Do you write the first line well but then have trouble with the rest?

Learn from a published author and nonfiction writer the skills, techniques and knowledge needed to write successfully any type of nonfiction project.

This course will cover the fundamentals common to all forms of nonfiction writing, including business, feature, academic and scientific writing, and teach you how to write persuasive prose for the market (copywriting). Interactive and practical, you will apply what is taught in a supportive atmosphere.

The course fee includes all materials. You are encouraged to bring some of your own nonfiction writing to work with in class.

Agenda

The following is a list of topics covered. There may be some deviation from this curriculum, because of the interactive nature of the classroom activities.

Day 1: Introducing nonfiction writing

• writing well will change your life
• understanding the elements of good nonfictionwriting
• exploring the numerous forms of nonfiction writing
• identifying good versus bad writing
• rewriting is the key to writing well
• keeping it simple and concrete
• pruning and cleaning your prose
• starting your writing project.

Day 2: Laying the foundation for success (part one)

• finding your writing style
• freeing your inner voice
• knowing your audience
• choosing your words and expressions
• being active in your writing, not passive
• using the active voice
• using active verbs and strong nouns
• avoiding adverbs, adjectives and fluff
• working on your writing project.

Day 3: Laying the foundation for success (part two)

• uniting your writing and thoughts
• being consistent throughout your piece
• hooking your audience with the right bait
• building momentum while staying focused
• ending on a high note
• avoiding common writing mistakes (one)
• working on your writing project.

Day 4: Laying the foundation for success (part three)

• learning about punctuation and grammar
• discovering the basics of good composition
• expressing yourself clearly and correctly
• being objective, simple and unpretentious
• avoiding common writing mistakes (two)
• working on your writing project.

Day 5: Writing marketing and website copy

• defining copywriting
• researching your target market or audience
• writing for your audience, not for yourself
• focusing on the features of your offer and the benefits for your market
• distinguishing yourself from the competition
• delivering a fresh, authentic message
• connecting emotionally with your reader
• persuading your audience to act on your request (call to action)
• answering the most common question: What is in it for me?
• writing website content and the 15 seconds rule
• working on your writing project.

Day 6: Writing about science and technology

• being clear, concise, sequential and logical
• using the detective story technique
• bringing the human element into your story
• being concrete, not abstract
• bringing the message into the home of your reader
• engaging your reader
• researching your topic and collecting facts
• working on your writing project.

Day 7: Writing at work

• writing for business and writing at work
• following the scientific writing approach
• avoiding the biggest and most common mistakes
• being pompous, pretentious and unclear leads to ...
• writing muddled messages (not good for business)
• being simple is not stupid; being simple is smart
• working on your writing project.

Day 8: Writing for life

• using humour to improve your nonfiction writing
• interviewing techniques for nonfiction writers
• emulating good writers to improve your writing
• avoiding breezy and condescending writing
• thinking laterally to write about your topic
• writing as a process rather than writing to create a product
• evading the market-driven approach to blandness
• discovering your writing quest and intention
• closing remarks, observations, questions and answers
• finishing your writing project.

Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• list the elements common to all good nonfiction writing, for example, being clear, simple and concise; using active verbs and sentences; adhering to good grammar and punctuation; and being sequential and logical in explanations. Apply these elements to writing
• Identify the most common mistakes made by writers, for instance, being verbose, pretentious, unclear, uncertain, illogical, abstract, aloof, breezy and condescending. Analyse writing for these mistakes. Identify problems with organisation, content, grammar and punctuation. Rewrite and edit work so as to remove mistakes and improve writing
• write using the following formula: an opening lead tailored to hook the audience; a body that builds momentum and informs the readers; and an unexpected, but appropriate, ending that completes the story
• write engaging nonfiction for specific markets, including, but not limited to, writing for work and business; writing about science and technology; feature writing; writing a book, e-book or short story; copywriting; and website content writing. Identify and apply the specific techniques used to writing successfully in each of these genres.

Other Information

Please bring a notepad and pen. Students may bring their own laptop, if desired.

UEC is located on Level 11, 222 Pitt Street. It is located right in the centre of Sydney city and across the road from the famous Hilton Hotel. Click on the link below for directions:
http://www.sydneycommunitycollege.com.au/site/1300

PLS NOTE: All classes need a minimum number of students to go ahead. If your course does not have enough students it will be cancelled and you will be informed. Courses are usually cancelled, when necessary, 2 working days prior to the scheduled start date.***Please be aware that you may be informed of a cancellation &/or change via SMS or E-mail.