Thabo Mokoena - Basic Grammar Skills Course - 92%

Theresa de Beer - Writing Coach Course - 94%

Karen Fletcher - Writing Coach Course - 91%

Olivia Govender - Business Writing Toolkit - 89%

Darienne Hallas - Business Writing Toolkit - 89%

SPECIAL MENTION

Brendon Hull - Copywriting Course Top Student - 73 %

Helen Yuretich - Short Story Writing Course - 87%

Angela Pearse - Writing for the Web - 85%

Naomi Estment - Magazine Journalism - 86%

Trish Nicholson - Short Story Writing - 84%

Penny Lorimer - Write a Novel - 86%

Varsha Patel - Write a Novel - 86%

Gwyneth King - Magazine Journalism - 85%

Carin Pienaar - Vryskutjoernalistieke Kursus - 86%

Gabrielle Sulcas - Magazine Journalism - 90%

Hayley Leibowitz - Write a Children's Book - 86%

Erica Southey - Hard News Journalism - 87%

Gillian Palliser - Short Story Writing - 88%

Belinda Blomfield - Magazine Journalism Course - 91%

Shaazia Solly Joosub - Short Story Writing - 86%

Chelsea Haith - Basic of Creative Writing for High School Students - 88%

TOP FIVE COURSES

1. Magazine Journalism
2. Basics of Creative Writing Course
3. Write a Novel Course
4. Writing for the Web Course
5. Short Story Writing Course

GOOD NEWS

Trish Nicholson was shortlisted in the prestigious HE Bates Short Story Competition. Trish is a graduate of the Short Story Course.

Yael Barham- Smith of the Short Story Course had her story "Held" accepted by the editors of the website http://www.shortstoryalley.com.  Yael's latest success is that one of her stories has been shortlisted for publication in the e-zine The Red Asylum. 

Graduate student Tshegofatso Leeuw won the Special Moments Writing Competition organized by Move Magazine and Cadbury's. Her subject was her personal meeting with Mandela.

Madi Hanekom recently completed the Magazine Journalism Course. She had an article accepted for publication in an online magazine, DESIGN> (www.designmagazine.co.za). Her piece is bout the concept of a "portfolio life" and how it relates to the creative industries.

Hard News Journalism student Ashley Stander had an article published in Grahamstown's Makana Moon community newspaper.

Journalism student Erica Southey had her article "Youth Violence on the Rise" published in the TygerBurger Brackenfell community newspaper.

Everson Luhunga recently completed the Hard News Journalism Course and had an article published in Homeless Talk.

Congratulations to all of you.

 GRADUATES

Well done to these students who recently completed their course:

