17 Questions and Answers – Georges Jaumain

Hi Amanda,
have organised a website to show the 6 books I wrote in French. At least it is an easier way to be read than to try to have anything published in France. The site should be ready in a few weeks.

I have noticed that the French publishers are only publishing either books written by local well know people or publishing books which have been sold millions in other languages (a nice way of making sure that they can publish successfully).

Since I did your course I walked the Camino in Spain, spent 3 month doing Tai Chi in Taiwan, travelled for a month in Namibia and spent quite long period of time in my log home near Wilderness (when I am not travelling in Europe)

I still have 3 or 4 books in my mind but for now I am taking it easy and more involved in reading Wei Wu Wei books about Advaita and Non Duality. And in the construction of a Bali-style B&B near Port Edward.

Kind regards
Georges

Read Amanda Patterson’s 17 Questions and Answers with Georges Jaumain

Durban – Literary Festival

The Consulate General of India and the University of KwaZulu-Natal,

as part of Indian Experience 2008, are proud to invite you and a partner to “WORDS ON WATER” – a Literary Festival –  on 13th Sept 2008 from 10:00 am to 16:00 pm at the GSB Auditorium, Westville Campus, UKZN.

Marketing Officer
Consulate General of India, Durban
Telephone : 031-3047020
Extn : 217
Fax : 031-3047008
Email: marketingofficer@cgidbn.com 

Another Writers Write Course in Durban and Romancing the Dollar

We will be hosting another Writers Write course in Durban, as a one week course, from 29nd September – 3rd October from 09:00 – 13:00 daily.

Amanda Patterson, Writers Write

Amanda Patterson, Writers Write

I, Amanda, will be training this course for this session only.

Please note that we only have a limited number of available spaces on this course. If you would like to book, please advise us before we run out of places.

37 graduates of Writers Write have been published

The ideal course for any beginner novelist or non-fiction writer is Writers Write. This takes a beginner all the way through the writing process to a polished, publishable way of writing.

Writers Write is the best course for anyone who wants to write a book, or improve their writing skills. This inspirational course will teach you to write the best you can. It’s creative, intuitive and educational. Any writer will be motivated and confident after they have completed the programme.

SPECIAL – one week course (Durban only) 29 September –
3 October 2008

Where:  TBA

Fees: R 6 000, 00 (ex VAT)

RSVP: Wiida: 011 706-4021 or mail info@thewriteco.co.za
The Writers Write Course Includes lectures and modules on:

1.   Story Ideas & Plotting

2.   Viewpoint & Genre

3.   Setting & Description

4.   Scenes/Beginnings, Middles and Ends

5.   Dialogue

6.   Characters

7.   Pacing/Rewriting & Research

8.   Manuscript Preparation & Advice on Publishing

This course was developed by inspiring published author, Amanda Patterson. Other facilitators include the best-selling writer, Sarah Bullen, playwright, editor & novelist, Morné Malan, teacher and prolific author, Anthony Ehlers.

Anthony Ehlers - Romancing the Dollar

Anthony Ehlers - Romancing the Dollar

Romancing the Dollar

But more, by special demand, for Durban writers who are interested in writing romances:

Anthony Ehlers will be presenting the popular  Romancing the Dollar course on 4th October 2008 from 09:00 – 15:00

RSVP: Wiida: 011 706-4021 or mail info@thewriteco.co.za

WHAT TREE DID YOU FALL FROM?

