In this issue:
- TIP: Much ado about nothing?
- Write articles and get them published!
- More Student Success
- TIP: Canvas versus canvass
- NEW COURSE – Unleash your creativity!
- Solas Awards for Travel Writing
- TIP: Common sense or commonsense
- WEBPICK: Travellers’ Tales
The sun is shining, the sky is blue and it’s a gorgeous day here at the Sydney Writers’ Centre. I can’t wait for the days to get longer especially as the sunset views of the harbour from the centre are always so beautiful. I hope you get to see them too when you visit.If you want to keep your writing momentum going, your next step could be Creative Writing Stage 2 with the amazing Pamela Freeman (author of 21 books!). This course is just for graduates of Creative Writing Stage 1 and Writing Books for Children.
It’s going to build on what you’ve learnt but go into much more depth when it comes to creating your characters and structuring your story. If you’d like to start a short story or improve on the skills you’ve learnt so far, this is the course for you. Each week, you’ll focus on different tools and techniques to help make your creative writing shine.
You’ll cover:
- how to find, create or extend your main characters and how to place them within a world of believable minor characters
- how to make similar characters distinct on the page - what is your character’s ‘journey’?
- structuring your story
- climax and resolution: how these shape the final story - and how to write them!
- the principles of scene development: dialogue, pacing, the manipulation of time, character interaction, management of exposition
- the right process of structural editing, copy-editing and proof reading, using examples from both published and student work
- and much more
When: Tuesdays starting Tuesday 31 August 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
TIP: Much ado about nothing?
When one of our subscribers contacted us recently pointing out that many people confuse ‘ado’ with ‘adieu’ in the phrase, ‘without further ado’. It's certainly a common problem and one that I often see written incorrectly.
So, ‘ado’ means activity, bustle or fuss. When you say ‘without further ado’ it means you are moving on without more fuss or work, for example:
‘Without further ado they adjourned the meeting and went home.’
‘Adieu’ is French for goodbye, and has nothing to do with this phrase. To say ‘without further adieu’ is wrong.
Write articles and get them published!
We were thrilled to pick up the current issue of Cosmo Bride and read Rebecca Doyle’s article, “8 Negotiating Tips Every Bride Needs to Know”. Rebecca did our online course in Feature Writing and she came up with the idea for this article during the course. And now, it’s in print – congratulations Rebecca!She wrote to us:
My article's been published! The new Cosmo Bride has hit the stands with my article. I raced out to buy it, then bragged to the newsagency staff, work colleagues, strangers on the street... everyone! : )
If you would like to see how the final version turned out, "8 Negotiating Tips Every Bride Needs to Know" is on page 51 of the Spring 2010 edition. Thanks again for your advice at the crucial stages.
Cheers,
Beck
If you want to learn how to write great articles and get them published, then our online course in Feature Writing will get you on the right track.
You’ll learn the essentials skills you need to start writing feature articles, pitching to editors and selling your work – all from wherever you are, whenever suits you!
This course will show you:
- which ideas work and where to get them
- understanding the magazine/news market
- 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!
‘The content was great and very informative and having the freedom to go at your own pace each week made it manageable in spite of life. I also like its length. It doesn't waste time and 5 weeks is much easier to fit into your schedule than 10 or 12. I do believe I can apply everything I have learnt which is great. Valerie's feedback has been very honest and helpful.’
- Jelynn Millare
‘It has ignited a passion for writing, and has given me answers to more questions than I could even have thought of to ask. It definitely was easy and convenient. [I enjoyed] the flexibility of being able to learn on the go - at work, on the train, taking notes in my lunch hour, etc.’
- Lauren Booth
Online Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Valerie Khoo/Pamela Wilson
When: Week beginning Monday 23 August 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
More Student Success
Wow! It’s been a big week for some of our former students. First, we heard from Narelle Bitunjac, who completed our ‘How to get your book published’ and ‘Self-Publishing: How to do it’ seminars. Here’s what she sent us: I just wanted to send a quick note to say thanks to Geoff Bartlett and the team there at Sydney Writers' Centre.
