As I sit here writing this entry, I notice how fast this year has gone. I've only got two more classes until I have completed my very first year as a TAFE student. I've gained so much knowledge this past year, in this writing course. For one, it has made me realise that the responsibility for handing in assignments is totally up to me. I must admit that I soon became used to this, and slacked off a little bit when it came to completing and handing in my work. And this also made me realise that if I want a career in writing, I need to be committed to the work and follow deadlines.
The last term of this year has been pretty hectic. With everyone including myself, trying to get in their last few assignments and such, I almost think I'm back in my senior years of high school. Of course there are no Sac's or exams which is a bonus, but all of us have been stressing one way or another. But the stress I've been dealing with is so much different compared to VCE (high school) stress. Making sure you hand in all your assignments, and getting a pass in your subjects is the only things you need to stress about in TAFE. Well, there is probably a few other minor things to worry about, but it depends how stressful they are to the students. What is stressful to one student may not necessarily be stressful to another.
The stress that you deal with in VCE, is ten times worse than in TAFE. Apart from the fact that you constantly have to worry about the dates and deadlines for each SAC, you also need to revise your notes and class work and make sure you hand everything in on time. As soon as you miss one deadline for a SAC, you automatically have your teachers and year level coordinator hounding you until you hand it in. The other different things about VCE are that you have to follow a strict timetable, be on time for each of your classes, different class times, scheduled breaks, and the most important one: end of year exams. I believe VCE exams were the most challenging work I've ever done in my life, and they put an enormous amount of stress on me. All I can say about the exams is that I'm very proud I got through them, but they didn't affect my future education or career like my teachers said they would. I achieved where I wanted to go, which is right here in this professional writing TAFE course at Victoria University. And I'm proud to say that I'm doing what I love.
By Angela Hryc
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Rotunda for musos -- or anyone who loves music
Rotunda often has a musical prelude so it seems only natural that we should extend this further at some point. Our next Rotunda event features songwriters -- here are the details from Bruno:
Rotunda in the West: Conversations with Australian Writers (SONGWRITERS)
(brought to you by Professional Writing and Editing (TAFE), Victoria University and Greg Aronson from VU Music dept)
Warmly invites you to the next Rotunda In the West event featuring musicians:
Ashley Naylor, Dan Kelly, Chuck Jenkins and Phil Kakulas
plus
performances from VU music students
Date: Tuesday 23rd November
6pm for 6.30pm start.
Come early for light meal @ Vu Bar
Venue: VU Bar (building M level 0)
Footscray Park Campus
Victoria University.
Ballarat Rd Footscray.
Stay tuned for more details. More info coming!!!
Be sure to book your place.
Wave back to let us know you’re interested.
Grazie!!
Bruno Lettieri
0422 29 86 43
( bruno.lettieri@vu.edu.au)
Rotunda in the West: Conversations with Australian Writers (SONGWRITERS)
(brought to you by Professional Writing and Editing (TAFE), Victoria University and Greg Aronson from VU Music dept)
Warmly invites you to the next Rotunda In the West event featuring musicians:
Ashley Naylor, Dan Kelly, Chuck Jenkins and Phil Kakulas
plus
performances from VU music students
Date: Tuesday 23rd November
6pm for 6.30pm start.
Come early for light meal @ Vu Bar
Venue: VU Bar (building M level 0)
Footscray Park Campus
Victoria University.
Ballarat Rd Footscray.
Stay tuned for more details. More info coming!!!
Be sure to book your place.
Wave back to let us know you’re interested.
Grazie!!
Bruno Lettieri
0422 29 86 43
( bruno.lettieri@vu.edu.au)
Events at the gym
by Kavita Balvally
One of the things I like to do in my leisure time is go to the gym. I was reluctant at first, thinking that nobody but muscled bodybuilders went there, but I was completely wrong.
A few years ago, I was horrified after climbing a flight of stairs to be out of breath. A young person like me, wheezing like an asthmatic. I decided I should get fit and now going to the gym is probably one of my favourite things to do. It keeps me fit physically, and if I was ever chased down the street by a madman late at night, I think I could probably outrun him.
The only time I really get to go some days is in the evenings from between 6-8pm. That’s when the whole population of the world seems to have descended upon the gym and the aquatic centre.
There are people on their way home from work, students like me and high school kids with their parents. The gym area is a hot, crowded noisy box that makes me feel overwhelmed. The cardio machines are often occupied and we have to take turns on the weight machines between sets. Plus, there are sometimes never enough dumbbells for use (damn that woman who hogged both 5kg sets. Karma, woman, karma.)
Nonetheless there are incentives like the massive TV screens everywhere where you can watch your favourite program or the plenty of hot male eye candy around (the patrons and the instructors.)
The main idea is to relax and keep fit at the same time. I don’t carry my i-pod with me, but I like to listen to the music from the overhead stereo system. I often run in beat to the music on the treadmill, and count beats while doing abs or arm exercises.
Gyms are also a great place to people watch. Not only guys, but the girls as well. Sometimes I tend to find myself in a competition to see who can do more reps with the same weights. Most of the time though, the other person has no idea she’s in a competition with me. There’s no point trying to pace myself with the guys though; they can probably lift the same amount of weight I do with just one hand.
The other day, a group of construction guys came in after work still in their gear, but wearing sneakers instead of their usual work boots. They were clustered around a machine talking. Maybe something to do with their work?
Nooo, of course not. They were gossiping about what they did on Saturday night and some of them even took out their phones and were comparing photos. It made me smile, watching them bust their guts lifting weights one minute then laugh and giggle away the next.
The gym is a veritable place for relaxing, pushing yourself, keeping fit and people watching. Why did I not discover this haven years ago?
One of the things I like to do in my leisure time is go to the gym. I was reluctant at first, thinking that nobody but muscled bodybuilders went there, but I was completely wrong.
A few years ago, I was horrified after climbing a flight of stairs to be out of breath. A young person like me, wheezing like an asthmatic. I decided I should get fit and now going to the gym is probably one of my favourite things to do. It keeps me fit physically, and if I was ever chased down the street by a madman late at night, I think I could probably outrun him.
The only time I really get to go some days is in the evenings from between 6-8pm. That’s when the whole population of the world seems to have descended upon the gym and the aquatic centre.
There are people on their way home from work, students like me and high school kids with their parents. The gym area is a hot, crowded noisy box that makes me feel overwhelmed. The cardio machines are often occupied and we have to take turns on the weight machines between sets. Plus, there are sometimes never enough dumbbells for use (damn that woman who hogged both 5kg sets. Karma, woman, karma.)
Nonetheless there are incentives like the massive TV screens everywhere where you can watch your favourite program or the plenty of hot male eye candy around (the patrons and the instructors.)
The main idea is to relax and keep fit at the same time. I don’t carry my i-pod with me, but I like to listen to the music from the overhead stereo system. I often run in beat to the music on the treadmill, and count beats while doing abs or arm exercises.
Gyms are also a great place to people watch. Not only guys, but the girls as well. Sometimes I tend to find myself in a competition to see who can do more reps with the same weights. Most of the time though, the other person has no idea she’s in a competition with me. There’s no point trying to pace myself with the guys though; they can probably lift the same amount of weight I do with just one hand.
The other day, a group of construction guys came in after work still in their gear, but wearing sneakers instead of their usual work boots. They were clustered around a machine talking. Maybe something to do with their work?
Nooo, of course not. They were gossiping about what they did on Saturday night and some of them even took out their phones and were comparing photos. It made me smile, watching them bust their guts lifting weights one minute then laugh and giggle away the next.
The gym is a veritable place for relaxing, pushing yourself, keeping fit and people watching. Why did I not discover this haven years ago?
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Finally
by Kavita Balvally
Having been out of tertiary studies for a few years has made me forget the pressures exacted on students. Not having to meet assignment deadlines has made me rather complacent (e.g. this very belated blog entry. Apologies for that). Now, as the last few weeks whittle away, my mind is going into overdrive trying to remember exactly which assignments for what subjects are due when. Of course, I’ve probably written them down somewhere, but I can never remember where. Just like my password to Twitter, I’ve forgotten them!
The amount of work gets you realising that once you graduate, the workplace will be all about making sure that you hand in your work on time. Whether you want to write a novel, a screenplay, or write for a magazine or website, there is a timeframe in which you must produce a presentable amount of work. Since high school, teachers have been preparing us for this, constantly reminding us to hand everything in on time. Even though we may get annoyed then, we come to realise how important this is in later studies. Some students come straight out of high school and some may be coming back to pursue a different career path. Whatever the reason, we all feel the same pressure to do well, to make sure we keep up with the rest of the class.
This kind of pressure is good, because it keeps us on our toes, not only to learn, but to make sure that we don’t forgot how important timekeeping really is.
Having been out of tertiary studies for a few years has made me forget the pressures exacted on students. Not having to meet assignment deadlines has made me rather complacent (e.g. this very belated blog entry. Apologies for that). Now, as the last few weeks whittle away, my mind is going into overdrive trying to remember exactly which assignments for what subjects are due when. Of course, I’ve probably written them down somewhere, but I can never remember where. Just like my password to Twitter, I’ve forgotten them!
The amount of work gets you realising that once you graduate, the workplace will be all about making sure that you hand in your work on time. Whether you want to write a novel, a screenplay, or write for a magazine or website, there is a timeframe in which you must produce a presentable amount of work. Since high school, teachers have been preparing us for this, constantly reminding us to hand everything in on time. Even though we may get annoyed then, we come to realise how important this is in later studies. Some students come straight out of high school and some may be coming back to pursue a different career path. Whatever the reason, we all feel the same pressure to do well, to make sure we keep up with the rest of the class.
This kind of pressure is good, because it keeps us on our toes, not only to learn, but to make sure that we don’t forgot how important timekeeping really is.
Rotunda Sports Night
Rotunda in the West came to the Whitten Oval on August 26, 2010. Top sports writers Martin Flannagan and Greg Baum brought their love of sports to an eclectic audience of young and old, students and teachers and a large number of Western Bulldog supporters.
After some beautiful music from Holly and Christian of VU St Alban’s Music Department and some laughs from “Dud Dawkins” (which went down very well with the targeted audience!), the two sports heads settled in for a chat. They interviewed each other, starting with bushy bearded Martin, asking bespectacled Greg the obvious question:
“How did you get into sport?”
Greg fell in love with sport at primary school. In 1968, (ironically the year this blogger was born) he went to the MCG to watch a sporting event for the first time. It was a VFL match involving Collingwood and Richmond. The stands were heaving and he was fascinated with the colours and the general spectacle. He also attended the 1970–71 Ashes series and once again was wowed by the scene and drama, in particular the contrast of the white-outfitted players against the green grass backdrop.
When “Flanners” asked what football team he barracked for as a kid, Greg related a story of being 6 years old and watching the 1966 Grand Final at his uncle’s house. His uncle was a mad St Kilda supporter, who went wild after the 1 point win, the first in the club’s history. Young Greg found himself feeling sorry for Collingwood and has been barracking for them ever since.
When “Baumie” asked Martin the same question, he told of a story that he’d been told. [Someone had told him they knew why he barracked for Collingwood.] This story also related to the 1966 Grand Final. Back in those days, players swapped guernseys at the end of the Grand Final, so the St Kilda captain Daryl Baldock was wearing a Collingwood jumper when he raised the Premiership Cup, so a young Martin was influenced by this scene of a player in Collingwood colours holding the cup to barrack for Collingwood. Martin says this story was totally untrue, he was a Geelong supporter as a youngster, and commented how interesting it is that stories that have no basis in truth get out there and become the truth for people. Martin says he now just barracks for the game.
Both men had some wonderful anecdotes about the world of sport, but as this is a blog for the PWE website I should probably mention some of what they had to say about writing. Martin, who writes articles for newspapers and books said that writing is like fishing: the more you fish in the same place the less fish there are; you have to diversify.
Greg said that writing is like sport - you need to practise if you are going to be any good.
They both talked about their favourite books on sport, and spoke passionately about them. It sounded like they were all worth reading. Here are a few for you to look into if you like sport and good writing:
The boys of summer by Roger Kahn
Beyond a boundary by C L R James
The book of fame by Lloyd Jones
The damned United by David Peace
After some beautiful music from Holly and Christian of VU St Alban’s Music Department and some laughs from “Dud Dawkins” (which went down very well with the targeted audience!), the two sports heads settled in for a chat. They interviewed each other, starting with bushy bearded Martin, asking bespectacled Greg the obvious question:
“How did you get into sport?”
Greg fell in love with sport at primary school. In 1968, (ironically the year this blogger was born) he went to the MCG to watch a sporting event for the first time. It was a VFL match involving Collingwood and Richmond. The stands were heaving and he was fascinated with the colours and the general spectacle. He also attended the 1970–71 Ashes series and once again was wowed by the scene and drama, in particular the contrast of the white-outfitted players against the green grass backdrop.
When “Flanners” asked what football team he barracked for as a kid, Greg related a story of being 6 years old and watching the 1966 Grand Final at his uncle’s house. His uncle was a mad St Kilda supporter, who went wild after the 1 point win, the first in the club’s history. Young Greg found himself feeling sorry for Collingwood and has been barracking for them ever since.
When “Baumie” asked Martin the same question, he told of a story that he’d been told. [Someone had told him they knew why he barracked for Collingwood.] This story also related to the 1966 Grand Final. Back in those days, players swapped guernseys at the end of the Grand Final, so the St Kilda captain Daryl Baldock was wearing a Collingwood jumper when he raised the Premiership Cup, so a young Martin was influenced by this scene of a player in Collingwood colours holding the cup to barrack for Collingwood. Martin says this story was totally untrue, he was a Geelong supporter as a youngster, and commented how interesting it is that stories that have no basis in truth get out there and become the truth for people. Martin says he now just barracks for the game.
Both men had some wonderful anecdotes about the world of sport, but as this is a blog for the PWE website I should probably mention some of what they had to say about writing. Martin, who writes articles for newspapers and books said that writing is like fishing: the more you fish in the same place the less fish there are; you have to diversify.
Greg said that writing is like sport - you need to practise if you are going to be any good.
They both talked about their favourite books on sport, and spoke passionately about them. It sounded like they were all worth reading. Here are a few for you to look into if you like sport and good writing:
The boys of summer by Roger Kahn
Beyond a boundary by C L R James
The book of fame by Lloyd Jones
The damned United by David Peace
The perils of Internet dating
So, here I am. I've arranged to meet this guy at noon. I didn't really want to, I'm very busy with course stuff at the moment, and I have a class at 1:30. But he was getting angsty, because we have arranged to meet so many times before and it always fell through. Last time we talked I said I was going to start accepting other dates, which he was not happy about, so this morning he practically begged me to meet him today I told him I wouldn't have long. That was fine, he said, he just wanted to meet me, so I couldn't run away on him.