Find your birthday and then find your tree. This is really cool and somewhat accurate. Then send it to your friends, including the one that sent it to you, so they can find out what tree they fell from, but don’t forget to change the subject line to your tree.  Find your tree below and see what you are like…

Dec 23 to Jan 01        –      Apple Tree
Jan 01 to Jan 11        –       Fir Tree
Jan 12 to Jan 24        –       Elm Tree
Jan 25 to Feb 03        –      Cypress Tree
Feb 04 to Feb 08        –      Poplar Tree
Feb 09 to Feb 18        –      Cedar Tree
Feb 19 to Feb 28        –      Pine Tree
Mar 01 to Mar 10        –      Weeping Willow Tree
Mar 11 to Mar 20        –      Lime Tree
Mar 21 (only)           –          Oak Tree
Mar 22 to Mar 31        –       Hazelnut Tree
Apr 01 to Apr 10        –       Rowan Tree
Apr 11 to Apr 20        –       Maple Tree
Apr 21 to Apr 30        –       Walnut Tree
May 01 to May 14        –      Poplar Tree
May 15 to May 24        –      Chestnut Tree
May 25 to Jun 03        –       Ash Tree
Jun 04 to Jun 13        –         Hornbeam Tree
Jun 14 to Jun 23        –         Fig Tree
Jun 24 (only)           –           Birch Tree
Jun 25 to Jul 04        –         Apple Tree
Jul 05 to Jul 14        –          Fir Tree
Jul 15 to Jul 25        –          Elm Tree
Jul 26 to Aug 04        –        Cypress Tree
Aug 05 to Aug 13        –      Poplar Tree
Aug 14 to Aug 23        –       Cedar Tree
Aug 24 to Sep 02        –       Pine Tree
Sep 03 to Sep 12        –       Weeping Willow Tree
Sep 13 to Sep 22        –       Lime Tree
Sep 23 (only)           –          Olive Tree
Sep 24 to Oct 03        –       Hazelnut Tree
Oct 04 to Oct 13        –       Rowan Tree
Oct 14 to Oct 23        –       Maple Tree
Oct 24 to Nov 11        –       Walnut Tree
Nov 12 to Nov 21        –       Chestnut Tree
Nov 22 to Dec 01        –       Ash Tree
Dec 02 to Dec 11        –       Hornbeam Tree
Dec 12 to Dec 21        –       Fig Tree
Dec 22 (only)           –          Beech Tree

TREES (in alphabetical order)
Apple Tree (Love) — quiet and shy at times, lots of charm, appeal, and attraction, pleasant attitude, flirtatious smile, adventurous, sensitive, loyal in love, wants to love and be loved, faithful and tender partner, very generous, many talents, loves children, needs affectionate partner.

Ash Tree (Ambition) — extremely attractive, vivacious, impulsive, demanding, does not care for criticism, ambitious, intelligent, talented, likes to play with fate, can be very egotistic, reliable, restless lover, sometimes money rules over the heart, demands attention, needs love and much emotional support.

Beech Tree (Creative) — has good taste, concerned about its looks, materialistic, good organization of life and career, economical, good leader, takes no unnecessary risks, reasonable, splendid lifetime companion, keen on keeping fit (diets, sports, etc.).

Birch Tree (Inspiration) — vivacious, attractive, elegant,friendly, unpretentious, modest, does not like anything in excess, abhors the vulgar, loves life in nature and in calm, not very passionate, full of imagination, little ambition, creates a calm and content atmosphere.

Cedar Tree (Confidence) — of rare strength, knows how to adapt, likes unexpected presents, of good health, not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, self-confident, a great speaker, determined, often impatient, likes to impress others, has many talents, industrious, healthy optimism, waits for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.

Chestnut Tree (Honesty) — of unusual stature, impressive, well-developed sense of justice, fun to be around, a planner, born diplomat, can be irritated easily, sensitive of others feelings, hard worker, sometimes acts superior, feels not understood at times, fiercely family oriented, very loyal in love, physically fit.

Cypress Tree (Faithfulness) — strong, muscular, adaptable, takes what life has to give but doesn’t necessarily like it, strives to be content, optimistic, wants to be financially independent, wants love and affection, hates loneliness, passionate lover which cannot be satisfied, faithful, quick-tempered at times, can be unruly and careless, loves to gain knowledge, needs to be needed.

Elm Tree (Noble-mindedness) — pleasant shape, tasteful clothes, modest demands, tends not to forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but not to obey, honest and faithful partner, likes making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humour, practical.

