Get Published newsletter

• TIP: Do you capitalise North Shore?
• Write your travel memoir
• Wet Ink/CAL Short Story Prize – win $3,000
• Did you know? The Oxford Comma
• From page to screen – Screenwriting Stage 1
• TIP: Protocol or procedure?
• Boost your business profile – PR and Media Releases that Get Results
• WEBPICK: WriteRoom

Another busy week. We recorded a video interview with the wonderful children's book author Tristan Bancks yesterday. I recently read his latest book My Life and Other Stuff I Made Up, a series of short stories from the point of view of a young boy called Tom Weekly.

It seems that young boys are entertained by all manner of gross things – ranging from poo to cat vomit to exploding colostomy bags! If you want to write about poo or climbing through a wardrobe to find Narnia or a boy wizard, then our course in Writing Books for Children and Young Adults is for you.

You’ll learn:

• how to find the right voice
• how to create characters and stories young readers will enjoy
• how to write believable dialogue
• 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
• and MUCH more.
  
  

Common names given to parts of a city, state or territory are capitalised. For example: the Adelaide Hills, the North Shore, the Western District or the Top End.

In contrast, purely descriptive – and unofficial – names for parts of a geographical entity usually do not need to be capitalised: northern Australia, southern Italy.

Sometimes, however, descriptive names of this kind develop semi-official status; they are then usually shown with initial capitals: Central Australia; Far North Queensland.

Basically, if you can establish that the name of an area is in any way official, like Greater Western Sydney, you should use initial caps. If not, stick with no caps.

What's new at the Sydney Writers' Centre

• Read our new story on actor, Oscar host and creative writer James Franco here.
  
  
• Filling fast: Introduction to Travel Writing, Wednesday 27 July 2011.
  
  
• NEW DATES: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials, Wednesday 10 August 2011; Creative Writing Stage 1, starts Tuesday 23 August 2011.
  
  
• Want to join our Book Club? Places are available for the next meeting on Thursday 18 August at 1.00pm. Call 02 9929 0088 to join.
  
  
  

We're researching the state of professional writing in Australia, and we'd love your thoughts – and the thoughts of your friends who might not love writing as much as you. By sending the survey link to your friends, we'll be able to get a wider range of responses, giving us a clearer picture of the state of writing at work in Australia.

If you haven't had an opportunity to fill in our short survey, you can do so here. Thank you!

Write your travel memoir
Want to learn how to write your own travel memoir with an award-winning author? Our next Travel Memoir course with Claire Scobie starts soon. Whether you’re a new writer or want to turn your skills to travel memoir, this course will show you how you could write the next Under the Tuscan Sun, Holy Cow, or Eat, Pray, Love.

Packed with plenty of exercises, this intensive course will show you how to structure your travel memoir, how to make it unique from the first page, and how to write a compelling book proposal. You’ll also look at popular genres of travel writing and much more.

Here’s some feedback from previous participants:
"It was truly enjoyable. I never knew I could learn so much about travel memoir writing and Claire was excellent!"
- Beverly Pang

"Claire is an excellent teacher. It was great to have a presenter who has been published in the field.”
- Katherine Hill

Claire Scobie is the author of Last Seen in Lhasa, winner of the Dolman Best Travel Book Award. She writes for numerous publications in Australia and the UK.

Travel Memoir with Claire Scobie
When: Wednesdays starting Wednesday 27 July 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

Wet Ink and CAL Short Story Prize
Wet Ink, the magazine of new writing, and the Copyright Agency Limited, have teamed up for their annual Short Story Prize. It’s worthwhile entering this one – first prize is $3,000 plus one year’s subscription to Wet Ink magazine, as well as publication in Wet Ink. Two highly commended entries will receive $1,000 and publication, and shortlisted entries will each receive $250 and publication.

Entries must be unpublished and no longer than 5,000 words and close Wednesday 31 August 2011. For more details and an entry form click here.

Are you on LinkedIn?
Have you done one of our courses, and wish your colleagues would too? Or want people to know that you've honed your writing skills with us? Now you can recommend the courses you've studied via LinkedIn. You can post your recommendations here.

Thank you to those of you who have already recommended our courses on LinkedIn, we really appreciate your endorsement.