• Daniel Andrews passed the Basics of Creative Writing Course with Distinction
• Keren Hoy passed the Magazine Journalism Course with Merit
• Cathy Greenblatt passed the Basics of Creative Writing Course
• Candy Preston passed the Scriptwriting Course
• Ishara Maharaj passed the Novel Course with Merit
• Tanja Roug passed the Basics of Creative Writing Course with Merit
• Aryn Guiney passed the Basics of Creative Writing Course with Distinction
• Karen Netzler passed the Basics of Creative Writing Course with Distinction
• Yvonne Burger passed the Poetry Course
• Ina du Toit passed the Poetry Course with Merit
• Varsha Patel passed the Novel Course with Distinction
• Waldo Ungerer passed the Basics of Creative Writing Course with Distinction
• Val Sing passed the Web Writing Course with Distinction
• Corne Scheepers passed the Basiese Kreatiewe Skryfkursus with Distinction
• David Williams passed the Basics of Creative Writing Course
• Maria Prinsloo passed the Basiese Kreatiewe Skryfkursus with Merit
• Kim Govender passed the Magazine Journalism Course with Merit
• Ashley Stander passed the Hard News Journalism Course with Distinction
• Natalie Krug passed the Poetry Course with Merit
• Antonia Rich passed the Copywriting Course
• Emily Davis passed the Magazine Journalism Course with Distinction
• Kgothatso Matau passed the Business Writing Toolkit
• Olivia Govender passed the Business Writing Toolkit with Distinction
• Yvonne Burns passed the Write a Children's Book Course
• Chris Snelling passed the Web Writing Course with Distinction
• Amy Ebedes passed the Web Writing Course with Distinction
• Tracey Domalik passed the Magazine Journalism Course
• Gwyneth King passed the Magazine Journalism Course with Distinction
• Everson Luhunga passed the Hard News Journalism Course with Merit
• Crystal Withington passed the Basics of Creative Writing Course with Distinction
• Kumari Singh passed the Basics of Creative Writing Course with Distinction
• Shannon Harling passed the Basics of Creative Writing Course with Merit
• Hannah green passed the Short Story Course with Distinction
• Delia Stanhope passed the Magazine Journalism Course with Distinction
• Anna Smit passed the Travel Writing Course with Merit
• Reinhardt Visser passed the Writing Coach Course
• Daunee Gildenhuys passed the Writing Coach Course
• Amy Ebedes passed the Copywriting Course
• Kiara Gounder passed the Magazine Journalism Course with Merit
• Rachel Anderson passed the Basics of Creative Writing Course with Distinction
• Margaret Newton passed the Magazine Journalism Course with Merit
• Kevin Willemse passed the Copywriting Course
• Alex Elson passed the Novel Course with Merit
• Zarisa Poultney passed the Basiese Kreatiewe Skryfkursus with Distinction
• Janine Terhoeven passed the Basics of Creative Writing Course with Distinction
• Heinrich Visser passed the Basiese Kreatiewe Skryfkursus
• Jenny Fourie passed the Basiese Kreatiewe Skryfkursus with Distinction
• Jennifer Roets passed the Writing Coach Course with Merit
• Thabo Mokoena passed the Basic Grammar Course with Distinction
• Helen Yuretich passed the short Story Writing Course with Distinction
• Nadia Kamies passed the Magazine Journalism Course with Merit
• Naomi Estment passed the Magazine Journalism Course with Distinction
• Sune Posthumus passed the Copywriting Course
• Angela Pearse passed the Web Writing Course with Distinction
• Elizabeth Chananie passed the Basics of Creative Writing Course
• Madi Hanekom passed the Magazine Journalism Course with Distinction
• Batlile Mampuru passed the Magazine Journalism Course
• Melissa Gilbert passed the Basiese Kreatiewe Skyrfkursus
• Denise York passed the Write a Children's Book Course with Merit
• Brendon Hull passed the Copywriting Course
• Dina Taute passed the Basics of Creative Writing Course
• Trevor Rizzato passed the Novel Course with Merit
• Angelique Noll passed the Basics of Creative Writing Course with Distinction
   

We tracked down a number of past students to find out how they have progressed since completing their writing courses. We are thrilled to report that some are working as writers  - full-time! Others have kept their day job but still write and submit articles and short stories.

Here are our first inspiring interviews in this series. Look out for more in early 2011.

Christo

Christo Valentyn completed the Magazine Journalism Course in 2007. Apart from selling articles to big titles like Cosmopolitan and Longevity, Christo has carved a niche for himself as a successful motoring journalist. Read the Interview. 

Angela Pearse completed the Travel Writing Course and the Writing for the Web Course at NZ Writers' College (www.nzwriterscollege.co.nz) in 2009 and 2010 respectively. One of our top students at the college, we were keen to find out how Angela is doing as a writer. Read the Interview.

Jennifer Davies completed the Magazine Journalism Course and the Advanced Magazine Journalism Course at SA Writers College (www.sawriterscollege.co.za). She graduated in August 2009. Jenni works full-time as assistant editor for Vitalise and writes magazine articles for some of the top publications in the country. Read the Interview.

Trish Nichsolson completed the Short Story Writing Course at NZ Writers' College in 2010. We tracked her progress in the literary world. Read the Interview.

Stephanie Attwood entered, and won her first short story competition in 1986 (South Island Writers' Association) with her University Entrance exam story 'The Break.' She didn't write again until undertaking the Short Story Course at NZ Writers' College. Read the Article.

Karen Taylor-Vermaak completed her Magazine Journalism Course at SA Writers' College (www.sawriterscollege.co.za) in February 2010. She has since become a regular contributor for Fitness Magazine. Read the Interview. 

Ashley Stander completed the Hard News Journalism Course in 2010. She went on to have articles published in her local paper. Read the Interview.

Lindsay Wagner completed the Magazine Journalism Course in 2005. She currently works as the Online Media and Communications Co-ordinator at Rawson Property Group. We followed up with her. Read the Interview.