What do you suppose happened? Yep, I am sitting here in the proposed place, its 12:40 and he is nowhere to be seen. He is not answering his phone: he is not answering texts. I cannot get online from here, so I don't know if he has sent me a message that way to say he can't make it. I just got up and got myself a glass of water. I don't have any money on me. That is what he is for! But I am starving, so water will just have to do. I have no choice but to leave at 1, as I have to get to my Literature for Writers class, but what am I still doing sitting here? I should have left when he was 15 minutes late. Now he is nearly 45 minutes late. He is not coming. Grrrrr.
What is it about this guy that made me accept his coffee invitation over others in the first place? Well, to be honest it was because he had an advantage the others didn’t; we used to chat years ago, when I lived in Cowes. We lived 2 hours apart, so realised there was no point in meeting, but we did chat happily for a while. When he recently came across my profile again he was happy to find me living a lot closer, and I was happy to be found. I remembered thinking he was pretty cool back then. Your classic tall dark and handsome type. No kids ¾ that can be a good thing sometimes, a bad thing other times. Obviously only another parent is going to understand where and how children fit into your life, but it is much easier to date a non parent; no clashes with child-free weekends, no missing dates because he has to be with his kids for whatever reason. It's just my kids we have to work around when he has no kids. Like I said, easier.
It's not the first time I have been stood up for a date from someone I have met online. They have always had good (read “ridiculous”) excuses and I have given them the benefit of the doubt and another chance. Not sure I will this time. The amount of times our plans have fallen through has got to be telling me something. Listen to the universe Suellen, it usually knows what it is on about.
Well, I've had enough. Michael Kitson and his literature class awaits.
Monday, October 25, 2010
PWE short course and reminder
Just a reminder that this Wednesday is our next Rotunda event: Cate Kennedy in conversation with Hannie Rayson. (Information is a few blog posts further down.)
Also our next short course on offer is for those of you who are interested in writing a novel and taking up the NaNoWriMo (novel in a month) challenge. For our students, there is likely to be an inhouse (free) NaNoWriMo group, led by Sherryl and me (mainly me), so keep your eyes on the bulletin boards.
In the meantime, here's the PR about the short course from Bruno:
Would you believe me if I told you....
Write a novel in a Month short course
Teacher: Margaret McCarthy
Dates: Saturday 23 October for 6 weeks
Day & Time: Information and sign-up session before first class 9.30am (free)
Saturday mornings 10.00 – 12.30pm
Cost: $240
Venue: Footscray Nicholson Campus VU, VenU Restaurant
The class is very close to public transport at Footscray and Seddon, and although the restaurant won't be running, we will have coffee and tea. If you have any trouble finding the class on the day, call the teacher on 0400 316 431.
Texts/materials The book "No Plot No Problem" will be available for sale ($25). Bring writing materials – a large note book and pens. If you have a laptop, bring it along.
Novel in a Month is inspired by NaNoWriMo, an international writing competition to write 50,000 words (a novel draft) in a month. Participants with any level of writing experience, including first-time writers, can take part. This short course is for anyone who wants to have a go. Go to www.nanowrimo.org
Why do this class? You will write and finish the first draft of a novel!
Many things prevent people from writing. Novel in July offers a way around lack of experience, writer’s block and perfectionism. As long as you meet your word count, you can’t fail. Novel in July keeps you writing—not re-drafting, stopping or editing.
Can’t I just take the challenge at home? Yes, you can. But writing with a class greatly improves your chances of meeting the total: about 12% of those working alone complete the challenge whereas for those in a class up to 80% succeed!
What if I’ve started a novel already? Although our July class allows you to continue with an existing writing project or begin something fresh, our November class encourages new work. However, it’s best to talk to the teacher to discuss what you’d like to do – that’s what we’re here for!.
What do you have to do? Come to class for discussion, support and writing strategies; then write your quota every day. By 30 November, you will have completed your novel, be ready to debrief and celebrate.
About the teacher
Margaret McCarthy is a published poet and writer teaching in Melbourne’s west. Her poetry collection Night Crossing is being published in November 2010, and her manuscript “Entitlement” was short-listed for the Harper Collins Varuna Awards for Manuscript Development 2006. She holds a MA in Creative Writing from Melbourne University. This is her third Novel in a Month challenge.
Find out about
For more information, contact Isabelle.LeBouder@vu.edu.au or phone the PWE Office 9919 2681.
Also our next short course on offer is for those of you who are interested in writing a novel and taking up the NaNoWriMo (novel in a month) challenge. For our students, there is likely to be an inhouse (free) NaNoWriMo group, led by Sherryl and me (mainly me), so keep your eyes on the bulletin boards.
In the meantime, here's the PR about the short course from Bruno:
Would you believe me if I told you....
...that you could write 50 thousand words in a month
...that you’ve been secretly (deliciously) holding this ambition to write your novel
...that you dare not even acknowledge it to yourself.
Go on...let the ambition unfurl.
COME JOIN US for
Write a novel in a Month short course
Teacher: Margaret McCarthy
Dates: Saturday 23 October for 6 weeks
Day & Time: Information and sign-up session before first class 9.30am (free)
Saturday mornings 10.00 – 12.30pm
Cost: $240
Venue: Footscray Nicholson Campus VU, VenU Restaurant
The class is very close to public transport at Footscray and Seddon, and although the restaurant won't be running, we will have coffee and tea. If you have any trouble finding the class on the day, call the teacher on 0400 316 431.
Texts/materials The book "No Plot No Problem" will be available for sale ($25). Bring writing materials – a large note book and pens. If you have a laptop, bring it along.
Novel in a Month is inspired by NaNoWriMo, an international writing competition to write 50,000 words (a novel draft) in a month. Participants with any level of writing experience, including first-time writers, can take part. This short course is for anyone who wants to have a go. Go to www.nanowrimo.org
Why do this class? You will write and finish the first draft of a novel!
Many things prevent people from writing. Novel in July offers a way around lack of experience, writer’s block and perfectionism. As long as you meet your word count, you can’t fail. Novel in July keeps you writing—not re-drafting, stopping or editing.
Can’t I just take the challenge at home? Yes, you can. But writing with a class greatly improves your chances of meeting the total: about 12% of those working alone complete the challenge whereas for those in a class up to 80% succeed!
What if I’ve started a novel already? Although our July class allows you to continue with an existing writing project or begin something fresh, our November class encourages new work. However, it’s best to talk to the teacher to discuss what you’d like to do – that’s what we’re here for!.
What do you have to do? Come to class for discussion, support and writing strategies; then write your quota every day. By 30 November, you will have completed your novel, be ready to debrief and celebrate.
About the teacher
Margaret McCarthy is a published poet and writer teaching in Melbourne’s west. Her poetry collection Night Crossing is being published in November 2010, and her manuscript “Entitlement” was short-listed for the Harper Collins Varuna Awards for Manuscript Development 2006. She holds a MA in Creative Writing from Melbourne University. This is her third Novel in a Month challenge.
Find out about
- Ideas about writing novels
- Plot
- Character
- Setting
- Writing to deadline
- Writing forward without looking back
- Problem solving
This Course is run by Professional Writing & Editing (PWE) TAFE, Victoria University.
Apply direct through the Creative Industries website at http://creativeindustries.vu.edu.au
Saturday, October 23, 2010
A Change of Scenery.
By Emma Shepperbottom
Doing my homework at home is a very difficult task for me. There are so many distractions: t.v, my family and friends, Facebook and YouTube. They are just a couple of things that distract me from my school work.
Sometimes, if I'm doing a task that I'm not particular fond of, I find myself purposely procrastinating.
Noticing that this was becoming a problem, that caused a lot of stress come the day before an assignment was due I decided I needed to approach my homework in a different manner. I started going to Cafe Java, where I work and doing my homework there. With little to distract me, I found that I got a lot of work done there.
Of course it does mean that I have to hand write everything first, but sometimes I find that handwriting my work lets me get everything I'm thinking out. So I don't end up losing any good ideas of thoughts because I was correcting a misspelt word on spell check.
Not only do I get a lot of work done at Cafe Java, I also get to enjoy the fresh air and the environment around me can be used as a source of inspiration. Getting free coffee doesn't hurt either.
So when I go to Cafe Java to do my homework, everybody wins. I'm happy because I'm getting things done, my teachers are happy because my homework is handed in on time, my boss is happy because I'm buying food there, and the chef is happy because I go into the kitchen and say hello to him.
Doing my homework at home is a very difficult task for me. There are so many distractions: t.v, my family and friends, Facebook and YouTube. They are just a couple of things that distract me from my school work.
Sometimes, if I'm doing a task that I'm not particular fond of, I find myself purposely procrastinating.
Noticing that this was becoming a problem, that caused a lot of stress come the day before an assignment was due I decided I needed to approach my homework in a different manner. I started going to Cafe Java, where I work and doing my homework there. With little to distract me, I found that I got a lot of work done there.
Of course it does mean that I have to hand write everything first, but sometimes I find that handwriting my work lets me get everything I'm thinking out. So I don't end up losing any good ideas of thoughts because I was correcting a misspelt word on spell check.
Not only do I get a lot of work done at Cafe Java, I also get to enjoy the fresh air and the environment around me can be used as a source of inspiration. Getting free coffee doesn't hurt either.
So when I go to Cafe Java to do my homework, everybody wins. I'm happy because I'm getting things done, my teachers are happy because my homework is handed in on time, my boss is happy because I'm buying food there, and the chef is happy because I go into the kitchen and say hello to him.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Moving On
by Mark Simonato
The drama, the mourning. I spent the day walking around the house as if something had been taken away from me. How will I survive without my most precious asset: spell & grammar check?
I contacted a friend to tell her the bad news. She said she had a spare computer I could borrow for a couple of months, but it didn’t have Word 2007. This can’t be happening!
For the past three years I've relied on only one system, which had spell & grammar check customised to best suit my weaknesses.
“Oh well, no need to be precious,” I thought. “You'll need to rely on what you have learnt during editing classes.”
Last year, I lived for over a month without access to technology: no computers, no mobile phones, no music, and even hot water was a struggle to obtain. It was back to basics, but I survived and only missed music and toilet paper. Writing wasn‘t an issue, as pen and paper (which wasn't suitable for wiping) was available. Is the death of my laptop another learning curve?
I moved on and started a few assignments, as I believed that the universe killed my laptop because it wanted me to trust in my capability to produce well-structured writing with minimal technological help.
It felt like being in editing class. I scrutinised every sentence. Am I using the right pronoun? Is it the correct verb tense? Should I use a comma or semi colon? And so on. It was fascinating to notice how much my brain had absorbed since starting the course, but I was still waiting for that famous moment when they say it all comes together.
Last night while I was on the phone with my mate, it finally happened. He was telling me a story when I saw the beautiful bright light: the sentence he just said had a dangling modifier. “Way to go, Mark,” said the voice in my head.
I still have a long way to go, but I'm amazed by the knowledge gained in my first year of the Professional Writing & Editing course. Apart from improving my writing, it's also built my confidence to pursue a career that I'm extremely passionate about. The transformation from amateur to professional is happening at an exciting and sustainable pace. It feels real.
Five weeks to go and my first year is over. I'm dealing with an archaic computer system, but my mourning is over. I will be fine.
My laptop died...and only five weeks to go before this school-year ends!
The drama, the mourning. I spent the day walking around the house as if something had been taken away from me. How will I survive without my most precious asset: spell & grammar check?
I contacted a friend to tell her the bad news. She said she had a spare computer I could borrow for a couple of months, but it didn’t have Word 2007. This can’t be happening!
For the past three years I've relied on only one system, which had spell & grammar check customised to best suit my weaknesses.
“Oh well, no need to be precious,” I thought. “You'll need to rely on what you have learnt during editing classes.”
Last year, I lived for over a month without access to technology: no computers, no mobile phones, no music, and even hot water was a struggle to obtain. It was back to basics, but I survived and only missed music and toilet paper. Writing wasn‘t an issue, as pen and paper (which wasn't suitable for wiping) was available. Is the death of my laptop another learning curve?
I moved on and started a few assignments, as I believed that the universe killed my laptop because it wanted me to trust in my capability to produce well-structured writing with minimal technological help.
It felt like being in editing class. I scrutinised every sentence. Am I using the right pronoun? Is it the correct verb tense? Should I use a comma or semi colon? And so on. It was fascinating to notice how much my brain had absorbed since starting the course, but I was still waiting for that famous moment when they say it all comes together.
Last night while I was on the phone with my mate, it finally happened. He was telling me a story when I saw the beautiful bright light: the sentence he just said had a dangling modifier. “Way to go, Mark,” said the voice in my head.
I still have a long way to go, but I'm amazed by the knowledge gained in my first year of the Professional Writing & Editing course. Apart from improving my writing, it's also built my confidence to pursue a career that I'm extremely passionate about. The transformation from amateur to professional is happening at an exciting and sustainable pace. It feels real.
Five weeks to go and my first year is over. I'm dealing with an archaic computer system, but my mourning is over. I will be fine.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Cate Kennedy comes to Rotunda
Professional Writing and Editing (TAFE)
presenters of
Rotunda in the west: Conversations with Australian Writers
Cate Kennedy (novelist, short story writer, poet)
"The World Beneath"
"Dark Roots"
"Sing and Don't Cry"
"Signs of Other Fires"
interviewed by (playwright) Hannie Rayson
plus music and songs
Wednesday 27th October
6.30pm for 7pm start
VU Bar (drinks at bar prices) - LIGHT MEALS AVAILABLE
Building M Level 0
Footscray Park campus
Victoria University
Ballarat Rd
Footscray
$10 and $5 concession
Please let us know you are coming!
Please spread the word among your friends and colleagues and students.
GO on!!!! Give us a wave and tell us you're interested (and tell us you've told you)
SPREAD THE WORD per favore
Bruno
RSVP (essential): bruno.lettieri@vu.edu.au
0422 29 86 43
presenters of
Rotunda in the west: Conversations with Australian Writers
Cate Kennedy (novelist, short story writer, poet)
"The World Beneath"
"Dark Roots"
"Sing and Don't Cry"
"Signs of Other Fires"
interviewed by (playwright) Hannie Rayson
plus music and songs
Wednesday 27th October
6.30pm for 7pm start
VU Bar (drinks at bar prices) - LIGHT MEALS AVAILABLE
Building M Level 0
Footscray Park campus
Victoria University
Ballarat Rd
Footscray
$10 and $5 concession
Please let us know you are coming!
Please spread the word among your friends and colleagues and students.
