In this issue:
- TIP: Eggcorns
- Start your creative writing journey now!
- Congratulations to Patti Miller
- FAW Shoalhaven Poetry Award
- Blogging for your business
- Book giveaway – Sara Foster Come Back to Me
- The journalist’s toolbox – Feature Writing Stage 2
- WEBPICK: Query Shark
I’m so thrilled at the passion and interaction from our students in Online Writing Books for Children. As you know, this course was a long time in the making – and that’s because we are committed to creating excellent courses for our students. And I’m so happy to say that it’s paid off. The current group of students in the course seem to be having a ball, and learning a lot about writing books for children. You’ll learn how to write a book for kids that will engage, inspire and entertain. The course will cover:
- 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
Here’s what students from the recent course said:
"This course was full of practical exercises and insightful readings. The Online Writing Books for Children course with Judith Ridge clarified many aspects of the writing process and the specific needs of a younger audience. As a busy mother of two I found the online mode flexible and convenient."
- Kirryn Mills
"It is very convenient and I had no issues with the website. The format works very well. I enjoyed being able to download lectures whenever I wanted and living in the ACT online courses are the best way for me to access this sort of knowledge. I have taken on board some of the comments about the piece I'm working on, and I'll be able to incorporate the theory about structure and plot into my own stories."
- Lisa Chirio
Online Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge/Nicola Robinson
When: Week beginning Monday 29 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
TIP: Eggcorns
You may have noticed that many of our weekly tips include commonly confused words and phrases, such as last week’s tip on ‘installed or in store’. Well, here’s the term for it.
According to Wikipedia, an eggcorn is ‘an idiosyncratic substitution of a word or phrase for a word or words that sound similar or identical in the speaker's dialect. The new phrase introduces a meaning that is different from the original, but plausible in the same context’.
These eggcorns (the name was coined by linguist Geoffrey Pullum and refers to a woman who replaced acorn with eggcorn) are incredibly common and there are many examples in the English language. Here are some examples:
Start your creative writing journey
Are you interested in creative writing but can’t commit to a 5-week course? You may enjoy our intensive course which is run over 5 consecutive days during the next school holidays. The sessions are in the morning from 10am-12noon.
This is ideal if you want to learn the skills you need in a short, intensive burst. Over five days, we’ll show you how to refine your writing by exploring the importance of character, plot and structure in stories. The course will show you how to:
Here’s what recent participants had to say about the course:
‘Our presenter, Jeni Mawter, was very, very good! She was able to give us valuable information about actual writing but also about how the publishing world works. She was also a very engaging speaker and the course was structured well. I have a much better understanding of what the process of writing actually involves.’
- Elizabeth Santangelo
‘This course gave me a great sense of how to write for different audiences and how to overcome writers block. Most importantly though, it helped me realise that the first draft doesn't have to be perfect and that there is no harm in doing numerous drafts.’
- Raymond Cachia
This course is presented by Jeni Mawter who is the children’s author of the hilarious ‘So’ series: So Gross!, So Feral!, So Sick!, So Festy!, So Grotty! and So Stinky! (HarperCollins) as well as the Freewheelers series: Unleashed!, Launched! and Extreme! (HarperCollins). Unleashed! was shortlisted for the WAYRBA Older Readers Award 2009.
Jeni has also published fiction, non-fiction, poetry and verse narrative for the education market. With a Master of Arts in Children’s Literature and a Diploma in Book Editing and Publishing Jeni has taught creative writing for many years at Macquarie University and at writers' centres. Her enthusiasm for words and books is infectious.
Creative Writing Stage 1 DAYTIME INTENSIVE with Jeni Mawter
When: Monday 12 April to Friday 16 April 2010 (five consecutive mornings)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
We also have a five-week morning course starting soon:
DAYTIME Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter
When: Thursdays starting Thursday 27 May 2010 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Presenter Success
We love hearing from former students who have gone on to have great success with their writing. But it’s also really exciting when one of our presenters is recognised for their great work!
Our Life Writing teacher, Patti Miller, has been shortlisted for the 2010 Finch Memoir Prize, which is awarded annually for an unpublished memoir. But not only has Patti been shortlisted, one of her own students has also made the final three. What a great achievement!
