blog – Page 119 – Australian Writers' Centre

Debut novelist Jennifer Smart on deadlines, drafts and a dash of Dom Perignon

Jennifer Smart’s debut novel, The Wardrobe Girl, was published earlier this year through Random House – exploring the behind the scenes world of a fictional soap opera.

Having worked behind the scenes herself in film and television (including five years with soap, Home and Away), Jennifer admits she had a truckload of material to draw on for her book. And while she’d dabbled with writing fiction in the past, even penning a couple of episodes of Australia’s favourite beachside soap, she was completely in the dark about getting a book published.

We interviewed Jennifer in Episode 9 of our top-rating podcast, So you want to be a writer. And she gave us 3 lessons she had learned from her own writing and publishing experience…

Tip: Active Voice versus Passive Voice

One thing you should be trying to do with your style is to write actively rather than passively.

Passive voice slows the action, deadens the emotions and distances the reader from the action. But what is it? I hear you ask.

Well, consider these sentences:

Perth meet-up with Will Yeoman

Monday 20 October 2014 Time: 6.30–8.30pm Although the official time is from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, you are welcome to stay as long as you like

Q&A: It’s very unique

Last week our Q&A used the term ‘very unique’, and in doing so, succeeded in waking up the interwebs. An ABSOLUTE catastrophe! Let’s take a look…

My 2nd ever finished story won me $1000.

Every year across Australia, there are thousands of dollars on offer in the form of writing prizes. Some of these are awarded to existing works or published pieces, but there are still plenty open to aspiring unpublished authors to enter.

Sharon Elisara completed our Creative Writing Stage 1 course earlier this year with Pamela Freeman and it was while she was on the course that she noticed the Hunter Valley Writers Group writing competition. The theme was ‘grief’ or ‘grieving’ and the top story would win $1000. Bolstered with the confidence from her course, she edited and submitted a story (in the first week of her next course with us!).

It was only the second story that Sharon had ever written. And it won. Originally from Perth, but currently living in New Zealand, Sharon was thrilled with the win – awarded in Newcastle at the end of August.

How to print out your highlighted passages from your Kindle

So you’ve devoured your fave books on Kindle and highlighted a bunch of passages that resonate with you. But how can you get those passages out of your Kindle and into a workable document (like Word or Evernote)?

Whether you want to print them out, use them in an article you’re writing (which you’ll attribute correctly of course!) or something else entirely, here’s how you can do it:

Ep 30 We talk to business author Steve Sammartino on his new book ‘The Great Fragmentation’

In Episode 30 of So you want to be a writer, a book is published every five minutes, the newbie writers’ podcast, the book with the

5 essentials to effective workshopping

We all do it. When writing our own work, we get so close to it that forests and trees blur into one, and it can be very hard to be objective. That’s why workshopping can be such an important part of the manuscript writing process.

Writing workshops are a valuable tool that even published writers swear by. They’re usually simply a weekly meeting of a small group of writers, designed to critique their work. Feedback is given, and a forum for discussions is opened on how to improve key skills.

A workshop could theoretically operate much like a book club, being as serious or as social as its members allow. But to work effectively, it really needs to be work, not play – allowing writers to analyse and test what’s working – especially things such as a character believability or and plot pacing.

Booktopia’s John Purcell shares 3 ways to sell more books

The rise of online shopping has revolutionised the way that we buy books. From a bookseller’s point of view, the playing field has been significantly levelled – with every book just a search and a click away. And from an author’s point of view, this makes marketing your book more important than ever.

One man who knows all about this is John Purcell, chief book buyer and head of marketing at Booktopia – Australia’s fastest-growing online bookstore. Not only does he decide which books to stock, but he’s also been a published author himself, seeing first-hand the effect good marketing can have on sales.

Clearly if you self-publish, by definition you do the sales legwork yourself. But when it comes to being traditionally published, don’t assume someone else will do it all. Finding success with a publishing house is definitely impressive (congratulations!), but this is no time to put your feet up and wait for the cheques to start flying through the door. Back in episode 5 of our top-rating podcast So you want to be a writer, we chatted with John Purcell and here are his 3 top tips for ensuring your book meets its marketing potential.

Q&A: Plurals, possession and apostrophes

Each week, we take a look at a common confusions and ambiguities in the English language (that gives us about a century’s worth of material!)

Are you guilty of these top 10 business writing mistakes?

Writing business documents – an article, report, blog, letter or email – is quite a different proposition to writing a novel. (For starters, there are usually far fewer unicorns or troubled detectives.)

Perhaps you’re writing for your own company, or maybe you’re looking to do more corporate writing for organisations. Whatever the case, cast your eye over our collection of top 10 common errors … and how to avoid them.

National Young Writers’ Festival Lineup Announced!

If I were to say Newcastle to you in some kind of abstract word-association game, what would come to mind? If replied aloud to your screen “The National Young Writers’ Festival, of course” you receive bonus points because you read the title of this post.

Not only is the National Young Writers’ Festival in it’s 17th year, but they’re celebrating with a giant party across Newcastle with guests from all over the country.