Everson Luhanga was awarded a bursary in 2010 to study Hard News Journalism at SA Writers' College (www.sawriterscollege.co.za). Everson thrived on the course and went on to get two articles published in the newspapers. Read his Article.

Here are article snippets from some of our top journalism students for 2010.

Plane Sailing: A Girl's Guide to a Fuss-free Flight - by Ariella Caira

Those torturous, non-reclining seats, the screaming kids and the greasy guy's knees digging into your back are just a few aeroplane horrors that leave you feeling crankier than a rusty propeller by the time you (finally) land. But fear your upcoming flight no longer - here's a foolproof plan that will keep you feeling glamorous, comfortable and totally refreshed on arrival.

You're about to board that Boeing when a sudden wave of terror floods your system. Images of that ghastly in-flight food, the fellow passenger with halitosis and that tiny, ill-lit lavatory begin to clog your brain. The certain discomfort and inevitable separation from your favourite handbag send your pulse racing. Stop. Breathe. Salvation is here. Follow this simple 7-step plan and your next flight, from luggage to legroom, will be plain sailing.

 

Why Blog? by Naomi Estment

It can enrich your life and contribute to a better world, says Naomi Estment.

Uganda 2010. Two five-year-old girls play side by side, as twins do. Perfect and Princess are blessed with inborn best friends, but food is harder to come by; education entirely beyond reach. Their father died in a road accident not long ago, leaving his wife to care for six children. Odd jobs in the village just can't cut it. What will the future hold for this little pair? Luckily a lot - because of blogging.

Contribute to Others

Ida Horner, founder of Ethnic Supplies, an online social enterprise that promotes independence for African women, has launched a collaborative effort called Africa on the Blog (www.africaontheblog.com), "The voice of Africa, from all over the world". Advertising from this site sponsors the girls' education. This is one way that bloggers are making a positive difference.

Embracing the timeless art of the love letter by Gabrielle Sulcas

"You have touched me more profoundly than I thought even you could have touched me," wrote poetess Elizabeth Barrett Browning to her husband Robert Browning in 1845. "My heart was full when you came here today. Henceforward I am yours for everything..."

The Brownings' love letters remain as evidence of their passionate relationship and secret marriage. Their love affair is the stuff of romantic legend, seemingly miles away from today's fast-paced lifestyle. With bills to pay, kids to raise and jobs to hold down, romance for most of us today is an SMS that says "I luv u".

And while any gesture of romance is better then none, isn't there a case to be made for encouraging a deeper sense of romance with our partners? One way of achieving this is to take a leaf out of the Brownings' book and write a letter to your love.

Could Angels be the new Vampires? By Belinda Blomfield

While the world keeps falling for vampires, should we be preparing for fallen angels? Belinda Blomfield takes a look at a sexy new addition to the supernatural scene.

We all have a type. My friend Kate likes her men blond and bohemian, the kind who is permanently camped at music festivals and only owns one pair of shoes. Another friend has a thing for freckly redheads, while a colleague prefers her men well-travelled, well-dressed and very wealthy.

As for me, I'm partial to men who enjoy looking after themselves. You know the type: impeccable skin, killer smile. And although they're on the pale side of tan their animal magnetism more than makes up for it. My kind of man can be spotted prowling the streets after dark, where he chooses to satisfy his rather unusual eating habits. My kind of man - is a vampire.

I'm obsessed with them and so, it seems, is the rest of the world.

Energy Vampires: Are you a Sucker? By Michelle Nöthling

It started off as innocently extending sympathy. Lanique* (33), a lecturer at the University of the Free State, listened compassionately when Martin* (33), a fellow lecturer, slumped into her office to share the agony of his recent break-up.

What followed was a maelstrom of sacrifice. Occasional pep talks soon mutated into Lanique enduring Martin's suffocating negativity and self-obsession. If she escaped him at the office he'd arrive at her home and stay until the early hours of the morning.

'He has drained me to the point of depression,' Lanique sighs. 'When I see Martin's number on my phone, I want to burst into tears.' Too wracked by guilt to say no to his emotional manipulation, Lanique's work and private life are paying dearly for her rescue attempt. She finds herself ensnared by an energy vampire.

Dare to Bare - Vacationing as Nature Intended - By Anna Smit

Accidentally stumbling into a nudist holiday experience is bound to challenge even one's most liberal perceptions but Anna Smit and her mother discover it's not as terrifying as you might think.

