- See you in Melbourne next week
- Did you know: The Mile High Club?
- What’s an appositive?
- Writing about Interiors, Style and Design
- Creative Writing: the next level
- Maggie Stiefvater book pack giveaway
- Grammar and Punctuation Essentials
- What we’re reading – Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
- WEBPICK: 27b/6
It’s been another busy week at the Sydney Writers’ Centre. Next week, I’ll be in Melbourne, along with with our presenters Patti Miller and Sue White. If you’re looking for an intensive session of learning, our Melbourne courses will put you on the fast track towards success in writing.There are only a few places left in:
MELBOURNE Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Sue White
Learn how to get published in your favourite magazines.
Date: Thursday 6 October and Friday 7 October 2011
(two-day course)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
MELBOURNE How to Write a Business Book with Valerie Khoo
How to showcase your expertise in a best-selling book.
When: Friday 7 October 2011 (half-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 1.00pm
Cost: $295
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
See you there!
Did you know: The Mile High Club?
We’ve all heard about the mile high club. If not, it’s … erm … when people get amorous while they are on a plane somewhere, usually 30,000 feet in the air. Oscar-nominated actor Ralph Fiennes famously joined the mile high club on a Qantas flight from Australia to India a few years ago. Well, the origin of the term goes way back before then. An American aviator called Lawrence Sperry invented an early version of the autopilot function. In 1916, he was flying a biplane with a Mrs Waldo Polk when they decided to test out the autopilot function and indulge in some … non-flying activities. The plane crashed into a bay and duck hunters subsequently found the pair, minus their clothes. Their excuse: the crash shook their clothes off!
Believe it or not, some newspapers actually reported this although one newspaper ran with the cheeky headline: “Aerial Petting - Ends in Wetting”!
TIP: Back to basics – Appositives
An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that follows another noun and adds more information about it. For example:Rambo, a little dog, came into the office today.Appositives can be essential or non-essential. The important thing to remember is that you must separate a non-essential appositive from the rest of the sentence with a comma. Every time. Essential appositives don’t need the comma. For example:
Non-essential appositive:
Rocky, a playful cat, was obsessed with the ball of string.
Essential appositive:
Rocky has two brothers, Rex and Rambo. Rocky and his brother Rex jumped onto the roof
(Because Rocky has two brothers, the essential appositive makes it clear which brother we are talking about.)
What's new at the Sydney Writers' Centre
- NEW DATE: Writing Picture Books with Cathie Tasker, starts Thursday 10 November 2011.
- Filling fast: Sell Your eBook on Amazon with Steven Lewis, Thursday 6 October.
- We're excited about some fantastic news from two of our presenters who've scored book deals. We can't say who just yet but will keep you posted when we get the green light.
Writing about interiors, style and design
Are you one of those people instantly drawn to the home and renovating section of the newsagent to pore over magazines like Belle, Home Beautiful and House & Garden? And have you ever wondered if you could write for them?Interiors, style and design has become something of a national obsession in Australia. We’re fascinated by it. So there’s plenty of opportunity out there for anyone interested in writing about interior design, renovating, architecture or anything to do with the home. In our industry insight course, Writing About Interiors, Style and Design, you’ll learn all about writing articles on this fascinating topic.
Here’s what past participants say:
"This course was excellent. Nigel showed a keen interest in sharing his knowledge. It's the best short writing course I have been on and wasted no time in presenting the right information for getting your work published."
- Phillip Brook
"Nigel's personal insights were really valuable and interesting. I particularly appreciated that he had asked people he knows in the right positions, such as magazine editors, to provide their dos and don’ts. Nigel is engaging and interesting."
- Nicola Duncan
The course is taught by Nigel Bartlett, a freelance writer and editor with more than 20 years’ experience in magazines. He has written and edited interior design features for Belle, Inside Out, Real Living and other magazines.
