Sydney Writers’ Centre- Valerie Khoo’s POWER STORIES: THE 8 STORIES YOU MUST TELL TO BUILD AN EPIC BUSINESS & The Creativity Post & Writing Courses & Writing Tours

ydney Writers’ Centre- Valerie Khoo’s POWER STORIES: THE 8 STORIES YOU MUST TELL TO BUILD AN EPIC BUSINESS & The Creativity Post & Writing Courses & Writing Tours

Valerie Khoo on her book POWER STORIES: THE 8 STORIES YOU MUST TELL TO BUILD AN EPIC BUSINESS

It has gone better than I could have possibly imagined, debuting as the number two book in its category (just behind Richard Branson). And this week, it’s ahead of Bill Gates!

Needless to say, the publishers are very happy – and so am I. I’ve learnt so much from the experience and I’m keen to share this with you in our upcoming seminar How to Write a Business Book.

In this seminar, I’m going to reveal all – not only about the the book writing process, but also the strategies, timing and marketing I put in place to promote the book so that it could do so well. You’ll leave with a blueprint on exactly how to write (and promote) your own book. This is the only time this seminar will be held this year.

You’ll discover:
how to make your business book different from the rest of the market
the right way to structure your book
innovative ways to keep your reader interested and engaged
whether you should write it yourself – or outsource to a ghostwriter
your publishing options – mainstream publishers versus self-publishing
how to use your book as a lead generation tool
the basics of publicity and promotion
and MUCH more.
How to Write a Business Book with Valerie Khoo
When: Friday 16 November 2012
Time: 9.30 am – 1.00 pm
Cost: $295

TIP: He, she, huh? How to avoid unclear pronoun referencing
One of the easiest ways to confuse your readers is with an ambiguous pronoun reference. If your pronouns don’t clearly relate back to a specific word (or antecedent) your sentence may not make sense.

There are two ways this could happen. The first is when a pronoun, such as it, they, he, or she, could refer to more than one word. For example:

Jane discussed the new strategy with Jill. She decided to proceed as planned.

It’s not clear in this sentence who decided to proceed, Jane or Jill. You can fix this by re-writing the sentence this way:

After discussing the new strategy with Jill, Jane decided to proceed as planned.

Confusion can also be caused when the pronoun is referring to a word that is implied but not explicitly stated. For example:

Jane says the course is fun to teach because it’s small, and they’re motivated.

Here, it’s not clear what the pronoun they’re refers to, but we can assume it’s the students. So:

Jane says the course is fun to teach because it’s small and the students are motivated.

Student Success – Teng Wei
Congratulations to former student, Teng Wei, who’s just scored a regular writing gig after completing our ONLINE course: Travel Writing with Sue White. He wrote this to us:

I’ve just got an offer for a one-year contract writing a regular column on travel photography related topics. The monthly magazine is called Salam Traveller, and is targeted at Muslim travel readers in Malaysia.
The December 2012 edition will be our first issue to hit the market with 60,000 copies. I’ve been a travel photographer for almost 10 years but my recent online course with Sydney Writers’ Centre has given me the confidence to accept the offer and start writing too.

Well done, Teng! We hope this is the first of many offers.
Upcoming courses
ONLINE COURSE: Creative Writing Stage 1

Boost your creativity and get those ideas for a story out of your head and onto the page. Our five-week ONLINE Course: Creative Write Stage 1 will show you how to write a compelling story. You’ll learn all about character, voice and structure, and discover new ways to kickstart your imagination, in an interactive and encouraging online classroom.

Five-week online course starting Monday 29 October 2012
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

ONLINE COURSE: Travel Writing

If you dream of making a living from writing about your travels, this is the course for you. In five weeks you’ll learn what you need in your travel writing toolkit, how to find inspiration wherever you are, and how to pitch your work to editors. This course is held in our virtual classroom, which means you can do it from wherever you are, whenever suits you!

Five-week online course starting Monday 5 November 2012
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Screenwriting Stage 1

Have a great idea for a movie but aren’t sure how to get the script written? Join us for our five-week Screenwriting Stage 1 course with experienced screenwriter Tim Gooding. You’ll learn the basics of screenwriting and get lots of feedback on your script. By the end of the course you’ll be well on your way to seeing your own film in production.

Five-week course starting Wednesday 7 November 2012
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $395
TIP: What are scare quotes?
Scare quotes are the written equivalent of the air quotes people often make with their fingers when they’re speaking. You’ll see speakers using air quotes (or ersatz quotes) to express sarcasm, irony or satire.