"NATURIST BEACH. NUDISM COMPULSORY. NO DOGS ALLOWED ON BEACH." The sign literally hits my mother in the face and rudely awakes her from a dreamy stroll. The two of us gawk at the bold red lettering.

Our new friend Alain Lebaun watches our reaction grinning slightly. With an elegant swoop of a magician's cape, he flings his tiny loin cloth over his shoulder baring a golden bum and equally tanned jewels. My mother and I stare at each other at a loss as to what to do next.

"Take off. You must respect naked people on the beach," he orders. Struggling beneath our sarongs like pubescent girls in a locker room, we manage to peel off our swimsuits without revealing any crucial parts.

Gearing up for Greyton by Celeste Wood

Preparing for a scooter drive to historical Greyton can belie the challenge of getting a pre-teen out of bed at mossie-poep on a Saturday morning...

The sun's silver feelers break through the dawn as the last breath of mist shies away from the approaching day. Somewhere in the distance a whale "ôôôônnhh"s and a sugarbird flits past us, colourful as a Rubic cube. We turn the Vespa's nose out of the driveway, the Whale Crier's sound just audible over my young co-riders muffled "did you remember our padkos?" through his helmet. Our destination - Greyton. Our mission - fun.

The Hemel-and-Aarde Valley stretches out before us, vineyards and canola fields vying for space in a Van Gogh-like landscape. The Vespa happily bumps along the dirt road past Tesselaardsdal and my 11-year-old son, Hawk, points out a solitary blue crane in the distance.

Golden Oldie and Modern Day Boldie by Madi Hanekom

Old-world charm and new-age adventure come together in an unusual dorpie on the mighty Orange River, offering something for everyone.

In a small platteland town in the Northern Cape, iconic symbols of two ancient cultures comfortably share space. The temple-shaped Transformer Building looks north to Egypt, the country to which it owes its design. And a little way down the road, a sushi bar does a roaring trade, dishing up this age-old Japanese delicacy with a modern twist to residents and visitors alike.

The fascinating hamlet of Kakamas, standing with one foot in the past and one in the present, tells an enthralling story. It's a tale of second chances, of hope, of backbreaking work and survival. It's also a story of a small town that is, against all odds, flourishing today.

We include selected excerpts from our students on the Short Story Course, Write a Novel Course and the Basics of Creative Writing Course.

Yael Barham- Smith, Short Story Course Assignment 5

"What's going on, Rob? You expecting someone?"

"What?" asked Rob.

The heavy footsteps came back into the room. "There are two plates set out in the kitchen, Rob," Anna heard the rough voice say. "Who are they for?"

"Umm... er, no one, I just thought maybe you guys were hungry." Rob sounded strained.

"And what's with the heart made of strawberries?" the rough voice asked. Anna gasped remembering how she had decorated the plates for Rob.

"I bet you've got someone coming over," the rough voice accused. "I've told you before about keeping this secret. If someone finds out about this, I'll..." the voice stopped and Anna strained to hear.

"What's this?" the rough voice came again, but this time it was quieter. Anna could hear the deadly anger in it.

"Oh, that?" Rob's voice shook. There was a pause. "That's just my girlfriend's bag. She left it here when she came over last time."

"Really? Only I don't remember seeing it earlier"

"Maybe you missed it and ..."

"You know what I think? I think you've got your little whore stashed here, haven't you?"

"No. No! I don't! There's no one here."

"I don't believe you."

"Bill, please, I swear, there's no one else here."

"So you won't mind if I look in there."

"Bill!"

Anna sprang back from the door. She looked around desperately for somewhere to hide. The room was too small. The door crashed open and a huge man loomed in the doorway. Anna backed away but her legs bumped against the bed and she fell heavily on the mattress. The man strode across to her and grabbed her hair, dragging her to her feet.

"Well, what do we have here?" he sneered.

Juanne de Abreu, Short Story Course Assignment 1

He stands there moving the jasmine bushes, beating them slightly with a stick. The smell bursts through the cracked open window. A familiar smell and the comfort of memories rush through the soul, in the blink of an eye. Frosty tipped shivers dance up and down my skin thinking back to times when he was not just a dark figure in the garden. It's fairly dark outside yet his eyes are clearly staring up towards me. Who is the hunter and who the hunted? I cannot let him inside!