I attended Geoff’s 'How to get your book published' workshop a couple of years ago. Today I have landed a publishing deal for a non-fiction work that Fiona Debarge and I wrote called The Little Survival Guide for Nannies. The book has been picked up by Michelle Anderson Publishing and should be available in March 2011.
We used many of the tips and techniques that Geoff spoke about when sending out queries, so a very big thanks from us.
Then, hot on the heels of Narelle’s success, we heard from Suzanne Vidak. She completed two of our creative writing courses and has put her new found skills to good use:
Firstly I want to say what a wonderful job you do with the Sydney Writers’ Centre newsletter you send out to all of us. It’s fantastic and always so informative.
I can't quite believe it’s over two years since I did the Creative Writing course and three years since doing the Writing Books for Children. Reflecting recently, I realised that following these courses was when I discovered my real passion, and then set up a business called Inner Moments, which is dedicated to the wonderful gift of writing that we all possess.
Last year I published my first product, an inspirational writing journal full of uplifting quotes about life. It is selling well in giftshops, independant bookshops and online at my website www.innermoments.com.au.
Thanks again to the Sydney Writers' Centre for helping inspire me towards my new path on this journey of life!
Congratulations to Narelle and Suzanne! We hope your book sales go well.
TIP: Canvas versus canvass
Well, with the election right around the corner, it might be a good time to cover this. What’s the difference between 'canvas' and 'canvass'?
'Canvas' is a piece of fabric, like the material on which an artist might paint.
'Canvass' is to solicit votes, which is what Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott are busy doing right now.
NEW COURSE – Unleash your creativity!
We’ve received lots of feedback from our students about their writing projects and goals, and many of you have been calling for a course on creativity. And here it is – our newest course is Creativity Unleashed with Laurine Croasdale. This course is ideal for anyone who has completed our creative writing courses and wants to boost their creativity. Even if you haven’t done a course, but you want to know how to overcome those creative blocks in your writing, you’ll find Creativity Unleashed an inspiring and fulfilling course.
During the course you’ll discover:
- what is creativity?
- understanding the creative process
- identifying the barriers to creative thinking and ways to overcome them
- living creatively
- revisiting the way you listen and observe
- finding inspiration
- creating a body of work
- serendipity
- brainstorming
- when to analyse work and how to do it productively
Creativity Unleashed with Laurine Croasdale
When: Tuesdays 21 September and 28 September 2010 (two evening classes)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $175
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Solas Awards for Travel Writing
What better inspiration could there be for writing than travel, with all the new sights, sounds, smells, and often life-changing experiences – there are so many story possibilities! Not surprisingly, travel writing is increasingly popular and there are many competitions and opportunities opening up for budding travel writers. The Solas Awards, sponsored by Travellers’ Tales, are held year round and they are now accepting entries for the competition closing on Tuesday 21 September 2010. The award is for true stories of a minimum length of 750 words. There is no maximum word limit but the editors do suggest that you keep your stories below 4,000 words. There are cash prizes on offer as well as publication on two websites.
Click here for details.
If you want to know more about travel writing and how to write engaging travel articles, our first 4-week Travel Writing course starts soon. This course is perfect if you’ve completed our Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers course or if you want to explore the travel writing industry in more detail.
The course will cover:
- how to structure and sell your work, when it’s important to provide photos and other key elements such as trip notes
- how to research travel stories and finding interview subjects on the road
- travel writing ethics
- different types of travel articles and why they suit different markets
- what you should have in your Travel Writers’ Toolkit
- planning itineraries with stories in mind
- travelling on your own versus an organised trip with other writers
In the last few years, Sue has trekked through the jungle in Belize for Vogue Entertaining + Travel, been photographed with serious helmet-hair while rock-climbing for Women’s Health and proven that it’s possible to compress a lifetime’s worth of adventure activities (rafting, jet-boating and learning to fly) into a gourmet/well-being itinerary (visits to romantic bath houses, spa treatments and great restaurants) while writing for two different audiences on a visit to New Zealand’s South Island.
