Q: Why does this online course have a specific start date?
A: This class takes place live, on Zoom. To participate in this course and get the most out of it, you will need to be present for every Zoom class.
Q: Are there any live meetings or specific times I need to be available?
Yes, you need to be available on 8 x Fridays: 8, 15, 22, 29 October; 5, 12, 19, 26 November. You will need to join the first class at 9:45am AET (NSW) so we can solve any technical issues before beginning promptly at 10am. In the following weeks, you will need to join from 9:50am. Each session will finish at noon.
Q: What level of computer skills do I need for this course?
A: You’ll need basic confidence using computer software. If you have used Skype, Facetime or Zoom before, you will be able to participate in this course. If you’re unfamiliar with using Zoom, please familiarise yourself with it by downloading it and creating an account before the first class. This will minimise disruptions. You can download Zoom for free here. Zoom have lots of helpful guides on their website.
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 this course published – and we’d love to hear about it when you do! In fact, a novella that was workshopped in one of our online courses went on to be an award finalist and is now published by Spineless Wonders.
Q: Who can enrol?
A: Anyone, anywhere who is writing in English. You will need access to a secure internet connection and be available on Fridays from 9:50am-12pm AET (NSW) during the course dates.
Q: What website does this course use?
A: This course will run entirely on Zoom. Zoom is a reliable computer program which allows users to communicate through audio and video. It is a secure platform. When someone clicks on the meeting link, they are taken to a virtual waiting room and only people enrolled in the course will be accepted into the meeting. By using Zoom, we hope to replicate the experience of an in-person workshop, with the added bonus that you can join from the comfort of your own home. We are glad we can use Zoom because it has allowed us to reach many people who might not normally get the chance to attend a face-to-face Writing NSW course in Sydney.
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 share that work first.
Q: Does this course require any social media accounts?
A: No, you will only need access to Zoom and an email account.
Q: How do I join the class?
A: On the day before the class starts, you will be emailed a link to join the class. If you don’t receive this link by 5pm on 7 October, please contact us.
Q: Do I need to bring anything to the first class?
A: We recommend having some paper you can write notes on, or opening up a word document to take notes during the class. We also recommend you buy Writing True Stories by Patti Miller, as Patti will use this as a reference text throughout the course.
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. Writing NSW is also planning to provide more formal online writing group options in the near future. You can see the writing groups we currently run here.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Your enrolment is non-refundable. If you need to withdraw from a course, you must inform Writing NSW at least 14 days prior to course commencement to receive a full credit. Withdrawals made seven to thirteen days prior to course commencement will be eligible for a 50% credit. Any withdrawals made after this point will not be eligible for credit.