In this issue:
- TIP: Will you use an apostrophe in four weeks’ time?
- NEW COURSE: Crime Writing Workshop
- Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
- Build a marketing plan to sell your book
- Writing opportunity with SassiSam.com
- Script Writing for Short Films
- What does mea culpa mean?
- WEBPICK
It’s been another busy week here at the Sydney Writers’ Centre, especially with Operations Coordinator Danielle (pictured right) going to do the Oxfam Trailwalker. She’ll be walking 100 kms to raise money for Oxfam. So if you try to ring her on Friday, she won’t be here. She’ll be traipsing all the way from Brooklyn to Mosman. I especially knew we had to sponsor her big effort when I found out her team is called … Writers’ Block!This week, I’m also excited to announce our new Crime Writing Weekend Workshop. Want a mysterious weekend full of crime, writing and exploration? You’ll find out more in this newsletter.
TIP: Will you use an apostrophe in four weeks’ time?We’ve looked at apostrophes before, but they’re such tricky things that we still regularly receive emails about their use. I received this query last week from one of our readers regarding the apostrophe in the following sentence:
‘Each participant gets four weeks support.’She eventually decided on the first one, but she should have gone with the second one.
OR
‘Each participant gets four weeks’ support.’
Just remember, we use the apostrophe in place of the word of in possessive nouns – singular and plural.
So, instead of ‘Each participant gets four weeks of support’ you would write ‘Each participant gets four weeks’ support’.
If it were only one week, you would write ‘Each participant gets one week’s support’.
NEW COURSE – Crime Writing Weekend Workshop
We’re delving into the dark side at the Sydney Writers’ Centre with a brand new course on Crime Writing. Experienced author and teacher Marele Day will be presenting a two-day weekend workshop on the sinister and mysterious world of writing crime. This workshop is ideal if you want to write credible crime fiction with a suspenseful yet believable plot that will engage your readers.
During the course you’ll discover:
- the “rules” of crime writing and how to get started
- how to research your story
- how to develop credible heroes and intriguing villains
- how to develop a sense of place in crime fiction
- the importance of plotting your crime
- how to plant clues and create suspense
- what crime fiction publishers are looking for.
The course is taught by Marele Day, author of four crime novels – The Life and Crimes of Harry Lavender, The Case of the Chinese Boxes, The Last Tango of Dolores Delgado and The Disappearances of Madalena Grimaldi – as well as a collection of crime-comedy stories – Mavis Levack, PI. She is also the editor of How to Write Crime. Other novels include the acclaimed Lambs of God and Mrs Cook: The Real and Imagined Life of the Captain’s Wife.
A highly experienced teacher, Marele conducts creative writing courses throughout Australia, and mentors emerging writers. She has won several awards including the Ned Kelly Lifetime Achievement in 2008. Her latest novel, released in 2009, is The Sea Bed.
Crime Writing Workshop with Marele Day
When: Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October 2009 (2-day course)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Ubud Writers & Readers FestivalIf you love writers’ festivals then why not combine the next big literary weekend with an overseas holiday? The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival is happening in Bali on 7 to 11 October 2009 and, as usual, has a fantastic line up of Indonesian and international writers. This year’s bill includes Australian authors Sonya Hartnett, Bruce Dover and Tara June Winch. Also appearing will be the Nigerian Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka.
The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival has run annually since 2004 and is now considered one of the premier literary events in South East Asia. There’ll be lots of panel discussions, workshops, literary lunches and dinners, book launches and plenty of free events – all in the beautiful surrounds of Ubud. You can purchase a four-day pass for the whole festival or one-day tickets or workshops.
For full details check out the website - www.ubudwritersfestival.com.
Build a marketing plan to sell your book
Ask any author – whether they’ve self-published or gone through a trade publisher – if their work is done when they’ve finished the book, and they’ll tell you there’s a lot more to go. This course will help you build the right marketing plan to help sell you and your book. This course is ideal if you’re still in the process of writing your book or if you’ve already published or self-published your book.
During the course you’ll discover:
- the importance of positioning your book – who its for and where you find this target market
- positioning yourself - what’s your author brand all about?
- how to choose the most appropriate promotional tactics
- what your publisher does (if you have one) and when they do it – and what they want from you. Also, find out what they don’t do.
- how to prepare for media interviews
- how to generate your own PR long after your publisher has moved on to the next title
- how to promote your book using smart online strategies – do you need a website, blog, online video or a social media presence?
‘Amanda is a vibrant, energetic presenter who believes in what she teaches. She is experienced and well prepared, using a variety of methods to convey her message, and convinced me that I should pay more attention to the marketing side of authorship. At all times she involved members of the class and drew on their experience. I now have a plan to follow when the time is right. Amanda gave us valuable skills, links and resources, dispelling the fear of self-promotion. I now feel equipped to find my own way in book marketing.’
