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• TIP: Should you use possessive apostrophes for objects?
• Don’t forget our NaNoWriMo launch this Friday!
• Learn the essentials of editing
• More Student Success
• Take your writing to the next level – Creative Writing Stage 2
• Did you know? Storm in a teacup
• What we’re reading – Binu and the Great Wall by Su Tong
• WEBPICK: James Killick’s Blog

Another busy week here at the Sydney Writers’ Centre! Last night, I spoke at the Sydney Professional Development Forum where there was a great bunch of people keen to learn about how to build their personal brand and get ahead in their career. One of the key factors in making the right impression in the workplace – whether that’s to your boss, colleagues or clients – is your written communication.

In fact, this can make or break whether you get a promotion, secure a business deal, or simply convey the right message. Over the past two decades, I’ve seen how business writing skills can play a huge part in your success.

That’s exactly what I had in mind when I designed the course Professional Business Writing. I identified the business writing skills you need to write essential documents at work. Then I broke this down into a step-by-step framework so that you can acquire these skills in just one day.

This practical seminar in Professional Business Writing covers:

• 5 essential steps to plan your document
• How to determine what you MUST write about (and what to leave out)
• The 11 Golden Rules of business writing
• Business writing DON'Ts
• Common writing mistakes (and how to avoid them)
• How to structure reports and proposals
• Fundamentals of persuasive writing
• How to gain the reader's attention
• Style guides - how to use them and how to create one
• How to revise, edit and present your documents
• and MUCH more.
  
  

the table's legs
cigarettes' dangers

the legs of the table
the dangers of cigarettes

What's new at the Sydney Writers' Centre

• Filling fast: Your Story Structure with Dr Kathryn Heyman, starts Friday 4 November.
  
  
• Congratulations to Craig New and Melinda Stevenson who won our spooky book competition (13 October). A copy of Where Spirits Dwell is on its way to both of you. 
  
  
• New date: Self-Publishing – How to do it with Geoff Bartlett on Monday 12 December 2011. 

NaNoWriMo launch
Are you taking part in NaNoWriMo this November? Don’t forget about the launch being held here at the Centre tomorrow night, 28 October 2011 from 6pm. Local organisers and past participants of NaNoWriMo will be on hand to offer advice on how to tackle the challenge and motivation to get you started.

Check out the details here.

You need to rsvp for this one so get in soon!

Learn the essentials of editing
Want to know how to turn even the clumsiest writing into a polished document? Editing doesn’t have to be a tedious task – learning the essentials of this vital skill will make your job easier and save you time.

Whether you’re editing hard copy or on-screen, this one-day seminar will show you how a professional editor approaches their work – and how you too can edit confidently. You’ll learn how to edit for structure and style, how to use standard proofreading symbols, and simple techniques that will improve anyone’s writing.

Here’s what past participants say:
"I enjoyed all aspects of the course. The workbook was easy to follow as were the exercises. Deb was very engaging and inclusive. I look forward to doing more courses with her."
- Rebecca Connell

"Deb is Excellent – one of the most engaging presenters who REALLY knows her stuff. It's a pleasure to spend the day with her!"
- Wendy Johnston

This seminar is taught by Deb Doyle. Deb is an experienced editorial-training consultant and publication editor. Deb’s courses are interactive and collegial. She demystifies the editing process in a way that’s engaging and interesting.

Edit with Confidence with Deb Doyle
When: Friday 18 November 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

Student Success
This week we have two success stories from former Sydney Writers’ Centre students.

Vanessa McKinley, who completed our Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 2, wrote to us about her success in the Gold Coast Writers’ Association Short Story Prize. The theme was déjà vu and she won with her short story, Mermaid. Her story will be published along with other prize winners in an eBook later this year.

Congratulations Vanessa!

We also heard from Chris Muir, who has done our How to Get Your Book Published seminar and also Magazine and Newspaper Writing. He put his new-found publishing knowledge to good use and has just published his first novel, Whispers from the Doll House, as an eBook.

Congratulations Chris!

Take your writing to the next level
Want to take your writing to the next level? If you want to learn how to create believable characters, structure your story, and develop your scenes, then Creative Writing Stage 2 is your next step.

One of the most useful tools for writers of fiction is workshopping. Creative Writing Stage 2 gives you a chance to practise what you learn and get valuable feedback on your work. Each week, you’ll focus on different tools and techniques to help make your creative writing shine.

This course is taught by Pamela Freeman. Pamela is the author of 23 books, the most recent of which, Lolly Legs, has been published by Walker Books. In 2010 Full Circle (Book 3 of the Castings trilogy), was published in the US, UK, France, Spain, Portugal and Germany as well as Australia.

What past participants say:
"Sharing my work with like minded people has really given me the courage to move forward with my book. Pamela is amazing, she is very generous with her knowledge and experience."
- Hera McCaffery

"A great experience and very useful for improving your writing."
- Tim Sweeney

Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman LAST COURSE FOR 2011
When: Tuesdays starting Tuesday 15 November 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Can’t make it to our training rooms in Milsons Point? You can also do this course online.

ONLINE COURSE: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 14 November 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

TIP: Historic or historical?
Do you say historic fiction or historical fiction? Describe a city as a historic city or historical city?

Well, it actually depends on what you are trying to say. "Historic" is an adjective that means something important or influential in history. "Historical" is also an adjective and refers to "from a period in history" or "from a period in the past".

For example:

"A historical politician" is a politician from the past, who may or not have had much impact on society. This might be a low-level member of parliament who barely served a term.