GO on!!!! Give us a wave and tell us you're interested (and tell us you've told you)
SPREAD THE WORD per favore
Bruno
RSVP (essential): bruno.lettieri@vu.edu.au
0422 29 86 43
Monday, October 4, 2010
Platform launch
Youth, VCE and Community Education
VU College
Victoria University
publishers of
PLATFORM “Age to Youth/Youth to Age”
Wish to let you know that:
*Edition 7 PLATFORM will be launched
THURSDAY 14th October
3.30pm
At the new restaurant at FOOTSCRAY NICHOLSON (VENU)
Wine and finger food
RSVP(essential): bruno.lettieri@vu.edu.au
0422 29 86 43
Pieces and poems by:
Michael McGirr
Robert Pascoe
Hannie Rayson
Paul Mitchell
Alice Pung
Michael Hyde
Sherryl Clark
VCAL students
Work Ed Students
Paul Kinna
Christine Kowal
Tom Petsinis
Barry Garner
Brian Doyle
PWE students and more
Email: bruno.lettieri@vu.edu.au
0422 29 86 43
Cheers
Bruno Lettieri on behalf of Maree Wheelens, Martina Michael, Megan Green, Susanna Bryceson (editorial team)
The Essence of Platform
Platform’s theme is Age to Youth/Youth to Age. The publication initially grew from a desire to give a voice to young folk—many whom rarely had their voice heard—who are entering post-secondary education and TAFE
Platform also reaches a wider audience—those who would read its youth offerings—and tells stories ‘back to youth’ of the insight and wisdom gained through experience. Platform promotes the worthiness of persisting with education.
Platform aims to create an interesting ‘orchestra’ if one-third of its writers were those who made writing their life and livelihood: Hannie Rayson; Helen Garner; Michael McGirr; Paul Mitchell; Martin Flanagan, and many more. Those who love to write, and predominantly do for the sheer love of it encompass another ‘orchestral’ third The remaining third are the first-timers and, perhaps, those ‘raw’ to it. The third-third-third formula gives Platform a unique voice.
Platform distributes itself through wide corridors of Melbourne’s west and jumps into all kinds of other quadrants too. It likes border crossing.
VU College
Victoria University
publishers of
PLATFORM “Age to Youth/Youth to Age”
Wish to let you know that:
*Edition 7 PLATFORM will be launched
THURSDAY 14th October
3.30pm
At the new restaurant at FOOTSCRAY NICHOLSON (VENU)
Wine and finger food
RSVP(essential): bruno.lettieri@vu.edu.au
0422 29 86 43
Pieces and poems by:
Michael McGirr
Robert Pascoe
Hannie Rayson
Paul Mitchell
Alice Pung
Michael Hyde
Sherryl Clark
VCAL students
Work Ed Students
Paul Kinna
Christine Kowal
Tom Petsinis
Barry Garner
Brian Doyle
PWE students and more
Email: bruno.lettieri@vu.edu.au
0422 29 86 43
Cheers
Bruno Lettieri on behalf of Maree Wheelens, Martina Michael, Megan Green, Susanna Bryceson (editorial team)
The Essence of Platform
Platform’s theme is Age to Youth/Youth to Age. The publication initially grew from a desire to give a voice to young folk—many whom rarely had their voice heard—who are entering post-secondary education and TAFE
Platform also reaches a wider audience—those who would read its youth offerings—and tells stories ‘back to youth’ of the insight and wisdom gained through experience. Platform promotes the worthiness of persisting with education.
Platform aims to create an interesting ‘orchestra’ if one-third of its writers were those who made writing their life and livelihood: Hannie Rayson; Helen Garner; Michael McGirr; Paul Mitchell; Martin Flanagan, and many more. Those who love to write, and predominantly do for the sheer love of it encompass another ‘orchestral’ third The remaining third are the first-timers and, perhaps, those ‘raw’ to it. The third-third-third formula gives Platform a unique voice.
Platform distributes itself through wide corridors of Melbourne’s west and jumps into all kinds of other quadrants too. It likes border crossing.
One for western suburbs poets
This is from the Hobsons Bay Libraries newsletter.
Australian Poetry Slam 2010 - Victorian Heats
You have two minutes and a microphone, so slam it!
The search is on for Australia's next poetry slam champion! Speak, scream, howl, whisper or sing your original poem at the Australian Poetry Slam 2010 - an electric live event where the audience is the judge! Slam heats are being held in city and regional venues across the state in October and November. Two finalists from each slam heat will compete in the state final at the State Library of Victoria on Friday 19 November.
What are the prizes?
Heat winners will receive cash or a prize to the value of $100. The top two point scorers from each heat will go on to compete in the state final.
The state winners and runners-up will take home $500 and $100 in prize money, respectively, and compete for the Australian Poetry Slam 2010 title at the national final in Sydney on 5 December.
The overall winner will receive places at the 2011 Ubud Readers & Writers Festival and the 2011 Beijing International Literary Festival, including flights and accommodation.
Wednesday, 20th October
Slam participants register from 6.00pm
Poetry Slam from 6.30pm to 8.00pm
Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre
Enquiries tel: 9932 3020 or email: libraryevents@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
For more information:
State Library of Victoria slv.vic.gov.au/poetry-slam
Australian Poetry Slam 2010 australianpoetryslam.com
Australian Poetry Slam 2010 - Victorian Heats
You have two minutes and a microphone, so slam it!
The search is on for Australia's next poetry slam champion! Speak, scream, howl, whisper or sing your original poem at the Australian Poetry Slam 2010 - an electric live event where the audience is the judge! Slam heats are being held in city and regional venues across the state in October and November. Two finalists from each slam heat will compete in the state final at the State Library of Victoria on Friday 19 November.
What are the prizes?
Heat winners will receive cash or a prize to the value of $100. The top two point scorers from each heat will go on to compete in the state final.
The state winners and runners-up will take home $500 and $100 in prize money, respectively, and compete for the Australian Poetry Slam 2010 title at the national final in Sydney on 5 December.
The overall winner will receive places at the 2011 Ubud Readers & Writers Festival and the 2011 Beijing International Literary Festival, including flights and accommodation.
Wednesday, 20th October
Slam participants register from 6.00pm
Poetry Slam from 6.30pm to 8.00pm
Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre
Enquiries tel: 9932 3020 or email: libraryevents@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
For more information:
State Library of Victoria slv.vic.gov.au/poetry-slam
Australian Poetry Slam 2010 australianpoetryslam.com
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Short course (began last Saturday)
It might not be too late to sign up for this one if you're interested...
VU Creative Writing Short Course
The Creative Writing Short Course covers a range of introductory writing topics and gives each student the chance to create and read their own writing in a lively and supportive atmosphere.
This class is the ideal way to try creative writing if you’re not sure where to start. It also offers direction for those who want to continue writing but are unsure where to go next.
The Creative Writing Short Course is an energetic mixture of writing exercises, readings and discussion. It covers several forms of writing so students can embark on writing pieces that are new and satisfying.
Find out about
· Original ideas: finding them
· Fresh words: creating them
· Scenes: the building blocks of story
· Characters: making them real and interesting
· Writing choices: point of view
· Editing your own writing
· What to do next.
About the teacher
Margaret McCarthy is a published poet, writer and teacher working in Melbourne’s west. She has a Masters in Creative Writing and has taught creative writing for many years. Her creative writing work has won awards and is published widely.
Margaret’s manuscript “Entitlement” was short-listed for the Harper Collins Varuna Awards for Manuscript Development 2006. She is a teacher in Professional Writing & Editing at Victoria University.
___________________________________
Begins 11 September 2010, for 6 weeks
___________________________________
Saturdays 9.30 am-12 noon
Altona Meadows / Werribee / Point Cook area
___________________________________
$240 / $210 concession
This Course is run by Professional Writing & Editing TAFE, Victoria University.
For more details, email isabelle.lebouder@vu.edu.au or phone 9919 2681.
Also look out for
Writing Stories for Children, Wyndham Cultural Centre, beginning August 28, 6 weeks.
‘Write a Short Film Script’ Saturday afternoons, Wyndham Cultural Centre, beginning August 28, 6 weeks.
VU Creative Writing Short Course
The Creative Writing Short Course covers a range of introductory writing topics and gives each student the chance to create and read their own writing in a lively and supportive atmosphere.
This class is the ideal way to try creative writing if you’re not sure where to start. It also offers direction for those who want to continue writing but are unsure where to go next.
The Creative Writing Short Course is an energetic mixture of writing exercises, readings and discussion. It covers several forms of writing so students can embark on writing pieces that are new and satisfying.
Find out about
· Original ideas: finding them
· Fresh words: creating them
· Scenes: the building blocks of story
· Characters: making them real and interesting
· Writing choices: point of view
· Editing your own writing
· What to do next.
About the teacher
Margaret McCarthy is a published poet, writer and teacher working in Melbourne’s west. She has a Masters in Creative Writing and has taught creative writing for many years. Her creative writing work has won awards and is published widely.
Margaret’s manuscript “Entitlement” was short-listed for the Harper Collins Varuna Awards for Manuscript Development 2006. She is a teacher in Professional Writing & Editing at Victoria University.
___________________________________
Begins 11 September 2010, for 6 weeks
___________________________________
Saturdays 9.30 am-12 noon
Altona Meadows / Werribee / Point Cook area
___________________________________
$240 / $210 concession
This Course is run by Professional Writing & Editing TAFE, Victoria University.
For more details, email isabelle.lebouder@vu.edu.au or phone 9919 2681.
Also look out for
Writing Stories for Children, Wyndham Cultural Centre, beginning August 28, 6 weeks.
‘Write a Short Film Script’ Saturday afternoons, Wyndham Cultural Centre, beginning August 28, 6 weeks.
Platform launch and next edition
News from Bruno:
Youth, VCE and Community Education
VU College
Victoria University
publishers of
PLATFORM “Age to Youth/Youth to Age”
Wish to let you know that:
*Edition 7 PLATFORM will be launched
THURSDAY 14th October
3.30pm
At the new restaurant at FOOTSCRAY NICHOLSON
Wine and finger food
RSVP(essential): bruno.lettieri@vu.edu.au
0422 29 86 43
Pieces and poems by:
Michael McGirr
Robert Pascoe
Hannie Rayson
Paul Mitchell
Alice Pung
Michael Hyde
Sherryl Clark
VCAL students
Work Ed Students
Paul Kinna
Christine Kowal
Tom Petsinis
Barry Garner
Brian Doyle
PWE students and more
*Platform edition 7 will be launched in the new restaurant at Footscray Nicholson
*CALL for new writing/new photographs/new artwork for edition 8 (due out LATE in term 4)
Happy to come talk to your students and classes too about Platform. Give me a call.
Especially keen to get some song lyrics-more on that soon.
Email: bruno.lettieri@vu.edu.au
0422 29 86 43
Go on! Write me a note, send good news down the line
Cheers
Bruno Lettieri on behalf of Maree Wheelens, Martina Michael, Megan Green, Susanna Bryceson (editorial team)
The Essence of Platform
Platform’s theme is Age to Youth/Youth to Age. The publication initially grew from a desire to give a voice to young folk—many whom rarely had their voice heard—who are entering post-secondary education and TAFE
Platform also reaches a wider audience—those who would read its youth offerings—and tells stories ‘back to youth’ of the insight and wisdom gained through experience. Platform promotes the worthiness of persisting with education.
Platform aims to create an interesting ‘orchestra’ if one-third of its writers were those who made writing their life and livelihood: Hannie Rayson; Helen Garner; Michael McGirr; Paul Mitchell; Martin Flanagan, and many more. Those who love to write, and predominantly do for the sheer love of it encompass another ‘orchestral’ third The remaining third are the first-timers and, perhaps, those ‘raw’ to it. The third-third-third formula gives Platform a unique voice.
Platform distributes itself through wide corridors of Melbourne’s west and jumps into all kinds of other quadrants too. It likes border crossing.
Youth, VCE and Community Education
VU College
Victoria University
publishers of
PLATFORM “Age to Youth/Youth to Age”
Wish to let you know that:
*Edition 7 PLATFORM will be launched
THURSDAY 14th October
3.30pm
At the new restaurant at FOOTSCRAY NICHOLSON
Wine and finger food
RSVP(essential): bruno.lettieri@vu.edu.au
0422 29 86 43
Pieces and poems by:
Michael McGirr
Robert Pascoe
Hannie Rayson
Paul Mitchell
Alice Pung
Michael Hyde
Sherryl Clark
VCAL students
Work Ed Students
Paul Kinna
Christine Kowal
Tom Petsinis
Barry Garner
Brian Doyle
PWE students and more
*Platform edition 7 will be launched in the new restaurant at Footscray Nicholson
*CALL for new writing/new photographs/new artwork for edition 8 (due out LATE in term 4)
Happy to come talk to your students and classes too about Platform. Give me a call.
Especially keen to get some song lyrics-more on that soon.
Email: bruno.lettieri@vu.edu.au
0422 29 86 43
Go on! Write me a note, send good news down the line
Cheers
Bruno Lettieri on behalf of Maree Wheelens, Martina Michael, Megan Green, Susanna Bryceson (editorial team)
The Essence of Platform
Platform’s theme is Age to Youth/Youth to Age. The publication initially grew from a desire to give a voice to young folk—many whom rarely had their voice heard—who are entering post-secondary education and TAFE
Platform also reaches a wider audience—those who would read its youth offerings—and tells stories ‘back to youth’ of the insight and wisdom gained through experience. Platform promotes the worthiness of persisting with education.
Platform aims to create an interesting ‘orchestra’ if one-third of its writers were those who made writing their life and livelihood: Hannie Rayson; Helen Garner; Michael McGirr; Paul Mitchell; Martin Flanagan, and many more. Those who love to write, and predominantly do for the sheer love of it encompass another ‘orchestral’ third The remaining third are the first-timers and, perhaps, those ‘raw’ to it. The third-third-third formula gives Platform a unique voice.
Platform distributes itself through wide corridors of Melbourne’s west and jumps into all kinds of other quadrants too. It likes border crossing.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Next Rotunda night is this Monday
Professional Writing and Editing (TAFE), Victoria University
presents
Rotunda in the West:
Conversations with Australian Writers
(and film makers)
[Check out Rotunda in the West on Facebook]
in collaboration with
Brimbank Literary Festival 2010 and Harvester College
Presents
“An Evening with Ana Kokkinos”
-acclaimed writer/director
-latest feature film Blessed
Plus
Mini-writing workshops (prelude) PLUS music
Monday 13th September
6.30pm (prompt start)
Harvester Technical College
76 Suffolk Rd
Sunshine North
FREE EVENT-please bring a small plate of finger food.
Rsvp (essential)- bruno.lettieri@vu.edu.au (0422298643)
Friday, September 3, 2010
Not Just A Pretty Face
By Emma Shepperbottom
I remember when I was about 14, I was in the news agents with my mum, browsing though the magazines, aimed at my age group. There wasn’t a lot there that interested me. Dolly and Girlfriend, the mainstream magazines, never had any articles that seemed to hold substance. I found them to be boring and typical.
Just as I was ready to give up and walk away, a magazine I had never seen before caught my eye. It was called Chik. 50 Cent was on the cover and the stories advertised on the front grabbed my attention.
I took the magazine home with me and I read it front to back about half a dozen times. I was in love. Chik wasn’t the typical teenage girl magazine. It contained interesting, funny stories and a little character called “Mr Grassy Head” who had some kind of adventure each month. I never missed an issue after reading the first one. I was an avid reader, eventually upgrading to getting a subscription.
At some point, a Chik website with online message boards added to it was created. I signed up and became a member of an online community, with people who were like-minded and yet at the same time had so many different views and opinions. On the message boards, we had fun and debated and discussed real stuff. We all lived by Chik's slogan "not just a pretty face".