Did you know? The Oxford Comma
There was a recent kerfuffle online over the contentious Oxford comma. Also known as a serial comma, it’s the additional comma used immediately before a coordinating conjunction, like and or or, after the final item in a list of three or more items. Proponents claim it helps to avoid ambiguity. For example:

I dedicate this book to my parents, Rocky and Rambo. (without the Oxford comma)

I dedicate this book to my parents, Rocky, and Rambo. (with the Oxford comma after Rocky)

Rumours started circulating via Twitter a few weeks ago that the Oxford University Press had changed their style guide to discourage the use of the Oxford comma. It was a false alarm. The style guide was actually that of the university’s PR department, a separate entity, and the Oxford University Press still supports the use of the comma.

From page to screen – Screenwriting Stage 1
The art of writing for the screen is very different to writing a novel or short story. So if you’re interested in writing a short or feature film, learning the fundamentals of screenwriting should be your first step.

In our 5-week Screenwriting Stage 1 course, professional screenwriter Tim Gooding will show you how to write a script and help you complete a first draft of your screenplay.

What past participants say:
"I loved Tim's enthusiasm. Being able to leverage his experience and knowledge was invaluable."
- David Howlett

"I now have a broad overall knowledge of how to go about writing a script. Tim has plenty of industry knowledge and his editorial skills are excellent."
- David Owens

This course is taught by Tim Gooding, who has 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. He also devised and co-wrote the ABC TV series Sweet and Sour.

Screenwriting Stage 1 with Tim Gooding
When: Mondays starting 8 August 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

Already done Screenwriting Stage 1 and want to build on your first draft? Screenwriting Stage 2 is now available!

Screenwriting Stage 2 with Tim Gooding
When: Mondays starting Monday 7 November 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

Did you know? @
Ever wondered where that symbol above the 2 on your keyboard comes from, the one most commonly known as “the at symbol”? This now ubiquitous mark actually has a surprisingly long history.

It’s thought the symbol began life as an abbreviation of the latin word ad (at, toward, by, about). Apparently medieval monks developed the abbreviation to be used next to a number, to save on paper and ink. Another academic claims he found evidence of @ being used in Florentine merchants’ business documents almost 500 years ago. He says it was used as a unit of weight or volume and represented one amphora.

So how did we come to use it? Before the advent of email, it meant at site or at rate and was used on signs such as grocers’ price tags. Then, in 1971, computer programmer Ray Tomlinson chose the @ symbol as a separator in email addresses.

TIP: Protocol or procedure?
In his book The Big Tilt, Bernard Salt wonders, “When did protocols replace procedures?” Right after the environmental conference that resulted in the Kyoto Protocol.

Now, you see the word “protocol” used everywhere in the corporate world! But be careful when you use it because it’s often used incorrectly. Protocol means the customs or regulations dealing with ceremonies and etiquette. For example:

It’s protocol to address the Queen as “Your Majesty” in the first instance and thereafter as “Ma’am”.

The shop closing procedure involved three steps: packing away merchandise, setting the alarm, and locking the door.

We interviewed Bernard recently and spoke to him about The Big Tilt and other books. You can watch the interview at the Writing Bar.

Boost your business profile with PR and media releases
Need to know how to boost your company’s profile? Want to know how to get free publicity for your small business? In just one day we can show you how to build an effective PR strategy for your business.

PR doesn’t have to cost you the earth. If you know the science behind good PR, you can do it yourself! Knowing how to write media releases that get results, how to approach journalists, and how to use the many online tools available, will give you the confidence to tackle your own publicity.

Our one day seminar PR and Media Releases that Get Results is perfect for business owners and entrepreneurs, professionals in charge of PR or marketing, or anyone who’s interested in learning how to develop a great PR strategy.

What past participants say:
"I feel confident about trying to do PR and writing media releases after just one day!”
- Lisa Sobreviñas

“I immediately started writing press releases again with more confidence. Catriona was excellent.”
- Sally Berry

“Catriona was a fantastic presenter with lots of great applied examples of lessons.”
- Nicole Miller

This seminar is taught by Catriona Pollard. Catriona is the director of CP Communications and has 17 years’ experience in developing and managing public relations and marketing programs.

PR and Media Releases that Get Results with Catriona Pollard
When: Thursday 11 August 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $495

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

Oops!
Thanks to reader, Peter Kelly, who pointed out a little typo in last week’s newsletter. In the item on the picture from City Pavers in Adelaide (think “mulche’s”), we said you don’t need apostrophes for plurals. What we meant to say was you don’t need apostrophes to create plurals.

What we’re reading
This week Get Published reader, Rebecca Smedley, is reading Sister by Rosamund Lupton. Rebecca writes:

"You know those stories that are just so enthralling you can’t put them down because you just have to know what happens next, how the story will end? That’s what Sister, Rosamund Lupton’s debut novel, was like for me. I bought it on Saturday and by Monday night I had finished it.

