- TIP: Back to basics – how to use a slash
- Get your articles published – Online Magazine and Newspaper Writing
- 2012 Mardi Gras Short Story Competition – win courses with us!
- Build your business blog
- What The Great Gatsby was almost called
- What we’re reading – A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
- WEBPICK: The Amazing Type-Writer
I’m absolutely loving the warmer weather and daylight saving here in Sydney. It’s a gorgeous time of year here at the Sydney Writers’ Centre, as we’re right on the harbour, next to a peaceful park, and have views that stretch on forever. You can’t help but be inspired in this setting.That’s why I’m so excited by our Summer School. We already have interstate visitors booking into our summer series of courses which are designed to fast track your learning. The new year is the perfect time to get started on the book you’ve always wanted to write or the new career you’d like to transition into.
You can download our Summer School brochure here.
There are heaps of courses to choose from including:
- Creative Writing Stage 1
- Writing Picture Books
- Magazine and Newspaper Writing
- Travel Writing
- How to Write a Business Book
- Travel Memoir
- Writing Books for Children and Young Adults
- Life Writing with Patti Miller
Back to basics: how to use a slash
For a punctuation mark that should be rarely used in writing, the slash, or solidus, seems to cause many writers problems.The slash, which means or, is used to present alternatives.
For example:
He/SheSo, do you need a space on either side of the slash? No, you don’t. If you’re simply presenting alternatives, as in he/she or yes/no, then no, there is no space. So this is wrong: Yes / No; He/ She.
Yes/No
Rocky/Rambo
Also, watch that you don’t use a slash where you should be
using a hyphen or en rule. For example, often you’ll see
financial years written as 2010/11, when in fact it should be 2010-11.
What's new at the Sydney Writers' Centre
- Filling fast: Sell Your eBook on Amazon with Steven Lewis on Wednesday 7 December 2011.
- New posts at our Writing Bar include “A modern boy’s guide to email excellence”
- Congratulations to all those NaNoWriMo-ers who've just finished a month of writing! We're holding a "Thank goodness it's over" event here at the Centre on Saturday 3 December 2011.
Get your articles published!
We know that for many of you, summer holidays are the best time of year to take time out for yourself, and start writing! That’s why our online courses will continue right through December. And one of our most popular online courses is Online Magazine and Newspaper Writing. During this course we’ll show you how you can master the art of writing a great feature article, and get it published.You’ll learn how to generate story ideas, how to research and structure your article, and how to approach an editor. This course is ideal if you’re interested in writing articles about travel, lifestyle, politics, sport, entertainment – just about anything you can think of. And you can do the whole course from wherever you are, whenever you want to!
What past participants say:
"I really enjoyed the content and structure. It was very easy to follow and logical. Sue was excellent, with great insight and feedback."
- Rebecca Livesey
"It is a very practical format for busy people. I loved that you could download the modules. I would put them on my iPhone so that I could listen to them anywhere. Thank you!"
- Caroline Fonda
ONLINE COURSE: Magazine and Newspaper Writing with Sue White
When: Week beginning Monday 5 December 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Class schedule for Online Course: Magazine and Newspaper Writing
Module 1: Starts week beginning Monday 5 December
Module 2: Starts week beginning Monday 12 December
Module 3: Starts week beginning Monday 19 December
Christmas break: Week of 25 December to 2 January
Module 4: Starts week beginning Tuesday 3 January
Module 5: Starts week beginning Monday 9 January
2012 Mardi Gras Short Story CompetitionOnce again, we’re proud to be sponsoring the annual short story competition run by the folks at Mardi Gras 2012. This is a national competition open to members and friends of the LGBTQI community. This year’s theme is "Hero" and writers are asked to enter stories of 750 words or less. You can interpret that theme any way you wish.
There are some great prizes on offer this year – including writing courses with us! There will also be cash prizes of up to $2,000 for the best stories.
TIP: Internment or interment?
One of our readers, Richard Goodwin, emailed us recently wanting to know about the difference between internment and interment. He’d inadvertently referred to the internment of ashes at a funeral, but the priest used interment.Internment is a period of imprisonment and often refers to confining large groups of people for military or political reasons. For example:
There were many internment camps set up in Australia during both world wars.
The prisoner was released after a long internment.
An interment is a burial. For example:
A funeral service followed by interment was held at the local church.