Congratulations Patti. We’ll have our fingers crossed for you when winners are announced on 8 April.
FAW Shoalhaven Literary Award for Poetry
The Fellowship of Australian Writers Shoalhaven group is now accepting entries for their annual poetry competition. The prize includes a 2-week artist residential at the Arthur Boyd Centre at Bundanoon and $1,000.
Judged by poet and successful author, Kate Llewellyn, the prize will be awarded for poetry of up to 60 lines on any theme. You have until Friday 28 May 2010 to get your entries in.
Details can be found on the FAW Shoalhaven website.
Also, if you live in the Shoalhaven area, don’t forget that the FAW group there meets regularly. If you’re looking for a writing group to help you stay motivated, they’re worth a visit. Details are on their website.
Blogging for your business
Blogging for your business is a great way to increase your market share by reaching out to new customers and also to staff. It’s a great marketing and pr tool, but it’s important to know the ‘rules’ and learn how to use your blog to benefit you more.
This one-day seminar will show you the essential elements of a good business blog and will also give you tips on setting up and maintaining your blog. The seminar will cover:
Here’s what some of our recent participants had to say 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
The seminar is presented by Steven Lewis, who 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.
Steven has also promoted blogs, wikis and podcasts as a corporate insider, having worked for AMP as an in-house evangelist for its enterprise 2.0 tools.
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: Query Shark
This blog is so addictive! It’s funny and, most importantly, incredibly informative. It’s vital reading for anyone who is ready to approach a publisher or agent with their work. The advice here on query letters may sometimes seem cruel, but it is enlightening and will help anyone at this stage in their publishing journey.
The premise is simple – if you have a query you’d like to send to a publisher or agent, but would like some feedback on it first, then send it to Query Shark. If your query is chosen to be critiqued, it will be featured on the blog, along with the Query Shark’s candid but invaluable feedback.
Check it out at http://queryshark.blogspot.com
Other upcoming courses
Course: Online Writing Books for Children with Judith Ridge/Nicola Robinson
When: Week beginning Monday 29 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Online Feature Writing Stage 1 with Valerie Khoo
When: Week beginning Monday 29 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
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 - FULL
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 30 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Online Creative Writing with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman - NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 5 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
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 - 1 PLACE LEFT
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 8 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
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: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Tuesday 20 April 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 23 April 2010 (2-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $75
Seminar: Writing for the web with Grant Doyle
When: Wednesday 28 April 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Cost: $365
Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When: Friday 30 April 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $365
Course: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson
When: Tuesday 4 May 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
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: Perfecting your pitch with Sue White
When: Tuesday 11 May and 18 May 2010 (two evening seminars)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $175
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: Novel writing workshop with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday beginning Tuesday 25 May 2010 for six weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $495
Seminar: Travel writing with Geoff Bartlett - NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 26 May 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter - NEW DATE
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 27 May 2010 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $395
Seminar: Self-Publishing: How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 2 June 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 9 June 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 July (two-day workshop)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $450
Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman - NEW DATE
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 27 July 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
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
You may have noticed that many of our weekly tips include commonly confused words and phrases, such as last week’s tip on ‘installed or in store’. Well, here’s the term for it. According to Wikipedia, an eggcorn is ‘an idiosyncratic substitution of a word or phrase for a word or words that sound similar or identical in the speaker's dialect. The new phrase introduces a meaning that is different from the original, but plausible in the same context’.
These eggcorns (the name was coined by linguist Geoffrey Pullum and refers to a woman who replaced acorn with eggcorn) are incredibly common and there are many examples in the English language. Here are some examples:
- for all intensive purposes instead of for all intents and purposes
- on tenderhooks instead of on tenterhooks
- on the spurt of the moment instead of on the spur of the moment
- pot marks instead of pockmarks
- preying mantis instead of praying mantis
- tow the line instead of toe the line
- wanton to do instead of wont to do
Start your creative writing journey
Are you interested in creative writing but can’t commit to a 5-week course? You may enjoy our intensive course which is run over 5 consecutive days during the next school holidays. The sessions are in the morning from 10am-12noon.This is ideal if you want to learn the skills you need in a short, intensive burst. Over five days, we’ll show you how to refine your writing by exploring the importance of character, plot and structure in stories. The course will show 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 recent participants had to say about the course:
‘Our presenter, Jeni Mawter, was very, very good! She was able to give us valuable information about actual writing but also about how the publishing world works. She was also a very engaging speaker and the course was structured well. I have a much better understanding of what the process of writing actually involves.’
