37 Published Authors for The Write Co

Amanda Patterson, founder and CEO of The Write Co, created Writers Write, one of the most successful creative writing courses in South Africa, almost five years ago. Lizet Engelbrecht is the 37th student of the course to be published.

Lizet Engelbrecht recently received the good news that her Afrikaans romance novel, entitled Sewe dae, has been snatched up by NB Publisher’s popular Melodie imprint. The book is set to hit the shelves later this year.

“Sewe dae,” says Lizet, “has all the ingredients of a compelling love story for the woman of today. The protagonist is Esméralda Smit: a strong, career-focused woman who thinks she has everything made with a successful lecturing job, financial security, and no desire whatsoever for romance. But then, owing to the influence of her best friend Sonja, the headstrong Esméralda gets involved in a charity project, and who strolls into her life but the successful businessman Pierre Vaz? Irresistible blond fringe … scrumptious grey eyes … will Esméralda be tempted?”

This budding author completed Skrywers Skryf via correspondence in 2007. This is the Afrikaans version of The Write Co.’s extremely successful novel writing course, Writers Write, which has produced no fewer than 37 published authors to date. “Every potential author should consider doing this course,” comments Lizet. “And believe me, I have tried all the self-help books out there: Leslie Wainger, Sol Stein, Stephen King and others. But the first truly helpful guidance came from Skrywers Skryf.” Lizet also emphasises the great value of the detailed personal attention and feedback which she received as part of the course.

Skrywers Skryf facilitator, Morné Malan, translated the content from the original English and adjusted the focus specifically for the Afrikaans market. He is positive about the value of both Skrywers Skryf and Writers Write for first-time authors. “If you’re passionate about writing a novel, all you need is the right tools and a little encouragement,” he says. “Lizet is proof of that. Our courses get back to the basics of good writing: a strong plot, intriguing characters, dazzling dialogue and original descriptions.”

Writers Write is presented monthly as a series of four workshops on Saturdays, or as eight evening workshops during the week. Depending on enquiries and bookings, Skrywers Skryf will be presented again in October. Both courses are available immediately per correspondence, and are presented entirely via e-mail.

Read this on bizcommunity.com

For all enquiries about The Write Co.’s courses, please e-mail info@thewriteco.co.za

For more information about The Write Co and its facilitators, visit www.thewriteco.co.za

Urban 04 – Calling for Stories

David Chislett sent the following request:

In 2001, Urban One was published by Spearhead, an imprint of New Africa Books. The title was a vehicle to showcase brand new, previously unpublished writers, and a method of creating access to market for a host of new voices. It was followed in 2002 and 2003 by volumes 2 and 3.

Now, after a five year hiatus, Urban 04 is set to be compiled and released in 2008. As is befitting after such a break, a few things have changed with the concept as well. Think of it as a metamorphosis to suit the times.

In 2008, we are approaching specific writers for stories as well as making a general call for submissions. We will be paying each successful author for the use of their story. We will be using a small selection of photographers and artist to illustrate the book. We will be selling the book though the normal channels as well as an informal vendor system and of course via the authors.

The Brief:

For Urban 04 we are looking for the voice of a new breed of writers. A voice that is new, powerful and totally South African. Stay away from typical short stories and their narratives, reach into your daily experience of life in South Africa today and tell us what you see, hear and feel.

The object of Urban 04 is to demonstrate the new spirit and attitude that lives in the heart of South Africa as represented by you, the writers. This is a chance to stand up, say your say, and use a voice that typically does not have much of a platform.

Length: 3 500 maximum, 1 200 minimum
Language: English
Publishing Date: September 2008
Deadline: 16 July 2008
Submit to: david@dcpm.co.za

Fiction Writing is Hard Work

Fiction Writing is about much more than just dreaming up a story and having it somehow materialise 50 000 words later. All of us who have been through the process and who have chosen this path, know that writing fiction is hard work – often it is wonderful and you feel like you’re flying – but to get your manuscript completed and packaged and ready for an agent or publisher, is all part of the process.

Suzanne James is a writing teacher, publisher and editor with a blog full of really interesting posts, like How to get Published: Fiction Writing Mistakes. She also writes romance novels and hot-to writing books.

So, for those who believe that fiction writing is their destiny, drop in and take note of what Suzanne has to say.

Getting Published – Laura Boon is Looking for The Right Stories

Laura Boon Literary Agency is looking for stories that have a South African flavour but universal appeal. Local authors who have done well internationally and who serve as role models for other South African writers include Nadine Gordimer, André Brink, JM Coetzee, Pamela Jooste, Patricia Schonstein, Susan Mann, Wilbur Smith, Richard Kunzman, Deon Meyer, Margie Orford and many others.

Who will this agency represent?

The Laura Boon Literary Agency specializes in mainstream fiction and memoirs but will consider manuscripts that fall outside of this definition, including children’s books.

Which books will this agency NOT accept?

Poetry, short stories, and erotica.

Will they have a look at your manuscript?

The Write Co graduates are a primary target for the LBLA. The Write Co graduates have learned how to write novels.

Attending the Writers Write course has made their manuscripts more publishable. They have the passion, the enthusiasm and the quality stories that Laura Boon believes will sell.

If You Want to Get Published, What Do You Do?

Finish the manuscript. Edit and proofread it.

Post a one page covering letter; a one page synopsis and the first three chapters to the address below.

In a separate letter, indicate what kind of readers will enjoy your book. Align it with the work of an already published author. For example: ‘Readers of John Grisham’s novels will love my legal thriller’. ‘Fans of Helen Fielding’s character Bridget Jones will enjoy my chick lit novel’. ‘Admirer’s of Chris van Wyk’s book Shirley Goodness and Mercy will appreciate my memoir’.

No email submissions will be considered.

Hand deliver to:

Laura Boon, c/o The Write Co, 1st Floor, East Wing, Coral House, 20 Peter Place, Lyme Park, Bryanston, Sandton.

Or post to:

Laura Boon, PO Box 783324, Sandton 2146. South Africa

Who is Laura Boon?

Laura has more than 10 years experience in the book trade. She worked for Exclusive Books, at both the Sandton City and Hyde Park branches. She also worked in the marketing department of publisher Random House and has worked as a book publicist for the last six years.

Laura’s book, Public Relations and Your Business: Make the Media Work for You, was published by Frontrunner in September 2006.