One sad day, the editor of Chik announced that Morrision Media (the publishing house for Chik) was no longer going to be funding the production of Chik and that the next issue would be the last. Because I had a subscription that had not expired yet, I was offered a different magazine to complete it. The only one that interested me was a magazine called Frankie. I like to think of Frankie as Chik’s big sister. I didn’t enjoy Frankie at first, I guess I wasn’t old enough, I wasn’t ready to meet Chik’s older sister. Although having said that, I do love Frankie now. But my love for Frankie is a story for a different day.
It may sound a little far-fetched, but I feel as though reading Chik and using the message boards helped to shape me as a person and pushed me to realise my passion for writing. I’d love to write for a publication like Chik or Frankie. Something that young people can read, that is unique and rich with substance.
I remember when I was about 14, I was in the news agents with my mum, browsing though the magazines, aimed at my age group. There wasn’t a lot there that interested me. Dolly and Girlfriend, the mainstream magazines, never had any articles that seemed to hold substance. I found them to be boring and typical.
Just as I was ready to give up and walk away, a magazine I had never seen before caught my eye. It was called Chik. 50 Cent was on the cover and the stories advertised on the front grabbed my attention.
I took the magazine home with me and I read it front to back about half a dozen times. I was in love. Chik wasn’t the typical teenage girl magazine. It contained interesting, funny stories and a little character called “Mr Grassy Head” who had some kind of adventure each month. I never missed an issue after reading the first one. I was an avid reader, eventually upgrading to getting a subscription.
At some point, a Chik website with online message boards added to it was created. I signed up and became a member of an online community, with people who were like-minded and yet at the same time had so many different views and opinions. On the message boards, we had fun and debated and discussed real stuff. We all lived by Chik's slogan "not just a pretty face".
One sad day, the editor of Chik announced that Morrision Media (the publishing house for Chik) was no longer going to be funding the production of Chik and that the next issue would be the last. Because I had a subscription that had not expired yet, I was offered a different magazine to complete it. The only one that interested me was a magazine called Frankie. I like to think of Frankie as Chik’s big sister. I didn’t enjoy Frankie at first, I guess I wasn’t old enough, I wasn’t ready to meet Chik’s older sister. Although having said that, I do love Frankie now. But my love for Frankie is a story for a different day.
It may sound a little far-fetched, but I feel as though reading Chik and using the message boards helped to shape me as a person and pushed me to realise my passion for writing. I’d love to write for a publication like Chik or Frankie. Something that young people can read, that is unique and rich with substance.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Reality Check
by Mark Simonato
“Mark, that could be you one day,” said Andee Jones, author of Kissing Frogs.
We were at the Wheeler Centre in Melbourne for Debut Mondays, a promotional tool giving first time published writers the opportunity to read extracts from their book. It gives them additional advertising and the chance to increase book sales.
Public speaking makes me feel uneasy. I enjoy my isolation and I am too introverted to stand in front of a crowd and read from my own book. Andee confirmed that she felt the same way, but she has no choice if she wants to sell and make writing a sustainable career.
I walked away with the knowledge that being published is only 50% of an author’s job. The following questions came to mind:
• Who helps with sales?
• Who advertises?
• Who helps with gaining an audience?
The answer to all these questions is simple: the author!
To think that once published the job is done, is delusional. Being a writer is a process of running a business; consequently, you become a product that needs to sell.
I started to wonder how the Professional Writing & Editing course helps me with the world I intend to enter. Apart from teaching me how to improve my writing (fiction and non-fiction), I have chosen subjects that are also business related. For example, through Corporate Writing, I have learnt how to write articles for newsletters and how to craft a press release. Although the assignments are based on a non-writing business, I gained valuable skills that I can apply to me as a product to advertise and sell.
Desktop Publishing taught me the technical side of creating the layout of a newsletter, a magazine or an article, and Electronic Media gave me an insight on how to use—to my own advantage—the numerous on-line social networks. Don’t forget that many publishing companies also expect you to create a blog or write for their own one, once you sign a contract. Like it or not, electronic media is a massive part of the publishing world’s future.
I can now see that it’s crucial to create a smart balance with the subjects you choose to study; don’t be afraid to tap into the unknown. It’s best to be familiar with many areas within the writing world (or at least gain knowledge of the basics). Choose your subjects wisely; knowing how to write is not necessarily going to make you successful, so you need to start thinking as a business, because you ARE a business.
We were at the Wheeler Centre in Melbourne for Debut Mondays, a promotional tool giving first time published writers the opportunity to read extracts from their book. It gives them additional advertising and the chance to increase book sales.
Public speaking makes me feel uneasy. I enjoy my isolation and I am too introverted to stand in front of a crowd and read from my own book. Andee confirmed that she felt the same way, but she has no choice if she wants to sell and make writing a sustainable career.
I walked away with the knowledge that being published is only 50% of an author’s job. The following questions came to mind:
• Who helps with sales?
• Who advertises?
• Who helps with gaining an audience?
The answer to all these questions is simple: the author!
To think that once published the job is done, is delusional. Being a writer is a process of running a business; consequently, you become a product that needs to sell.
I started to wonder how the Professional Writing & Editing course helps me with the world I intend to enter. Apart from teaching me how to improve my writing (fiction and non-fiction), I have chosen subjects that are also business related. For example, through Corporate Writing, I have learnt how to write articles for newsletters and how to craft a press release. Although the assignments are based on a non-writing business, I gained valuable skills that I can apply to me as a product to advertise and sell.
Desktop Publishing taught me the technical side of creating the layout of a newsletter, a magazine or an article, and Electronic Media gave me an insight on how to use—to my own advantage—the numerous on-line social networks. Don’t forget that many publishing companies also expect you to create a blog or write for their own one, once you sign a contract. Like it or not, electronic media is a massive part of the publishing world’s future.
I can now see that it’s crucial to create a smart balance with the subjects you choose to study; don’t be afraid to tap into the unknown. It’s best to be familiar with many areas within the writing world (or at least gain knowledge of the basics). Choose your subjects wisely; knowing how to write is not necessarily going to make you successful, so you need to start thinking as a business, because you ARE a business.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Confessions of a research addict
By Suellen Green
I’m immersed in six subjects this semester; five of them need research. Fortunately, I love research. In 1989 at Monash university, I completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Japanese. Funny thing happened on the way to my degree; I accidently ended up with a double major. Turned out I had such a great time doing the research for my history subjects, that every year I’d choose history subjects, purely for the joy of it.
Now I’m studying writing and finding that my love of research has not changed, but the method certainly has! Or at least expanded—there was no internet when I got my BA. In 1989, I did most of my research in libraries: now a large proportion of it is done in my bed. (Yes, I know that is not OH&S compliant, but its just so cozy!)
While I am doing a lot of my research online, the library is far from dead as a research venue. I have borrowed many books, dvd’s and videos from the library here at St Albans campus. There is nothing like the feel of a book, and flipping through the pages is a lot more tactile and interactive than doing a search online.
Often research can be thrilling. I can remember back in the third year of my BA, when writing an essay on Aaron Sherritt and his involvement in the Kelly outbreak, finding some really amazing stuff. The State Library was great, but my best find was in the old Melbourne Police Station on Russell Street. I got handed a cardboard box and told to go for it. In that box I found all sorts of documents related to the Kelly outbreak; original hand written letters by arresting officers, court documents relating to Sherritt and the Kellys, among others. It was like being a detective.
As a kid I loved to read kid detective stories. I think that’s one of the reasons I love research so much, its like being a detective, searching for clues to help you write your masterpiece. And the best part is you can find those clues in the most unlikely of places.
Whether you are writing non-fiction, or fiction, the chances are high that you will need to do some research. Here are a couple of the more unexpected places you can find some great leads:
- Now the library is not exactly unexpected, but have you checked out the e-resource section of VU Library? I found some great e-books for all of my assignments when I did a search of the electronic resource database online. You can borrow electronic resources for 24 hours at a time and read them online or download them to your computer. If you need it after 24 hours, just borrow it again.
- Another great resource is Twitter. I set up a Twitter account as a part of the Writing for New Media class and was pleasantly surprised to find it was a lot more than just a social chatfest. Not only am I learning from people I am following, I am often tweeted links to great resources, especially for writing as I am following a few writers. I always retweet interesting links I receive so if you are on twitter, follow me @suellenswords, and I will send you some great stuff. One of the links I found through Twitter was the BBC archive. Go and see if some of your favourite authors are there. It’s fascinating. http://www.bbc.co.uk/archive/writers/
Monday, August 23, 2010
Networking
By Vicki Williams
During a quiet lunch with friends I uncovered a shocking revelation that prompted a three-hour discussion.
Lucy asked about a networking event I had recently attended. We began to discuss the event and then bang! Carol, a 22-year old student said "I don't understand why you would waste your time going to those events. What's the big deal? I've never networked and I don't ever intend to".
Amused by her response I attempted to explain the importance of networking for growing your business then realised that if you aren't in business then of course you are going to see networking differently. I sat back and listened as everyone else tried to show Carol the different aspects of networking, but she just wasn't buying it.
I tried to picture myself as a 22-year old student and how networking could affect my life. I decided that whether Carol realised it or not she was networking every day. I asked her the following questions:
"When you're in class, do you talk to your classmates about yourself, or things you are doing?"
She answered yes.
"Do you talk to your teachers and other staff about yourself, or things you're doing?"
she responded yes.
"Do you think your classmates and teaching staff know your strengths, your wants and your needs?"
After some thought, she agreed that they probably do.
"Do you have the contact details of your classmates and teachers, and do they have your's?"
Yes she replied.
"Carol, I imagine that you've been networking for quite some time."
"Have I really? How?
She was open for discussion and I wanted to make sure she got what networking really is, so I began explaining. "You see there are many different types of networkers."
During a quiet lunch with friends I uncovered a shocking revelation that prompted a three-hour discussion.
Lucy asked about a networking event I had recently attended. We began to discuss the event and then bang! Carol, a 22-year old student said "I don't understand why you would waste your time going to those events. What's the big deal? I've never networked and I don't ever intend to".
Amused by her response I attempted to explain the importance of networking for growing your business then realised that if you aren't in business then of course you are going to see networking differently. I sat back and listened as everyone else tried to show Carol the different aspects of networking, but she just wasn't buying it.
I tried to picture myself as a 22-year old student and how networking could affect my life. I decided that whether Carol realised it or not she was networking every day. I asked her the following questions:
"When you're in class, do you talk to your classmates about yourself, or things you are doing?"
She answered yes.
"Do you talk to your teachers and other staff about yourself, or things you're doing?"
she responded yes.
"Do you think your classmates and teaching staff know your strengths, your wants and your needs?"
After some thought, she agreed that they probably do.
"Do you have the contact details of your classmates and teachers, and do they have your's?"
Yes she replied.
"Carol, I imagine that you've been networking for quite some time."
"Have I really? How?
She was open for discussion and I wanted to make sure she got what networking really is, so I began explaining. "You see there are many different types of networkers."
- There are networkers who take a bucket full of business cards; their mission is to give them all out. They will sit back and wait for calls that will never come. Why? Because they don't stop long enough to get to know people.
- Another type of networker sits in the corner and waits for everyone to come to them. They attract other networkers of the same type. Usually they don't take the next step because they are afraid of meeting people. They may not give out their business card for fear of being rejected.
- The WIIFM (What's In It For Me) networker is only interested in themselves. They have no problems approaching people and handing out their business cards. If you watch them you will notice they only talk about themselves what they want, who you know and how you can help them. They'll connect with you later if they know you can assist them. Trust me, they don't get very far because the contacts they make soon dry up.
- Then there are the elite networkers 'the connectors'. These people find out the wants and needs of the people they connect with; they keep asking questions until they have an understanding of how they can genuinely serve you. These networkers aren't interested in what they get out of the connection that's not important. Their intention is to aid and assist you.
A long time ago, I learned that when you take your own needs out of the picture and focus on finding a way to help other people, you come to life and work from a different heart space and the results are rewarding.
Carol rang me the other day to tell me one of her teachers had put her name forward for a job interview. It seems that Carol has realised the value of connecting with others.
Pretty cool how networking works eh?
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Growing Pains
By Angela Hryc
Life as a student can be exciting, yet challenging. I have experienced so much throughout my long journey, and there have been lots of ups and downs. But I have no regrets because it has made me into who I am today, a higher-ed tafe student.
From the very first day of primary school, I was officially considered a student. I was only five years old at the time, and had no idea about what was ahead of me. Starting at this age, your teachers seem to treat you differently, and teach you all the basic knowledge that we need to know. But the teachers didn't teach me the same way as I'm taught now. I was colouring in worksheets and playing class games, rather than taking notes and completing assignments as I do now.
But soon enough, I began to realise that being a student was not about having fun and colouring in pictures. As I moved up a year level, I found the things we learned much more challenging and the teachers became tougher.
Eventually, I reached high school and for the first year, it felt like a whole new world. It was so different compared to primary school, and I had to adjust to the new environment. The teachers were a lot stricter on handing in work, and didn't want to tolerate childish behaviour. But it didn't take long before I settled in, and understood how to deal with high school pressures.
Since finishing high school last year and currently a tafe student, I've learned a lot more about deadlines and responsibility of handing in work on time. I've also realised that I'm studying at tafe for my own benefit and I'm no longer treated as a young child.
Life as a student can be exciting, yet challenging. I have experienced so much throughout my long journey, and there have been lots of ups and downs. But I have no regrets because it has made me into who I am today, a higher-ed tafe student.
From the very first day of primary school, I was officially considered a student. I was only five years old at the time, and had no idea about what was ahead of me. Starting at this age, your teachers seem to treat you differently, and teach you all the basic knowledge that we need to know. But the teachers didn't teach me the same way as I'm taught now. I was colouring in worksheets and playing class games, rather than taking notes and completing assignments as I do now.
But soon enough, I began to realise that being a student was not about having fun and colouring in pictures. As I moved up a year level, I found the things we learned much more challenging and the teachers became tougher.
Eventually, I reached high school and for the first year, it felt like a whole new world. It was so different compared to primary school, and I had to adjust to the new environment. The teachers were a lot stricter on handing in work, and didn't want to tolerate childish behaviour. But it didn't take long before I settled in, and understood how to deal with high school pressures.
Since finishing high school last year and currently a tafe student, I've learned a lot more about deadlines and responsibility of handing in work on time. I've also realised that I'm studying at tafe for my own benefit and I'm no longer treated as a young child.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
For those who love footy or writing about other sports -- next Rotunda event
Here's the latest just in from Bruno:
Professional Writing and Editing (TAFE), Victoria University
presents
Rotunda in the West: Conversations with Australian Writers
in collaboration with
the Western Bulldogs (Whitten Oval)
“Talking Footy (the big questions)”
Greg Baum ( senior sports writer The Age)
in conversation with
Martin Flanagan (“The Call”, “Southern Sky, Western Oval”, “The Game in Time of War”, “1970” and senior writer at The Age)
and perhap other special guests too.