Travel Writing course: Get paid for your adventures with Sue White
When: Thursdays starting Thursday 2 September 2010 for four weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $345
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
TIP: Common sense or commonsense
Which one is correct? Well, the answer is that they are both correct but it depends on how you used the words.
Common sense is a noun.
The postman does not have much common sense so he delivered the mail to the wrong address.
Commonsense is an adjective.
It pays to have a commonsense approach when redirecting mail: read the address carefully before returning to the sender.
WEBPICK: Travellers’ TalesIf you’re thinking of entering the Solas Writing Awards we mentioned earlier, then you should definitely check out this website. Travellers’ Tales is the major sponsor of the awards and they’ve been publishing travel anthologies since 1993. They still publish these anthologies, as well as travel advice books and guides, but you can also read many of the best travel stories on their website.
There’s plenty here to keep anyone interested in travel writing busy. There’s news, advice on travel and writing, as well as competitions. There are plenty of stories here to occupy your lunch-time – and have you daydreaming about your next adventure – and there are also opportunities for writers to submit their stories.
Check out Travellers’ Tales here.
Other upcoming courses
Seminar: Writing for the Web with Grant Doyle
When: Monday 23 August 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Cost: $365
Course: Online Feature Writing Stage 1 with Valerie Khoo/Pamela Wilson
When: Week beginning Monday 23 August 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Online Creative Writing - Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker – FULL
When: Week beginning Monday 23 August 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson - FULL
When: Friday 27 August 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Writing Letters and Emails with Deb Doyle
When: Tuesday 31 August 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Cost: $365
Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman
When: Tuesdays starting Tuesday 31 August 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Travel Writing: Get paid for your adventures with Sue White
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 2 September 2010 for four weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $345
Seminar: Self-publishing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 2 September 2010 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Online Creative Writing - Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 6 September 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Online Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 6 September 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Online Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge/Nicola Robinson
When: Week beginning Monday 6 September 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Seminar: Introduction to Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 8 September 2010 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with James Roy
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 9 September 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Friday 10 September 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 15 September 2010 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Seminar: Proofreading at work with Deb Doyle – NEW COURSE
When: Friday 17 September 2010
Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Cost: $365
Course: Screenwriting Stage 1 with Tim Gooding – NEW DATE
When: Every Monday starting Monday 20 September 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Creativity Unleashed with Laurine Croasdale – NEW COURSE
When: Tuesdays 21 & 28 September 2010
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $175
Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson – NEW DATE
When: Tuesday 21 September 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to get free publicity with Catriona Pollard – NEW COURSE
When: Thursday 23 September 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $495
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 5-day Intensive course with Jeni Mawter
When: Monday 27 September - Friday 1 October 2010 (5 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Magazine Writing Stage 2 with Gayle Bryant
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 29 September 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Novel writing workshop with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 12 October 2010 for six weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $495
Seminar: Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis
When: Thursday 14 October 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm
Cost: $365
Course: Build Your Online Profile with Tristan Bancks – NEW DATE
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 14 October 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Online Business Booster Bootcamp with Valerie Khoo – NEW DATE
When: Thursday 21 October 2010
Time: 9.30am sharp - 5.30pm
Cost: $695
Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 27 October 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Perfecting Your Pitch with Sue White
When: Thursdays 4 & 11 November 2010
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $175
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller – NEW DATE
When: Every Friday starting Friday 14 January 2011 for six weeks
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $450
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller – NEW DATE
When: Saturday 12 March 2011 and Sunday 13 March 2011 (2 day workshop)
Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Cost: $450
Writing Tour: Writing in Bali with Patti Miller – FULL
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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