In writing, you’ll see scare quotes used with a similar intent. If you want to indicate that you’re using a word sarcastically or to show suspicion about something, you can use scare quotes. For example:

We could hear the neighbours’ “music” all night.

(Or: We could hear the neighbours’ so-called music all night.)

Make sure that if you do use scare quotes, they really are needed. If you can remove the quotes and achieve the same meaning and tone with your sentence, don’t include them.
Word news – Misogyny
The editors at Macquarie Dictionary hit the news last week when they announced they were broadening the definition of the word misogyny. Coming so soon after Julia Gillard’s fiery, world-famous, speech about sexism and misogyny, many people assume it’s the speech that prompted the change.

But, dictionary editor Sue Butler said, “We decided that we had the basic definition, hatred of women, but that’s not how misogyny has been used for the last 20, 30 years, particularly in feminist language.”

Misogyny is a Greek word – miso- means hate and gyn means woman – so the literal meaning of the word is ‘woman hater’. But the word has had a broader meaning for a long time and even the Oxford English Dictionary saw the need to change its definition back in 2002 and now describes a misogynist as “a person who hates, dislikes, or is prejudiced against women”.

So, as powerful as Julia Gillard’s speech may have been, it’s not the sole reason Macquarie updated their definition.

Plan ahead – Editing Essentials
Editing at work can be tricky. If you’re not confident in your decisions, how will you convince others that the changes should be made? If you want to make sure your company’s documents are well written, and therefore well received, then knowing the basics of editing will help you.

Our one-day Editing Essentials seminar is ideal for anyone who needs to edit documents at work, or for those who’d like an introduction into the world of professional editing. You’ll learn how to edit for structure and style, how to develop and use style guides, how to tackle common dilemmas in writing, and much more.

Editing Essentials with Deb Doyle
Thursday 22 November 2012
Time: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Cost: $450

This week on Writing Bar
We’ve been busy reading the latest releases here at the Sydney Writers’ Centre and have been lucky enough to interview a few of the authors. This week on Writing Bar we speak to the author of Dirt, David Vann. The American author visited us here in Milsons Point to talk about his latest novel and his approach to writing. Check it out here.

We also caught up with Alison Green, publisher and editor at Pantera Press. Pantera has a unique approach to independent publishing and has had lots of success with authors such as Sulari Gentil (winner of this year’s Sisters in Crime Davitt Award) and their ‘Why versus Why’ series. You can watch her full interview here.
Oops word
We recently spotted this sign attached to some kitchen utensils.

We know ‘microwavable’ is a word, but ‘ovenable’? We admire this manufacturer’s attempt at making up words, but think this one might be some way away from dictionary recognition.

WEBPICK: The Creativity Post
Want to know how checking your emails could actually help you meet your deadline? Are you looking for ways to make the most of your creative time? Or are you simply interested in the philosophy and psychology of creativity? Then you should definitely check out The Creativity Post.

The brainchild of three American academics who all specialise in some way in creativity, The Creativity Post is a non-profit platform for sharing the very best content on creativity. It explores everything from the science and philosophy of creativity to the role of creativity in business and entrepreneurship.

Other upcoming courses
Course: Thriller Writing with L.A. Larkin
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 25 October 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $395

Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 29 October 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 29 October 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Online Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge/Nicola Robinson
When: Week beginning Monday 29 October 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Course: Writing About Interiors, Style and Design with Nigel Bartlett
When: Tuesday 30 October and 6 November 2012 (2 evening classes)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $175

Seminar: Blogging for Beginners with Kim Berry – FULL
When: Wednesday 31 October 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $85

Seminar: Business Writing Essentials with Tony Spencer-Smith
When: Friday 2 November 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30 am – 4.30 pm
Cost: $395

Online Course: Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Sue White/Allison Tait – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 5 November 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Online Course: Travel Writing with Sue White
When: Week beginning Monday 5 November 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Course: Screenwriting Stage 1 with Tim Gooding
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 7 November 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Sue White
When: Thursday 8 November 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Cost: $450

Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter
When: Every Monday starting Monday 12 November 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $395

Course: Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Sue White
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 13 November 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Wednesday 14 November 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Cost: $450

Course: Perfecting Your Pitch with Sue White
When: Wednesday 14 November and 21 November 2012 (2 evening classes)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $175

Daytime course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Kate Forsyth
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 15 November 2012 for five weeks
Time: 10.00 am – 12.00 noon
Cost: $395

Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 15 November 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: How to Write a Business Book with Valerie Khoo
When: Friday 16 November 2012 (half-day seminar)
Time: 9.30 am – 1.00 pm
Cost: $295

Seminar: Editing Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Thursday 22 November 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Cost: $450

Seminar: Writing for the web with Grant Doyle
When: Monday 26 November 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00 am – 4.00 pm
Cost: $450

Seminar: PR and Media Releases that Get Results with Catriona Pollard
When: Wednesday 28 November 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Cost: $495

Seminar: Self-publishing – How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 28 November 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $85

Seminar: From Blog to Book with Kerri Sackville
When: Thursday 29 November 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $85

Seminar: Blogging for Beginners with Kim Berry
When: Monday 3 December 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $85

Seminar: Introduction to Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 5 December 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $85

Seminar: Build Your Profile on Twitter with Kerri Sackville
When: Wednesday 12 December 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $85

Seminar: How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 12 December 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $85

Seminar: How to create and sell your eBook with Anna Maguire – NEW COURSE
When: Thursday 13 December 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $85

Dates for 2013
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 17 January 2013 for six weeks
Time: 10.00 am – 12.00 noon
Cost: $450

Course: Writing Picture Books with Cathie Tasker
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 17 January 2013 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

WEEKEND course: Travel Writing with Sue White
When: Saturday 19 January and Sunday 20 January 2013 (2 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Cost: $395

WEEKEND Course: Travel Memoir with Claire Scobie – NEW DATE
When: Saturday 2 February and Sunday 3 February 2012 (2 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Cost: $395

WEEKEND Course: Write a Chick-Lit Novel with Lisa Heidke – NEW DATE
When: Saturday 2 February and Sunday 3 February 2012 (2 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Cost: $395

Course: Introduction to Novel Writing with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 21 February 2013 for six weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $495

Course: Travel Writing with Sue White
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 21 February 2013 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

2013 WRITING TOURS
Food Writing in Vietnam with Carli Ratcliff – NEW TOUR
Arrival: Saturday 6 April 2013
Departure: Saturday 12 April 2013

Writing in Bali with Patti Miller
Arrival: Saturday 3 August 2013
Departure: Saturday 10 August 2013

Writing in Paris with Patti Miller
Arrival: Thursday 24 October 2013
Departure: Saturday 9 November 2013

Sydney Writers’ Centre
Suite 3, 55 Lavender Street Milsons Point NSW 2061
http://www.sydneywriterscentre.com.au

Sydney Writers’ Centre- Writing Courses Make your travels pay with Travel Writing; How to write for kids and young adults and many more

Sydney Writers’ Centre- Make your travels pay with Travel Writing; How to write for kids and young adults and many more

How to Build Your Profile Using Twitter

In the old days, most authors could rely on their publishers to secure publicity, organise book launches and promote the book. However, increasingly, you need to rely on yourself to build a following of people who are likely to:

(a) buy your book
(b) spread the word about your book to their friends and followers.

In fact, if you’re serious about book sales, you should seriously think about how to build your profile as a writer. The most effective way to do this is online because you’ll reach the most people this way. That’s why I’m so thrilled about our new seminar How to Build Your Profile Using Twitter.

You’ll discover:

•Twitter — what it is and why it matters
•All the terminology — @, RT, MT, DM — so you can use Twitter without worrying you’ll make a fool of yourself!
•How to find the right people to “follow” and how to get them to follow you back
•The best tools for using Twitter — there’s so much more out there than just Twitter.com for managing Twitter
•How to use Twitter to have an impact on your brand and profile as well as measuring what that impact is.
How to Build Your Profile Using Twitter with Steven Lewis
When: Monday 23 April 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm
Cost: $85

What’s new at the Sydney Writers’ Centre

•Filling fast: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman, starts Tuesday 24 April 2012 – only 3
places left!

•I recently interviewed Unmarketing author Scott Stratten. You can watch the video on our Writing Bar blog.

•Our Writing the Senses in Bali course is almost full – there’s only 1 place left! Will you be joining us this year?

Make your travels pay
Travel the world and get paid for it. It can be done! If you’re passionate about writing and travel and want to learn how to combine the two, then join us for our next Travel Writing course with Sue White.

Success as a travel writer requires an eye for interesting stories, knowing how to structure an article, and knowing how to sell it – all skills you’ll learn over five weeks in this course. By the end of the course, you’ll have all the nuts and bolts of travel writing and be ready to explore a world of writing!