PLUS special appearance by VU lecturer JOHN WELDON
plus MUSICAL PRELUDE
Thursday 26th August
6.30pm for 7pm start
The Whitten Oval foyer
417 Barkly Street
Footscray
(Café and Bar opens at 6pm for light meal and drinks)
Everybody welcome!! FREE event.
But Please let us know you are coming!
RSVP (essential): Bruno.Lettieri@vu.edu.au 0422 29 86 43
Professional Writing and Editing (TAFE), Victoria University
presents
Rotunda in the West: Conversations with Australian Writers
in collaboration with
the Western Bulldogs (Whitten Oval)
“Talking Footy (the big questions)”
Greg Baum ( senior sports writer The Age)
in conversation with
Martin Flanagan (“The Call”, “Southern Sky, Western Oval”, “The Game in Time of War”, “1970” and senior writer at The Age)
and perhap other special guests too.
PLUS special appearance by VU lecturer JOHN WELDON
plus MUSICAL PRELUDE
Thursday 26th August
6.30pm for 7pm start
The Whitten Oval foyer
417 Barkly Street
Footscray
(Café and Bar opens at 6pm for light meal and drinks)
Everybody welcome!! FREE event.
But Please let us know you are coming!
RSVP (essential): Bruno.Lettieri@vu.edu.au 0422 29 86 43
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Student Stress
By Emma Shepperbottom
Being a student is stressful. I am usually level headed and handle the stress of homework and study well. But at the moment, I am having trouble with money. I've received a giant phone bill, two fines for parking in a no-standing zone (I was only parked there, because there were no other places to park), I need petrol to be able to travel from a to b and I owe my parents money.
I've worked up a hefty pile of bills for myself. When I was working full time, before I was a student, I was never stressed about money. The pile of bills never looked as huge as they do now. But I've never considered dropping out of the PWE course and going back to working full time. I never will. No matter how much debt I am in.
I enjoy being a PWE student so much, that although stressful, the lack of money in my wallet doesn't bring me down. I already feel like I have learnt so much, since starting this course and I know I've got even more to learn. But I love learning!
I am happier being a poor student than I was when I was working full time. At school, I'm surrounded by like-minded people and supportive teachers. It's a little community where people share ideas and knowledge. That's one of my favoriute things about this course. Quitting my job at the end of last year, so I could study more was a good choice.
I know that I'm not alone, most students are in the same boat as I am. So I have a little piece of advice. Next time you're feeling stressed about money, think about why you are doing this course and what you will get out of it. You will realise that lack of money now will be worth it in the long run. That's what keeps me happy.
Being a student is stressful. I am usually level headed and handle the stress of homework and study well. But at the moment, I am having trouble with money. I've received a giant phone bill, two fines for parking in a no-standing zone (I was only parked there, because there were no other places to park), I need petrol to be able to travel from a to b and I owe my parents money.
I've worked up a hefty pile of bills for myself. When I was working full time, before I was a student, I was never stressed about money. The pile of bills never looked as huge as they do now. But I've never considered dropping out of the PWE course and going back to working full time. I never will. No matter how much debt I am in.
I enjoy being a PWE student so much, that although stressful, the lack of money in my wallet doesn't bring me down. I already feel like I have learnt so much, since starting this course and I know I've got even more to learn. But I love learning!
I am happier being a poor student than I was when I was working full time. At school, I'm surrounded by like-minded people and supportive teachers. It's a little community where people share ideas and knowledge. That's one of my favoriute things about this course. Quitting my job at the end of last year, so I could study more was a good choice.
I know that I'm not alone, most students are in the same boat as I am. So I have a little piece of advice. Next time you're feeling stressed about money, think about why you are doing this course and what you will get out of it. You will realise that lack of money now will be worth it in the long run. That's what keeps me happy.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
People Are People
by Mark Simonato
The most daunting part of being a mature-age student is how to deal with the new generation; for most of them, you could be their parent.
My first semester at Victoria University (Professional Writing and Editing) was about observing the younger crowd and listening to what they had to say. I thought it was important to understand their way of thinking and how I could relate to it. Finding a common ground with another human is the perfect device for a successful first interaction.
It was not until a female student chatted to me about her morning make-up routine that I finally had a breakthrough: there is no difference between her and some female students I encountered twenty years ago.
I realised that the difference in various generations is mainly material (what new gadgets are available), but music and fashion are similar—they have just been recycled and reinvented to suit the modern world.
Feelings are the same. People are still self-consciousness; they have their fears, their hopes, and their dreams. The variety of students is alike: mainstream, alternative, outspoken, shy, diligent, lazy, serious, humorous and carefree. They want to be understood and heard, just as my generation wanted, and still do.
Once I realised that younger students feel and relate to my writing as much as a forty-year-old person would, I felt that as a writer, I’m widening my audience and I have something intelligent to say that can interest a broad range of ages.
I’ve never believed in labels, and labelling a generation is another way for society to pigeonhole humans. It’s also another tool to kill individualism.
My first semester at Victoria University (Professional Writing and Editing) was about observing the younger crowd and listening to what they had to say. I thought it was important to understand their way of thinking and how I could relate to it. Finding a common ground with another human is the perfect device for a successful first interaction.
It was not until a female student chatted to me about her morning make-up routine that I finally had a breakthrough: there is no difference between her and some female students I encountered twenty years ago.
I realised that the difference in various generations is mainly material (what new gadgets are available), but music and fashion are similar—they have just been recycled and reinvented to suit the modern world.
Feelings are the same. People are still self-consciousness; they have their fears, their hopes, and their dreams. The variety of students is alike: mainstream, alternative, outspoken, shy, diligent, lazy, serious, humorous and carefree. They want to be understood and heard, just as my generation wanted, and still do.
Once I realised that younger students feel and relate to my writing as much as a forty-year-old person would, I felt that as a writer, I’m widening my audience and I have something intelligent to say that can interest a broad range of ages.
I’ve never believed in labels, and labelling a generation is another way for society to pigeonhole humans. It’s also another tool to kill individualism.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Rotunda this weekend at Werribee
This is the first of three posts with information just sent by Bruno. I hope these are just as sensational as our Write Out -- I'm sure they will be. Please note that this Rotunda event is free of charge, so if you're going to be in or near Werribee on Saturday, why not come along? Students and community members last year raved about it.
Tracey
Michael McGirr ("Lost Art of Sleep"),Sherryl Clark (our own), Enza Gandolfo, Paul Bateman-all @ ROTUNDA (goes to Werribee)
"Everything our writers know about writing and storytelling"-
our guests will read, answer questions, interact with audience.
Michael McGirr ("Lost Art of Sleep", "Things you get for free", Byway:Story of a Road"), teacher, fiction editor, short story writer and editor and much more)
Sherryl Clark (acclaimed Children's Writer, poet, VU teacher, "Tracey Binns is Lost", "SIXTH GRADE STYLE QUEEN (NOT!)" and more)
Paul Bateman (freelance writer, essays in The Age, ex-State Library, part time broadcaster)
Enza Gandolfo (VU lecturer, novelist "Swimming", non-fiction writer)
Free event - A collaboration between August Arts (City of Wyndham) and Rotunda in the West (VU)
How would you like to try some quick fire writing exercises all in the spirit of high adventure "where you can sling words around with impunity"?
How would you like to be doing those try-out writing activities under the guiding gentle/encouraging hand of a writing teacher experienced in that genre?
How do domains like poetry, fiction, memoir, film scripts tickle your fancy?
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
ALL WELCOME
Young Folk particurly welcome!
Would you like to follow that surge of your own writing with a slink-down-low-in-your-chair listening to a vibrant panel of renowned writers answering all your questions-yes, you the audience firing the questions?
Professional Writing and Editing (TAFE)
Victoria University
presents
Rotunda in the West: Conversations with Australian Writers (goes to Wyndham's August Arts)
Saturday 14th August
2pm-5pm
Wyndham Civic Centre
45 Princes Hwy
Werribee
Part A: Speed Writing Taster Workshops (step up and have a go-nothing to lose)
4 mini-workshops (approx 20 minutes). Rotate yourself around 4.
Eg; memoir, poetry, film, fiction (Not set in stone)
Part B:
"Everything our writers know about writing and storytelling"- our guests will read, answer questions, interact with audience.
Panel includes:
Michael McGirr
Sherryl Clark
Paul Bateman
Enza Gandolfo
Free event - A collaboration between August Arts (City of Wyndham) and Rotunda in the West (VU)
RSVP (essential)
Please bring some finger food or wine for the communal table.
Please let us know you are coming!
Wave back!
Grazie
Bruno Lettieri
bruno.lettieri@vu.edu.au
Tracey
Michael McGirr ("Lost Art of Sleep"),Sherryl Clark (our own), Enza Gandolfo, Paul Bateman-all @ ROTUNDA (goes to Werribee)
"Everything our writers know about writing and storytelling"-
our guests will read, answer questions, interact with audience.
Michael McGirr ("Lost Art of Sleep", "Things you get for free", Byway:Story of a Road"), teacher, fiction editor, short story writer and editor and much more)
Sherryl Clark (acclaimed Children's Writer, poet, VU teacher, "Tracey Binns is Lost", "SIXTH GRADE STYLE QUEEN (NOT!)" and more)
Paul Bateman (freelance writer, essays in The Age, ex-State Library, part time broadcaster)
Enza Gandolfo (VU lecturer, novelist "Swimming", non-fiction writer)
Free event - A collaboration between August Arts (City of Wyndham) and Rotunda in the West (VU)
How would you like to try some quick fire writing exercises all in the spirit of high adventure "where you can sling words around with impunity"?
How would you like to be doing those try-out writing activities under the guiding gentle/encouraging hand of a writing teacher experienced in that genre?
How do domains like poetry, fiction, memoir, film scripts tickle your fancy?
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
ALL WELCOME
Young Folk particurly welcome!
Would you like to follow that surge of your own writing with a slink-down-low-in-your-chair listening to a vibrant panel of renowned writers answering all your questions-yes, you the audience firing the questions?
Professional Writing and Editing (TAFE)
Victoria University
presents
Rotunda in the West: Conversations with Australian Writers (goes to Wyndham's August Arts)
Saturday 14th August
2pm-5pm
Wyndham Civic Centre
45 Princes Hwy
Werribee
Part A: Speed Writing Taster Workshops (step up and have a go-nothing to lose)
4 mini-workshops (approx 20 minutes). Rotate yourself around 4.
Eg; memoir, poetry, film, fiction (Not set in stone)
Part B:
"Everything our writers know about writing and storytelling"- our guests will read, answer questions, interact with audience.
Panel includes:
Michael McGirr
Sherryl Clark
Paul Bateman
Enza Gandolfo
Free event - A collaboration between August Arts (City of Wyndham) and Rotunda in the West (VU)
RSVP (essential)
Please bring some finger food or wine for the communal table.
Please let us know you are coming!
Wave back!
Grazie
Bruno Lettieri
bruno.lettieri@vu.edu.au
Prof Writing short courses: Scriptwriting
Write a Short Film Script
VU Short Course
This short course is an introduction to the basics of Screenwriting.
Making films is now easier than ever—but shaping a good story is a vital skill. If you’re itching to try to write a film-script but haven’t been sure how to begin, this class will get you on the right track. It will also suit people who have already had some experience, but who would like some guidance on where to go next.
This course will be a lively combination of activities, examples, readings and discussions. You’ll get the chance to explore and shape your ideas for making a short film through a series of six supportive and inspiring sessions.
Find out about
Understanding mainstream genres: crime, comedy, teen, romance
Crucial elements: the plot and the premise
Creating screen characters
Creating dramatic tension
Organising your ideas into practical actions to make your film.
___________________________________
Course length: 2.5 hours every week for 6 weeks
Begins 28 August, 2010.
Saturdays 1 pm-3.30 pm at Wyndham Cultural Centre, Werribee
$240 / $210 concession
___________________________________
This Course is run by Professional Writing & Editing TAFE, Victoria University.
For more details, email isabelle.lebouder@vu.edu.au or phone 9919 2681.
VU Short Course
This short course is an introduction to the basics of Screenwriting.
Making films is now easier than ever—but shaping a good story is a vital skill. If you’re itching to try to write a film-script but haven’t been sure how to begin, this class will get you on the right track. It will also suit people who have already had some experience, but who would like some guidance on where to go next.
This course will be a lively combination of activities, examples, readings and discussions. You’ll get the chance to explore and shape your ideas for making a short film through a series of six supportive and inspiring sessions.
Find out about
Understanding mainstream genres: crime, comedy, teen, romance
Crucial elements: the plot and the premise
Creating screen characters
Creating dramatic tension
Organising your ideas into practical actions to make your film.
___________________________________
Course length: 2.5 hours every week for 6 weeks
Begins 28 August, 2010.
Saturdays 1 pm-3.30 pm at Wyndham Cultural Centre, Werribee
$240 / $210 concession
___________________________________
This Course is run by Professional Writing & Editing TAFE, Victoria University.
For more details, email isabelle.lebouder@vu.edu.au or phone 9919 2681.
Prof Writing short courses: writing for children
Writing stories for children
VU Short Course
This short course is an introduction to the basics. It will show you how writing for children is different to writing for adults, and will encourage you to reconnect with what it’s like to be a child. You might like to bring a story idea you already have, or prefer to develop ideas along the way.
This course will combine writing exercises and activities with discussions about how to get started, and what to do next! You’ll be able to explore your ideas and imagination, and give shape to them through a series of six sessions that will build your skills and confidence.
At the end of the course, you’ll have a draft of a story you can continue to work on.
The course suits writers of all ages and abilities, from beginners to those who have already been involved with writing fiction.
Find out about
The child-centred story
Planning and plotting your story
Creating characters
Writing dialogue
Techniques to keep readers interested.
The teacher
Janet Stutley has a BA in literature and writing and a graduate diploma in children’s literature. Her published writing for children includes fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, rhyming stories, poem posters, plays, multi-media scripts, song lyrics and music. She now writes as Jaz Ghent.
Janet has had poetry and short stories published, and won equal third prize in the Scarlet Stiletto awards presented by Sisters in Crime in 2008.
Currently she is working on two fantasy novels for children. Six fantasy chapter books in the Signatures series were published by Clean Slate Press New Zealand; three in 2008 and three in 2010.
___________________________________
Course length: 2.5 hours every week for 6 weeks
Begins 28 August, 2010.
Saturdays 10 am - 12:30 pm at Wyndham Cultural Centre, Werribee
$240 / $210 concession
___________________________________
This Course is run by Professional Writing & Editing TAFE, Victoria University.
For more details, email isabelle.lebouder@vu.edu.au or phone 9919 2681.
VU Short Course
This short course is an introduction to the basics. It will show you how writing for children is different to writing for adults, and will encourage you to reconnect with what it’s like to be a child. You might like to bring a story idea you already have, or prefer to develop ideas along the way.
This course will combine writing exercises and activities with discussions about how to get started, and what to do next! You’ll be able to explore your ideas and imagination, and give shape to them through a series of six sessions that will build your skills and confidence.
