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• TIP: “Despite” or “in spite of”?
• Screenwriting – write your blockbuster
• Meet John Howard
• Get published in magazines
• Wordwise: Run the gamut
• How to get your book published
• TIP: Another apostrophe conundrum
• WEBPICK: Omnivoracious on Amazon blogs

What a fantastic week. Last night, I attended the launch of the book Embrace, written by former student Jessica Shirvington. It was a wonderful event in Woollahra, here in Sydney. Danielle (our operations coordinator) and I were thrilled to be there with other former students Mitch Lewis, Sharon Luttrell and Heather Smith.

We’re just so excited for Jessica. You can check out her book and view her very cool “book trailer” here.

You’re going to see a lot more from this talented new author. Jessica has also embraced the online space to promote her book. It’s an excellent website.

This is an area that can’t be ignored if you want to gain exposure and publicity as a writer or creative artist. That’s why I recommend writers and creative artists check out our 5-week course ‘Build Your Online Profile’ with Tristan Bancks.

This course will give you:

• an understanding of how you can use the web to connect with readers, publishers, agents, librarians, booksellers and others in a way that feels authentic to you
• confidence in your ability to use various web platforms
• knowledge to create a simple online video to promote your work
• ideas for expanding your current work into cross-platform projects, such as using video, audio and interactive web tools to bring your stories to life
• a fast-paced, information-packed overview of the web’s possibilities for you
• lots of inspiration to help you break through procrastination and get active.
  
  

Here’s what some recent participants had to say about the course:
‘I loved the collaborative nature and the structure of the course. I also really liked Tristan's use of his own work in explaining concepts and his willingness to learn from the participants as well. Learning from his experiences was very beneficial. I feel I have developed a good strategy around creating an online profile with a clarity of the direction I want to go in.’
- Maraya Bell

The course is taught by Tristan Bancks. He has been actively building and experimenting with his online presence as a writer over several years. His willingness to engage with the web has been integral to his success in getting published in Australia and the United States.

Build Your Online Profile with Tristan Bancks
When: Thursdays starting Thursday 18 November 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

TIP: “Despite” or “in spite of”?
Despite is often the make-or-break word that classifies a sentence as tactful, or deliberately inflammatory. A snide “despite” can reveal angst, whereas a brief recognition of other factors can keep a conversation progressing well.

But writers often use both 'despite' and 'in spite of' in their work, and many writers get stuck half way through a sentence trying to decide which term is the best to use. So we thought we’d clear up the confusion because both words essentially mean the same thing. So you can employ whichever term you think suits your writing style, or characters more.

It is worth noting that “despite” is used much more often, so much so that “in spite of” is often a deliberate authorial decision, and is often read as a harsher version of the same concept.

Screenwriting – write your blockbuster
Got a great idea for a film but not sure how to write the script? Our next Screenwriting stage 1 course is on soon, and this is your introduction to writing for screen.

Even if you haven’t yet got an idea for your film, this course will give you a chance to learn the tools of scriptwriting and put them into practice. Once you know how to handle the three fundamental elements of a good script – character, story and structure – you’re well on your way to writing your film.

During the course you’ll receive feedback on your developing script and you should see a completed first draft by the end of the five weeks.

This course is proving incredibly popular, and this will be the last time we run it in 2010 – so be quick!

Here’s what one recent participant had to say about the course:
‘Tim is great – very helpful and obviously knows his stuff. He is very enthusiastic and inspirational. I've been struggling with some aspects of my writing for years and in this short course Tim has opened a few doors by revealing that rather than a mystery there is simplicity to the process of writing for screen. He has inspired me with the confidence to keep plugging away.’
- Chris Mitchell

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.

Tim’s feature film credits include “Heatwave” and “On the Loose”. He is the recipient of a “Distinctly Australian” Writer’s Fellowship from the Australian Film Commission. He devised and co-wrote the ABC TV series “Sweet and Sour”, the soundtrack of which achieved platinum sales and was a nationwide hit.

