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Free newsletter from the Sydney Writers' Centre packed with information about our upcoming courses and events, writing competitions, festivals, free articles on writing as well as freelance news and opportunities. Here's a collection of some of our past newsletters.

4 March 2010

Thursday, March 04, 2010
NEW COURSE – Perfecting Your Pitch; Norman Lindsay Festival of Children’s Literature; Start your writing journey online; Join us in Bali for Writing the senses

In this issue:
  • TIP: Antagonyms and Contranyms
  • Perfect your pitch and get published in magazines and newspapers
  • Norman Lindsay Festival of Children’s Literature
  • Start your writing journey online – Creative Writing starts next week
  • Word crimes
  • Writing in Bali
  • How to blog for business
  • WEBPICK: Write it Sideways


One of the most rewarding parts of my job is when I see our students succeed and get published. I’m always thrilled to get emails from students who have had their first article or book published. (Sometimes, I think I’m more excited than they are!)

I’m even more thrilled when a students goes the whole way to carve out a successful new career as a writer. One such student is Sue White, who did her first course at the Sydney Writers’ Centre four years ago. Since then, she has done many courses here and, over time, has become one of Australia’s most in-demand and profilic freelance writers. Her writing assignments take her around the globe and it’s been phenomenal to watch her success.

That’s why I’m so happy to announce that Sue is now part of the Sydney Writers’ Centre team as one of our presenters. Over the years, I’ve personally mentored Sue and also edited a number of publications where I have commissioned her as a writer. I’ve always been so impressed with her pitches – that is, what you write to an editor to “sell” your story. In fact, I can honestly say – hand on heart – that I think she writes the best pitches of any writer I’ve ever worked with. That’s why she’s the perfect presenter
for our new course, aptly called … Perfecting Your Pitch.







Perfect your pitch and get published
If you’ve finished our Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers course and are ready to take on your freelance writing career, then we’re sure you’ll love our newest course.

Successful feature writers obviously know how to write a good article. But they also know how to pitch their stories to editors – and get them published! So, we’ve developed Perfecting Your Pitch, a course to help you refine your approach to editors and ultimately get more articles published.

In this course you’ll learn how to:
  • overcome common hurdles that occur in the pitching stage
  • refine and tailor a pitch to a specific audience or publication
  • keep your confidence levels high during the pitching process
  • sell your expertise on a given topic as part of your pitch
  • better understand the needs of editors when they are selecting stories
  • develop a step-by-step approach to transform your pitching "hit rate"

The course is taught by Sue White
, a freelance writer whose work has featured in the Sydney Morning Herald, Vogue Australia, Travel + Leisure (Australia), Sun Herald Travel, Women’s Health, Vogue Entertaining + Travel, CNN Traveller, various ABC outlets, Green Living, G magazine and numerous other publications in both Australia and overseas.

Perfecting Your Pitch with Sue White
When
: Tuesdays 11 and 18 May 2010 (two evening classes)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $175

Click here for more information or to enrol online.





TIP: Antagonyms and Contranyms
This style tip comes from our latest favourite grammar book, My Grammar and I (or should that be ‘Me’?), by Caroline Taggart and J A Wines.

A word that has two meanings that are the opposite of each other is called antagonym or contranym.

The horse will bolt unless you bolt the stable door.
The soldier was bound for home, when they caught him and bound him.
We escaped from the mudflats as fast as we could, before we were stuck fast.


These examples are all grammatically correct, every word is used accurately, but they still manage to sound silly. Best to avoid using them in the same sentence.






Norman Lindsay Festival of Children's Literature
The Norman Lindsay Festival of Children’s Literature is on again - and this year they’re celebrating their 10th anniversary! The festival will again be held at Faulconbridge in the Blue Mountains, the home of artist and writer Norman Lindsay, and his most famous creation, The Magic Pudding.  

There’ll be a host of different authors and illustrators talking about writing for kids, as well as workshops and entertainment for the young - and young at heart! New and established authors who’ll be appearing include Aaron Blabey, Anne Spudvilas, Debra Oswald, Tristan Bancks, Freya Blackwood and Stephen Measday, as well as a special guest appearance by Emily Rodda.

So, pack the car and a picnic and head down to Faulconbridge on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 March 2010. Details about the festival, as well as a writing competition for budding writers aged 8-12 years, can be found at:
www.normanlindsay.com.au/events/festival-childrens-literature.php





Online Creative Writing – starts the week beginning 8 March
Want to write short stories, a novel, or your memoir? Our next Online Creative Writing course starts soon and it could be just the motivation you need to start your writing project.

This interactive online course contains the same content as our popular face-to-face Creative Writing Stage 1. By the end of the course, your writing skills will be improved and you’ll have more confidence to write your stories.   

This creative writing course will teach you how to:
  • kick-start the creative writing process
  • tap into your imagination
  • draw from everyday experiences and memories
  • examine different types of creative writing
  • give structure to your writing
  • use characters and dialogue

Here’s what some of our most recent participants said about the course:

‘The biggest benefit for me was learning about structure - I hadn't been able to differential structure from plot until it was explained during this course. It was so easy and convenient - I could listen to the MP3, read the handouts and work on my assignments when it suited me. I could plan the study around my schedule and if I wanted to study at midnight, I could.’
- Judi Ashworth

‘[It was] relevant and informative, but also interesting and enjoyable. Having the lectures as downloadable MP3s was particularly convenient for me. I know now a lot more about the technique of writing creative fiction, and have what will be useful resource materials for when I seek to have something published.’
- Peter Tiffen

Online Creative Writing Stage 1 with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman
When
: Week beginning Monday 8 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

If you'd prefer to join us in our training room in Milsons Point we also have a face to face course starting soon.
Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter
When
: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 16 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395

Click here for more information or to enrol online.