- Elizabeth Santangelo
‘This course gave me a great sense of how to write for different audiences and how to overcome writers block. Most importantly though, it helped me realise that the first draft doesn't have to be perfect and that there is no harm in doing numerous drafts.’
- Raymond Cachia
This course is presented by Jeni Mawter who is the children’s author of the hilarious ‘So’ series: So Gross!, So Feral!, So Sick!, So Festy!, So Grotty! and So Stinky! (HarperCollins) as well as the Freewheelers series: Unleashed!, Launched! and Extreme! (HarperCollins). Unleashed! was shortlisted for the WAYRBA Older Readers Award 2009.
Jeni has also published fiction, non-fiction, poetry and verse narrative for the education market. With a Master of Arts in Children’s Literature and a Diploma in Book Editing and Publishing Jeni has taught creative writing for many years at Macquarie University and at writers' centres. Her enthusiasm for words and books is infectious.
Creative Writing Stage 1 DAYTIME INTENSIVE with Jeni Mawter
When: Monday 12 April to Friday 16 April 2010 (five consecutive mornings)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
We also have a five-week morning course starting soon:
DAYTIME Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter
When: Thursdays starting Thursday 27 May 2010 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Presenter SuccessWe love hearing from former students who have gone on to have great success with their writing. But it’s also really exciting when one of our presenters is recognised for their great work!
Our Life Writing teacher, Patti Miller, has been shortlisted for the 2010 Finch Memoir Prize, which is awarded annually for an unpublished memoir. But not only has Patti been shortlisted, one of her own students has also made the final three. What a great achievement!
Congratulations Patti. We’ll have our fingers crossed for you when winners are announced on 8 April.
FAW Shoalhaven Literary Award for PoetryThe Fellowship of Australian Writers Shoalhaven group is now accepting entries for their annual poetry competition. The prize includes a 2-week artist residential at the Arthur Boyd Centre at Bundanoon and $1,000.
Judged by poet and successful author, Kate Llewellyn, the prize will be awarded for poetry of up to 60 lines on any theme. You have until Friday 28 May 2010 to get your entries in.
Details can be found on the FAW Shoalhaven website.
Also, if you live in the Shoalhaven area, don’t forget that the FAW group there meets regularly. If you’re looking for a writing group to help you stay motivated, they’re worth a visit. Details are on their website.
Blogging for your business
Blogging for your business is a great way to increase your market share by reaching out to new customers and also to staff. It’s a great marketing and pr tool, but it’s important to know the ‘rules’ and learn how to use your blog to benefit you more. This one-day seminar will show you the essential elements of a good business blog and will also give you tips on setting up and maintaining your blog. The seminar will cover:
- the critical distinctions between a blog and an ordinary company webpage
- the terminology of blogging
- how to write a blog that stands out
- finding and building an audience
- 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 of our recent participants had to say 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
The seminar is presented by Steven Lewis, who 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.
Steven has also promoted blogs, wikis and podcasts as a corporate insider, having worked for AMP as an in-house evangelist for its enterprise 2.0 tools.
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.
TIP: A gaggle, a flock or a herd? Collective nouns
This one’s probably more useful for those of you who regularly attend pub trivia, or who are soon heading off on a safari.
We all know a group of sheep are called a ‘flock’, and a group of elephants are a ‘herd’. Some of you may even know that a group of geese is a ‘gaggle’. Well, here are some more obscure collective nouns:
You never know when these might come in handy!
This one’s probably more useful for those of you who regularly attend pub trivia, or who are soon heading off on a safari. We all know a group of sheep are called a ‘flock’, and a group of elephants are a ‘herd’. Some of you may even know that a group of geese is a ‘gaggle’. Well, here are some more obscure collective nouns:
- a shrewdness of apes
- a wake of buzzards
- a business of ferrets
- a tower of giraffes (how appropriate!)