What past participants say:
“The course content is exceptional and covers all aspects of travel writing. Sue is a fantastic teacher and shares her knowledge in a fun and interactive environment.”
- Krystal Davidson

“Sue is very charismatic. It was enjoyable to go through the course with her. At every point she gave an example of her own experience which prepared each of us on what to expect and how to get into writing.”
- Christiane Abou Taan

This course is taught by freelance writer, Sue White. She’s lost count of the number of countries she’s visited for work and play. As a travel writer, she has written about everything from the Golden Temple (Amritsar, India) to Gianni Versace’s 24-carat gold toilet (Miami, USA) while indulging her own itchy feet.

Travel Writing with Sue White
When: Thursdays starting Thursday 26 April 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm
Cost: $395

New Queensland Literary Awards
Many in the arts and literary world were shocked when Queensland Premier, Campbell Newman, recently cancelled the Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards. In fact, there was such a big response to the news, two Queensland authors – Matthew Condon and Krissy Kneen – decided to launch their own state literary award. And entries are now open!

There are 14 categories in the competition (the same as the axed Premier’s awards), covering fiction, non-fiction, children’s and young adult’s books, poetry, screenwriting and much more.

The competition is open to writers all over Australia and submissions close on Sunday 6 May 2012.

Write for kids and young adults
There’s a lot more to writing books for children and young adults than meets the eye. That’s why publishers are always on the look out for kids’ books that are engaging and inspiring.

Whether you’re still nutting out your idea for a kids’ book or you’ve been working on a young adult novel, the ONLINE COURSE Writing Books for Children and Young Adults is your chance to learn from an industry expert. You’ll discover how to find the right voice for your characters, how to structure your story, and how to get an editor to take notice of your work.

What past participants say:
“I enjoyed being challenged to actually push through barriers in my thinking and achieve something new and satisfying. I loved doing it online – it really suits my lifestyle.”
- Jo Henwood

“The online course has opened a venue for me and given me insights into things I didn’t think possible. Now my imagination is truly the limit! I’m thrilled with the results.”
- Lynn De Lacey Frost

ONLINE COURSE Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Juidth Ridge/Nicola Robinson
When: Week beginning Monday 23 April 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Why you need to blog for business
Would you like to set up a blog for your business, but don’t know how to get started? Have you been blogging for your company for a while but would like to know how to build your audience? Whether you’re new to blogging or have some experience, our Blogging for Business seminar is essential if you’re building your business blog.

In this one-day seminar you’ll learn about the difference between a blog and a website, the terminology of blogging, what your readers expect from your blog, and, most importantly, how to make your blog stand out.

What past participants say:
“Excellent. Steven was well organised, informative, knowledgeable and in-tune with what we required. He pitched it exactly at the group’s level, the pace was great and we covered an enormous amount of information.”
- Joni Benjamin

“Steven is a very entertaining and informative presenter. His advice was practical and relevant. Excellent!”
- Rebekah Campbell

This seminar is taught by Steven Lewis. Steven has consulted on blogging, podcasting and other Web 2.0 tools for companies such as Westpac and IAG. For Tourism Tasmania he created a ground-breaking series of travel podcasts, with similar projects in the works for companies like V Australia and Time Out. He blogs at http://www.taleist.com

Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis
When: Friday 27 April 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30 am – 4.30 pm
Cost: $395

What we’re reading

This week Sydney Writers’ Centre course manager, Danielle Williams, is reading A TIGER IN EDEN by Chris Flynn. She writes:

When I first started reading this book, the first person narration in the distinct Irish brogue and the, um, colourful language, made me wonder if I would even finish it. But a couple of chapters in, I was won over.

A TIGER IN EDEN is a worthy debut novel by Irish born Australian writer, Chris Flynn. It follows a young Loyalist fighter from Belfast, Billy Montgomery, whose violent past forces him to flee to Thailand. Much of his time there is spent drinking, fighting and womanising, until he joins a Buddhist retreat for 10 days and he is gradually forced to confront his past.

The mean streets of mid-1990s Belfast and the backpacker trail of Thailand are worlds apart, but Flynn manages to create a real sense of both places and Billy is a convincing and likeable character (despite his questionable behaviour). The novel also explores the hedonistic vibe of Thailand, shining a light on the more unpleasant aspects of tourism.

There is lots of strong language and descriptions of Billy’s various exploits in this book, so don’t read this if you’re easily offended. If you can get past that, this is an enjoyable and often funny read.

