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)
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