At the end of the course, you’ll have a draft of a story you can continue to work on.
The course suits writers of all ages and abilities, from beginners to those who have already been involved with writing fiction.
Find out about
The child-centred story
Planning and plotting your story
Creating characters
Writing dialogue
Techniques to keep readers interested.
The teacher
Janet Stutley has a BA in literature and writing and a graduate diploma in children’s literature. Her published writing for children includes fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, rhyming stories, poem posters, plays, multi-media scripts, song lyrics and music. She now writes as Jaz Ghent.
Janet has had poetry and short stories published, and won equal third prize in the Scarlet Stiletto awards presented by Sisters in Crime in 2008.
Currently she is working on two fantasy novels for children. Six fantasy chapter books in the Signatures series were published by Clean Slate Press New Zealand; three in 2008 and three in 2010.
___________________________________
Course length: 2.5 hours every week for 6 weeks
Begins 28 August, 2010.
Saturdays 10 am - 12:30 pm at Wyndham Cultural Centre, Werribee
$240 / $210 concession
___________________________________
This Course is run by Professional Writing & Editing TAFE, Victoria University.
For more details, email isabelle.lebouder@vu.edu.au or phone 9919 2681.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Come to our Write Out!
Professional Writing and Editing are hosting a Write Out in Werribee on Saturday 17 July, so if you're lacking inspiration or motivation, or just want a chance to come and write with other writers, it may be exactly what you're looking for. I know I'm going to be there -- organising one of the activities, but then tapping away at my keyboard for the others. It should be great fun.
Here's the info from Bruno:
It’s a WRitE out
How many people can we get writing in one cafeteria on a winter’s day?
Our Write Out is an afternoon of intense writing games, prompts and exercises designed to maximise your word count and get your writing moving.
With writers from all over clicking away at their keyboards and rolling their biros, you’ll forget that the writing life can sometimes be lonely.
The is Write Out for all levels of writers — from published authors to absolute beginners. The best way to get a winter warm-up without going to the gym!
Bring your laptop, or pen and big writing pad and be ready to write.
What you can expect
• Writing sprints, story swaps
• A sit-and-write corner to do your own thing
• Food to keep your writing energy high
• Meet other writers!
Presented by Professional Writing & Editing
in the School of Creative Industries
www.staff.vu.edu.au/profwriting
1:00-3:30 pm, Saturday 17 JULY.....yes yes JULY
FREE (but please register)
Cafeteria, Building 1A Werribee campus
Hoppers Lane Werribee
Presented by Professional Writing Editing TAFE
www.staff.vu.edu.au/profwritiing
To get on our mailing list contact:
isabelle.lebouder@vu.edu.au
telephone: 9919 2681
Here's the info from Bruno:
It’s a WRitE out
How many people can we get writing in one cafeteria on a winter’s day?
Our Write Out is an afternoon of intense writing games, prompts and exercises designed to maximise your word count and get your writing moving.
With writers from all over clicking away at their keyboards and rolling their biros, you’ll forget that the writing life can sometimes be lonely.
The is Write Out for all levels of writers — from published authors to absolute beginners. The best way to get a winter warm-up without going to the gym!
Bring your laptop, or pen and big writing pad and be ready to write.
What you can expect
• Writing sprints, story swaps
• A sit-and-write corner to do your own thing
• Food to keep your writing energy high
• Meet other writers!
Presented by Professional Writing & Editing
in the School of Creative Industries
www.staff.vu.edu.au/profwriting
1:00-3:30 pm, Saturday 17 JULY.....yes yes JULY
FREE (but please register)
Cafeteria, Building 1A Werribee campus
Hoppers Lane Werribee
Presented by Professional Writing Editing TAFE
www.staff.vu.edu.au/profwritiing
To get on our mailing list contact:
isabelle.lebouder@vu.edu.au
telephone: 9919 2681
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Platform 6 launch
Youth,VCE and Community Education
VU College
Invites
you and your students (AND STUDENTS AND TEACHERS FROM OUR LOCAL SCHOOLS)
and Your community FRIENDS
To
Launch of PLATFORM 6
(Age to Youth/Youth to Age)
-wine and finger food
-guest presenters:
Sherryl Clark
Robert Corbet
Michael Hyde
John Weldon (if available)
...
"Theme: Writing for young folk"
with a bold new cover
THURSDAY 22nd July
3.30pm
Cafeteria
Building 9
St.Albans Campus (Victoria University)
Bruno Lettieri
on behalf of Maree Wheelens, Megan Green and Martina Michael
RSVP: bruno.lettieri@vu.edu.au 0422 29 86 43
VU College
Invites
you and your students (AND STUDENTS AND TEACHERS FROM OUR LOCAL SCHOOLS)
and Your community FRIENDS
To
Launch of PLATFORM 6
(Age to Youth/Youth to Age)
-wine and finger food
-guest presenters:
Sherryl Clark
Robert Corbet
Michael Hyde
John Weldon (if available)
...
"Theme: Writing for young folk"
with a bold new cover
THURSDAY 22nd July
3.30pm
Cafeteria
Building 9
St.Albans Campus (Victoria University)
Bruno Lettieri
on behalf of Maree Wheelens, Megan Green and Martina Michael
RSVP: bruno.lettieri@vu.edu.au 0422 29 86 43
Platform 7 calling for submissions
If you haven't seen the new-look Platform, go and grab yourself a copy. It looks sensational -- kudos to all of those involved. Bruno tells me that issue seven is now taking submissions, so here's a little more info.
Tracey
Youth, VCE and Community education (TAFE)
VU College
Victoria University
Publishers of PLATFORM
(age to youth/youth to age)
Copies/class sets are now available.
NEW WRITING for edition 7 is now being called for!!!!!
Email: bruno.lettieri@vu.edu.au if you ‘d like copies and please send your pieces and poems to same address.
Pieces and poems in P6 by:
VCAL students
Work Education students
Helen Garner
Lisa Gorton
Paul Bateman
Carolyn Garner
Kristin Henry
Anson Cameron
Michael Hyde
PWE students
Photos of PWE students
Barry Garner
Madeleine Herron
Kim de Koning and much more.
Tracey
Youth, VCE and Community education (TAFE)
VU College
Victoria University
Publishers of PLATFORM
(age to youth/youth to age)
Copies/class sets are now available.
NEW WRITING for edition 7 is now being called for!!!!!
Email: bruno.lettieri@vu.edu.au if you ‘d like copies and please send your pieces and poems to same address.
Pieces and poems in P6 by:
VCAL students
Work Education students
Helen Garner
Lisa Gorton
Paul Bateman
Carolyn Garner
Kristin Henry
Anson Cameron
Michael Hyde
PWE students
Photos of PWE students
Barry Garner
Madeleine Herron
Kim de Koning and much more.
Brimbank Literary Festival: free writing workshops
Here's something fresh in from Bruno that might interest you students and other writers in the community:
Free Writing Workshops with Published Authors
As part of the Brimbank Literary Festival, Brimbank City Council presents a series of free writing workshops. Book your space now!
ESL Workshop with Amra Pajalic
Amra’s short stories have appeared in the 2004 and 2005 Best Australian Short Stories, various magazines, journals and anthologies. Her novel The Good Daughter won the Melbourne Prize for Literature's Civic Choice Award.
This workshop is conducted in English and aimed at an ESL audience – all welcome.
Thursday 24 June
1pm-2pm
AMES
16 Victoria Crescent
Victoria Square
St Albans
Bookings Tel: 9366 0433
Adult Short Story Writing with Margaret McCarthy
Margaret McCarthy is a published poet, writer and teacher working in Melbourne’s west. Her creative writing work has won awards and is published widely.
Monday 28 June
6.30pm-8.30pm
Hunt Club Community Arts Centre
775 Ballarat Road
Deer Park
Bookings Tel: 9361 6600
Poetry Workshop with Tara Mokhtari
Tara is a well respected poetry and creative writing teacher at Victoria University, has completed two verse novel manuscripts, and is regularly published. Tara believes in making poetry a more accessible genre, particularly for young people.
Tuesday 29 June
6.30pm-7.30pm
Sunshine Library
301 Hampshire Road
Bookings Tel: 9249 4640
Kids and Teens Workshop with Michael Wagner
Michael will unravel the art of storytelling to reveal: the basic ingredients of all stories; the three main types of story ending; how to bring any story to a satisfying conclusion; and how to effectively create moving pictures in the reader’s mind.
Wednesday 30 June
10am-12noon
Sydenham Community Centre
7 Community Hub
Bookings Tel: 9390 3977
Free Writing Workshops with Published Authors
As part of the Brimbank Literary Festival, Brimbank City Council presents a series of free writing workshops. Book your space now!
ESL Workshop with Amra Pajalic
Amra’s short stories have appeared in the 2004 and 2005 Best Australian Short Stories, various magazines, journals and anthologies. Her novel The Good Daughter won the Melbourne Prize for Literature's Civic Choice Award.
This workshop is conducted in English and aimed at an ESL audience – all welcome.
Thursday 24 June
1pm-2pm
AMES
16 Victoria Crescent
Victoria Square
St Albans
Bookings Tel: 9366 0433
Adult Short Story Writing with Margaret McCarthy
Margaret McCarthy is a published poet, writer and teacher working in Melbourne’s west. Her creative writing work has won awards and is published widely.
Monday 28 June
6.30pm-8.30pm
Hunt Club Community Arts Centre
775 Ballarat Road
Deer Park
Bookings Tel: 9361 6600
Poetry Workshop with Tara Mokhtari
Tara is a well respected poetry and creative writing teacher at Victoria University, has completed two verse novel manuscripts, and is regularly published. Tara believes in making poetry a more accessible genre, particularly for young people.
Tuesday 29 June
6.30pm-7.30pm
Sunshine Library
301 Hampshire Road
Bookings Tel: 9249 4640
Kids and Teens Workshop with Michael Wagner
Michael will unravel the art of storytelling to reveal: the basic ingredients of all stories; the three main types of story ending; how to bring any story to a satisfying conclusion; and how to effectively create moving pictures in the reader’s mind.
Wednesday 30 June
10am-12noon
Sydenham Community Centre
7 Community Hub
Bookings Tel: 9390 3977
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Write a novel in a month short course
And more news in from Bruno:
Would you think we were crazy if.....
>>>>>>>>we told you, you could write 50,000 words of your
memoir
sci-fi novel
biography
who dunnit
historical drama
chapter book in a month
>>>>>>>>we told you , you could carve out 6
delightful
crisp
uninterrupted
energetic
affirming
SATURDAY mornings (2 and a half hours)
to really get into that mesmerising Writing zone.
READ ON!
WRITE a NOVEL in a MONTH short course is just around the proverbial corner.
Write a Novel in a Month short course
Teacher: Margaret McCarthy
Dates: Information session Saturday 12 June at 10.30 - 11.15am (free)
Course begins 26 June, for 6 weeks
Day & Time: Saturday mornings 9:30-12:00 noon
Cost: $240
Venue: Point Cook / Werribee area (exact place to be advised –stay in touch!)
Novel in July is inspired by NaNoWriMo, an international writing competition to write 50,000 words (a novel draft) in a month. Participants with any level of writing experience, including first-time writers, can take part. This short course is for anyone who wants to have a go.
Why do this class? You will write and finish the first draft of a novel!
Many things prevent people from writing. Novel in July offers a way around lack of experience, writer’s block and perfectionism. As long as you meet your word count, you can’t fail. Novel in July keeps you writing—not re-drafting, stopping or editing.
Can’t I just take the challenge at home? Yes, you can. But writing with a class greatly improves your chances of meeting the total:
· Percentage of Novel in a Month class members who reach the 50,000 word target: 80%!
What if I’ve started a novel already? While our November class focuses on new work only, Novel in July you allows you to continue with an existing writing project or begin something fresh – you choose.
What do you have to do? Come to class for discussion, support and novel writing strategies; then write your quota every day. By the end of the month, you will complete your novel and be ready to debrief and celebrate.
About the teacher
Margaret McCarthy is a published poet and writer teaching in Melbourne’s west. She has taught creative writing for many years and her creative writing work is published widely. Margaret’s manuscript “Entitlement” was short-listed for the Harper Collins Varuna Awards for Manuscript Development 2006. Her 50,000 word young adult fiction draft “Subject to Change” was completed in the November 2009 Novel in a Month challenge. She holds a MA in Creative Writing from Melbourne University.
Find out about
Ø Ideas about writing novels
Ø Plot
Ø Character
Ø Setting
Ø Writing to deadline
Ø Writing forward without looking back
Ø Problem solving
This Course is run by Professional Writing & Editing (PWE) TAFE, Victoria University.
Apply direct through the Creative Industries website at http://creativeindustries.vu.edu.au/
For more information, contact Isabelle.LeBouder@vu.edu.au or phone the PWE Office 9919 2681.
Would you think we were crazy if.....
>>>>>>>>we told you, you could write 50,000 words of your
memoir
sci-fi novel
biography
who dunnit
historical drama
chapter book in a month
>>>>>>>>we told you , you could carve out 6
delightful
crisp
uninterrupted
energetic
affirming
SATURDAY mornings (2 and a half hours)
to really get into that mesmerising Writing zone.
READ ON!
WRITE a NOVEL in a MONTH short course is just around the proverbial corner.
Write a Novel in a Month short course
Teacher: Margaret McCarthy
Dates: Information session Saturday 12 June at 10.30 - 11.15am (free)
Course begins 26 June, for 6 weeks
Day & Time: Saturday mornings 9:30-12:00 noon
Cost: $240
Venue: Point Cook / Werribee area (exact place to be advised –stay in touch!)
Novel in July is inspired by NaNoWriMo, an international writing competition to write 50,000 words (a novel draft) in a month. Participants with any level of writing experience, including first-time writers, can take part. This short course is for anyone who wants to have a go.
Why do this class? You will write and finish the first draft of a novel!
Many things prevent people from writing. Novel in July offers a way around lack of experience, writer’s block and perfectionism. As long as you meet your word count, you can’t fail. Novel in July keeps you writing—not re-drafting, stopping or editing.
Can’t I just take the challenge at home? Yes, you can. But writing with a class greatly improves your chances of meeting the total:
· Percentage of Novel in a Month class members who reach the 50,000 word target: 80%!
What if I’ve started a novel already? While our November class focuses on new work only, Novel in July you allows you to continue with an existing writing project or begin something fresh – you choose.
What do you have to do? Come to class for discussion, support and novel writing strategies; then write your quota every day. By the end of the month, you will complete your novel and be ready to debrief and celebrate.
About the teacher
Margaret McCarthy is a published poet and writer teaching in Melbourne’s west. She has taught creative writing for many years and her creative writing work is published widely. Margaret’s manuscript “Entitlement” was short-listed for the Harper Collins Varuna Awards for Manuscript Development 2006. Her 50,000 word young adult fiction draft “Subject to Change” was completed in the November 2009 Novel in a Month challenge. She holds a MA in Creative Writing from Melbourne University.