WEBPICK: Digital Publishing Australia

The publishing world is changing and for many writers, this change is an exciting opportunity to explore new ways of getting their work out there. Digital publishing is all the rage but it can be overwhelming. So the Copyright Agency has put together a website to answer all your digital publishing questions.

Digital Publishing Australia includes lists of resources, contacts and case studies, as well as articles from authors who’ve experimented with digital publishing themselves. There’s also lots of updates about what major publishers are doing in digital publishing.

Other upcoming courses
Seminar: Successful Freelancing with Valerie Khoo and Gayle Bryant
When: Thursday 19 April 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $85

Online Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge/Nicola Robinson
When: Week beginning Monday 23 April 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Seminar: Build Your Profile Using Twitter with Steven Lewis – NEW SEMINAR
When: Monday 23 April 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $85

Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 24 April 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $395

Course: Travel Writing with Sue White
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 26 April 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis
When: Friday 27 April 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30 am – 4.30 pm
Cost: $395

Online Course: Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Sue White/Allison Tait – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 30 April 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 30 April 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Seminar: Editing Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Thursday 3 May 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Cost: $450

Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 3 May 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: How to Write a Business Book with Valerie Khoo
When: Friday 4 May 2012 (half-day seminar)
Time: 9.30 am – 1.00 pm
Cost: $295

Seminar: How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Monday 7 May 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $85

Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 7 May 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Online Course: Travel Writing with Sue White – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 7 May 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Seminar: Business Writing Essentials with Tony Spencer-Smith – NEW DATE
When: Tuesday 8 May 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30 am – 4.30 pm
Cost: $395

Course: Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Marina Go – NEW DATE
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 9 May 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Writing for the web with Grant Doyle
When: Thursday 10 May 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00 am – 4.00 pm
Cost: $450

Seminar: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Tuesday 15 May 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Cost: $450

Seminar: Introduction to Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Tuesday 15 May 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $85

Seminar: Perfect your Proofreading with Deb Doyle
When: Thursday 17 May 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30 am – 4.30 pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Sell Your eBook on Amazon with Steven Lewis
When: Monday 21 May 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $85

Program: Write Your Novel with Pamela Freeman – FULL
When: Every Monday starting Monday 21 May 2012 for six months
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $1980

Seminar: From Blog to Book with Kerri Sackville – NEW DATE
When: Tuesday 22 May 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $85

Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Sue White – NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 23 May 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Cost: $450

Course: Travel Memoir with Claire Scobie
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 23 May 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: PR and Media Releases that Get Results with Catriona Pollard
When: Thursday 24 May 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Cost: $495

Course: Screenwriting Stage 1 with Tim Gooding – NEW DATE
When: Every Monday starting Monday 28 May 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $395

Course: Introduction to Novel Writing with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 29 May 2012 for six weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $495

Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 29 May 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Self-Publishing – How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 7 June 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $85

Course: Writing Picture Books with Cathie Tasker
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 13 June 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Food Writing with Carli Ratcliff – NEW COURSE
When: Saturday 16 June and Sunday 17 June 2012 (2 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Cost: $395

Course: Write a chick-lit novel with Lisa Heidke – NEW COURSE
When: Saturday 16 June and Sunday 17 June 2012 (2 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Cost: $395

Course: Writing about Interiors, Style and Design with Nigel Bartlett
When: Wednesday 27 June and 4 July 2012 (2 evening classes)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $175

Course: Screenwriting Stage 2 with Tim Gooding
When: Every Monday starting Monday 9 July 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $395

Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller – NEW DATE
When: Every Friday starting Friday 3 August 2012 for six weeks
Time: 10.00 am – 12 noon
Cost: $450

Course: Thriller Writing with L.A. Larkin
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 9 August 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $395

WRITING TOURS
Writing in Bali with Patti Miller
When: Saturday 21 July to Saturday 28 July 2012

Writing in Paris with Patti Miller – FULL
Arrival: Thursday 18 October 2012
Departure: Saturday 3 November 2012

Wishing you much writing success,

Sydney Writers’ Centre
Suite 3, 55 Lavender Street Milsons Point NSW 2061
http://www.sydneywriterscentre.com.au

Sydney Writers’ Centre- Get your script on to the screen & Writing Classes & Kerri Sackville’s Best-selling memoir WHEN MY HUSBAND DOES THE DISHES: A MEMIOR OF MARRIAGE AND MOTHERHOOD

Sydney Writers’ Centre- Get your script on to the screen

Kerri Sackville used her blog to land herself not just one book deal – but two! She is following up her best-selling memoir WHEN MY HUSBAND DOES THE DISHES: A MEMIOR OF MARRIAGE AND MOTHERHOOD with her second book THE LITTLE BOOK OF ANXIETY to be released next month.