Ep 29 We chat to Owen Beddall, author of ‘Confessions of a Qantas Flight Attendant: True tales and Gossip from the Galley’

In Episode 29 of So you want to be a writer, Tom Hanks releases a writing app, disappointing book covers, do your thing – even if

Read the book, solve the puzzle, win millions!

There are millions of fiction books in the world, all different in some way, and yet all with one thing in common – they’re one-sided conversations. You begin reading, then the author tells you things until you’re finished reading. Next.

But what happens when the conversation becomes two-way? In this world of ebooks and global audiences, Sydney writer James Evangelidis has chosen an intriguing device to engage readers. With his debut book, Maze of Keys (being released online on 17 September), he doesn’t just ask you to read the book, he wants you to solve it too – and win big!

Okay, interest piqued. We hunted him down and asked a few questions.

Dad blogger on going from BLOG to BOOK

We hear a lot about the “mummy blogger”, but to (belatedly) celebrate Father’s Day, we thought we’d give a shout out to stay-at-home dad Clint Greagen – whose blog Reservoir Dad won Best Australian Blog 2013 in the Personal and Parenting category. Clint lives in Reservoir, Victoria (hence the name, although he admits the Tarantino connection is nice too) with his wife and four boys aged between two and nine.

His blog win turned heads at publisher Random House, who approached Clint to ask if he was interested in writing a book. His reply was easy: he would love to. And a year later, his “fifth child” was born – this time made of paper and given the same name as the blog that made it happen – Reservoir Dad.

For Clint, who began his blog back in 2008 when he started his stay-at-home duties, it felt good to receive validation for his efforts. “Yeah, it was just a great pat on the back and it’s sort of like, ‘Keep going, man, you can do it. You’re doing it right.’ Validation that I’ve got something to offer.”

Q&A: Or maybe it’s “Q & An”?

Each week, we take a look at a common confusions and ambiguities in the English language (that gives us about a century’s worth of material!)

It’s awards season! 6 writing competitions to enter.

Recently we were excited to learn that an Australian Writers’ Centre graduate had taken out the top prize in a local writing competition, pocketing herself a cool $1000 for what was only the second story she’d ever written! It’s pretty inspirational stuff, and brings up a great point about writing.

It can be easy to focus your energy on the big goal – a published novel, or perhaps a byline in your favourite magazine. But while you’re working towards that, entering a writing competition is an excellent way to hone your craft, and could give you some cash and recognition as well.

Here’s a selection of writing competitions currently out there – good luck!

Ep 28 We talk to doctor turned bestselling author Nick Earls, author of ‘Analogue Men’

In Episode 28 of So you want to be a writer, a beautiful poem of the same name, stunning writing studios, the most valuable comic of

"I got published!": Bexy McFly

We love hearing from our students no matter what they have to say, but when we hear of a student being published, we just want

Ask Valerie: I can’t figure out the best way to structure my non-fiction book. Where do I start?

Question:

I can’t figure out the best way to structure my non-fiction book. Where do I start?

Answer:

When you are writing a book – whether it’s fiction or non-fiction – it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Where do you start? How do you know it’s going to be engaging? How in the world would you ever reach 60,000 words (or whatever word count you’re trying to achieve)? The following advice is specifically for non-fiction books and is ideal for business books.

Q&A: Hone sweet home

Each week, we take a look at a common confusions and ambiguities in the English language (that gives us about a century’s worth of material!)

Memoir + Cancer = Hilarious

Meet Luke Ryan – a comedian who survived cancer twice; first at 11 and then again when he was 22. So instead of just waiting around to turn 33, he thought he’d tour the country performing a show called Luke’s Got Cancer – A Comedy, and then write a memoir, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Chemo. (Because that’s what all those brochures in the waiting room say you should do.)

His plan has been to take ‘laughter is the best medicine’ to the next level. Luke’s idea wasn’t to diminish what he or other cancer patients were going through, but to bring it out in the open and get people discussing it and feeling okay to discuss it.

Always a fun assignment, comedy and cancer. So we thought we’d throw a few questions his way.

5 insights from a freelance fiction editor

Kylie Mason is a Sydney-based freelance editor with a long history of working with Australian publishers, both on staff and on a freelance basis.

Despite having a master’s degree in creative writing, it’s the editing that gets her up in the morning. “I love getting involved with stories, I love getting involved with writers, and I love the way writers think,” she says.

We had a chat with Kylie about being a paid pair of eyes in episode 7 of our top-rated podcast So you want to be a writer. And here’s what we discovered.

Ep 27 We chat to actor/director Lex Marinos on his new book ‘Blood and Circuses: An Irresponsible Memoir’

In Episode 27 of So you want to be a writer, how long should your blog post be? The rules of writing, why you should write

Sara Donovan: Published life begins at 50

Many people might get to the age of 50 and look at their successful career, grown-up kids, stable life – and happily put their feet

Debut novelist Jennifer Smart on deadlines, drafts and a dash of Dom Perignon

Jennifer Smart’s debut novel, The Wardrobe Girl, was published earlier this year through Random House – exploring the behind the scenes world of a fictional soap opera.