Build your business blog
There are now endless opportunities for online marketing for your business. Everything from Twitter to Facebook to your website can be harnessed to increase your online profile and bring you more customers. Blogging is also an increasingly popular way to keep your customers informed and is also a great way to engage a new audience.If you want to explore how a blog could build your business, or if you’re already blogging at work and want to refine your blog posts, join us for the one-day seminar, Blogging for Business. In one day you’ll learn the terminology of blogging, how to make your blog stand out from the crowd, and how to build and maintain your audience.
What past participants say:
"Steven was excellent. He was enthusiastic and willingly shared his knowledge and answered the numerous questions from the participants."
- Kaye Higgins
"Steven is an excellent presenter. He was able to share the information in a manner that was relevant, current and extremely useful."
- Wendi Wettin
This seminar is presented by Steven Lewis. Steven has consulted on blogging, podcasting and other Web 2.0 tools for companies such as Westpac and IAG. For Tourism Tasmania he created a ground-breaking series of travel podcasts, with similar projects in the works for companies like V Australia and Time Out. Steven has also promoted blogs, wikis and podcasts as a corporate insider, having worked for AMP as an in-house evangelist for its enterprise 2.0 tools.
Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis
When: Thursday 8 December 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Did you know? The Great Gatsby
Sydney’s gossip columnists have been in overdrive since September, with the arrival of Leonardo Di Caprio, Tobey Maguire and Carey Mulligan, all stars of Baz Lurhmann’s grand adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s, The Great Gatsby. But did you know this 20th century classic was very nearly called Trimalchio in West Egg?Apparently, Fitzgerald really struggled with the title for this book. The Trimalchio in West Egg suggestion was a reference to a character in Petronius’s Satyricon. His publisher rightly assumed this would go over most people’s heads.
Other suggestions were Among Ash-Heaps and Millionaires; Gold-Hatted Gatsby; and The High-Bouncing Lover. Even once author and publisher had settled on The Great Gatsby, and the book was ready to be printed, Fitzgerald wanted yet another title to be considered – Under the Red White and Blue. Once again his publisher won out and refused the last-minute title change.
Another apostrophe catastrophe
We spotted this apostrophe catastrophe in a bridal events brochure. These are three of the errors we spotted. We assume that "Chair Sash's" actually means "Chair Sashes", as in more than one chair sash. And it's strange to see the apostrophes missing from "Bridesmaids Bouquets" and "Mothers Lapelle" when it's there for "Father's Buttonhole"! If the bouquets and the lapelles belong to the bridesmaids and mothers, then there should definitely be apostrophes there. As for the spelling, "lapelle" should actually be "lapel".
Learn the golden rules of grammar and punctuation
Are you afraid your apostrophes aren’t where they should be? Our final Grammar and Punctuation Essentials seminar for 2011 will show how to avoid your own apostrophe catastrophe.Learning the basics of grammar and punctuation can have an immediate effect on your writing. Once you know the golden rules, you can avoid errors in your writing and make your meaning clearer. This intensive yet enjoyable grammar refresher will give you knowledge you can apply immediately to your writing through a series of practical and interactive exercises. You'll be amazed at how engaging and interesting a workshop in grammar and punctuation can be!
What past participants say:
"Grammar and punctuation could be a boring topic, however, Deb's
flamboyance and energy made it fun and interesting to learn."
- Divina Gola
"This course was definitely the most engaging professional development course I have ever attended. All day I found myself on the edge of my seat, waiting for the next piece of invaluable information. Deb was a skilled presenter who was most engaging and had excellent knowledge of the subject."
- Rebecca Louie
This seminar is taught by Deb Doyle. Deb is an experienced editorial-training consultant and publication editor. Deb has conducted courses for the Productivity Commission, AMP and Wizard Home Loans as well as many other corporate and government entities located in Sydney or Melbourne. Deb's courses are interactive and fun.
Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Wednesday 14 December 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $450
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
What we’re reading
This week Sydney Writers’ Centre intern, Katie Booth, is reading A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan. She writes:“Time’s a goon, right? You gonna let that push you around?” And so Jennifer Egan explores in her 2011 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction winner, A Visit from the Goon Squad.
The book tells the tale of an array of characters in the San Francisco punk music scene in the 1970s. It begins in a bathroom in New York, where a kleptomaniac by the name of Sasha is poised to steal a wallet. We then meet an assortment of characters who take us on a family safari in Africa, to a journey to New York in the future.