I cannot let him inside. I have to get rid of him quickly. He is not welcome here...he has this burly chest covered in soft hair? And strong arms? He is a total Adonis! Maybe I'll just go outside and hear what he wants.

It's been six years since the first time we met. The first flirtatious bump into each other on the dance floor and the first "Can I buy you a drink?" Few words were uttered that night. The music vibrated my veins and he swayed his hips into mine. Staring into the colours of a fire, with its blend of red and orange, white and blue, is staring into his eyes, the colours flicker and blend so effortlessly. Nothing else exists except the amazing blue colour pallet.

But he knows not to come here. He knows never to contact me. With a cigarette in his mouth he lights it and the bright flash of fire confirms it's him.

Jane Scobie, Short Story Course

"Can I take Dad's new car?" his face brightening, imagining a detour to his girlfriend's house on the way.

"No," replied Alison, holding out the keys to her aging hatchback.

"Aww c'mon Mum, Dad's new car is awesome. The sound system is sick." Towering over his mother, Robert put his arm around her shoulder and bestowed his most endearing smile. "Aren't I your favourite son and aren't you the best mother in the whole world?"

Alison smiled despite herself. Placing some cash, her keys and empty pastry case packaging in his hand she said "You are my ONLY son, you can take my car or walk. You choose, but you had better be back in 20 minutes and make sure you get the same brand."

"You don't have a car," said Robert with a wry smile, "It's a motorised shopping trolley, my skateboard has more grunt. What are you trying to do to my rep?"

"19 minutes. Goodbye Robert", said Alison dismissively.

Robert expelled an exaggerated huff and shuffled off, resigned to his mission. .......

Alison busily set to finishing her food preparations and was pleasantly surprised when Robert duly returned with the correct pastry cases. She was just commending him on his good timing when Lucy stormed into the room.

"Robert! How dare you," she punched her brother in the arm. "You hacked into my Facebook page."

Robert couldn't resist a jibe at his sister's recent gothic makeover. "Hey MORTICIA," he chuckled as he rubbed his arm, "I didn't HACK into it, maybe you left it open? You've no proof it was me, you need to be more security conscious. Anyone could have done it." he smirked.

"You changed my status to single and wrote on my wall that Steve dumped me because I have halitosis!" She lunged again at her brother.

"Whoa! Back off sis," Robert flapped his hand in front of his face, "you seriously have bad breath."

"You shit for brains arsewipe -"

"Cut it out you two," called Alison from the kitchen. "Your Dad will be here with his boss any minute. Lucy, watch your language."

Tessa Ainsbury, Short Story Course Assignment 6

I only ever read about this place in the news. I normally drive past it. Today I drive into it, navigating my way past a myriad of pedestrians, buses and taxis. As I trudge up the hill towards the entrance, I contemplate the building. It is a sprawling medical metropolis; a mismatched marriage of old and new architecture situated at the foot of a magnificent mountain. The effect is discordant. I equate it to a slum in the middle of a picturesque painting.

Outpatients, the sign above a grubby swing-door proclaims. I smile wryly. I am a patient alright, and I am "out", in a manner of speaking. Too poor to afford a battery of expensive tests, and too rich to access State assistance. I am a taxpayer on medical aid, and, in this instance, totally screwed. So I'm here to try to my luck. I look like a frightened blowfish, swollen and prickly. I have cut out every conceivable allergen, and am living on air and over-the-counter medication. My employer has stopped sending prospective clients to me. Colleagues avoid me. I have no significant other, and won't get one at this rate. I am Quasimodo, and desperate to fix it.

Through the swing-doors, and into a dark and doleful corridor. It looks funereal; meagre shafts of sunlight penetrate smudged windows creating dark shadows on mustardy yellow walls. The bright and sunny day is banished from this place. I have stepped into a different world of muted gloom.

David Hamilton, Short Story Course Assignment 1

Rose had started keeping a knife close to her bed. She reached out and gripped the handle tightly, drawing comfort from its weight.

"Who's there?" she called. She tried to make her voice sound commanding but it quavered just a little. She drew back the curtain and looked out into the black. For long moments there was nothing. Then a large shape sprang into view, filling up the window. Rose screamed and dropped the knife. The shape paced back and forth on the windowsill, then sat and regarded her with two huge yellow eyes.

