- TIP: How to use suffixes
- Write the book kids want to read
- Student Success – Mitch Lewis in Short and Twisted 2011
- Sydney Writers’ Centre Book Club
- How to get great publicity for your business
- TIP: Who versus whom
- Writing Letters and Emails
- WORDWISE: Interjections
- WEBPICK: Apostrophe Abuse
Even though it’s boiling hot in Sydney at the moment, our beautifully air-conditioned harbourside training rooms are working over-time. Today, there are four different courses on, so it’s a very buzzing Centre. Our thoughts are with our writing community in North Queensland during the cyclone. If your participation in your online course is affected in any way, let us know and we’ll do what we can to help you.
In the meantime, I’m excited about the new Sydney Writers’ Centre Book Club. Details are below. We’re looking forward to seeing more book lovers here at the centre for dynamic conversations about some great books.
TIP: How to use suffixes
Many words can easily change their meanings with the addition of a suffix - a new ending added to a base word. Some examples are: creative and creatively; suitable and suitability; happy and happily.
There are a couple of spelling rules to keep in mind when using suffixes. If a word ends in ‘y’ and is preceded by a consonant, the ‘y’ changes to an ‘i’. For example: beauty becomes beautiful.
If the ‘y’ is preceded by a vowel, the ‘y’ remains - so enjoy becomes enjoying or enjoyment.
What’s new this week at the Centre:- Our first Writing Books for Children and Young Adults course for 2011 is almost full. There are only 2 places left!
- Weekend intensives are proving so popular we’ve scheduled more – Feature Writing Stage 1 will be held on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 February 2011.
- This week, we chatted to author of Stillwater Creek and The Indigo Sky, Alison Booth. Look out for her interview on our podcast page soon.
Write books for young adults
This week, most young kids will be back at school – hopefully excited about getting stuck into a new year. Reading is going to be a key part of their learning so it’s no surprise that the children’s book market continues to grow.If you’ve ever thought about writing a book for younger readers, our online course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults will show you how to get started. You’ll learn what makes an engaging kids’ book and how to write convincing characters that your readers will believe.
Who knows, perhaps yours will be the next book kids are reading at school!
Here's what some recent participants had to say about the course:
"The online tutor was excellent and the feedback was always useful. The online course has great content and the way it is delivered means that you can do it when you have time."
- Irmani Collis
“I learnt more about the writing process and gained tips on analysing writing from a more technical perspective, which made me think differently about my own writing and opened up a lot more possibility. I thought the online tutor's responses were fantastic. They were very helpful, and a constructive mixture of criticism/points for improvement and positive comments. The best thing was I could do the course as and when it suited; and I could do the course in Milan, Perth, London or wherever I happened to be at the time!”
- Rebecca Faugno
Online course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Nicola Robinson
When: Week beginning Monday 7 February 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
Student Success
Creative Writing graduate Mitch Lewis has gone from strength to strength since completing our course. Not only has he published a children’s book series through Omnibus Press, he’s continued to find publishing success with his fiction. This month he’s had a story accepted by Short and Twisted, an annual collection of short stories. The anthology will be published soon and will be available for sale through Celapene Press.
Congratulations Mitch! We can’t wait to read your winning story.
Sydney Writers’ Centre Book Club
Stephen King insists that 'if you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write.' There must be some truth in that - how many writers do you know who don't also read?That's why we're launching the Sydney Writers' Centre Book Club. Each month, we'll meet here in Milsons Point to discuss a new book. Meetings will be facilitated but also casual - we want to encourage honest conversations about all the books we discuss.
If you can't make it to Milsons Point don't worry - we'll make sure we keep you up to date with the book club on our blog, where you'll be able to join the conversation too.
Places are limited so you'll need to book a spot quickly. When you enrol you'll be signed up for the first 3 months of the book club. For each meeting you attend, we'll be collecting a $10 donation per person for our favourite charity, Doggie Rescue. The full amount will be donated to Doggie Rescue.
Click here for more information on how you can join our first Book Club.
Get more publicity for your business
One of our most popular new courses last year was PR and Media Releases that get Results, with PR guru Catriona Pollard. And this year, it’s back! Many graduates of this seminar raved about it.If you’re a small-business owner, or you're in charge of communications or PR in your job, this is the perfect seminar for you. You’ll learn how best to achieve media coverage for your product and leave with a blueprint for your business’ future PR strategy. Whether you’re completely new to PR or you’re looking to make your current strategy more effective, this intensive one-day seminar will give you the confidence to get started.