In this session, Kerri reveals:

•the steps she took to build a fan base for her blog
•how she built her profile online
•why you need to contribute to other blogs (and how to do this)
•strategies to get noticed by publishers
•how to make yourself a “marketable” author
•and much more
There are only a handful of places left!

Blog to Book with Kerri Sackville in conversation with Valerie Khoo
When: Monday 16 April 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm
Cost: $85

What’s new at the Sydney Writers’ Centre

•NEW COURSE: Write a Chick-Lit Novel with Lisa Heidke, Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 June 2012.

•Check out what we did on our long weekend with Andrew’s “Week that was” on our Writing Bar.

•Filling fast: Online course: Magazine and Newspaper Writing, starts Monday 16 April 2012.

How to get your script onto the screen!
Want to overcome the terror of the blank page? If you’ve got an idea for the next Aussie blockbuster but aren’t sure how to get the script written, our Screenwriting Stage 1 course is for you.


During this course, you’ll have an opportunity to develop a script you’re working on, or get started on a new script, and receive feedback from an industry professional. By focusing on the three essential elements of a good script – character, story and structure – you’ll gain confidence in your writing abilities and get that script written!


What past participants say:
“If you want to write a screenplay but don’t know where to start, then you must try the screenwriting course at Sydney Writer’s Centre. The course will tell you all the basics and actually have you starting to write almost straight away. And meeting others interested in the area is invaluable.”
- Paul Sorauer

“I enjoyed the practical approach to screenwriting. Tim is direct, motivating and his experience is invaluable!”
- Adrienne Byrt

This course is presented by Tim Gooding who writes for stage, film and television. He has written television drama – Rafferty’s Rules, Blue Heelers, Stingers, Water Rats, All Saints – and comedy – The Aunty Jack Show, The Norman Gunston Show, Wollongong The Brave, Ratbags.

Screenwriting Stage 1 with Tim Gooding
When: Mondays starting Monday 16 April 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm
Cost: $395

Have you already completed Screenwriting Stage 1, or have a script you’ve been working on for a while and want to be sure you’re on the right track? Our Screenwriting Stage 2 course is your next step.

Screenwriting Stage 2 with Tim Gooding
When: Mondays starting Monday 9 July 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm
Cost: $395

2012 Sydney Writers’ Festival

Time really does fly. It seems like only yesterday we were preparing for the SWF for 2011 and planning which sessions we’d be going to and who we would interview. And now it’s on again! The Sydney Writers’ Festival program for 2012 is out now and tickets are selling fast.

There are some great sessions including international guests like Jeffrey Eugenides, Edmund de Waal, Jeanette Winterson, Hilary Mantel and Stella Rimington. We’re also looking forward to hearing from local guests like Marieke Hardy, Thomas Keneally, Malcom Knox and Annabel Crabb.

To help whet your appetite for the festival proper, there will be an “Out of Season” event with one of last year’s headlining guests,

A C Grayling. You can find out more about it on the Writing Bar blog.

To download a program and book tickets visit http://www.swf.org.au

More Student Success

Congratulations to Anna Spargo-Ryan, whose blog Judging Your Breakfast, has been announced as a finalist in the Saveur Best Food Blog Awards. The competition attracted over 40,000 entries, so Anna’s spot on the list of finalists is an incredible achievement. When she wrote to us she said, “The Sydney Writers’ Centre really did give me the confidence that I needed to put my writing out there. I’m so grateful to you, Valerie Khoo!”

Good luck Anna – we can’t wait to hear the result!

Anna has also entered our very own blog competition – the Best Australian Blogs Competition. Have you entered yet? We’ve almost reached the 1,000 entry mark and have $15,000 worth of prizes to give away. So if you’re an Australian blogger, get your entry in before 5pm Friday 13 April 2012. (That’s tomorrow!)

Get started on your novel or short story – learn from anywhere in the world!

It doesn’t matter where you live. You can still access the wonderful resources and tutors at the Sydney Writers’ Centre. So if you’ve always wanted to get started on your novel or short story, join us for our most popular online course: Creative Writing Stage 1.