Word Crimes
This surprising word crime was sent to us by one of our readers, Kate Johnston. (Thanks Kate!) This photo of a shop front in Newtown contains two word crimes, which we hope were just unfortunate typos.







Writing in Bali
This year, we’ve had unprecedented demand for our Writing in Paris trip. It’s now full, and details for our 2011 trip will be announced soon. If you’ve missed out, but still want to take part in one of our unique writing journeys, we’re now taking bookings for our first ever Writing the sense in Bali.

For 7 days, you’ll stay in one of Ubud’s beautiful resorts. In the morning, take part in Patti Miller’s Writing the Senses, a course for any writer wanting to enhance the richness of their writing. During your free time, enjoy the delights of Ubud, a place known for it’s natural beauty and also as the artistic centre of Bali. You’ll also have the option to stay on in Ubud for the annual Readers and Writers Festival, one of the region’s most prestigious writers festivals.

This writing course will be held by Patti Miller, a highly experienced writer of both memoir and fiction, and a writing teacher. She is the author of the best-selling Writing Your Life, The Last One Who Remembers, Child, Whatever The Gods Do and The Memoir Book. She has taught writing at university and writers’ centres for over 20 years and has taken a number of writing workshops in Paris and Fiji. Her inspiring approach to writing is both passionate and attentive to the art and craft of writing. For a list of publications and further information on her work see her website: www.lifestories.com.au.
 
Writing the senses in Bali with Patti Miller
When
: Thursday 30 September to Tuesday 5 October 2010
(plus optional 4-day Ubud Writers and Readers Festival pass)

Click here more information and an itinerary.






DID YOU KNOW? “quid pro quo”
Sometimes, you see the term “quid pro quo” used.

For example:
“I can offer you my graphic design services quid pro quo for some of your personal training sessions.”

OR more famously, it was used by Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs:

“If I help you, Clarice, it will be ‘turns’ with us too. Quid pro quo. I tell you things, you tell me things. Not about this case, though. About yourself. Quid pro quo. Yes or no?”

“Quid pro quo” comes from the Latin and means “something for something”. Basically, it’s often used when you are exchanging favours or services.






Blogging for business
Many companies and small business are embracing the use of social media, particularly blogs. A good corporate blog can help you engage and inform your customers and staff, and even increase your customer base.

Our blogging for business seminar will give you the perfect introduction to the world of blogging, and how to get the most out of your blog.

The seminar will cover:
  • the critical distinctions between a blog and an ordinary company webpage
  • the terminology of blogging
  • what readers expect from a corporate blog
  • how to write a blog that stands out
  • finding and building an audience
  • how and what to measure
  • common internal objections to blogging and how to overcome them
  • best practice policies and guidelines for corporate bloggers
  • building the business case for your blog
  • what you should be looking for in your blogging software

Here’s what some recent participants said about the seminar:

‘Very practical and Steve was very happy to answer questions outside of the course content. My first blog post went out two days ago.’
- Margaret Carey

‘Perfect pace to learn and be stimulated - great presenter and teacher. Dragged me out of the dark ages of social networking knowledge to be talking the talk!’
- Sally Berry

Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis
When
: Tuesday 30 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $365

Click here for more information or to enrol online.






WEBPICK: Write it Sideways
Suzannah Windsor Freeman’s blog is based on this simple premise – ‘You write stuff. You can’t not write. Don’t waste it. Don’t let go of your calling.’

Originally from Canada, but now calling Australia home, she’s a writer and educator with plenty of experience helping writers hone their craft. Her blog is a combination of writing and publishing advice (with an Australian perspective – yay!) as well as author interviews, grammar tips, and posts on motivation and productivity.

Check it out here
 










Other upcoming courses
Course: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett - FULL
When
: Friday 5 March 2010 (2-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $75

Course: Online Creative Writing with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman
When
: Week beginning Monday 8 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395


Course: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson - FULL
When:
Tuesday 9 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395

Course: Feature Writing Stage 1 course with Pamela Wilson - FULL
When
: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 10 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395


Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When
: Friday 12 March 2010 (2-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $75

Course: Online Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Week beginning Monday 15 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Course: Online Feature Writing Stage 1 with Valerie Khoo - NEW DATE
When
: Week beginning Monday 15 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
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

Course: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When
: Tuesday 16 March
2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395


Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter
When
: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 16 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395


Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett - FULL
When
: Tuesday 23 March 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75


Seminar: Writing for the web with Grant Doyle
When
: Thursday 25 March 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm
Cost: $365


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: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson
When:
Tuesday 6 April 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
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: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett - NEW DATE
When
: Friday 9 April 2010 (2-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $75


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 1 with Pamela Wilson
When
: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 14 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
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

Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When
: Friday 30 April 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $365

Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When
: Tuesday 4 May 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75


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

Writing Tour: Writing in Bali with Patti Miller
When:
30 September to 5 October 2010

Writing Tour: Writing in Paris with Patti Miller - FULL
Dates for 2010:
Arrival
: Thursday 21 October 2010
Departure: Saturday 6 November 2010