Q: How do I join my Zoom session on the start date?
A: The day before your course starts, our professional development officer will send you an email with a link to your Zoom session. Be sure to check your junk mail and if you do not receive a link, please email workshops@writingnsw.org.au.
Q: How much time will the Zoom course take?
A: Our live Zoom courses take place online at the same time and pace as our in-person courses. Half day courses generally run for 3 hours in the evening, and our one-day courses run from 10am to 4pm with a one-hour lunch break included.
Q: How much time will the Zoom seminar take?
A: Seminars run for 2.5 hours.
Q: What level of computer skills do I need for this Zoom course or seminar?
A: You’ll need basic confidence using computer software. Overall, if you can log in and navigate a website like Facebook, you should be able to access our Zoom courses. We recommend clicking the link to join your Zoom session about 10 minutes before the course is due to start, as logging in can sometimes take longer than you expect.
If you’re unsure if you have the right level of computer skills for this course, you can contact us to chat with our professional development officer about your capabilities.
Q: If I workshop a draft in this course, am I able to submit it to publishers, journals or magazines for possible publication?
A: Yes! One of the realities of being an engaged writer is sharing your work with other writers, receiving feedback and reworking through multiple drafts. We hope you’ll go on to have the writing you’ve workshopped in our Zoom courses published – and we’d love to hear about it when you do!
Q: Who can enrol?
A: Anyone, anywhere who is writing in English. Please note, the minimum age for enrolment in Writing NSW courses is 16, unless otherwise specified. Writers aged 16 or 17 wishing to enrol in courses other than those specifically designed for young people must make a request to Writing NSW at least two weeks prior to the course start date. Enrolment will be at the discretion of Writing NSW and cannot be guaranteed.
Please note, submission deadlines for online courses are based on the time zone for Sydney NSW (either AEST or AEDT, depending on the time of year).
Q: Does this course accept unlimited enrolments, or is there a maximum?
A: Our seminars do not have a limited number of attendees. However, our interactive one-day or half-day courses have limited numbers. Book early to avoid missing out.
Q: What are the community guidelines for participants?
A: Writing NSW is committed to fostering an inclusive and safe environment across its courses and other programs for writers. As a participant, you are expected to contribute to this by respecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of other members of our community, (including race, gender, class, sexuality, faith, ability, etc.). When sharing work or making comments in forums, you should be careful to avoid anything that might have a harmful impact on your fellow participants. Writing NSW reserves the right to remove any submissions or comments that do not adhere to these guidelines. You can contact us if you are concerned about any situation that may have arisen.
Q: Should I be concerned about plagiarism?
A: Plagiarism is actually rare in the industry, and we’ve never had a complaint about it related to any of our classes. In fact, workshopping a draft in an online class is a good way to protect your ideas: it means you’ve got a whole group of people, including the tutor, who witnessed you post that work first.
Q: Can I use my smartphone or tablet for this course?
A: Technically yes, but for the best experience we recommend you use a laptop or desktop computer.
Q: I don’t have the Zoom app on my computer/ laptop/ phone. Can I still access the course?
A: Users can join Zoom courses or webinars from their web browser and bypass downloading Zoom. Click on the meeting invite link sent to you by Writing NSW via email, and click the ‘join meeting’ link to access the course or webinar. If a pop-up window prompts you to open or install the Zoom desktop client, click Cancel.
Q: After I enrol, when can I access the course?
A: Our courses are tutor-led and take place on a set schedule. For our seminars and instructional courses via Zoom, you’ll receive an invitation to join the course the day before your course starts.
Q: Is it possible to form an online writers’ group with fellow writers after the course ends?
A: Absolutely. Several of our courses have led to informal online writers’ groups that generally involve peers exchanging drafts for feedback on a schedule that suits them. You may also wish to join a current writers group, or start your own. Learn more about Writing NSW writers’ groups here.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Please choose your course carefully. Your enrolment is non-refundable. If you should wish to withdraw from a course, you must inform the Writing NSW at least 14 days in advance of course commencement to receive a full credit. Withdrawals up to seven days prior to course commencement will be eligible for a 50% credit. Withdrawals in the week prior to the course are ineligible for credit.