We interviewed Jennifer in Episode 9 of our top-rating podcast, So you want to be a writer. And she gave us 3 lessons she had learned from her own writing and publishing experience…

Tip: Active Voice versus Passive Voice

One thing you should be trying to do with your style is to write actively rather than passively.

Passive voice slows the action, deadens the emotions and distances the reader from the action. But what is it? I hear you ask.

Well, consider these sentences:

Perth meet-up with Will Yeoman

Monday 20 October 2014 Time: 6.30–8.30pm Although the official time is from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, you are welcome to stay as long as you like – and we imagine many of you will! Who: William Yeoman is Literary Editor and West Weekend Staff Writer at The West Australian, and will

Q&A: It’s very unique

Last week our Q&A used the term ‘very unique’, and in doing so, succeeded in waking up the interwebs. An ABSOLUTE catastrophe! Let’s take a look… Q: Well, wasn’t that a great Q&A last week? All ‘reality show’ themed and that. A: Oh, thanks. Um, who are those other people? Q:

My 2nd ever finished story won me $1000.

How to print out your highlighted passages from your Kindle

Whether you want to print them out, use them in an article you’re writing (which you’ll attribute correctly of course!) or something else entirely, here’s how you can do it:

Ep 30 We talk to business author Steve Sammartino on his new book ‘The Great Fragmentation’

In Episode 30 of So you want to be a writer, a book is published every five minutes, the newbie writers’ podcast, the book with the world’s biggest twist (and how you can benefit), 6 word wows, meet up with @melbreaders for a quiet read, the 10 must-read books on blogging,

5 essentials to effective workshopping

Booktopia’s John Purcell shares 3 ways to sell more books

Q&A: Plurals, possession and apostrophes

Each week, we take a look at a common confusions and ambiguities in the English language (that gives us about a century’s worth of material!) – making things easier through the power of friendly conversation. This week, a word or two about possession… Q: Hello. Every May and September I

Are you guilty of these top 10 business writing mistakes?

National Young Writers’ Festival Lineup Announced!

Not only is the National Young Writers’ Festival in it’s 17th year, but they’re celebrating with a giant party across Newcastle with guests from all over the country.

Ep 29 We chat to Owen Beddall, author of ‘Confessions of a Qantas Flight Attendant: True tales and Gossip from the Galley’

In Episode 29 of So you want to be a writer, Tom Hanks releases a writing app, disappointing book covers, do your thing – even if in stolen time, welcoming magazine readers, how to submit your writing to literary magazines, blog like a journalist, Writer in Residence Owen Beddall, typing shortcuts,

Read the book, solve the puzzle, win millions!

Okay, interest piqued. We hunted him down and asked a few questions.

Dad blogger on going from BLOG to BOOK

Q&A: Or maybe it’s “Q & An”?

Each week, we take a look at a common confusions and ambiguities in the English language (that gives us about a century’s worth of material!) – making things easier through the power of friendly conversation… This week, is it “a” or “an”? Q: Woooo, hi there guys, I just got in from

It’s awards season! 6 writing competitions to enter.

Here’s a selection of writing competitions currently out there – good luck!

Ep 28 We talk to doctor turned bestselling author Nick Earls, author of ‘Analogue Men’

In Episode 28 of So you want to be a writer, a beautiful poem of the same name, stunning writing studios, the most valuable comic of all time, the extreme reading experiment, the book ‘From Unknown to Expert’ by Catriona Pollard, Writer in Residence Nick Earls, chromecast, how to manage your

"I got published!": Bexy McFly

We love hearing from our students no matter what they have to say, but when we hear of a student being published, we just want to shout it from the rooftops! We’re a little scared of heights, so we’ll go with a blog post instead. Bexy says: I have finally

Ask Valerie: I can’t figure out the best way to structure my non-fiction book. Where do I start?

Question:

I can’t figure out the best way to structure my non-fiction book. Where do I start?

Answer:

Q&A: Hone sweet home

Each week, we take a look at a common confusions and ambiguities in the English language (that gives us about a century’s worth of material!) – making things easier through the power of friendly conversation… This week, which word is correct? Q: Hi guys, can you clear up whether it’s

Memoir + Cancer = Hilarious

Always a fun assignment, comedy and cancer. So we thought we’d throw a few questions his way.

5 insights from a freelance fiction editor

Kylie Mason is a Sydney-based freelance editor with a long history of working with Australian publishers, both on staff and on a freelance basis.

We had a chat with Kylie about being a paid pair of eyes in episode 7 of our top-rated podcast So you want to be a writer. And here’s what we discovered.

Ep 27 We chat to actor/director Lex Marinos on his new book ‘Blood and Circuses: An Irresponsible Memoir’

In Episode 27 of So you want to be a writer, how long should your blog post be? The rules of writing, why you should write love letters, finding your ‘discomfort threshold’, the secrets for blogging your way to a six-figure income, Writer in Residence Lex Marinos, the best (free) app

Sara Donovan: Published life begins at 50

Many people might get to the age of 50 and look at their successful career, grown-up kids, stable life – and happily put their feet up. But not Sara Donovan. In fact it was this rather domestic alignment of the planets that saw her come to revisit a lifelong feeling.

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