Her heart beat a fast rhythm in her chest and she sucked in a big breath as the fright faded away. She opened the window and the big cat jumped in onto her bed. It padded around, clawed the covers and sat down. It was jet black, its fur seemed to drink the light in. Its eyes were bright and reflective. It watched her for a few seconds, then slowly closed them. Rose put out a hand and ran it down the cats back. It was soft, cold on the outside from the night but warm from body heat closer to the skin. It began to purr. She felt its ribs as she stroked it, it was lean despite its size.

"You must be hungry, poor thing," she said.

"I think I've got some tuna around here somewhere," she said, searching the pantry, "Dan doesn't like it so we never eat it. Aha."

She pulled out a blue can with a faded label.

"Expired six months years ago but that won't bother you will it?" The cat rubbed its head against her legs, purring loudly.

An excerpt from the novel 'Conspiracy' by Hazel Carlstein, from the Advanced Novel-Writing Course. Chapter 29.

Deidre lies next to Simon, sniffing. She can smell the strong camphor odour of the Vicks Vapour Rub, a thick daub on her chest and throat. She swallows to pop her ears and her throat is so sore and tender that it feels as if she has scraped her skin across an unplastered brick wall. She reaches towards the tissue box and pulls out a wad of tissues and blows her nose, raw and red.

She hears the agitated rise and fall of a siren and the rolling sound of tyres on tar and a soft scraping sound. She lies, unmoving. A swirling sound of an aeroplane circling in the distance blocks out the sounds outside on the steps or at the window. Her eyes dart from side to side. The shadow on the ceiling is like a gigantic tarantula. The body next to her in the bed snores. A car door is closed. She lifts her head from her pillow. "Simon."

A soft crackling sound drifts towards her. Something falls down; a thump outside. "Simon! Wake up!" and she digs him in his side, below his ribs.

He rolls over. "What? What the hell is going on, Deidre? I'm trying to sleep."

"There's a noise; someone's around outside."

"There're always noises outside, Deidre," but Simon gets up and walks around the flat, checking the doors and windows. He returns to the bed and he tosses and turns trying to get comfortable again and erase from his mind the scribbles of concern. Now he listens and he watches Deidre, the mole on the side of her neck rising and falling with her laboured breaths. He hears nothing unusual and his head falls backwards and he sleeps.

As Deidre opens the door of the flat the next morning, the wind cuts through her scarf and thick black coat and she screams, "Oh my god! Oh my god! What is this on the mat, Simon?" And she bobs up and down, shaking her gloved hands, as she steps back into the lounge. "Take it away! Take it away, Simon."

Simon looks down at the tiny staring, unseeing eyes. They are as unmoving as black pearls, set in the fox-like face. He sees the small clawed feet and the wings, like stiff, thick plastic, that encase the frozen body. There is a hook on the end of each wing. The nose is pointed and the blood from the mouth is congealed. The chest with brown fur and the shoulders with white tufts of hair are broad; the body of the bat surprisingly large.

Simon fetches a Checkers packet and picks up the dead bat. The note is under the body, DON"T CARRY ON! Dried blood has stained the mat. He pulls a tissue from his pocket and picks up the note and places it on the table inside his flat, determined to bag it and send it for analysis. Then he walks down the stairs to the outside bins and throws the bat away.

He looks over his shoulder and he walks around the block of flats and behind the concrete pillars of the parking bays. The morning air is freezing. He thinks about the note but he can only feel his father's thick hand swiping his ear and he can only remember his father's voice from so long ago, "Hau, you must be the most stubborn child God ever made." And Simon knows that he won't stop, at least not yet.

Final Assignment by Daniel Andrews, Basics of Creative Writing Course

John pushed the car door shut and leaned back on the bonnet, taking deep breaths as the latest wave of pain faded from his chest.

'Damn feeble body,' he grumbled to himself. Checking his gold Rolex, he saw it was only two o'clock and cursed under his breath the hours of lost work this afternoon's sick leave would cost him. Stress, he thought, that was what was afflicting him, and keeping his fling with Angela, the new secretary, secret was stressing him more than usual. 'Damn it!' he cursed, ruing the day that his business partner, Marty, had gone against his advice and hired that tart. John was sure that Marty had been lured by her copious cleavage of silicon which her push up bra thrust out the top of her shirt and her scandalous thigh length skirts, but ironically it had been him that had ended up in her clutches. Now she was threatening to tell his wife unless he paid her off. That one night was the single most regretful incident of his life,

'God, don't let Sarah find out,' he prayed, thinking again how devastated he would be if Sarah had cheated on him.