Writing about Interiors, Style and Design with Nigel Bartlett
When: Wednesday 26 October and Wednesday 2 November 2011 (two evening classes)
Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Cost: $175
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
TIP: Lightning or lightening?Despite their obvious connection to light, the words lightning and lightening do have slightly different meanings.
Lightning without the "e", is what you’ll see during a storm, as in “thunder and lightning” or “lightning strikes”.
Lightening means to make lighter, in shade, illumination, or weight. For example:
Many people believe they can make themselves look younger by lightening their hair.
Lightening her workload will make her job much easier.
Make your stories shine – Online Creative Writing Stage 2
Have you completed our online course in Creative Writing Stage 1 or Writing Books for Children and Young Adults and want tips on how to take your writing to the next level? Our next Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 starts soon, and this is your chance to continue your writing journey.Designed to build on what you learnt in stage 1, this practical course will give you the chance to practice your writing and gain invaluable feedback from your tutor and classmates. You’ll get to workshop your writing as well as learn how to create or extend your main characters, how to structure your story, and the all-important principles of scene development.
Best of all, you don’t have to leave the house! This course will be held in our virtual classroom online so you can join us from wherever you are.
What past participants say:
"I would highly recommend this course. Do it! You won't regret the decision."
- Maurice Venables
"Online Creative Writing 2 was very challenging for me. I had an idea for a story and had done a bit of writing for it. I found it wonderful to be able to look, think about, and work on the structure and form of it during the course, and to get feedback."
- Janet Barwick
ONLINE COURSE: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 10 October 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Book pack giveaway – Shiver, Linger and Forever by Maggie Stiefvater
When we visited the Melbourne Writers Festival recently, we were thrilled to have a chance to interview phenomenally successful American author, Maggie Stiefvater. We spoke to her about her incredible success with the Wolves of Mercy Falls series – Shiver, Linger and Forever. You can check out the video interview here.The Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy is the story of Grace, a young girl fascinated with the wolves that live in the woods behind her house, and her relationship with Sam, the boy who becomes a wolf every winter. The first book in the series, Shiver, spent over 32 weeks on bestseller lists and the latest, Forever, debuted at number 4 on the New York Times bestseller list.
We have all three books in the Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy to give away to one lucky reader. If you’d like to win Shiver, Linger and Forever, just tell us what’s the most magical place you've been to (in 25 words or less). Email your answers to courses [at] spindriftmedia [dot] com [dot] au by 5pm Friday 7 October 2011 and remember to include your postal address.
TIP: Much ado about nothing?
This is something I often see people confusing – do you say “without further ado” or “without further adieu”? This one’s easy. It’s always “without further ado”.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.
Transform your writing – Grammar and Punctuation Essentials
Transforming your writing could be as simple as learning the basics of grammar and punctuation. Learning these essential rules will give you the confidence and the skills to write well. Your work will become clearer and more succinct just by knowing where to put a comma, when to use an apostrophe, and how to structure your sentences correctly.Whether you’ve never learnt the basics of grammar or you just need a refresher, the one-day Grammar and Punctuation Essentials seminar is perfect for you.
Here’s what past participants say:
"The way the course was presented was fantastic. There was never a dull moment. Deb Doyle is an outstanding presenter. She made the course enjoyable and very easy to understand. Deb showed genuine interest in our desire to learn. I've gained knowledge as well as confidence in my grammar and punctuation skills."
- Claudia Arrage
"Grammar and Punctuation has immediate practical benefits and is a worthwhile investment."
- Mathew Patterson
This seminar is taught by Deb Doyle. Deb is an experienced editorial-training consultant and publication editor. Deb's courses are interactive and fun. You'll be amazed at how engaging and interesting a workshop in grammar and punctuation can be.
Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Wednesday 12 October 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $450
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Funny signage
We saw this photo on twitter and just had to share it.
We think they meant to write "Wood Fired Pizza"!
What we’re reading
This week our Communications Coordinator, Rose Powell, is reading Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. She writes:I have no doubt as to why Atlas Shrugged counts as a classic, and is still much discussed today. That said, I didn’t really enjoy reading it after the first third. It’s fascinating but exhausting.