- a troop of kangaroos
- a parliament of owls
You never know when these might come in handy!
Book giveaway
Our latest podcast is now available and this week we interviewed Sara Foster. Sara has worked in publishing and as an editor for many years, but has also always had a strong interest in writing. Her debut novel is Come Back to Me, and she’s already working on her second! Here’s some more about her first book:
When Mark introduces his date, Julia, to Chloe and her husband at a London restaurant, it’s obvious something is very, very wrong. Alex and Julia pretend not to know each other, but the shocked expressions on their faces tell another story.
As the mystery of Julia’s identity unravels, a terrible tragedy from ten years ago gradually comes to light. While Chloe struggles with a secret of her own, Alex has to decide whether he should take Julia back to Australia to try to lay the past to rest, when doing so will risk all he has with the wife he loves.
We have one copy of Come Back to Me to give away, to win tell us what is your favourite love story and why. Email your answers to courses [at] spindriftmedia [dot] com [dot] au by 5pm Thursday 1 April 2010. Remember to include your postal address.
Our latest podcast is now available and this week we interviewed Sara Foster. Sara has worked in publishing and as an editor for many years, but has also always had a strong interest in writing. Her debut novel is Come Back to Me, and she’s already working on her second! Here’s some more about her first book: When Mark introduces his date, Julia, to Chloe and her husband at a London restaurant, it’s obvious something is very, very wrong. Alex and Julia pretend not to know each other, but the shocked expressions on their faces tell another story.
As the mystery of Julia’s identity unravels, a terrible tragedy from ten years ago gradually comes to light. While Chloe struggles with a secret of her own, Alex has to decide whether he should take Julia back to Australia to try to lay the past to rest, when doing so will risk all he has with the wife he loves.
We have one copy of Come Back to Me to give away, to win tell us what is your favourite love story and why. Email your answers to courses [at] spindriftmedia [dot] com [dot] au by 5pm Thursday 1 April 2010. Remember to include your postal address.
The Journalist’s Toolbox - Feature Writing Stage 2
If you’ve completed our Feature Writing Stage 1 course, then you’ll know how to write a good feature article and how to approach editors to get it published. But if you’re ready to take the next step and set yourself up as a freelance writer, then our stage 2 course will give you the tools to launch your career as a journalist.
By learning the nuts and bolts of the journalist’s trade, you’ll have more confidence in writing your articles and getting them published.
In this course, you'll learn practical skills on:
Here’s what some previous participants had to say about the course:
‘[I liked] the fact that Judy works in the field and brings real knowledge to the course; she's very helpful and approachable. I did a similar course elsewhere last year and I must say that this one was by far superior. What was so great about this course was the small class size that enabled us to address questions as a group. It really was a far superior course to the one I did last year! Well done! [I’ve] gained practical skills, improved confidence, and generated good ideas for feature articles.’
- Kerstin Pilz
‘The course was choc full of useful information. The presenter made it lively and informative and had fantastic industry knowledge and experience. I feel more confident and informed on how to go about pitching ideas - and coming up with them in the first place.’
- Sylvia Aitken
This course is presented by Judy Skatssoon who is the features editor at Australian Associated Press (AAP). She has also been a successful freelance feature writer, contributing to a diverse range of publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, life etc, Sydney's Child, Women’s Health, ABC Online and many more. At AAP, Judy held a variety of positions including state political correspondent and national medical correspondent. She writes on a wide range of issues including the arts, health, politics, technology, women’s issues, business and more. Recently, Judy has also been a lecturer and tutor in journalism at UTS and is passionate about helping students discover the world of journalism and writing.
Feature Writing Stage 2 with Judy Skatssoon
When: Wednesdays starting Wednesday 14 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
If you’ve completed our Feature Writing Stage 1 course, then you’ll know how to write a good feature article and how to approach editors to get it published. But if you’re ready to take the next step and set yourself up as a freelance writer, then our stage 2 course will give you the tools to launch your career as a journalist. By learning the nuts and bolts of the journalist’s trade, you’ll have more confidence in writing your articles and getting them published.