The course is taught by Amanda Falconer, a brand and marketing expert with over 20 years’ experience across industries ranging from the rag trade to building and now, books. Amanda is currently the national marketing manager of the Australian division of a global manufacturing company. She is executive editor of LookHome magazine and producer of myLOOKHOMEtv. She is also author of The Renovator’s Survival Guide, which has featured on Sunrise, 9am with David & Kim, A Current Affair and various radio shows around the country.
Marketing Your Book with Amanda Falconer
When: Every Monday starting Monday 14 September 2009 for three weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $265
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Writing opportunities with SassiSam.com
If you’re looking to expand your writing experience but are finding It difficult to get paid work, perhaps you should consider an intern position. These three roles at SassiSam.com aren’t paid, but they’ll give you some great exposure and a chance to get your writing seen. Sassi Sam, your online destination for all things fun and girlie, is expanding and has a few writing positions available. Sassi Sam is looking for a reliable book reviewer – someone who is passionate about books, and is also a little on the girlie side. You do not need to be based in Sydney as you can do this remotely.
There are also two writing intern positions suitable for anyone studying either journalism or public relations. These roles are for approximately 10 hours a week each, and can be a combination of working in the Sassi Sam office in Coogee and working remotely. The role includes writing news articles from briefs, reviewing products and books, research and administration.
If you have an interest in fashion, beauty and lifestyle, then email sam@sassisam.com for more information.
Script Writing for Short Films
Do you have a great idea for a short film? Are you thinking of entering one of the many short films competitions currently open in Australia? If you’re not sure where to start then our Script Writing for Short Films course is ideal. This is an intensive seminar that will show you:
- how to select and develop suitable ideas for a short film
- what narrative elements you need in a short film screenplay (characters, plot, dialogue etc)
- what technical elements you must consider in a short film screenplay (locations, props, budget etc)
- the roles of the writer/director/producer and how they interact
- how to get your film seen and sold
Here’s what recent participant Chris Bradford had to say about the course:
"Geoff's real world experience was invaluable and worth the price alone. I've rethought how I practice writing based on Geoff's research and real life examples."
This course is presented by Geoff Bartlett, who has written for several Australian TV shows and produced three short films. Two were semi finalists at Tropfest and one screened in competition at Flickerfest. They were also bought by Foxtel (The Comedy Channel), ABC TV, Qantas, Telstra and Japanese TV.
Script Writing for Short Films with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 3 September and Thursday 10 September 2009 (two evening seminars)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $165
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Whose fault is it? What does mea culpa mean?You might sometimes hear people use the term 'mea culpa' or you may read it in books. For example:
John: 'Who left the dirty dishes in the sink in the tea room?'Mea Culpa comes from the Latin and it means 'My fault'. Originally, it came from a prayer in the Catholic mass (called confiteor which means 'I confess'). But now it's commonly used in English to mean. 'Sorry - my fault!'.
Ben: 'Mea culpa. Sorry! I got distracted by the gossip at the water cooler.'
WEBPICK: MisruleThis week’s webpick comes from our very own Judith Ridge. Judith teaches our Writing Books for Children and Young Adults course as well as the Creative Writing Stage 2, and is an expert on all things to do with children’s literature.
If you’re into writing books for children and young people then it's worth visiting Judith’s blog, Misrule. It about the world of kid’s literature and publishing both in Australia and overseas, and there’s plenty of news, book reviews and ‘other chat’ to keep any writer or reader up to date.
Visit Misrule at http://www.misrule.com.au/s9y/.
Other upcoming courses
Course: Online Business Booster Bootcamp with Valerie Khoo
When: Friday 28 August 2009 (one-day bootcamp)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $695
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman - FULL
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 1 September 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Script Writing for the Short Films with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 3 September and Thursday 10 September 2009 (two evening seminars)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $165
Seminar: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 4 September 2009 (one-morning seminar)
Time: 10am to 12noon
Cost: $75
Course: Online Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Valerie Khoo
When: Week beginning Monday 7 September 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever you want
Cost: $395
Course: Online Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman / Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 7 September 2009 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson
When: Wednesday 9 September 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller - FULL
When: Every Friday starting Friday 11 September 2009 for six weeks
Time: 10am – 12noon
Cost: $450
Course: Marketing Your Book with Amanda Falconer
When: Every Monday starting Monday 14 September 2009 for three weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $265
Seminar: Successful Freelancing with Gayle Bryant and Valerie Khoo
When: Thursday 24 September 2009 (one-evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Seminar: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 30 September 2009 (one-evening seminar)
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $75
Seminar: How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 7 October 2009 (one-evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Crime Writing Weekend Workshop with Marele Day - NEW COURSE
When: Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October 2009 (2 day workshop)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Katrina Lobley
When: Every Monday starting Monday 12 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Wednesday 14 October 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Self-Publishing: How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 14 October 2009 (one-evening seminar)
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Writing for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 15 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 20 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Feature Writing Stage 2 with Judy Skatssoon
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 21 October 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When: Thursday 22 October 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $345
Seminar: Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis – NEW COURSE
When: Friday 23 October 2009 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $365
Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Pamela Wilson
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 5 November 2009 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Comments
Post has no comments.