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This month we have expert advice from Lorraine Mace on the wonderful world of how-to articles, Ten Top Tips shows you how to illustrate your work and the benefits it can bring – you’ll be shocked! Plus, we’ve the usual mix of inspiring student stories, events, inspiration and useful websites.
Hello Dear Readers,
Spring is on its way at last for those of us in the northern hemisphere – light nights and above-freezing temperatures are a joy. Almost makes me want to leap like a spring lamb...I did say almost! Ah... I love the forums! You come across gems like this one from Gill – good advice too!
“Gill C: Don't use contractions. Be specific - more or less. Exaggeration is a billion times worse than understatement. And don't start a sentence with a conjunction. Remember to never split an infinitive. Always avoid alliteration. Proofread carefully to see if you words out. Never use a long word when a diminutive one will suffice. Everyone should be careful to use a singular pronoun with singular nouns in their writing. One should never generalise. start every sentence with a capital letter and end with a full stop Don't never use double negatives (they're a no no). Who needs rhetorical questions? A preposition is a terrible word to end a sentence with. Eschew obfuscation, espouse elucidation. Last but not least, avoid cliches like the plague. They're old hat.”
Thanks Gill it made me smile!
I’ve also used the forums to find success stories this month and there are plenty of them! The posts always have an immediate, excited feel about them – you can tell they have been written just moments after receiving the news of acceptance of work for publication – and are a great antidote to writers block and the ‘It’ll never happen’ mentality.
We also have expert advice from Lorraine Mace on writing brilliant how-to articles. I say brilliant because surely everyone has something they know enough about to make it of use to others! If you think articles could be your thing you should have a look at our Article Writing course – they can be a good source of regular income for those who really want to write fiction but can’t afford to wait for that mega selling novel. Ten Top Tips advises on illustrating your work, which – believe it or not – can quadruple your chances of being published and double, yes that’s double, your fees – so well worth a read!
As it’s World Press Freedom Day on May 3rd I’ve concentrated on useful websites for aspiring journalists. Journalists are courageous and what some put themselves through to report the truth is truly inspirational. If you’d like to contribute to society by being a whistle-blowing journalist (of course it doesn’t have to be dangerous!) then our Freelance Journalism Course is for you.
This month’s 21st Birthday Competition is to write a Twitter review of something you’ve seen, been to or are part of that’s related to writing. So, if there’s a particular blog you find useful or you attend a writer’s circle that you simply cannot do without review it – give it a shameless plug and be in with a chance of winning a copy of the Writing for Profit Using the Internet course. The competition closes on the 30th April so get cracking or should that be tweeting?
If you have the means and the inclination to get out and about this month – and you have a spare $1500 – you could attend the Writing Away May 2010 Breckenridge Retreat in Colorado, USA. There’s a manuscript review included in the price, plus all inclusive accommodation amongst other things to help gain insight into yourself and your writing. Have a look here to see a full rundown of the retreat.
America – the Roosevelt Hotel, New York to be precise – is also the venue for the American Society of Journalists and Authors annual conference, 23-25 May. Over the three days the “conference will offer great seminars and individual opportunities to work with editors, established writers, and other experts to help you sharpen your writing, marketing and technological skills.” Should be a great source of ideas and you can network with editors and other writers too. Fees range from $50-$295, full details here.
Australia is hosting a writing conference in Sydney – not surprisingly called The Sydney Writer’s Conference! Taking place May 17-23 it will be packed with all kinds of differing events taking place at various venues throughout the city. Some will be free, some will be ticketed. See here for full details.
Have a productive month!
Shelley x
P.S Don’t forget to enter our 21st Birthday Twitter Review Competition to be in with a chance of winning a Write for Profit Using the Internet Course!
