4 February 2010
Dear {tag_recipientfirstname},
In this issue:- TIP: Is it OK to start with because?
- Writing the senses – in Bali!
- Book giveaway – Girl By Sea by Penelope Green
- Word crimes and how you can avoid them
- Macquarie Dictionary’s Word of the Year
- Online Writing Books for Children
- WEBPICK: Isabel Allende on ted.com
I'm currently in Byron Bay at a conference. When I'm not in workshops, I'll be checking out the things to see and do when we come back up here for the wonderful Byron Bay Writers' Festival in August. In the meantime, I want to thank those of you who have voted in our survey about which online course you'd like to see next at the Sydney Writers' Centre. If you haven't voted yet, you still have on more week to do it – whichever course gets the most votes will soon be available online. You can vote here.
You are part of such a wonderful and dynamic community, which makes the Sydney Writers’ Centre such a great place to work. We really value your feedback. Another course that has resulted from your feedback is the DAYTIME Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers. We received so many requests for this course to be held during the day – and we heard you!
The next DAYTIME course in Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers is:
When: Wednesdays starting Wednesday 3 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
This course is taught by award-winning feature writer, Vanessa Waters. I'm so thrilled that Vanessa has joined our team at the Sydney Writers' Centre. Vanessa and I go way back – we used to work across the hall from each other at Pacific Publications in the days when we were running around to press conferences and media briefings. She has over 15 years’ experience in the publishing industry and has worked in both newspapers and magazines, cutting her teeth on titles such as TV HITS, Girlfriend, Teen Hit, New Idea, That's Life!, Home Beautiful, SUNDAY Magazine, Marie Claire, Body + Soul and New Woman.
TIP: Is it OK to start with because?
Is it acceptable to start a sentence with ‘Because’? Yes, it is – as long as it’s a complete sentence, not a sentence fragment. ‘Because’ is a conjunction – it links a subordinate clause to a main clause. For example:
Is it acceptable to start a sentence with ‘Because’? Yes, it is – as long as it’s a complete sentence, not a sentence fragment. ‘Because’ is a conjunction – it links a subordinate clause to a main clause. For example: Rambo didn’t go for a walk today because it was raining.There’s nothing wrong with having the subordinate clause first – or starting the sentence with ‘Because’. It would then go like this:
(Subordinate clause second)
Because it was raining, Rambo didn’t go for a walk today.So don’t be afraid to start your sentence with ‘because’, just make sure you use it in a complete sentence.
(Subordinate clause first)
Writing the senses in Bali
Where better to relax and soak up some tropical inspiration than the beautiful mountain village of Ubud in Bali. And who better to take you there than the Sydney Writers’ Centre! That’s right – our very first Writing in Bali trip is happening in October, and details are now available. For seven days you’ll immerse yourself in the culture and natural beauty of Ubud. In the mornings, you’ll join Patti Miller for an inspirational course on writing the senses. The afternoons will be yours to write, visit local temples, or shop in the many arts and crafts markets in Ubud. You’ll have your own room in the beautiful Villa Sanggingnan and will even have a chance to attend the world-renowned Ubud Writers and Readers Festival.
Your writing tutor, Patti Miller, has over 20 years’ experience teaching creative writing, and she will take you through the Art and Craft of Writing the Senses. This is a unique writing course that will show you how to create colour, texture and sensory richness in your work.
To register your interest and to receive a comprehensive itinerary visit our website.
The Art and Craft of Writing the Senses with Patti Miller
When: Thursday 30 September to Tuesday 5 October 2010
Where: Ubud, Bali
Click here for more information or to register your interest.
Book giveaway – Girl By Sea by Penelope Green
We recently interviewed bestselling author Penelope Green for our podcast interview series. She’s written three fascinating books on her time living in Italy. Girl By Sea is the latest in the series and recounts her life on the island of Procida in the Bay of Naples. Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it?
Here’s some more about the book:
For Penny and her new Italian love, Alfonso, the island of Procida can offer the life they are looking for. But first Penny has to find a way into its tight community. One thing she has in common with the locals is a love of food, so she sets herself a goal - to master the Procidan cuisine and become more than just a visitor.
You can listen to our interview with Penny about her writing and her Italian experience tomorrow (Friday 5 February 2010).
We have one copy of Girl By Sea to giveaway. Just tell us what country you’d like to live in and write about, and why. Email your answers to courses@spindriftmedia.com.au by 5pm Friday 12 February, and remember to include your postal address.
Word crimes and how you can avoid them
Maybe it’s the time of year, but there seem to be a lot of word crimes being committed lately. Apostrophes in the wrong place and over enthusiastic use of commas are the most common. Here’s one I spotted at my gym not long ago...
There is simply no need for a comma in this sentence.
It’s easy to make the mistake – but it’s also surprisingly easy to avoid them! Our one-day Grammar and Punctuation Essentials course will show you when and how to use apostrophes and commas, as well as teach you the golden rules of grammar, which will improve your writing!
