Lightbulb

This course is designed primarily for business professionals; those who have to write as part of the workplace environment or for academe and who need to write professionally and productively. The focus is on the preparation and presentation of professional and business documents, either for internal use or for clients, and the creative process that goes into their development. It will be equally useful to business managers, professionals and students (especially postgraduate students) who need to write term papers and theses. It is not directed at those writing fiction or prose although much of the course content will be relevant to those writing in this genre.

Entry Requirements

N/A

Student Instructions

Please bring a pen and notepaper

Topics

Writing in the workplace
Writing with purpose
Composing with Style
Bringing it all together

Career Prospects

N/A

Delivery Style

Outcomes

At the end of this course, participants will understand both the theory and the practice of effective writing and be able to write and deliver persuasive and effective documents to their target audience.

Learn the ins and outs of freelance journalism including travel writing, feature writing, profile writing, the art of the interview, and how to structure and submit articles that sell. A hands on practical course packed full of information to get you started on your freelance career.

Entry Requirements

Basic English skills

Student Instructions

Please bring a pen and paper and some story ideas

Topics

• Introduction: writing basics; generating ideas; research and ethics in journalism; resources; note-taking; publication rights; copyright tools of the trade.
• The art of the interview – a foundation of good journalism. Targeting your publications
• Travel writing
• Feature writing
• Profile writing
• Editing the story
• Submitting the article; mastheads; editorial contacts; sidebars; email submissions; query letters.
• Building editorial relationships. Submitting photographs as part of the package.

Career Prospects

Freelance journalist

Delivery Style

• Includes practical exercises and examination of different types of articles and angles in freelance journalism
• Presented in a relaxed, supportive, ‘workshop’ environment

Outcomes

Participants will exit the course with the basic skills necessary to begin work as a freelance journalist as a hobby or career, as well as an idea of which genres and subect matter will bring them the most success and fulfillment.

Self publishing your print book/Ebook from start to finish – writing, editing, formatting, cover design and printing options. The course takes you through the purpose and genre of the book, fact or fiction, how to write and formulate the content including voice, tense, structure etc, and other tips for good writing. Formatting includes first and second draft, editing and proof reading, chapters, first pages, ISBN/barcodes, copyright, where and when to obtain help, printing options and marketing ideas including Ebook marketing.

Entry Requirements

Basic writing ability and interest in writing / authoring. Computer knowledge – use of Word program and basic formatting. Knowledge of Internet at least use of search engines. All students will have a computer provided for the class.

Student Instructions

Notebook and pen, ring-back folder with lined paper, coloured highlighter pens, USB flash drive.

Topics

How to write an interesting and effective book / Ebook, and how to edit, proof-read and format the book. Where and when to seek help. Obtaining your ISBN; choosing a printer; cover design; costs of printing; how many copies; tips on marketing your book; ebooks and electronic publishing.

Career Prospects

Improve your job prospects by becoming an authority on your subject -publish your knowledge or your story in a book or ebook. As a speaker, have a book on your subject to sell.

Delivery Style

A combination of teacher instruction and video, with examples and practice in class, group discussion, using computers for writing, formatting, editing etc. Internet examples. Some information provided in the form of handouts.

Outcomes

To be able to write a book/Ebook on the subject of the student’s choice and to and format it to a high quality standard for printing/publishing online or offline.

Learn the ins and outs of freelance travel writing, including how to write travel articles that sell, and how to structure, submit and market your work. A hands on, practical workshop packed full of information.

Entry Requirements

none

Student Instructions

Please bring a pen and notepad and any publications they would like to be published.

Delivery Style

This is a hands on, practical workshop

A student quote . . . The Travel Writing course with Jo Kennett was brilliant. The Travel Editor at XXXXX has corresponded with me and I 'almost' have an article published. Jo and Lightbulb did a wonderful job teaching us how to make this happen. I highly recommend Jo's class. – C Bombell

This intensive short course teaches you the fundamental tools required to write a feature film script. You will learn how to plan and structure a screenplay, and how to create a professionally laid out script. You will create loglines, characters, write dialogue, construct scenes, and find out what it takes to create a cinematic story. Finally, you will learn what producers are looking for, and ways to get your work from script to the big screen. At the completion of this course you will have the basic tools you need to turn your ideas into a feature film script.

Entry Requirements

Basic writing ability.

Student Instructions

Students to bring an A4 notepad and pen or preferably A4 folder/paper and pen.

Topics

What you need to know to get started: connecting with a film audience, writing cinematic stories, professional film script layout, writing a synopsis, treatment, logline and premise, classic three act structure, screenwriting craft, creating engaging characters, writing directions, constructing scenes, planning the feature film, what producers are looking for.

Career Prospects

The course is not aimed at a specific career. However, it is possible to earn some money from writing and editing feature film scripts, and being able to write visually.

Delivery Style

There is a combination of teacher instruction (informal lecture style), videos and script reading with examples and practice/activities in class. Participation in the form of discussions is encouraged, and some information is provided in the form of handouts.

Outcomes

Participants will exit the program with knowledge and good overview of the basic elements in feature film script writing, and will be able to put their newly acquired skills to work on the creation of their own feature film script.

Participants will exit this program with knowledge of all the basic elements in Business Writing and will be ready to practice their newly acquired skills in their workplace.

Entry Requirements

None

Student Instructions

Paper and pen/pencil

Topics

Choosing the right medium, planning documents and writing effective, persuasive and impactful business letters, memos, emails, marketing scripts, website text and reports

Career Prospects

Written communication skills are highly prized and sought after by employers.
Anyone seeking employment or advancement in any business or administration field would benefit from this program.

Delivery Style

3×3 hour sessions in a relaxed, inclusive style with a high level of participant input.

Outcomes

Participants will exit the program with knowledge of all the basic elements in Business Writing and will be ready to practice their newly acquired skills in their workplace.