Screenwriting Stage 1 with Tim Gooding
When: Mondays starting Monday 15 November 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

Meet John Howard
If you’re living or working in North Sydney and need a little lunchtime distraction, you should head to the library. Stanton Library and the Constant Reader Bookshop hold regular literary chats with well-known authors and their October and November program is now locked in. The best thing about these talks is that they’re FREE! Here’s just a sample of what’s coming up:

Tuesday 26 October, 1pm – Jennifer Byrne: Jennifer will talk about A Book to Love, in which favourite guests of ABC TV's First Tuesday Book Club share their most loved books.

Thursday 28 October, 1pm – Max Cullen: Tell ‘em Nothing, Take ‘em Nowhere is Max Cullen's motto and memoir about his life. Actor, artist, sometime journalist, erstwhile husband – Max Cullen is a legend of the Australian arts.

Wednesday 3 November, 1pm – John Howard: Former local North Shore resident and one of Australia’s most controversial Prime Ministers, John Howard will introduce his fascinating political autobiography Lazarus Rising.

Stanton Library is at 234 Miller Street, North Sydney.

You can find out more at the Constant Reader Bookshop website.

Get published in magazines
Want to see your writing published in The Sydney Morning Herald, Cosmopolitan, Sunday Life!, BRW, Notebook, The Sun-Herald, Australian Associated Press, Practical Parenting, Management Today, Australian Financial Review, City Weekly, Herald Sun, Home Beautiful … It’s possible – many of our former Feature Writing students have done just that, some before they’ve even finished the course!

Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers could help you turn your love of writing into paid work. You’ll learn how to write great articles then get them published. You’ll also cover:

• which ideas work - and where to get them
• understanding the magazine/news market
• different types of feature articles
• how to research, structure and write a feature
• what editors want from a writer
• how to pitch your article or idea to a magazine and sell it!
  
  

Here’s what some recent participants had to say about the course:
‘The material struck just the right balance between informative and inspirational. I not only gained the knowledge to move forward but the confidence as well. I have attained an understanding of how to structure and frame my articles. I have learnt how to powerfully promote my craft and navigate the pitfalls and possibilities of the market place.’
- Caroline McCullough

‘I loved feeling so stimulated. I learned so much every week and time went far too quickly each lesson. I now feel I have the confidence and knowledge to give feature writing a go. I always hoped that I had the skills, now I have the practical know-how.’
- Sarah McKay

DAYTIME Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Pamela Wilson
When: Wednesdays starting Wednesday 3 November 2010 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $395

EVENING Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Mathew Nott
When: Wednesdays starting Wednesday 17 November for five weeks
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

Wordwise: Run the gamut
Here’s another one of those sayings we use and hear all the time, but if we were thinking about it we’d surely wonder what on earth it means: Run the gamut. Huh?

To run the gamut means to encompass the full range or variety possible. For example:

Her music taste runs the gamut from classical to rock.

Gamut was originally a musical term and it refers to a whole series of musical notes. It first came into use way back in the 15th century when the lowest note on the scale was called the ut, and it was written as a gamma – eventually becoming gamut. When you went through an entire musical scale, you ‘ran the gamut’. Now, gamut has the second meaning of an entire range or series.

How to get your book published
Navigating the road to publication can seem like a daunting prospect. But it doesn’t have to be. Once you know how the publishing world works and what you need to do you can achieve your publishing dreams.

Our two-hour seminar, How to get Your Book Published, will give you a rundown on the industry, what you can do to improve your chances, and what you should expect once you have your publishing contract in hand.

The seminar will cover:

• how to write a winning book proposal
• how to approach publishers
• do you need an agent?
• how much should you write before approaching a publisher?
• negotiating a fair contract
• the editing and re-writing process
  
  

Here’s what some recent participants had to say about the course:
‘Geoff addressed all of my questions, and made publishing seem like something that is realistically achievable for any of us - as long as we go about it in the right way! It's very encouraging as I feel that the dream is within reach now. I've still got a lot of work to do on my first draft, but when I'm ready to pitch it (hopefully by the end of the year) I'm confident that I have the right tools to do it properly!’
- Michelle Guillemard

‘What I found most enjoyable was the combination of great information in a very relaxed and interactive environment. I came into the seminar with no preconceived ideas about the publishing industry and now I have gained some level of confidence to approach the tasks ahead.’
- Robyn Davine

EVENING How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 28 October 2010 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $75

DAYTIME How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 11 November 2010 (two-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $75

Click here for more information or to enrol online.