Fig Tree (Sensibility) — very strong minded, a bit self-willed, honest, loyal, independent, hates contradiction or arguments, hard worker when wants to be, loves life and friends, enjoys children and animals, sexually oriented, great sense of humour, has artistic talent and great intelligence.

Fir tree (Mysterious) — extraordinary taste, handles stress well, loves anything beautiful, stubborn, tends to care for those close to them, hard to trust others, yet a social butterfly, likes idleness and laziness after long demanding hours at work, rather modest, talented, unselfish, many friends, very reliable.

Hazelnut Tree (Extraordinary) — charming, sense of humour, very demanding but can also be very understanding, knows how to make a lasting impression, active fighter for social causes and politics, popular, quite moody, sexually oriented, honest, a perfectionist, has a precise sense of judgment and expects complete fairness.

Hornbeam Tree (Good Taste) — of cool beauty, cares for its looks and condition, good taste, is not egoistic, makes life as comfortable as possible, leads a reasonable and disciplined life, looks for kindness and acknowledgment in an emotional partner, dreams of unusual lovers, is seldom happy with its feelings, mistrusts most people, is never sure of its decisions, very conscientious.

Lime Tree (Doubt) – intelligent, hard working, accepts what life dishes out, but not before trying to change bad circumstances into good ones, hates fighting and stress, enjoys getaway vacations, may appear tough, but is actually soft and relenting, always willing to make sacrifices for family and friends, has many talents but not always enough time to use them, great leadership qualities, is jealous at times but extremely loyal.

Maple Tree (Independence of Mind) — no ordinary person, full of imagination and originality, shy and reserved, ambitious, proud, self-confident, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous, has many complexities, good memory, learns easily, complicated love life, wants to impress.

Oak Tree (Brave) — robust nature, courageous, strong, unrelenting, independent, sensible, does not like change, keeps its feet on the ground, person of action.

Olive Tree (Wisdom) — loves sun, warmth and kind feelings, reasonable, balanced, avoids aggression and violence, tolerant, cheerful, calm, well-developed sense of justice, sensitive, empathetic, free of jealousy, loves to read and the company of sophisticated people.

Pine Tree (Peacemaker) — loves agreeable company, craves peace and harmony, loves to help others, active imagination, likes to write poetry, not fashion conscious, great compassion, friendly to all, falls strongly in love but will leave if betrayed or lied to, emotionally soft, low self esteem, needs affection and reassurance

Poplar Tree (Uncertainty) — looks very decorative, talented, not very self-confident, extremely courageous if necessary, needs goodwill and pleasant surroundings, very choosy, often lonely, great animosity, great artistic nature, good organizer, tends to lean toward philosophy, reliable in any situation, takes partnership seriously.

Rowan Tree (Sensitivity) — full of charm, cheerful, gifted without egoism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, unrest, and even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive.

Walnut Tree (Passion) — unrelenting, strange and full of contrasts, often egotistic, aggressive, noble, broad horizon, unexpected reactions, spontaneous, unlimited ambition, no flexibility, difficult and uncommon partner, not always liked but often admired, ingenious strategist, very jealous and passionate, no compromise.

Weeping Willow (Melancholy) – likes to be stress free, loves family life, full of hopes and dreams, attractive, very empathetic, loves anything beautiful, musically inclined, loves to travel to exotic places, restless, capricious, honest, can be influenced but is not easy to live with when pressured, sometimes demanding, good intuition, suffers in love until they find that one loyal, steadfast partner; loves to make others laugh.