The book is the climax of author Ayn Rand’s years of philosophical questioning, and an uncompromising exploration of her radical philosophy. Set in a dystopian United States of America, the story follows two exceptional industrialists who see their companies, livelihoods, rights, values and ways of living increasingly attacked by an insecure and ineffective government that is destroying everything.
The book reads as one extended scream of protest against insecure, unexceptional people getting in the way and using the brightest and best of society. Don’t read it if you’re not open to feeling angsty for a while.
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: 27b/6
This website had all of us here in the Sydney Writers’ Centre office in stitches. It’s the hilariously funny rantings of David Thorne, an Australian writer and satirist. He first gained attention in 2008 for his attempts to pay an overdue account with a drawing of a seven-legged spider. Since then, many of his bizarre email conversations have gone viral and his blog, 27b/6, has scored him a book deal. The book, The Internet is a Playground: Irreverent Correspondences of an Evil Online Genius, made it to number 4 on the New York Times bestseller list and has been described as “gut wrenching, laugh out loud, gasping for air funny”.
It really is.
Check it out here.
Other upcoming courses
Online Course: Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Sue White – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 3 October 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Writing Picture Books with Cathie Tasker – FULL
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 6 October 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Sell Your eBook on Amazon with Steven Lewis
When: Thursday 6 October 2011 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Course: Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Sue White – MELBOURNE COURSE
When: Thursday 6 October and Friday 7 October 2011 (two-day course)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to Write a Business Book with Valerie Khoo – MELBOURNE COURSE
When: Friday 7 October 2011 (half-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 1.00pm
Cost: $295
Seminar: Edit with Confidence with Deb Doyle
When: Friday 7 October 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller – MELBOURNE COURSE – FULL
When: Saturday 8 October and Sunday 9 October 2011 (two-day course)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $450
Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 10 October 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 10 October 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Novel Writing Workshop with Pamela Freeman – FULL
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 11 October 2011 for six weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $495
Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Sue White
When: Tuesday 11 October 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $450
Seminar: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Wednesday 12 October 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $450
Course: Travel Memoir with Claire Scobie
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 12 October 2011 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 13 October 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Weekend Intensive Creative Writing Stage 1 with Laurine Croasdale
When: Saturday 15 October and Sunday 16 October 2011 (2 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Weekend Intensive Creative Writing Stage 2 with Jeni Mawter
When: Saturday 15 October and Sunday 16 October 2011 (2 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter
When: Every Monday starting Monday 17 October 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Daytime Intensive Creative Writing Stage 1 with Kate Forsyth
When: Monday 17 October to Friday 21 October 2011 (5 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 18 October 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Successful Freelancing with Gayle Bryant and Valerie Khoo
When: Wednesday 19 October 2011 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Seminar: Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis
When: Thursday 20 October 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Writing for the Web with Grant Doyle
When: Monday 24 October 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Writing About Interiors, Style and Design with Nigel Bartlett
When: Wednesday 26 October 2011 and Wednesday 2 November 2011 (2 evening classes)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $175
Seminar: PR and Media Releases that Get Results with Catriona Pollard
When: Thursday 27 October 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $495
Online Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge/Nicola Robinson – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 31 October 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Seminar: Better Business Communications with Deb Doyle
When: Wednesday 2 November 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395
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
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
Course: Writing Picture Books with Cathie Tasker – NEW DATE
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 10 November 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Weekend Intensive Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Marina Go – NEW DATE
When: Saturday 12 November and Sunday 13 November 2011 (2 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
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: 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: From Blog to Book with Kerri Sackville – NEW SEMINAR
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 – NEW DATE
When: Thursday 24 November 2011 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Seminar: Perfect Your Proofreading with Deb Doyle – NEW DATE
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: 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
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 Paris with Patti Miller – FULL
When: Thursday 20 October to Saturday 5 November 2011
Writing in Bali with Patti Miller – NEW DATE
When: Saturday 21 July to Saturday 28 July 2012
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