You'll come away with
- knowledge that you can apply easily and immediately in your writing
- a clear understanding of how to treat common mistakes - such as apostrophes and plurals
- the basic rules you need to know to be confident in the workplace
- an understanding of when to bend, break or keep a rule or convention
- ability to discern when more than one solution is acceptable
- empowerment to justify your corrections to your own and other people's writing
- a taste of how professional editors approach their craft
- more confidence in applying the standard hard-copy editing marks to double-spaced copy
- and much more
You’ll also receive a copy of Deb Doyle’s book Grey Areas and Gremlins: A grammar and punctuation refresher (valued at $50), the perfect take-home text that you’ll be able to refer to for all your grammar and punctuation dilemnas.
Here’s what some of our most recent participants had to say about the seminar:
‘Deb is fabulous! I am now more aware of what I write and try to avoid mistakes.’
- Sze Wing Yip
‘FANTASTIC KNOWLEDGE from Presenter Deb Doyle, she is very enthusiastic about her subject and a strong communicator, able to answer all questions in a fun and memorable way. I learnt SO MUCH in one day that I'd really like to do more study and/or courses. The course was exactly what I'd hoped it would be, very practical as well.’
- Fiona Goldsworthy
The workshop is presented by Deb Doyle, 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. 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: Tuesday 16 February 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Macquarie Dictionary’s Word of the Year
Macquarie Dictionary has just announced its 2009 Word of the Year. And the winner is… shovel-ready. Shovel-ready
adjective (of a building or infrastructure project) capable of being initiated immediately as soon as funding is assured.
I have to admit, I’ve never heard of it. But some of the honourable mentions should be familiar to many of you. They include:
tweet
verb (i) 1. to post a message on the social network site Twitter.
–verb (t) 2. to post such a message to (someone).
–noun 3. such a message.
cyberbully
noun (plural cyberbullies) 1. a person who bullies another using email, chat rooms, social network sites, etc.
–verb (t) (cyberbullied, cyberbullying) 2. to bully (another) in this way. Also, cyber bully, cyber-
head-nodder
noun a supporter of a politician or other media figure who stands beside them in the frame of a television shot and nods his or her head in agreement with what the speaker is saying.
–head-nodding, noun
Perhaps not surprisingly, the People’s Choice Award went to ‘tweet’.
For winners in all categories click here.
Online Writing Books for Children
If want to write engaging stories for kids and younger readers, our latest online course can show you how to do it – and you can learn from wherever you are! Our interactive online classroom is open to anyone with internet access, whether you’re interstate or overseas. During this course, you’ll learn the secrets to writing great books for kids, as well as
- how to get started
- finding the right voice
- creating characters and stories young readers will enjoy
- how to write believable dialogue
- common assumptions about writing for children and about young readers
- how to structure a story that works
- the secrets to plotting for different age groups
- what you need to know about getting into the children’s publishing market
This online course has been developed, and is presented by Judith Ridge. She is well-known in Australia and internationally for her involvement with writing for children. Judith has worked with the Children's Book Council, as an editor at ABC Children's Books and the NSW School Magazine and freelances as an editor for Random House. Judith edited Handle with Care: Making Friends with Animals by Paul McGreevy - one of Halstead Press' all-time top sellers. She has also edited Piccolo and Annabelle 4: The Steamer Demons by Stephen Axelsen (Random House) and numerous books for ABC Books.
Online Writing Books for Children with Judith Ridge
When: Week beginning Monday 1 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
WEBPICK: Isabel Allende on ted.comNo doubt you’ve heard of Isabel Allende. She has published around 20 books and is one of Chile’s most well-known and bestselling authors – over 50 millions books sold worldwide.
She is passionate about her writing and also a wonderful speaker. In this footage, which you can view on our blog, she talks about women and creativity.
Check it out here.
Other upcoming courses
Course: Online Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge - FULL
When: Week beginning Monday 8 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson - FULL
When: Thursday 11 February 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller - FULL
When: Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 February (two-day workshop)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $450
Course: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett - FULL
When: Monday 15 February 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Online Feature Writing Stage 1 with Valerie Khoo
When: Week beginning Monday 15 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Online Creative Writing with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman - FULL
When: Week beginning Monday 15 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Tuesday 16 February 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman - FULL
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 16 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 DAYTIME course with Jeni Mawter
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 18 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter - FULL
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 25 February 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Online Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Week beginning Monday 1 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Online Creative Writing with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman - NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 1 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When: Tuesday 2 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $345
Course: Feature Writing Stage 1 DAYTIME course with Vanessa Waters
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 3 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 5 March 2010 (2-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am - 12 noon
Cost: $75
Course: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson
When: Tuesday 9 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Feature Writing Stage 1 course with Pamela Wilson
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 10 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Self-Publishing: How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Monday 15 March 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Tuesday 23 March 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Seminar: Travel writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 25 March 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis
When: Tuesday 30 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $365
Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 30 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Kate Forsyth
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 8 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Monday starting Monday 12 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 5-day Intensive course with Jeni Mawter
When: Monday 12 April - Friday 16 April 2010 (5 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Feature Writing Stage 2 with Judy Skatssoon
When: Every Wednesday beginning Wednesday 14 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Script Writing for Short Films with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 13 May and 20 May 2010 (two evening seminars)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $165
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 July (two-day workshop)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $450
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 12 August 2010 for six weeks
Time: 10am - 12noon
Cost: $450
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