In this five-week course you’ll learn:

•the art of writing fiction
•you’ll cover voice, plot, character and structure
•you’ll get lots of writing practice and valuable feedback from your tutor.
This year we’ve had students from all over Australia and as far away as England, China and the USA.

What past students say:
“It was easy and convenient to do the creative writing course online. The best thing was being able to listen to the presentation and do the assignment in my own time, when it suited me best. It worked around me, instead of me trying to work around it.”
- Glenda Hindley

“I found the workshopping an invaluable tool. I enjoyed reading other people’s work and the feedback given to them also helped me implement changes for the better in my own work.”
- Olivia Blackburn

Online course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman
When: Week beginning Monday 16 April 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Text Prize for Young Adult and Children’s Writing
Do you have an unpublished manuscript for younger readers you’ve been working on? Then don’t forget about the Text Prize, the annual prize awarded to an outstanding manuscript for young adults or children.

This fantastic prize for published or un-published writers offers a publishing contract with Text for the winning manuscript as well as a $10,000 advance on publishing royalties.

Submissions are opening soon. Entries can be sent from Monday 30 April until the closing date of Friday 1 June 2012.

The pain of writing
It’s impossible not to be impressed by the beauty and skill on display in some of the world’s oldest illuminated manuscripts. But pity the poor monks who had to do the work… According to some of the notes scribbled by early writers in the margins of their work, writing really was a chore. Here are some examples we found on brainpickings.org

“Writing is excessive drudgery. It crooks your back, it dims your sight, it twists your stomach and your sides.”

“As the harbor is welcome to the sailor, so is the last line to the scribe.”

And who hasn’t thought this at the end of a long week:

“Now I’ve written the whole thing: for Christ’s sake give me a drink.”

NEW SEMINAR: Build Your Profile on Twitter
What do you know about Twitter? Do you know it has over 300 million users, including many authors, publishers, and self-publishers? Do you know how to retweet, how to build your followers, or who you should follow?

Twitter can be overwhelming for new users but it’s actually very simple. It allows you to broadcast messages of 140 characters or less to anyone who’d like to receive them. But it’s also a powerful tool for building your profile.

Our new seminar, Build Your Profile Using Twitter, will help demystify social networking and how to use it. This two-hour seminar is perfect for any writer or business owner who wants to know how to make Twitter work for them.

Build Your Profile with Twitter with Steven Lewis
When: Monday 23 April 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $85

What we’re reading
This week Sydney Writers’ Centre office manager, Andrew Gillman, is reading Endworlds by Alan Dean Foster and Nicholas Read. He writes:

I’m a great believer in new and exciting concepts. While you can never predict if they will succeed brilliantly or fail spectacularly, the fact that someone has dared to try something different always impresses me.

That’s why I embraced Endworlds by Alan Dean Foster and Nicholas Read, a daring experiment in digital publishing. At its core it’s an imaginative sci-fi novel that centres on the discovery of another galaxy that overlaps with Earth’s own corner of the universe, and which will likely destroy us when our planet flies through its debris field.

But the news of this discovery is suppressed by a decision that it’s not worth saving all of humanity. The only people who will survive this apocalypse, it is decided, are the world’s elite who secretly plan to save only themselves and their families.

There’s clearly a lot at stake, and it’s a clever gripping read.

The e-book comes with a full symphony orchestra soundtrack, high quality cover art and all manner of technical diagrams and maps. It has also spawned a social media frenzy with a race on by fans to find the pieces of the anti-doomsday device hidden in locations around the world, including Australia.

Time will tell if it succeeds as a concept but it is an audacious bid to redefine how we read that succeeds primarily because it remembers that at the heart of any concept you must have a great story, well told.

WEBPICK: 10 Crazy and Unusual Book Designs
When you think about it, it makes perfect sense to print a cookbook on pasta, the same pasta you’ll use to bake your own lasagne. In fact, many of the unusual book designs in this selection of 10 are not only beautiful, but also practical in their own way.

Along with two edible books, there’s a glow in the dark book, a book you have to destroy to read, a growing book and a book made from coffee.