"A historic politician" is a politician who was important in history, such as Winston Churchill, who played a significant role in the events of World War II.

As for fiction, it's usually described as historical fiction, as it's set in the past.

Publish your eBook!
Amazon’s Kindle has been a boon for writers, many of whom have become bestsellers simply by publishing their work as an eBook. The beauty of publishing this way is that you, the writer, receive royalties of up to 70 per cent, much more than a traditional publisher can offer.

And it’s not just novels that are published as eBooks. This format is perfect if you’re writing short stories, non-fiction, or even travel journals. All forms of writing can be uploaded and sold as an eBook, giving writers in all fields an opportunity to see their work published.

What past participants say:
"Steven Lewis has been there and done that with eBook publishing, which made what he had to say more relevant. He has good humour and a good presentation technique."
- Sharon Livingstone

"Steven was very engaging and full of fascinating information. I never lost attention, not even once. The two hours flew by."
- Shona Parker

Sell Your eBook on Amazon with Steven Lewis
When: Wednesday 9 November 2011 (two-hour seminar)
Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
 
Click here for more information or to enrol online.

This week’s funny...
We all have a certain song stuck in our heads now…

Did you know? Storm in a Teacup
This is one of those strange sayings that’s become so popular we don’t even question its meaning. But think about it literally and you have to wonder – why a storm in a teacup?

We know that "a storm in a teacup" is a problem that’s been made to seem far more important than it is. Similar expressions have been around since Roman times. Cicero used the phrase excitare fluctus in simpulo, which translates to “cause waves in a wine ladle”. In the 17th century two other variations were in regular use – “a storm in a cream bowl” and “storm in a wash basin”.

The saying has morphed into the British “storm in a teacup”, which is still used today.  Americans have their own version – “tempest in a teacup”.

What we’re reading
This week our Communications Coordinator, Rose Powell, is reading Binu and the Great Wall by Su Tong. She writes:

Binu and the Great Wall is an international bestseller by Chinese author Su Tong. This short novel provides the backstory for the Chinese myth of Meng Jiang Nu, the woman crying at the Great Wall. Readers follow the journey of Binu, a young woman from Peach Village in China, who sets out to take her husband Qiliang winter clothes so he does not die of cold or overwork, as he has been taken to build the Great Wall.

The key themes of the book are Binu's determination and naivety, and her misery. Having grown up in Peach Village where people are not allowed to cry, tears stream from her palms and hair instead, for almost the entire story. Along the way she meets a wide selection of uncaring and unsympathetic characters who block her journey, rob her of the winter clothes and eventually lock her up. While she does reach Great Swallow Mountain and the Great Wall eventually, the ending of the story is both far too brief after her extended agony, and also a major disappointment for anyone expecting a western-style effort equals rewards narrative.

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: James Killick’s Blog
James Killick is an IT professional by day and a fiction writer by night. He’s also a creative writing teacher and, lucky for you, a blogger. Lucky, because his blog (not so originally named, James Killick’s Blog) is full of writing advice and wisdom.

There are posts on writing plots, creating characters and writing scenes. There’s also a great post on “What theatre can teach about storytelling” and plenty of tips on writing a great blog.

Check it out here.

Other upcoming courses
Online Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge/Nicola Robinson
When: Week beginning Monday 31 October 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 31 October 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Sue White
When: Friday 4 November 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $450

Course: Your Story Structure with Kathryn Heyman
When: Friday 4 November 2011 and Friday 11 November 2011 (2 half-day classes)
Time: 9.30am – 12.30pm
Cost: $215

Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 7 November 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Course: Screenwriting Stage 2 with Tim Gooding
When: Every Monday starting Monday 7 November 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Sell Your eBook on Amazon with Steven Lewis
When: Wednesday 9 November 2011 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85

Course: Writing Picture Books with Cathie Tasker
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 10 November 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Friday 11 November 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $450

Course: Weekend Intensive Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Marina Go
When: Saturday 12 November and Sunday 13 November 2011 (2 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395

Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 14 November 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 15 November 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Screenwriting Stage 1 with Tim Gooding
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 15 November 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with James Roy
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 16 November 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Sue White
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 17 November 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Edit with Confidence with Deb Doyle
When: Friday 18 November 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: From Blog to Book with Kerri Sackville – FULL
When: Monday 21 November 2011 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85

Seminar: Introduction to Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 23 November 2011 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85

Seminar: How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 24 November 2011 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85

Seminar: Writing for the Web with Grant Doyle – NEW DATE
When: Thursday 24 November 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Perfect Your Proofreading with Deb Doyle
When: Friday 25 November 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Plotting and Planning with Kate Forsyth
When: Monday 28 November 2011 and Monday 5 December 2011 (2 evening classes)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $175

Seminar: Better Business Emails with Deb Doyle – NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 30 November 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: PR and Media Releases that Get Results with Catriona Pollard – NEW DATE
When: Thursday 1 December 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $495

Seminar: Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis – NEW DATE
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 – NEW DATE
When: Monday 12 December 2011 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $85

Seminar: How to Write a Business Book with Valerie Khoo – NEW DATE
When: Tuesday 24 January 2012 (half-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 1.00pm
Cost: $295

Seminar: From Blog to Book with Kerri Sackville – NEW DATE
When: Tuesday 24 January 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85

Course: Weekend Life Writing with Patti Miller – NEW DATE
When: Saturday 25 February and Sunday 26 February 2012 (2 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $450

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 – 2012 dates to be confirmed