Another apostrophe conundrum
Last week’s tip on the contentious issues of possessive apostrophes created lots of debate among our readers. We realised that we could have explained our position a little better and so have clarified the tip in a longer post on our blog.

WEBPICK: Omnivoracious on Amazon Blogs
Omnivoracious is the blog run by the book editors at Amazon.com. It’s a great blog for keeping abreast of what’s happening in publishing all around the world. Along with 15 regular contributors, there are guest posts by authors such as Lemony Snickett, Thomas Fiedman, and Michael Connelly. There are also author interviews that you can download as an mp3.

Topics covered this week include the handwritten spreadsheet that was allegedly J.K. Rowlings blueprint for the plot of Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix, a rundown of the week’s book reviews, and a look at one editor’s book crush, Bill Bryson.

There’s plenty here to keep most book lovers happy.

Check it out here. 

Other upcoming courses
Course: Online Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 25 October 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Course: Online Magazine Writing Stage 1 with Valerie Khoo/Pamela Wilson/Sue White – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 25 October 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 27 October 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Thursday 28 October 2010 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75

Course: Online Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Nicola Robinson – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 1 November 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Course: DAYTIME Magazine Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Wilson – NEW DATE
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 3 November 2010 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $395

Course: Perfecting Your Pitch with Sue White
When: Thursdays 4 & 11 November 2010
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $175

Course: Your Story Structure with Kathryn Heyman – NEW COURSE
When: Fridays 5 & 12 November 2010 (two half-day classes)
Time: 9.30 - 12.30pm
Cost: $215

Course: Boost Your Creativity with Laurine Croasdale – NEW DATE
When: Mondays 8 & 15 November 2010
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $175

Seminar: Perfect Your Proofreading with Deb Doyle – NEW DATE
When: Tuesday 9 November 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: DAYTIME Introduction to Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 10 November 2010 (two-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $75

Course: DAYTIME Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter – NEW DATE
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 11 November 2010 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $395

Seminar: DAYTIME How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Thursday 11 November 2010 (two-hour morning seminar)
Time: 10.00am – 12noon
Cost: $75

Course: Online Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 15 November 2010 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395

Course: Screenwriting Stage 1 with Tim Gooding – NEW DATE
When: Every Monday starting Monday 15 November 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson – NEW DATE
When: Tuesday 16 November 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $395

Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Kate Forsyth – NEW DATE
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 16 November 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Magazine Writing Stage 1 with Mathew Nott – NEW DATE
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 17 November 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Build Your Online Profile with Tristan Bancks
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 18 November 2010 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: PR and Media Releases that Get Results with Catriona Pollard – NEW DATE
When: Thursday 18 November 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $495

Seminar: Writing for the Web with Grant Doyle – NEW DATE
When: Monday 22 November 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Cost: $365

Seminar: Writing Letters and Emails with Deb Doyle – NEW DATE
When: Friday 26 November 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $365

Seminar: Grammar and Punctuation Essentials with Deb Doyle – NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 1 December 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $395

Seminar: Introduction to Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Wednesday 1 December 2010 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75

Seminar: Self-Publishing with Geoff Bartlett – NEW DATE
When: Thursday 2 December 2010 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $75

Seminar: Editing with Ease with Deb Doyle
When: Friday 3 December 2010 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $395

Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Every Friday starting Friday 14 January 2011 for six weeks
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $450

Course: Travel Writing: Get Paid for Your Adventures with Sue White – NEW DATE
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 20 January 2011 for four weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $345

Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller
When: Saturday 12 March 2011 and Sunday 13 March 2011 (2 day workshop)
Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Cost: $450