Putting past mistakes out of his mind, he turned up the collar of his business shirt against the cold and wiped the mist from his glasses before sizing up the path to his house. Firstly, a dash over the curb and footpath, both covered in a carpet of red and gold leaves still wet from last night's rain. Second, through the old iron gate and up the drive lined with oaks on either side, and finally, through the front door of his splendid two storey white house, where a warm fire would be waiting and his wife would be able take him to the doctor. 

Final Assignment by Kara Netzler, Basics of Creative Writing Course

Marcus couldn't work out what was going on. Josh had instructed him to meet with him behind the school gymnasium at 3.35pm on the dot. It was now 3.40pm, Marcus was there, Josh was there, and also there... their entire class. No one said a word. Perhaps they didn't want to compete with the howling of the wind swirling around them. Marcus shivered as it snaked its way down the back of his neck and beneath his shirt.

C/mon Marcus shake it off. It's just a bit of wind, no biggie... What's Josh waiting for? Everyone's here. He's such a drama queen. Maybe he wants us to pass out from the stench of that cheap 'deodorant' he insists on wearing. Yeah that'll be it. Marcus would never have the guts to say any of this aloud - he wasn't scared of Josh, he knew he could take him down if he had to. He was scared of the repercussions that such action would have on his image. There was nothing more important to him than that. What else is there?

The location seemed odd to Marcus. What was the significance of meeting behind the school gym? Marcus looked around, taking in the imposing barriers around him - the concrete block wall of the gymnasium, the line of tall trees so dense that you couldn't see through them to know what was on the other side, and the high barbed wired fence; not to mention the bodies of the children who had formed a tight semi-circle around him. Ordinarily Marcus would have counted each and every one of them as his friend or at least someone he could have a laugh with; looking at their faces today though Marcus could see only their obvious indifference towards him. Today they were uncompromising and a force to be reckoned with. It dawned on Marcus that if he had to make a quick getaway for whatever reason, he would be hard pressed to do so.

Congratulations to all our finalists in the 2010 NZ Writers' College Short Story Competition. The overall standard was very high and we received many fabulous stories.

Dunedin-based Feby Idrus was placed first by the judges.

The judges commented that her story "Tell Me About the Love of Your Life" was a "satisfying read", with "lovely imagery" and "real warmth". Read more about Feby. 

Read the winning stories and the judges' commments.

Keep an eye out for the 2011 NZ Writers' College Short Story Competition details. Closing date will be 30 September 2011.

Words for Freedom - by Trish Nicholson

Every nano-second, millions of bloggers and twitters around the world communicate with each other and the universe at large with a freedom everyone takes for granted. Well ... not everyone.

Could you go to prison for your blog?

It happened to 19-year-old high school student, Tal Al-Mallouhi, a blogger and poet in Syria. Summoned for questioning about her blog entries a year ago, she has been imprisoned ever since. For the first nine months she had no contact with her family or a lawyer. Read the rest.

How to become an Online Travel Writer - by Angela Pearse

Travel writing for the web is very different from print media and it can take some getting used to, but it also has many benefits.

Travel writing for the Web

One of the advantages of travel writing for your own blog or website is that you have more editorial control. You are the editor of your own online publication; you decide what to write, when to write it and what photos to use. Read the rest.

The Principles of Online Journalism - by Samantha Moolman

It doesn't take a qualified journalist anymore to publish the news. Thanks to online media, the public can now inform themselves and each other via various platforms and social networks. Any Joe Soap has access to previously unknown information, so the journalist's original privilege of being able to disseminate new information has become redundant. Read the rest.

SEO Tips: Optimise Your Blog for Search Engines - by Karen Lotter

Writing competition season is open for 2011! Visit our individual websites for country-specific competitions. They are always on the bottom right of our home page at www.sawriterscollege.co.za, www.nzwriterscollege.co.nz, and www.ukwriterscollege.co.uk.

• 2011 Commonwealth Writers Prize  

Closing date: 31 December 2010

• Lightship International Literary Competition 2011

Closing date: 30 June 2011

• Bridport Award

 Closing date: 30 June 2011

• Fish Publishing Flash Fiction

Closing date: 20 March 2011