Other upcoming courses
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Every Friday starting Friday 13 April 2012 for six weeks
Time: 10.00 am – 12 noon
Cost: $450

Seminar: From Blog to Book with Kerri Sackville
When: Monday 16 April 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $85

Course: Screenwriting Stage 1 with Tim Gooding
When: Every Monday starting Monday 16 April 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $395

Online Course: Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1 with Sue White
When: Week beginning Monday 16 April 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 16 April 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Seminar: Business Writing Essentials with Tony Spencer-Smith – FULL
When: Tuesday 17 April 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30 am – 4.30 pm
Cost: $395

Course: Daytime Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 19 April 2012 for five weeks
Time: 10.00 am – 12 noon
Cost: $395

Seminar: Successful Freelancing with Valerie Khoo and Gayle Bryant
When: Thursday 19 April 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $85

Online Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge/Nicola Robinson
When: Week beginning Monday 23 April 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Seminar: Build Your Profile Using Twitter with Steven Lewis – NEW SEMINAR
When: Monday 23 April 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $85

Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 24 April 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $395

Course: Travel Writing with Sue White
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 26 April 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis
When: Friday 27 April 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30 am – 4.30 pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Editing Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Thursday 3 May 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Cost: $450

Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter – NEW DATE
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 3 May 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: How to Write a Business Book with Valerie Khoo
When: Friday 4 May 2012 (half-day seminar)
Time: 9.30 am – 1.00 pm
Cost: $295

Seminar: How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Monday 7 May 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $85

Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 7 May 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Online Course: Travel Writing with Sue White – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 7 May 2012 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Seminar: Business Writing Essentials with Tony Spencer-Smith – NEW DATE
When: Tuesday 8 May 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30 am – 4.30 pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Writing for the web with Grant Doyle
When: Thursday 10 May 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00 am – 4.00 pm
Cost: $450

Seminar: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Tuesday 15 May 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Cost: $450

Seminar: Introduction to Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Tuesday 15 May 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $85

Seminar: Perfect your Proofreading with Deb Doyle
When: Thursday 17 May 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30 am – 4.30 pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Sell Your eBook on Amazon with Steven Lewis
When: Monday 21 May 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $85

Program: Write Your Novel with Pamela Freeman – FULL
When: Every Monday starting Monday 21 May 2012 for six months
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $1980

Course: Travel Memoir with Claire Scobie
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 23 May 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: PR and Media Releases that Get Results with Catriona Pollard
When: Thursday 24 May 2012 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Cost: $495

Course: Introduction to Novel Writing with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 29 May 2012 for six weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $495

Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 29 May 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Self-Publishing – How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 7 June 2012 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $85

Course: Writing Picture Books with Cathie Tasker – NEW DATE
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 13 June 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Food Writing with Carli Ratcliff – NEW COURSE
When: Saturday 16 June and Sunday 17 June 2012 (2 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Cost: $395

Course: Write a chick-lit novel with Lisa Heidke – NEW COURSE
When: Saturday 16 June and Sunday 17 June 2012 (2 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Cost: $395

Course: Writing about Interiors, Style and Design with Nigel Bartlett
When: Wednesday 27 June and 4 July 2012 (2 evening classes)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $175

Course: Screenwriting Stage 2 with Tim Gooding
When: Every Monday starting Monday 9 July 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $395

Course: Thriller Writing with L.A. Larkin – NEW DATE
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 9 August 2012 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $395

WRITING TOURS
Writing in Bali with Patti Miller
When: Saturday 21 July to Saturday 28 July 2012

Writing in Paris with Patti Miller – FULL
Arrival: Thursday 18 October 2012
Departure: Saturday 3 November 2012

Sydney Writers’ Centre
Suite 3, 55 Lavender Street Milsons Point NSW 2061
http://www.sydneywriterscentre.com.au

Sydney Writers Centre- Our Writing Tours to Paris and Bali – only a few places left!

Our Writing Tours to Paris and Bali – only a few places left!
Our International Writing Tours are a unique experience offering inspiration and motivation to writers at any stage of their journey.

Writing in Bali
You can enjoy 8 days in the artistic centre of Ubud, Bali, and learn about the Art and Craft of Writing the Senses. Staying in your own room in a beautiful resort set amongst the rice paddies, you’ll discover how to enrich your writing and re-awaken your senses with Patti Miller.

The Art and Craft of Writing the Senses in Bali with Patti Miller
When: Saturday 21 July to Saturday 28 July 2012

Living and writing in Paris
If memoir is more your thing, why not immerse yourself in French culture, food and literature and join our Writing in Paris tour. You’ll spend 17 days exploring the City of Light, staying in your very own Parisian apartment, and undertaking writing instruction from Patti Miller – one of Australia’s best writing tutors. This tour is very popular and fills quickly, so don’t miss out!

Writing in Paris with Patti Miller
When: Thursday 18 October to Saturday 3 November 2012
For early bird discounts full payment is due by Saturday 31 March 2012.