The Writers' College

Issue 50 Newsletter

February 2015
_____________________________________________________________________________
The Inspiration Issue
FOUND ON THE WEB
COLLEGE NEWS
ON OUR WEBZINE
MY WRITING JOURNEY
SA WRITERS' COLLEGE SHORT STORY COMPETITION
COMPETITION TIME!

 

 

Writers College student feedback

my writing journey competition 

 
Michelle   
Writers' College Links...

 

 

 

Find us on Facebook 

Follow us on Twitter

Michelle
 

 

WELCOME TO ANOTHER NEW YEAR!

In 2015 we'll be bringing you six editions of our newsletter, but in an abridged form so that you can enjoy the read in the time it takes to have a cup of tea.

We provide links to interesting articles on writing, as well as writing competitions. So make this the year that you expand your knowledge, improve your writing skills, and even enter some major writing contests.

In this issue, we focus on where writers can find inspiration. 

 

Nobel Prize-winner Saul Bellow said, "You never have to change anything you got up in the middle of the night to write." But most of us aren't struck by inspiration in the dark hours. So where can you get your ideas?


Have a very happy and productive new year!

Best wishes
Tracey Hawthorne (Editor) and the team at The Writers' College   
  
FOUND ON THE WEB 

  

- Having a spot of writer's block? This may help.   
 

- 'Work on a computer that's disconnected from the internet' is Zadie Smith's advice on how to be a better writer. Click here for 24 more suggestions.

 

- Thinking of self-publishing? Here are 5 unusual ways to market that book, inspired by the film industry.

 

- The printing press, Shakespeare and affordable paper - all things people once thought would ruin English. And here are more.

   

COLLEGE NEWS

  

THINKING OF DOING A WRITING COURSE?

We now offer over 35 writing courses with all the tools, tips and training to help you write in that field. Our tutors have years of experience, and work one-to-one with you to hone your skills.
 

Find out more by contacting us for our full course curricula and enrolment details. 

 

 

On Facebook? Join us for daily tips and inspiration on our Facebook page.  
  
ON OUR WEBZINE

 

Our webzine is a fantastic place to find guidance, writing tips and information. Immerse yourself in the world of writing. 

  

How to win a short-story competition

8 vital tips for making it onto that shortlist.

  

How to hook your reader

11 ways to draw in your reader.

 

How to master the art of writing online copy

5 ways to write posts that actually get read.

 

How to be a happy freelancer

5 ways to avoid depression as a freelance writer.

 
MY WRITING JOURNEY COMPETITION

With just a pen and paper, Thorne Busakwe - winner of the January 2015 My  Writing Journey Competition - changed her reality and made magic.

Read her story here.

 

SA WRITERS' COLLEGE SHORT STORY COMPETITION

Short Story Writing

Writers in South Africa have one month until deadline for our annual Short Story Writing Competition.

 

Read the full details here.

 

 
COMPETITION TIME

Gemini Magazine Short Story Contest
Closing date: 31 March
More info here.

Maskew Miller Longman Literature Awards: Children's Fiction

Closing date: 30 April

More info here.

 

The Bristol Short Story Prize

Closing date: 30 April

More info here.

 

The Bridport Prize for poems, short stories and flash fiction

Closing date: 31 May

More info here.

 

Monthly entries
 
For regular competitions, or if your writing is aimed at a more local readership, country-specific competitions can be found on the bottom right-hand corner of our individual home pages. There you will also find regular, monthly and weekly competitions. Keep checking in for updates!
F
FREE GRAMMAR ZAP! e-COURSE

Spruce up your grammar with a 5-minute grammar lesson that arrives in your Inbox each day for 5 days. It takes 5 seconds to register. Click here to sign up (using a different email address to your newsletter subscription). Your first lesson arrives the next day.

 

My Writing Journey Competition

 

Write us a 1 000-word story about your journey as a writer. Make it funny, quirky or inspirational. We'll publish the best story in our newsletter and on our blog - plus the winner will get $200 (R1 000 or £100).

 

Send your story to nichola@nzwriterscollege.co.nz.

 

Open to our newsletter subscribers from around the world.

 

The next My Writing Journey competition closes noon on 31 May 2015. Full details here.