In this course, you'll learn practical skills on:
- how to find the right angle
- how to attribute quotes correctly
- advanced interviewing techniques
- how to create balance in your stories
- nailing the lead of your feature
- finding hard-to-get interviewees
- Freedom of Information
- where to find relevant sources for your story
- ethics and protocol
- facing journalistic dilemmas
- managing your contact book
- dealing with editors in the real world
- and other publishing conventions which are vital if you are serious about honing your feature writing skills.
Here’s what some previous participants had to say about the course:
‘[I liked] the fact that Judy works in the field and brings real knowledge to the course; she's very helpful and approachable. I did a similar course elsewhere last year and I must say that this one was by far superior. What was so great about this course was the small class size that enabled us to address questions as a group. It really was a far superior course to the one I did last year! Well done! [I’ve] gained practical skills, improved confidence, and generated good ideas for feature articles.’
- Kerstin Pilz
‘The course was choc full of useful information. The presenter made it lively and informative and had fantastic industry knowledge and experience. I feel more confident and informed on how to go about pitching ideas - and coming up with them in the first place.’
- Sylvia Aitken
This course is presented by Judy Skatssoon who is the features editor at Australian Associated Press (AAP). She has also been a successful freelance feature writer, contributing to a diverse range of publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, life etc, Sydney's Child, Women’s Health, ABC Online and many more. At AAP, Judy held a variety of positions including state political correspondent and national medical correspondent. She writes on a wide range of issues including the arts, health, politics, technology, women’s issues, business and more. Recently, Judy has also been a lecturer and tutor in journalism at UTS and is passionate about helping students discover the world of journalism and writing.
Feature Writing Stage 2 with Judy Skatssoon
When: Wednesdays starting Wednesday 14 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
WEBPICK: Query SharkThis blog is so addictive! It’s funny and, most importantly, incredibly informative. It’s vital reading for anyone who is ready to approach a publisher or agent with their work. The advice here on query letters may sometimes seem cruel, but it is enlightening and will help anyone at this stage in their publishing journey.
The premise is simple – if you have a query you’d like to send to a publisher or agent, but would like some feedback on it first, then send it to Query Shark. If your query is chosen to be critiqued, it will be featured on the blog, along with the Query Shark’s candid but invaluable feedback.
Check it out at http://queryshark.blogspot.com
Other upcoming courses
Course: Online Writing Books for Children with Judith Ridge/Nicola Robinson
When: Week beginning Monday 29 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Online Feature Writing Stage 1 with Valerie Khoo
When: Week beginning Monday 29 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
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 - FULL
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 30 March 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Online Creative Writing with Cathie Tasker/Pamela Freeman - NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 5 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
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 - 1 PLACE LEFT
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 8 April 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
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: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle
When: Tuesday 20 April 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to get your book published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Friday 23 April 2010 (2-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $75
Seminar: Writing for the web with Grant Doyle
When: Wednesday 28 April 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Cost: $365
Seminar: Editing Essentials with Katrina Lobley
When: Friday 30 April 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $365
Course: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson
When: Tuesday 4 May 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395
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: Perfecting your pitch with Sue White
When: Tuesday 11 May and 18 May 2010 (two evening seminars)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $175
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: Novel writing workshop with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday beginning Tuesday 25 May 2010 for six weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $495
Seminar: Travel writing with Geoff Bartlett - NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 26 May 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter - NEW DATE
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 27 May 2010 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $395
Seminar: Self-Publishing: How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 2 June 2010 (2-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 9 June 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 July (two-day workshop)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $450
Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman - NEW DATE
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 27 July 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
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
I love reading the work of our talented students. In fact, while I was at the hair salon yesterday, I had my laptop in front of me and I was reviewing the wonderful writing of some of our online Creative Writing students. All I can say is: Wow. 
WEBPICK: Storybag
It's been a busy week over here. We have so many fabulous courses running and it's great meeting with so many people in the Sydney Writers' Centre community. I've also been busy personally and, last night, I was going through some files at home when I stumbled upon some old photos from the days when I was interviewing celebrities and working in magazines. It was surreal looking at my old diary to see that I had appointments with Claudia Schiffer, Christian Slater and Andrew Shue - all in one week!
WEBPICK: Authonomy
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!)
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. 
WEBPICK: Write it Sideways
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