"Sister tells the story of Beatrice who, upon hearing of her younger sister’s disappearance, returns home to London. Within the first few chapters, the body of beautiful, vibrant Tess is discovered and it is ruled a suicide. Despite the glaring evidence and the fact their own mother believes Tess would take her own life, Beatrice refuses to accept the ruling and so begins her desperate search for the truth and her sister’s killer.

"I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone who likes a good mystery or a good relationship story. I would also recommend setting aside time to read it because you may just find once you pick it up, you can’t put it down..."
 
This is an edited extract of Rebecca’s full book review on the Writing Bar. Click here to read the full review. You can read Rebecca's blog here.

WEBPICK: WriteRoom
Distraction free writing... is there such a thing? Well, the developers of this software certainly think so. For Mac, iphone and ipad users, WriteRoom gives you a full screen writing environment that allows nothing but writing.

If you remember what computer screens looked like back in the 1980s, you’ll recognise the green text on black background that WriteRoom uses. It’s designed to remove all distractions from your screen. Gone are the temptations to fiddle with the font or layout or check the word count. All you can do in WriteRoom is write!

Check it out here.

Other upcoming courses
Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker
When: Week beginning Monday 25 July 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Seminar: Perfect Your Proofreading with Deb Doyle
When: Wednesday 27 July 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Daytime Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 27 July 2011 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am - 12.00noon
Cost: $395

Course: Travel Memoir with Claire Scobie
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 27 July 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Introduction to Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 27 July 2011 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $85

Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with James Roy – FULL
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 28 July 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Screenwriting Stage 1 with Tim Gooding
When: Every Monday starting Monday 8 August 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Online Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge/Nicola Robinson
When: Week beginning Monday 8 August 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Course: Writing about Interiors, Style and Design with Nigel Bartlett
When: Tuesday 9 August 2011 and Tuesday 16 August 2011 (2 evening classes)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $175

Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 10 August 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: PR and Media Releases that Get Results with Catriona Pollard
When: Thursday 11 August 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $495 

Seminar: Writing for the Web with Grant Doyle
When: Tuesday 16 August 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Sell Your Ebook on Amazon with Steven Lewis
When: Tuesday 16 August 2011 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $85

Seminar: Better Business Communications with Deb Doyle
When: Wednesday 17 August 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Sue White
When: Thursday 18 August 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $450

Seminar: How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 18 August 2011 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $85

Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 23 August 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Laurine Croasdale – NEW DATE
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 23 August 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30om
Cost: $395

Seminar: Edit with Confidence with Deb Doyle
When: Wednesday 24 August 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis
When: Thursday 25 August 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Marina Go
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 25 August 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Every Friday starting Friday 9 September 2011 for six weeks
Time: 10.00am - 12.00noon
Cost: $450

Seminar: How to Write a Business Book with Valerie Khoo
When: Wednesday 14 September 2011 (half-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 1.00pm
Cost: $295

Seminar: Self-Publishing – How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Monday 26 September 2011 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $85

Course: Writing Picture Books with Cathie Tasker – NEW COURSE
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 6 October 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Sue White – MELBOURNE COURSE
When: Thursday 6 October and Friday 7 October 2011 (two-day course)
Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Valerie Khoo – MELBOURNE COURSE
When: Thursday 6 October 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $450

Seminar: How to Write a Business Book with Valerie Khoo – MELBOURNE COURSE
When: Friday 7 October 2011 (half-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 1.00pm
Cost: $295

Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller – MELBOURNE COURSE
When: Saturday 8 October and Sunday 9 October 2011 (two-day course)
Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Cost: $450

Course: Travel Writing: Get Paid for Your Adventures with Sue White – MELBOURNE COURSE
When: Saturday 8 October and Sunday 9 October 2011 (two-day course)
Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Cost: $395

Course: Novel Writing Workshop with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 11 October 2011 for six weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $495

Course: Travel Writing: Get Paid for Your Adventures with Sue White
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 13 October 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Daytime Intensive Creative Writing Stage 1 with Kate Forsyth
When: Monday 17 October to Friday 21 October 2011 (5 consecutive days)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $395

Course: Screenwriting Stage 2 with Tim Gooding – NEW COURSE
When: Every Monday starting Monday 7 November 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Plotting and Planning with Kate Forsyth
When: Monday 28 November 2011 and Monday 5 December 2011 (2 evening classes)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $175

WRITING TOURS
Writing in Paris with Patti Miller – FULL
When: Thursday 20 October to Saturday 5 November 2011