard from Heather Smith, who completed our Online Feature Writing course in 2009. She’s had many articles published since completing the course and had this to say: “Valerie’s course broached the idea of interviewing people and using their quotes. This is the first time I have done this. I now have a quarterly column in the Australian Fitness Network called Grow Your Business!”
Heather’s also had articles published on news.com.au and flyingsolo.com.au. Congratulations Heather!
You can hear what Heather says about the online course in Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers yourself here on this video.
TIP: Social media-speak
If you use twitter or facebook, or text message a lot, you’ve probably seen many abbreviations for phrases. Despite the fact that they are used commonly, you may find yourself scratching your head trying to figure some of these out! Well, here’s a run down on some of the more commonly used abbreviations from AskOxford.com. BTW – by the wayIf you prefer to express yourself through emoticons, some of these may help.
FYI – for your information
IMHO – in my humble opinion
KIT – keep in touch
LOL – laughing out loud
ROTFL – rolling on the floor laughing
TTYL – talk to you later
:-D – laughing
:-O – surprised
:-l – bored or indifferent
:-/ – skeptical
Engage and inspire kids – Writing Books for Children
Children love to read! The huge children’s and young adult book market is testament to that. If you think you’ve got what it takes to write engaging and exciting books for younger readers, our Writing Books for Children and Young Adults course will show you how it can be done. This popular course is designed to give you an insight into the world of children's book publishing, and show you what you need to consider when you write for this audience. Even if you’ve never written before, or are not sure you can write, you’ll finish this course with the confidence and skills to start! The course will 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
- what you need to know about getting into the children’s publishing market
Here’s what some recent participants had to say about the course:
"It was amazing to be surrounded by so many creative and talented writers. It was truly inspiring. I have made a network of aspiring writers who have offered support and encouragment for me to succeed. I have re-awoken my passion for writing."
- Carolyn Francis
"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 presented by Judith Ridge. Judith Ridge is well-known in Australia and internationally for her involvement with 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: Mondays starting Monday 12 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
You can also now do this great course online!
ONLINE Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge/Nicola Robinson
When: Week beginning Monday 29 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Did you know? Ibidem
Sometimes you see the abbreviated word “ibid” in the footnotes of books or academic papers or reports. Ever wondered what in the world “ibid” means and why it’s used?
Well, did you know that “Ibid” is short for the Latin word “ibidem”, which means “in the same place”. It’s used in footnotes and when you see it after a quote or reference, it means that quote has come from the same source as the quote used immediately before.
Sometimes you see the abbreviated word “ibid” in the footnotes of books or academic papers or reports. Ever wondered what in the world “ibid” means and why it’s used?
Well, did you know that “Ibid” is short for the Latin word “ibidem”, which means “in the same place”. It’s used in footnotes and when you see it after a quote or reference, it means that quote has come from the same source as the quote used immediately before.
Essential editing skills for work
Being able to effectively edit documents at work will give your reports, letters, or advertising copy the polish and professionalism required to make them stand out.
Our Editing Essentials seminar will give you the basic principles so you can feel confident making changes to other people's work. The seminar will cover:
Here’s what some recent participants had to say about the seminar:
"The information was presented concisely and was relevant. The whole class was entertained. I'm finding that my editing skills have definitely improved and I'm picking errors up much more easily and quickly."
- Sharlene Henderson
"I have some confidence! Before the course I was feeling as though I couldn't edit/write. I have confirmed that I know the basics and when my edits are changed in the workplace, it is because of stylistic changes, rather than my lack of knoweledge! This is a real benefit! I also look forward to showing off my hard copy editing symbols!"
- Catherine Andrews
The seminar is presented by Katrina Lobley, an experienced journalist and editor. With 20 years' experience in the publishing industry, Katrina spent five years as a sub-editor on The Sydney Morning Herald and is currently in demand as a freelance writer and editor of corporate and consumer publications.
Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When: Friday 30 April (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $365
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Being able to effectively edit documents at work will give your reports, letters, or advertising copy the polish and professionalism required to make them stand out. Our Editing Essentials seminar will give you the basic principles so you can feel confident making changes to other people's work. The seminar will cover:
- how to edit for structure and style
- simple techniques that will improve anyone’s writing
- standard proofreading symbols and how to use them
- why a style manual is important - where to get one/how to create one
- how to determine the tone and style of your document
- common mistakes in punctuation and spelling
- how to create professional documents that communicate effectively
Here’s what some recent participants had to say about the seminar:
"The information was presented concisely and was relevant. The whole class was entertained. I'm finding that my editing skills have definitely improved and I'm picking errors up much more easily and quickly."
- Sharlene Henderson
"I have some confidence! Before the course I was feeling as though I couldn't edit/write. I have confirmed that I know the basics and when my edits are changed in the workplace, it is because of stylistic changes, rather than my lack of knoweledge! This is a real benefit! I also look forward to showing off my hard copy editing symbols!"
- Catherine Andrews
The seminar is presented by Katrina Lobley, an experienced journalist and editor. With 20 years' experience in the publishing industry, Katrina spent five years as a sub-editor on The Sydney Morning Herald and is currently in demand as a freelance writer and editor of corporate and consumer publications.
Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When: Friday 30 April (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $365
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
WEBPICK: StorybagHere’s a unique opportunity to get your work read by more people.
In the interests of bringing literature to the masses, storybag.com.au will pay writers for their short stories or poems to be printed on bags and cups. That’s right – you could be reading your latest masterpiece on a coffee cup, or a sandwich bag. Of course, you need to be comfortable with the idea of your work being used for advertising, but you are paid and the site is run by writers.
What better way to start the day than reading some great literature on your coffee?
Check it out at storybag.com.au
Other upcoming courses
Course: Online Creative Writing with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman
When: Week beginning Monday 22 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett - FULL
When: Tuesday 23 March 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Seminar: Writing for the web with Grant Doyle - FULL
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: Online Writing Books for Children with Judith Ridge/Nicola Robinson - NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 29 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Online Feature Writing Stage 1 with Valerie Khoo - NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 29 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
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: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson
When: Tuesday 6 April 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Kate Forsyth - FULL
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 8 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 9 April 2010 (2-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $75
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 1 with Pamela Wilson
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 14 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Feature Writing Stage 2 with Judy Skatssoon
When: Every Wednesday beginning Wednesday 14 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Tuesday 20 April 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett - NEW DATE
When: Friday 23 April 2010 (2-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $75
Seminar: Writing for the web with Grant Doyle - NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 28 April 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Cost: $365
Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When: Friday 30 April 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $365
Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Tuesday 4 May 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Perfecting your pitch with Sue White
When: Tuesday 11 May and 18 May 2010 (two evening seminars)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $175
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: Novel writing workshop with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday beginning Tuesday 25 May 2010 for six weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $495
Seminar: Self-Publishing: How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 2 June 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter - NEW DATE
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 9 June 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
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 - FULL
Dates for 2010:
Arrival: Thursday 21 October 2010
Departure: Saturday 6 November 2010
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