Writers Write Durban 2008 – Only Two More Places Available

37 graduates published – two places available for Writers Write Durban 25 – 29 August 2008

Amanda Patterson and Nicci Stewart (Business Writing)

Amanda Patterson and Nicci Stewart (Business Writing)

Special 1-week course (Durban only)

25 – 29 August 2008
The Writers Write Course Includes lectures and modules on:

1.   Story Ideas & Plotting

2.   Viewpoint & Genre

3.   Setting & Description

4.   Scenes/Beginnings, Middles and Ends

5.   Dialogue

6.   Characters

7.   Pacing/Rewriting & Research

8.   Manuscript Preparation & Advice on Publishing

Where:  Gumtree Lodge, 13 Gumtree Crescent, Mount Edgecombe, Durban

Fees: R 4 500, 00 (ex VAT)

RSVP: Wiida: 011 706-4021 or mail info@thewriteco.co.za

Play a Bit with Wordle

Wordle isn’t exactly a word game or a design tool, but it is an ingenious way to make beautiful word clouds.

According to the blurb on their website,  “Wordle is a toy for generating “word clouds” from text that you provide. The clouds give greater prominence to words that appear more frequently in the source text. You can tweak your clouds with different fonts, layouts, and color schemes.”

Why not have a look and play a bit. You can print out the word clouds, save them to the Wordle gallery or share them with your friends.

Writing Disposable Romances

By Amanda Patterson

There’s something we don’t speak about much outside of the sanctity of the writing school’s walls.

It’s this desire – some might say obsession – to write romances for Mills & Boon.

The powerful pound has clout.

Tens of thousands of pound sterling per novel can’t be taken lightly.

Even you could do that, couldn’t you? Without breaking a sweat.

You’re wrong.

Writing a book is hard work. Writing a believable modern day Cinderella story of 40 – 50 000 words is difficult.

After all, where does one find that elusive single billionaire?

And, how does one make it sound plausible that he’s just waiting for our poor heroine to complicate his life?

Where do they meet?

What do they argue about for 180 pages?

And more importantly how does an author create exciting love scenes?

If you are interested read on

Great Resources for Crime and Mystery Writers

We know that crime and mystery writers are always looking for resources to check the accuracy of forensic details and crime scene investigation procedures.

  • Criminal Psychology
  • Forensics and Evidence Analysis
  • Police and their Procedures
  • Poison and Antidotes

Here is a great list of resources – although they are mainly from the USA, they are interesting and helpful to South African writers as well.

Amanda’s 17 Questions: Jenny Crwys-Williams

Date: 7 August 2008
Place: Nice, Parkhurst
Book: Penguin Dictionary of South African Quotations

1. Who is your favourite hero of fiction?
Atticus Finch

2. What is your most treasured possession?
My photographs

3. Which living person do you most dislike?
The bully boys of the world

4. What is your greatest fear?
Spiders

5. Who or what has been the love of your life?
Reading. Books. The Journey.

6. What is your greatest regret?
That I haven’t written a novel that has taken the world by storm.

7. If you could choose to be a character in a book, who would it be?
Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada

8. Which book have you read the most in your lifetime?
Winnie the Pooh, Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Cold Mountain

9. What is your favourite journey?

Ten day walk from Monte Merano in Tuscany on an Etruscan Trail

10. Cats or Dogs? Which do you prefer?
Both

11. What quality do you most admire in a women?
Women who don’t sleep with other women’s husbands. Women who aren’t catty. Entrepreneurial women.

12. Which book that you’ve written is your favourite?
In the words of Nelson Mandela – A Little Pocketbook

13. What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Just do it

14. What are your favourite names?
Names that have a meaning

15. What do you do as a hobby?
My lifestyle is my hobby. I am busy living. Gardening. Writing. Photography. Cooking. Reading. Walking. The journey.

16. What are your top three books?
Shakespeare’s Tudor Books, The Lord of the Rings by J R Tolkien, The Time Traveler’s Wife by Sue Monk Kidd.

17. Where do you get your greatest ideas for writing?
From a conversation, a newspaper cutting, a sentence in an article. It’s a process.

Amanda Patterson, 7 August 2008

See more pictures on The Write Co Website.

A Night at the Opera – the Pictures

Amanda Patterson and Nicci Stewart of The Write Co

Well, you heard all about A Night at the Opera?

Now see the pictures of the Gala Night at the Russian opera in Johannesburg with The Write Co.