It may take you a bit of time to get used to Egan’s style as she changes the narration voice every chapter. But once you do, A Visit from the Goon Squad is a superb read, where time is a goon who, in the end, catches up to all of the characters and leaves no person untouched.
We want to know what you're reading! You can write a book review for the Writing Bar and we'll feature an excerpt here in the newsletter. If you'd like to submit, check out the review guidelines here.
WEBPICK: The Amazing Type-Writer
Any writers out there remember the sound of a typewriter? The clickety-clack as you hit the keys, and then that satisfying DING as you finish a line? Well, one app developer does and, for a limited time, you can purchase the Amazing Type-Writer for your phone. Surely the world’s first pocket type-writer, the app mimics the font and sound of a Remington, and even uses a simulated piece of mimeograph paper. There’s even a gallery where you can display your typed musings. It costs $1.99 on iTunes – a small price to pay for some literary nostalgia.
Check it out here.
Other upcoming courses
Online Course: Travel Writing with Sue White
When: Week beginning Monday 5 December 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 5 December 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Online Course: Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Sue White
When: Week beginning Monday 5 December 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Online Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge/Nicola Robinson
When: Week beginning Monday 5 December 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Seminar: Sell Your eBook on Amazon with Steven Lewis
When: Wednesday 7 December 2011 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Seminar: Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis
When: Thursday 8 December 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Self-Publishing – How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Monday 12 December 2011 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Seminar: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Wednesday 14 December 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $450
Course: Daytime Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Monday 9 January to Friday 13 January 2012 (five consecutive mornings)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Daytime Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Sue White – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Monday 16 January to Friday 20 January 2012 (five consecutive mornings)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Daytime Writing Picture Books with Cathie Tasker – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Monday 16 January to Friday 20 January 2012 (five consecutive mornings)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Kate Forsyth
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 18 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Successful Freelancing with Valerie Khoo and Gayle Bryant
When: Thursday 19 January 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Course: Weekend Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 21 January and Sunday 22 January 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Weekend Travel Writing with Sue White – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 21 January and Sunday 22 January 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Daytime Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Sue White – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Monday 23 January and Tuesday 24 January 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to Write a Business Book with Valerie Khoo – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Tuesday 24 January 2012 (half-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 1.00pm
Cost: $295
Seminar: From Blog to Book with Kerri Sackville
When: Tuesday 24 January 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Course: Screenwriting Stage 1 with Tim Gooding
When: Every Monday starting Monday 30 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Travel Memoir with Claire Scobie
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 31 January 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Daytime Introduction to Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Thursday 2 February 2012 (two-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am – 12.00noon
Cost: $85
Course: Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Marina Go – NEW DATE
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 2 February 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Daytime How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Friday 3 February 2012 (two-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $85
Course: Daytime Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Marina Go – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 4 February and Sunday 5 February 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Weekend Travel Memoir with Claire Scobie – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 4 February and Sunday 5 February 2012 (two consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 6 February 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Travel Writing with Sue White
When: Every Monday starting Monday 6 February 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Sue White – NEW DATE
When: Tuesday 7 February 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $450
Seminar: Introduction to Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 8 February 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Course: Weekend Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 11 February and Sunday 12 February 2012 (2 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Edit with Confidence with Deb Doyle – NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 15 February 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 15 February 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Course: Plotting and Planning with Kate Forsyth – NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 22 February and Wednesday 29 February 2012 (2 evening classes)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $175
Course: Weekend Life Writing with Patti Miller – SUMMER SCHOOL
When: Saturday 25 February and Sunday 26 February 2012 (2 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $450
Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Monday starting Monday 5 March 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Perfect Your Proofreading with Deb Doyle – NEW DATE
When: Thursday 15 March 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Thriller Writing with L.A. Larkin – NEW COURSE
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 15 March 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Writing about Interiors, Style and Design with Nigel Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Thursday 15 March 2012 and Thursday 22 March 2012 (2 evening classes)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $175
Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman – NEW DATE
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 24 April 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Screenwriting Stage 2 with Tim Gooding – NEW DATE
When: Every Monday starting Monday 9 July 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
WRITING TOURS
Writing in Bali with Patti Miller – NEW DATE
When: Saturday 21 July to Saturday 28 July 2012
Writing in Paris with Patti Miller – NEW DATE
Arrival: Thursday 18 October 2012
Departure: Saturday 3 November 2012
Comments
Post has no comments.