Here's what past participants say about the seminar:
‘"Excellent - Catriona has an inclusive, friendly style that, at the same time, is commercially very savvy."
- Natasha Brooks
"The pace of the course was well timed, there was loads of content covered, and Catriona was very well organised and prepared."
- Honey Muir
This seminar is presented by Catriona Pollard, director of CP Communications. Catriona has 17 years experience in developing and managing public relations and marketing programs.
Prior to establishing CP Communications in 2001, Catriona set up the marketing communications department for a leading software company and managed a diverse range of accounts within PR agencies. She also has extensive experience in managing public affairs and marketing in federal and state governments.
Catriona has won an award in the Public Relations Institute Association Awards for Excellence and holds a BA and a Graduate Diploma in Professional Communication.
PR and Media Releases that get Results with Catriona Pollard
When: Thursday 17 February 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $495
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
TIP: Who or whom?
Our tip last week on the difference between ‘practice’ and ‘practise’ prompted some of our twitter followers to request an explanation of another confusing word pair – who and whom.Here’s what we said about it in our newsletter last year:
I’m sure most of us can remember being corrected by a well-meaning adult about our use of ‘who’ when we should have said ‘whom’. But did any of those adults ever explain why?
It’s simple – use who when you are referring to the subject of a sentence, or the person doing something, and whom when you are referring to the object of the sentence, the person having something done to them.
A handy way of remembering which word to use, is to replace who/whom with the pronoun he/she/him/her. For example:
This is who warned me. OR He warned me. (not "him" warned me)
Jack is the one who wants to go. OR He wants to go. (not "him" wants to go)
To whom do I send this? OR Do I send this to him? (not to "he")
Lisa is the girl whom I met in Melbourne last year. OR I met her in Melbourne last year. (not "she")
One-day seminar: Writing Letters and Emails
It may seem like a basic skills but it’s one of the most important. That’s because letters and emails underpin communication in business. They can make or break your relationship with a client or associate. Do you want to take the stress out of writing letters at work? Do you need to make your emails clearer and easier to understand? For some people, writing letters and emails can be a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be - with the right tools you’ll be able to turn your writing into clear and concise communication.
Our one-day seminar, Writing Letters and Emails, will show you how best to structure your letters and emails and give you valuable templates that you can refer to at work. Learning this essential skill will give you more confidence and ultimately improve your productivity and job prospects.
Here’s what some recent participants had to say about the seminar:
"Deb is a friendly easy going presenter with loads of little tips on how to structure information/details into an email or letter."
- Candice Arzapitian
"I learnt new ideas about creating emails and letters and a better understanding of how get my point across."
- Ian Patrick Celarc
The workshop is presented by Deb Doyle, an experienced editorial-training consultant and publication editor. Deb has conducted courses for the Productivity Commission, AMP and Wizard Home Loans as well as many other corporate and government entities located in Sydney or Melbourne. Deb's courses are interactive and fun.
Writing Letters and Emails with Deb Doyle
When: Wednesday 16 February 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Click here for more information or to enrol online.
WORDWISE: Interjections
During one particularly stubborn bout of procrastination, I came across a fascinating list on Daily Writing Tips - 100 small but expressive interjections. These are words you won’t necessarily find in the dictionary but you’ll definitely come across them on Twitter or Facebook, or in more informal emails.Here’s just a few from the list:
- Ack communicates disgust or dismissal.
- Bwah-hah-hah (variously spelled, including mwah-hah-hah) facetiously mimics the stereotypical archvillain’s triumphant laugh.
- Ew denotes disgust, intensified by the addition of one or more e’s and/or w’s.
- Mwah is suggestive of a kiss, often implying unctuous or exaggerated affection.
- D’oh is the spelling for the muttering accompanying Homer Simpson’s trademark head-slapping self-abuse.
WEBPICK: Apostrophe Abuse
If you’re like me and are easily overwhelmed with rage whenever a misplaced apostrophe comes your way (and let’s face it, we all see too many of them every day) then this website is for you. Apostrophe Abuse invites readers to upload photos of the many and various ways that apostrophes are misused.
You can easily upload your own examples or just explore those that have been posted over the last year. If nothing else, you’ll be reassured that you’re not alone in your apostrophe-inspired rage.
Check it out here.