Find out about
Ø Ideas about writing novels
Ø Plot
Ø Character
Ø Setting
Ø Writing to deadline
Ø Writing forward without looking back
Ø Problem solving
This Course is run by Professional Writing & Editing (PWE) TAFE, Victoria University.
Apply direct through the Creative Industries website at http://creativeindustries.vu.edu.au/
For more information, contact Isabelle.LeBouder@vu.edu.au or phone the PWE Office 9919 2681.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Raimond Gaita coming to Rotunda
Here's the latest in from Bruno:
Breaking news!
Professional Writing and Editing (TAFE) presents
Rotunda in the West: Conversations with Australian Writers
Next Guest:
Writer/moral philosopher
Raimond Gaita-"Romulus, my father"
"The Philospher's Dog"
"Towards a common humanity"
at Rotunda.
Thursday 24th June @ 6.30pm @ Footscray Park.
Wave back and let us know you're interested.
Grazie!
Bruno
bruno.lettieri@vu.edu.au
Breaking news!
Professional Writing and Editing (TAFE) presents
Rotunda in the West: Conversations with Australian Writers
Next Guest:
Writer/moral philosopher
Raimond Gaita-"Romulus, my father"
"The Philospher's Dog"
"Towards a common humanity"
at Rotunda.
Thursday 24th June @ 6.30pm @ Footscray Park.
Wave back and let us know you're interested.
Grazie!
Bruno
bruno.lettieri@vu.edu.au
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Writing competition
Funnily enough, we've been talking in class today about building up a writing CV before you approach an agent or publisher, and then I was going through my inbox on my email program and found this, which Bruno had forwarded to me. I haven't heard of this competition before, but here it is.
Tracey
SENTENCES ANNUAL LITERARY COMPETITION 2010
Entries are invited in the following sections:
SECTION 1 OPEN SHORT STORY Limit 2,500 words
SECTION 2 OPEN POETRY Limit 40 lines
All entries to be previously unpublished work.
No entry form necessary. Name, address and entry details to be submitted on a separate cover sheet please.
PRIZES : lst - $100 2nd - $75 3rd - $50
Closing date : August 31st, 2010
Entry fees - $5 for one entry $12 for three entries
Results published on our website http://www.bridgefoundation.net.au/
Entries to : The Bridge Foundation, P O Box 9279, Sale, Victoria 3850
Closing date : August 31st, 2010
Tracey
SENTENCES ANNUAL LITERARY COMPETITION 2010
Entries are invited in the following sections:
SECTION 1 OPEN SHORT STORY Limit 2,500 words
SECTION 2 OPEN POETRY Limit 40 lines
All entries to be previously unpublished work.
No entry form necessary. Name, address and entry details to be submitted on a separate cover sheet please.
PRIZES : lst - $100 2nd - $75 3rd - $50
Closing date : August 31st, 2010
Entry fees - $5 for one entry $12 for three entries
Results published on our website http://www.bridgefoundation.net.au/
Entries to : The Bridge Foundation, P O Box 9279, Sale, Victoria 3850
Closing date : August 31st, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Letting the voices speak through you
Now that I'm writing this novel, I feel like I'm channelling the spirit world which is doubly funny because most of my characters are dead. The story keeps evolving as their voices tell me about their past, present and future. I'm not sure if I'm in control of it all at the moment, but I don't really care because it's exciting and I'm enjoying the ride. I have to trust the process and not worry about whether the plot, the style, the symbols, the motivation-reaction units, etc. are all going to come together. Eventually they will, if I manage to maintain my enthusiasm, strengthen my resilience and build my endurance. I know I'll learn new stuff with each step of the process.
If only I can stop my kids' voices getting into my head while I'm trying to write. I think I need to get an iPod so I can block them out. Sometimes I shut myself in my bedroom and do my first drafts longhand with an HB pencil in my spirax notebook (which I'm petrified of losing). At night, when they're hopefully asleep, I tap away on the keyboard while my partner watches television next to me. He and the TV are much easier to ignore than the kids. It's a good thing I grew up in a noisy household, because I learnt to block my family out and retreat to a world of stories—such an important part of life. Fiction versus reality; sadly fiction wins a lot of the time. I'm a born escapist.
When I'm doing the first drafts I have to tell that nasty voice of self doubt to shut up, and just let the words flow. Often the writing is shit but there is always something there to work with on the rewrite, which I find the most creative and fulfilling part.
I've wanted to write since I was a kid so I'm getting a huge buzz out of learning all this amazing stuff.
Cheers,
Annie T
If only I can stop my kids' voices getting into my head while I'm trying to write. I think I need to get an iPod so I can block them out. Sometimes I shut myself in my bedroom and do my first drafts longhand with an HB pencil in my spirax notebook (which I'm petrified of losing). At night, when they're hopefully asleep, I tap away on the keyboard while my partner watches television next to me. He and the TV are much easier to ignore than the kids. It's a good thing I grew up in a noisy household, because I learnt to block my family out and retreat to a world of stories—such an important part of life. Fiction versus reality; sadly fiction wins a lot of the time. I'm a born escapist.
When I'm doing the first drafts I have to tell that nasty voice of self doubt to shut up, and just let the words flow. Often the writing is shit but there is always something there to work with on the rewrite, which I find the most creative and fulfilling part.
I've wanted to write since I was a kid so I'm getting a huge buzz out of learning all this amazing stuff.
Cheers,
Annie T
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Shortlisting judging
Being a shortlist judge for the Ada Cambridge Prize was a remarkable experience. As a writing student you can never underestimate the value of these sorts of opportunities. When I first heard about the offer it sounded like something that would really be great. But then I got cold feet. Being a mere student and nowhere near the level of a true professional writer I wondered whether or not I had the right to judge other people's work. I mean, in figurative terms, I’m basically in the same boat as the entries: all trying to get our laboured work out there, continually scratching through to the other side of that great brick wall where book deals and high paid writing jobs are just a skip and a jump away.
But luckily for me my thoughts soon settled when I realised that’s not what this writing thing is about. I’ve been told that if you’re a writer, a true writer, you write because you love to. Not because you want fame, money or a fan base of loyal subjects. If you’re a writer you're always continually going to be perfecting your craft, trying to be get better and better, and anyone can help you do that, writing student or not.
If your stories are good, they will shine through no matter what.
That thought eased me into the judging role. Of course I looked at the grammar and punctuation and all that technical stuff. But most importantly I looked at the story. And at the end of the day that’s the most vital thing.
Reading through more than forty short stories can be a tedious task, especially when you only have a couple weeks to do it in. So if the story caught your attention it usually was a good sign.
Each piece was given a grading from A to D, which was marked down for when we shortlist judges got together and made our final selection. When it came to that point I was amazed to see how one story I thought deserved a giant A rating received a horrid D from another judge. Luckily we had a score system in place that worked with the grading; otherwise we’d still be sitting in that small room, arguing away until the world’s ending.
It was a pleasure to read all the stories entered and to work alongside the other judges in determining who went forth to the final ten. It was an experience that not only enriched my own writing but also made me hopeful for the thriving writing culture we have.
Andrew Roberts
Novel 2 Student
But luckily for me my thoughts soon settled when I realised that’s not what this writing thing is about. I’ve been told that if you’re a writer, a true writer, you write because you love to. Not because you want fame, money or a fan base of loyal subjects. If you’re a writer you're always continually going to be perfecting your craft, trying to be get better and better, and anyone can help you do that, writing student or not.
If your stories are good, they will shine through no matter what.
That thought eased me into the judging role. Of course I looked at the grammar and punctuation and all that technical stuff. But most importantly I looked at the story. And at the end of the day that’s the most vital thing.
Reading through more than forty short stories can be a tedious task, especially when you only have a couple weeks to do it in. So if the story caught your attention it usually was a good sign.
Each piece was given a grading from A to D, which was marked down for when we shortlist judges got together and made our final selection. When it came to that point I was amazed to see how one story I thought deserved a giant A rating received a horrid D from another judge. Luckily we had a score system in place that worked with the grading; otherwise we’d still be sitting in that small room, arguing away until the world’s ending.
It was a pleasure to read all the stories entered and to work alongside the other judges in determining who went forth to the final ten. It was an experience that not only enriched my own writing but also made me hopeful for the thriving writing culture we have.
Andrew Roberts
Novel 2 Student
Thursday, May 13, 2010
My Writing Process - The Conflicted Mind
My writing process. Where do I begin?
The start is usually the most common place, though I know several people that begin halfway through their novels with ripper middle scenes, but then find themselves with all this excellent writing with few links between. I know people that like to write the ending to their stories first, I've never tried it myself, but from what I've seen, the results can be great or ghastly.
Me? This isn't called 'The Conflicted Mind' for nothing. John Marsden told me (amongst others; while I wish I knew Mr. Marsden personally, I don't think that will happen) that there are four kinds of writers: Brick Layers, who create one perfect sentence at a time; Water Colourists, quick, talented workers that produce a good first draft; Architects, who plan extensively then write their piece; and Oil Painters, who don't plan and let the writing flow from them, saving editing for later.
I find myself to be a hybrid between a Brick Layer and an Oil Painter. I can create these wonderful 'one-liners' and have the rest of my scene mediocre, or I can just let the writing flow out of me... and have all my writing meager.
I am a writer full of self doubt, and because of this, every one of my stories has begun well(ish) and then given up on, because I've asked 'Where is this going?' and haven't gotten a response, I've thrown down the pen or slammed the laptop shut in frustration, unable to continue with such a horrible piece; even a simple negative workshop has the power to tear down the walls of my writing stronghold.
My physical writing process occurs when it's dark outside and way past bedtime. The only sound that can be heard is the tapping of fingers on keys or the scrawling of a pen. Perfect silence, no chance of interruption. Sleep deprivation is a small price to pay for a couple of hours of coherent writing. Being a young adult, there are many obligations to meet. I'm not saying that others don't have similar priorities in their lives, but the constant parental buzzing in the ears when one is trying to write is worse than a reoccurring drop of water on the forehead that can't be prevented. At night, silence is solace. The only problem once my mind has been emptied and the words are before me is trying to fall asleep. It's way too hard to slumber when you're exploring a fantasy world.
That's it, I suppose. Those writers who are in self doubt, I can't give much advice, because I haven't been given much myself; all I can say is what you write is yours, and if your heart and your creative mind tell you it's good, then don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.
Rhys Parkhill
Novel 2 Student
PWE 2010
The start is usually the most common place, though I know several people that begin halfway through their novels with ripper middle scenes, but then find themselves with all this excellent writing with few links between. I know people that like to write the ending to their stories first, I've never tried it myself, but from what I've seen, the results can be great or ghastly.
Me? This isn't called 'The Conflicted Mind' for nothing. John Marsden told me (amongst others; while I wish I knew Mr. Marsden personally, I don't think that will happen) that there are four kinds of writers: Brick Layers, who create one perfect sentence at a time; Water Colourists, quick, talented workers that produce a good first draft; Architects, who plan extensively then write their piece; and Oil Painters, who don't plan and let the writing flow from them, saving editing for later.
I find myself to be a hybrid between a Brick Layer and an Oil Painter. I can create these wonderful 'one-liners' and have the rest of my scene mediocre, or I can just let the writing flow out of me... and have all my writing meager.
I am a writer full of self doubt, and because of this, every one of my stories has begun well(ish) and then given up on, because I've asked 'Where is this going?' and haven't gotten a response, I've thrown down the pen or slammed the laptop shut in frustration, unable to continue with such a horrible piece; even a simple negative workshop has the power to tear down the walls of my writing stronghold.
My physical writing process occurs when it's dark outside and way past bedtime. The only sound that can be heard is the tapping of fingers on keys or the scrawling of a pen. Perfect silence, no chance of interruption. Sleep deprivation is a small price to pay for a couple of hours of coherent writing. Being a young adult, there are many obligations to meet. I'm not saying that others don't have similar priorities in their lives, but the constant parental buzzing in the ears when one is trying to write is worse than a reoccurring drop of water on the forehead that can't be prevented. At night, silence is solace. The only problem once my mind has been emptied and the words are before me is trying to fall asleep. It's way too hard to slumber when you're exploring a fantasy world.
That's it, I suppose. Those writers who are in self doubt, I can't give much advice, because I haven't been given much myself; all I can say is what you write is yours, and if your heart and your creative mind tell you it's good, then don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.
Rhys Parkhill
Novel 2 Student
PWE 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
My writing process
I would like to say that my writing process is a well-oiled engine that churns out words on a regular basis, but that would be a lie. Sometimes it is a well-oiled engine, but at the moment it seems to be fitting and sputtering along. Life has got in the way -- something I always swore wouldn't happen to me. And the trouble with this is that because I'm working on two (or sometimes even three) books at the same time, and because I have multiple drafts, I lose touch of where I'm at. What this means, in real terms, is that I have to spend a lot of time re-immersing myself in the story before I can write, and this means reading time. Lots of reading time. Oh, I'll think, didn't he do that? But that was two drafts ago, and I've since removed that section, which has repercussions right through the book. Why can't I find the scene where he does this? Is it cut or have I moved it? Oh, her motivations for her actions have changed; their relationship is different. And so it goes on.
The trouble with not writing regularly is that I sometimes seem to spend more time re-immersing than I do writing. I just get back into the story, the juices are flowing, and another interruption comes. I definitely work best when I'm writing every day. During the end of last year's NaNoWriMo, I wrote over 26,000 words in four days, and one of those days was an "interruption day" where I achieved very little, which meant I had to write over 8,000 words on each of the other three days. I could only do that because I was fully immersed. I know students have been impressed with that, but I see it more as a failure of organisation -- that I was forced into such a position because I hadn't built up enough words earlier. It's all in the organisation. Sit down. Bum on seat. Write.
Usually, when I am immersed, I'll start by reading over what I've written the day before and edit as I go, and that will put me back inside my main character's head, and I'll be ready to go. I can write between 1000 and 1500 words in an hour. I'm not one who sits and agonises over every comma. I have enough of a handle on my grammar and punctuation that I'm not thinking too much about it, and so I can splurge on the page. It's not always that easy, of course. Some days are harder: the words don't want to come. I might try some free writing. I might play a few games of spider solitaire, but the only way to get over the block is to do it. Sit down. Bum on seat. Write.
If I'm aiming for a particular mood in a scene, I'll put some music on. Usually a soundtrack. It works best if I'm not singing along. Humming I can handle -- that doesn't fill my head with words and leaves me room to write.
I don't often plot ahead. With my first two books I had the start and end points and a rough idea of what had to happen. The last is a bit more sketchy, but I do know where it has to end. Sometimes I find the not knowing what's going to happen exhilerating; sometimes it's just downright frightening. When I had finished my third draft and had sent my novel out and it came back with a detailed reader's report, I decided I had to weave a second storyline through the first, and that involved extensive plotting, extensive thinking about structure and where things were going to fit. More often, if I'm stuck, I'll do a little plot noodling -- I'll sit with a pen and paper and start asking "What if?", which helps me explore possibilities. That's always hard but rewarding.
I have extensive character and setting notes -- one of my favourite tools is Patricia Wrede's article on worldbuilding questions -- a fantastic resource for any spec fic writer, and available on the SFWA site. Filling those questions out was perhaps the hardest thing I ever did with my novel, but also the most enriching. I knew so much more when I had finished.
I don't make pictures in my head, so I can't "see" the scenes unfolding as I write them. It's more that I hold the idea of what's happening conceptually. It's the same when I read, so it's no disadvantage, though I must say I envy people who say they can see the whole book unfolding for them, just as if they're watching a movie. Still, I find it amusing when people tell me my work is so visual that they can see a movie unfolding. How can that be? Perhaps because I'm used to the cues that other writers use -- and that's why reading is such an important thing, for all of us writers.
Tracey
The trouble with not writing regularly is that I sometimes seem to spend more time re-immersing than I do writing. I just get back into the story, the juices are flowing, and another interruption comes. I definitely work best when I'm writing every day. During the end of last year's NaNoWriMo, I wrote over 26,000 words in four days, and one of those days was an "interruption day" where I achieved very little, which meant I had to write over 8,000 words on each of the other three days. I could only do that because I was fully immersed. I know students have been impressed with that, but I see it more as a failure of organisation -- that I was forced into such a position because I hadn't built up enough words earlier. It's all in the organisation. Sit down. Bum on seat. Write.
Usually, when I am immersed, I'll start by reading over what I've written the day before and edit as I go, and that will put me back inside my main character's head, and I'll be ready to go. I can write between 1000 and 1500 words in an hour. I'm not one who sits and agonises over every comma. I have enough of a handle on my grammar and punctuation that I'm not thinking too much about it, and so I can splurge on the page. It's not always that easy, of course. Some days are harder: the words don't want to come. I might try some free writing. I might play a few games of spider solitaire, but the only way to get over the block is to do it. Sit down. Bum on seat. Write.
If I'm aiming for a particular mood in a scene, I'll put some music on. Usually a soundtrack. It works best if I'm not singing along. Humming I can handle -- that doesn't fill my head with words and leaves me room to write.
I don't often plot ahead. With my first two books I had the start and end points and a rough idea of what had to happen. The last is a bit more sketchy, but I do know where it has to end. Sometimes I find the not knowing what's going to happen exhilerating; sometimes it's just downright frightening. When I had finished my third draft and had sent my novel out and it came back with a detailed reader's report, I decided I had to weave a second storyline through the first, and that involved extensive plotting, extensive thinking about structure and where things were going to fit. More often, if I'm stuck, I'll do a little plot noodling -- I'll sit with a pen and paper and start asking "What if?", which helps me explore possibilities. That's always hard but rewarding.
I have extensive character and setting notes -- one of my favourite tools is Patricia Wrede's article on worldbuilding questions -- a fantastic resource for any spec fic writer, and available on the SFWA site. Filling those questions out was perhaps the hardest thing I ever did with my novel, but also the most enriching. I knew so much more when I had finished.
I don't make pictures in my head, so I can't "see" the scenes unfolding as I write them. It's more that I hold the idea of what's happening conceptually. It's the same when I read, so it's no disadvantage, though I must say I envy people who say they can see the whole book unfolding for them, just as if they're watching a movie. Still, I find it amusing when people tell me my work is so visual that they can see a movie unfolding. How can that be? Perhaps because I'm used to the cues that other writers use -- and that's why reading is such an important thing, for all of us writers.
Tracey
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Advanced notice
Here's a note from Bruno:
Please be aware that ALICE PUNG ("Unpolished Gem") will be our next guest at Rotunda in the West: Conversations with Australian Writers (all details in attached flyer)
June 3rd
7pm
Footscray Park.
Please keep your diaries free too for
Raimond Gaita "Romulus, My Father"
June 24th
7pm
Footscray Park.
Brought to you by Professional Writing and Editing (TAFE)
Grazie mille!
Bruno Lettieri
Rotunda in the West
0422 29 86 43
Please be aware that ALICE PUNG ("Unpolished Gem") will be our next guest at Rotunda in the West: Conversations with Australian Writers (all details in attached flyer)
June 3rd
7pm
Footscray Park.
Please keep your diaries free too for
Raimond Gaita "Romulus, My Father"
June 24th
7pm
Footscray Park.
Brought to you by Professional Writing and Editing (TAFE)
Grazie mille!
Bruno Lettieri
Rotunda in the West
0422 29 86 43
Williamstown Literary Festival this weekend
Hi, everyone,
Hope you're all geared up and ready for the Williamstown Literary Festival this weekend. Last year I went to lots of great panels and really enjoyed myself and caught up with lots of students -- present and past. As always, I'll be attending the Ada Cambridge Award, to see which of the great stories we listed has been announced as the winner. It's always fantastic to see who entered and to match faces with stories.
In the meantime, I just have to sit down and work out exactly which sessions to book -- I've already highlighted a lot, but of course there's some overlap in the sessions I want to go to, so it may be a matter of negotiating with a friend to swap notes!
For our on-campus students, there are copies of the program on the table outside our office, and on the noticeboard. Three of our teachers are involved this year: Sherryl Clark will be interviewing Tasma Walton as one of our Rotunda events on Saturday (5.30--6.30 in the supper room), Lucia Nardo is presenting a workshop on unblocking creativity on Sunday (11.30 am in the carpark marquee), and Chris Beck is "On the Couch" with Jeff Sparrow and Steve Grimwade on Sunday (3.30--4.30 in the ballroom).
Hope to see you all there!
Tracey Rolfe
Hope you're all geared up and ready for the Williamstown Literary Festival this weekend. Last year I went to lots of great panels and really enjoyed myself and caught up with lots of students -- present and past. As always, I'll be attending the Ada Cambridge Award, to see which of the great stories we listed has been announced as the winner. It's always fantastic to see who entered and to match faces with stories.
In the meantime, I just have to sit down and work out exactly which sessions to book -- I've already highlighted a lot, but of course there's some overlap in the sessions I want to go to, so it may be a matter of negotiating with a friend to swap notes!
For our on-campus students, there are copies of the program on the table outside our office, and on the noticeboard. Three of our teachers are involved this year: Sherryl Clark will be interviewing Tasma Walton as one of our Rotunda events on Saturday (5.30--6.30 in the supper room), Lucia Nardo is presenting a workshop on unblocking creativity on Sunday (11.30 am in the carpark marquee), and Chris Beck is "On the Couch" with Jeff Sparrow and Steve Grimwade on Sunday (3.30--4.30 in the ballroom).
Hope to see you all there!
Tracey Rolfe
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Opportunity for students to read their work
Here's an opportunity I've just copied from the intranet
Dear Colleagues,
VU Library and Student Life (St Albans) are proud to showcase readings of original poetry and prose as part of VU’s sponsorship of the Williamstown Literary Festival.
The event will feature:
· Readings of original works by students, staff and invited guests
· Great prizes/giveaways
· ***Free coffee and cake for everyone!***
Date: May 3, 2010
Time: 11am til 12.30pm
Venue: Library/Learning Commons, Building 7, Victoria University, St Albans Campus
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST!
Please register at libraryevents@vu.edu.au by April 26, 2010
· Please include a brief description of your work (Including title and if poetry or prose)
· Each reading will be limited to 2 poems or 3 minutes of prose
Classes are welcome! Just let us know your approximate numbers by sending your RSVP to the address above.
PLACES ARE LIMITED AND SELECTION OF PARTICIPANTS WILL BE BASED ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS
Just want to be part of the audience? Great! Come along, bring your lunch and enjoy the programme!
Janetta Mascilongo
Marketing and Information Literacy Librarian
LibraryVictoria UniversityPhone 61 3 9919 2980
Dear Colleagues,
VU Library and Student Life (St Albans) are proud to showcase readings of original poetry and prose as part of VU’s sponsorship of the Williamstown Literary Festival.
The event will feature:
· Readings of original works by students, staff and invited guests
· Great prizes/giveaways
· ***Free coffee and cake for everyone!***
Date: May 3, 2010
Time: 11am til 12.30pm
Venue: Library/Learning Commons, Building 7, Victoria University, St Albans Campus
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST!
Please register at libraryevents@vu.edu.au by April 26, 2010
· Please include a brief description of your work (Including title and if poetry or prose)
· Each reading will be limited to 2 poems or 3 minutes of prose
Classes are welcome! Just let us know your approximate numbers by sending your RSVP to the address above.
PLACES ARE LIMITED AND SELECTION OF PARTICIPANTS WILL BE BASED ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS
Just want to be part of the audience? Great! Come along, bring your lunch and enjoy the programme!
Janetta Mascilongo
Marketing and Information Literacy Librarian
LibraryVictoria UniversityPhone 61 3 9919 2980
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Literary exhibitions and other free events from Hobsons Bay Libraries
As well as The Independent Type: Books and Writing in Victoria exhibition, Hobsons Bay Libaries are running a series of workshops on a great variety of topics. They're free, so why not sign up to one or more?
Exhibition Opening and Curator Talk - Steve Grimwade
Thursday, 22nd April 7.00pm – 8.30pm
Curator and Melbourne Writers Festival Director, Steve Grimwade will present an engaging session on the exhibition.
Bookings: http://www.stevegrimwade.eventbrite.com/
Children’s Books and Poetry - Publishing Your Work
Wednesday, 28th April 6.30pm – 8.00pm
Adam Wallace, poet and writer, will workshop tips on writing for children, rhyme, getting published, self-publishing and writing resources. Join us for warming soup at 6.00pm and bring some of your writing or poetry to share.
Bookings: http://www.adamwallace.eventbrite.com/
Books, Banjo and Bushmen - The History is in the Story
Thursday, 29th April 2.00pm – 3.30pm
Join storytellers Dave Davies and Jackie Kerin, and musician Greg O’Leary for an afternoon of traditional tales, from Banjo Paterson to Ned Kelly.
Bookings: http://www.booksbanjo.eventbrite.com/
Getting it Down - The Basic Steps to Becoming a Writer
Express Media workshop with Arnold Zable
Tuesday, 4th May 9.30am – 11.30am
Express Media are a key contact point for people under 25 wishing to enter the realm of literature. Author of Café Scheherazade Arnold Zable will workshop the basic steps to
‘getting it down’ and becoming a writer.
Bookings: http://www.arnoldzable.eventbrite.com/
Writing the Perfect Crime - Explore the Possibilities
Victorian Writers Centre workshop with Jared Henry
Saturday, 8th May 10.00am – 12.00pm
Have you ever wanted to write a crime novel or short story? No matter what kind of crime novel, be guided by leading Australian crime writer Jared Henry, author of Blood Sunset.
Bookings: http://www.perfectcrime.eventbrite.com/
Winning Writers - Secrets and Lines
Saturday, 15th May 10.00am – 12.00pm
Award winning writer and editor Glenys Osborne will talk about what to do, and not to do when you are writing and sending your stories out to competitions and publications.
Bookings: http://www.writersecrets.eventbrite.com/
Exhibition Opening and Curator Talk - Steve Grimwade
Thursday, 22nd April 7.00pm – 8.30pm
Curator and Melbourne Writers Festival Director, Steve Grimwade will present an engaging session on the exhibition.
Bookings: http://www.stevegrimwade.eventbrite.com/
Children’s Books and Poetry - Publishing Your Work
Wednesday, 28th April 6.30pm – 8.00pm
Adam Wallace, poet and writer, will workshop tips on writing for children, rhyme, getting published, self-publishing and writing resources. Join us for warming soup at 6.00pm and bring some of your writing or poetry to share.
Bookings: http://www.adamwallace.eventbrite.com/
Books, Banjo and Bushmen - The History is in the Story
Thursday, 29th April 2.00pm – 3.30pm
Join storytellers Dave Davies and Jackie Kerin, and musician Greg O’Leary for an afternoon of traditional tales, from Banjo Paterson to Ned Kelly.
Bookings: http://www.booksbanjo.eventbrite.com/
Getting it Down - The Basic Steps to Becoming a Writer
Express Media workshop with Arnold Zable
Tuesday, 4th May 9.30am – 11.30am
Express Media are a key contact point for people under 25 wishing to enter the realm of literature. Author of Café Scheherazade Arnold Zable will workshop the basic steps to
‘getting it down’ and becoming a writer.
Bookings: http://www.arnoldzable.eventbrite.com/
Writing the Perfect Crime - Explore the Possibilities
Victorian Writers Centre workshop with Jared Henry
Saturday, 8th May 10.00am – 12.00pm
Have you ever wanted to write a crime novel or short story? No matter what kind of crime novel, be guided by leading Australian crime writer Jared Henry, author of Blood Sunset.
Bookings: http://www.perfectcrime.eventbrite.com/
Winning Writers - Secrets and Lines
Saturday, 15th May 10.00am – 12.00pm
Award winning writer and editor Glenys Osborne will talk about what to do, and not to do when you are writing and sending your stories out to competitions and publications.
Bookings: http://www.writersecrets.eventbrite.com/
Invitation to the opening of The Independent Type: Books and Writing in Victoria exhibition
Rosemary Clark at the Hobsons Bay Libraries has sent through an invitation for students and anyone else who is interested to attend the opening of The Independent Type: Books and Writing in Victoria exhibition. It's a free exhibition, which should be really interesting, and there's free wine on offer, and the chance to win tickets to the Williamstown Literary Festival.
Here's some more information:
The Independent Type: Books and Writing in Victoria is a free exhibition that celebrates Victoria’s literary history, from the first stories to the contemporary scene. It highlights the stories, the voices and the spirit of independence that have made Victoria’s literature unique. The touring exhibition is presented by the State Libraryof Victoria and Public Libraries Victoria Network.
The Hobsons Bay exhibition includes the literary journey of local authors, Andy Griffiths, Claire Saxby and Jackie Kerin.
Steve Grimwade, the exhibition curator and Director of the 2010 Melbourne Writers Festival will give an overview of Victoria’s rich literary history.
Thursday, 22nd April, 7.00pm – 8.00pm
Altona Meadows Library and Learning CentreCentral Square Shopping Centre,
2 Newham Way, Altona Meadows
RSVP by Thursday, 15th April 2010
tel: 9932 3020 email: libraryevents@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
Here's some more information:
The Independent Type: Books and Writing in Victoria is a free exhibition that celebrates Victoria’s literary history, from the first stories to the contemporary scene. It highlights the stories, the voices and the spirit of independence that have made Victoria’s literature unique. The touring exhibition is presented by the State Libraryof Victoria and Public Libraries Victoria Network.
The Hobsons Bay exhibition includes the literary journey of local authors, Andy Griffiths, Claire Saxby and Jackie Kerin.
Steve Grimwade, the exhibition curator and Director of the 2010 Melbourne Writers Festival will give an overview of Victoria’s rich literary history.
Thursday, 22nd April, 7.00pm – 8.00pm
Altona Meadows Library and Learning CentreCentral Square Shopping Centre,
2 Newham Way, Altona Meadows
RSVP by Thursday, 15th April 2010
tel: 9932 3020 email: libraryevents@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)