Other upcoming courses
Course: Travel Memoir with Claire Scobie
When: Every Thursday starting Thursday 3 February 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Judith Ridge
When: Every Monday starting Monday 7 February 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Online Course: Writing Books for Children and Young Adults with Nicola Robinson
When: Week beginning Monday 7 February 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers Stage 1 with Sue White
When: Every Monday starting Monday 7 February 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Professional Business Writing with Mel Wilkinson
When: Tuesday 8 February 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $450
Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Kate Forsyth
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 9 February 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 1 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 14 February 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Online Course: Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers with Sue White – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 14 February 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Seminar: Writing Letters and Emails with Deb Doyle
When: Wednesday 16 February 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Introduction to Travel Writing with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 16 February 2011 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Seminar: PR and Media Releases that Get Results with Catriona Pollard
When: Thursday 17 February 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: $495
Course: Perfecting Your Pitch with Sue White
When: Thursday 17 February 2011 and Thursday 24 February 2011 (2 evening classes)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $175
Seminar: Edit with Confidence with Deb Doyle
When: Friday 25 February 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Weekend Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers Stage 1 with Sue White – NEW DATE
When: Saturday 26 February 2011 and Sunday 27 February 2011 (2 day workshop)
Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Daytime Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 1 March 2011 for five weeks
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Travel Memoir with Claire Scobie
When: Saturday 5 March 2011 and Sunday 6 March 2011 (2 day workshop)
Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Online Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman/Cathie Tasker – NEW DATE
When: Week beginning Monday 7 March 2011 for five weeks
Time: Whenever suits you
Cost: $395
Seminar: How to Get Your Book Published with Geoff Bartlett
When: Thursday 10 March 2011 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Seminar: Writing for the Web with Grant Doyle – NEW DATE
When: Friday 11 March 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller – FULL
When: Saturday 12 March 2011 and Sunday 13 March 2011 (2 day workshop)
Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Cost: $450
Course: Screenwriting Stage 1 with Tim Gooding
When: Every Monday starting Monday 14 March 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Self Publishing - How to do it with Geoff Bartlett
When: Wednesday 23 March 2011 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Course: Writing about Interiors, Style and Design with Nigel Bartlett – NEW COURSE
When: Thursday 24 March 2011 and Thursday 31 March 2011 (2 evening classes)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $175
Seminar: Perfect Your Proofreading with Deb Doyle
When: Friday 25 March 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Boost Your Creativity with Laurine Croasdale
When: Monday 28 March 2011 and Monday 4 April 2011 (2 evening classes)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $175
Seminar: Blogging for Business with Steven Lewis
When: Friday 1 April 2011 (one-day seminar)
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: $395
Seminar: Sell your ebook on Amazon with Steven Lewis – NEW SEMINAR
When: Tuesday 5 April 2011 (two-hour evening seminar)
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $85
Course: Travel Writing: Get Paid for Your Adventures with Sue White
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 6 April 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Daytime Intensive Creative Writing Stage 1 with Jeni Mawter – NEW DATE
When: Monday 11 April 2011 - Friday 15 April 2011 (5 days in a row)
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $395
Course: Weekend Travel Writing: Get Paid for Your Adventures with Sue White – NEW DATE
When: Saturday 16 April 2011 and Sunday 17 April 2011 (2 day workshop)
Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Cost: $395
Course: Creative Writing Stage 2 with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 3 May 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Magazine Writing Stage 2 with Gayle Bryant
When: Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 18 May 2011 for five weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $395
Course: Your Story Structure with Kathryn Heyman
When: Friday 17 June 2011 and Friday 24 June 2011 (2 half-day classes)
Time: 9.30am - 12.30pm
Cost: $215
Course: Life Writing Masterclass with Patti Miller – NEW COURSE
When: Every Friday starting Friday 1 July 2011 for eight weeks
Time: 10.00am - 12.00noon
Cost: $650
Course: Novel Writing Workshop with Pamela Freeman
When: Every Tuesday starting Tuesday 5 July 2011 for six weeks
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Cost: $495
Course: Life Writing with Patti Miller – NEW DATE
When: Every Friday starting Friday 9 September 2011 for six weeks
Time: 10.00am - 12noon
Cost: $450
WRITING TOURS
Writing in Bali with Patti Miller
When: Saturday 18 June to Saturday 25 June 2011
Writing in Paris with Patti Miller
When: Thursday 20 October to Saturday 5 November 2011
Travel Writing in Italy with Sue White
When: Friday 16 September to Friday 30 September 2011
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