Week One: Introduction and how to get started. It's all about marketing plans and learning to identify different kinds of writing.
Assignment One: On the first page of your notebook, write down a list of 10 random ideas that you can later pitch. If you're lucky, you'll have a mind full of ideas buzzing around and you can't wait to start. Sometimes though, it takes a little time and practice to get some great, workable ideas. Sit down in a quiet spot and put on your thinking cap. Make a list of 10 ideas. They could be anything that you've read about, that you heard about, that interests you or that you feel compelled to act upon. List them down on a sheet of paper. Now, next to each one of them, write down 1 quote or 1 statistic that would may it newsworthy. Assignment Deadline: One Week.
Week Two: Learn how to write a query letter (what you should and should not do) and practice with a given template.
Assignment Two: 1. Select one idea from the ten you have picked out. Try and go in for something unique or a topic you can approach from a different angle. Go through Writers Market or do an online search or visit your local bookstore/library and get a list of magazines you feel are a perfect fit for this idea. Keep in mind it should be seasonal appropriate, theme appropriate and audience appropriate. 2. Select one magazine you think your article would be best in and read their guidelines. 3. Now write them a query letter. Remember to include a proposed title and stick to the facts, while engaging the editor's attention. Assignment Deadline: One Week.
Week Three: What should an article comprise of; learn all about titles, bodies, conclusions and what bylines, sidebars and abstracts are all about. Also, learn the different styles that are popular for magazine writings and which ones you should use.
Assignment Three: Part One: Now that you have your topic and have created a query letter; let us assume that the editor has sent back a positive response and a request to create the article for them. Your assignment now is to write the title, abstract and author byline. Part Two (Optional): If you wish to write the entire article and submit it, I'll be happy to look it over and discuss it with you. However, I've left the option open. If you have the time and feel you could write an article or draft, I encourage you to do so. Writing is all about momentum and once you've begun this course, it's great to carve out some 'study' time and use it to do as complete a job as possible. Having said this, if you cannot find the time, that too I understand. Do try and complete the first part of the assignment though. Note: You will need to produce a final article by the end of the course duration. Assignment Deadline: One Week.
Week Four: This week is all about generating ideas. How can you collect great ideas, what do you do when you have them. It also touches upon research and interviews; the two cornerstones to magazine writing. You'll learn how to freewrite and what invention heuristics is all about. And if you love keeping a journal or diary, then this is your week to shine.
Assignment Four: Select one idea each day from the twenty you have picked out, preferably choosing topics you not are extremely conversant with. -Each day, set 10 minutes aside and do a freewriting exercise on one topic. Don't stop till the timer you've set (or alternatively, keep a clock besides you or even the kitchen timer) has gone off. -I prefer typing with my eyes shut. This minimizes any distractions that may crop up (such as actually viewing spelling typos). You can write/type with your eyes shut or open- just don't stop to make any changes. -At the end of the exercise, read through it and see what key points come up. Practice freewriting for at least 7 consecutive days, each day, selecting a different topic to write on. At the end of this week, you'll find your thoughts wander less often and your mind comes up with wonderful ideas on the subject at hand. Assignment Deadline: One Week.
Week Five: It's all about Editors and rejection letters and why we love and hate them both. There's a checklist to keep you on track and a list of FAQ's about everything else that a magazine writer should know but was afraid to ask (including SASE definition, reselling work, multiple submissions etc).
Assignment Five: If your piece is rejected, it doesn't mean it's not worthy of publication. You may have targeted the wrong audience or need to make a few changes to it, to make it publication ready. You are now ready to write your article. Begin by selecting a short article (between 500-700 words) that has either been rejected or never published before and revise it based on what you've learnt. You may also submit a revised version of the earlier piece you created or create a completely new piece. Keep in mind that you need to have the following: A suitable title An abstract or summary The body Conclusion Sidebars (if applicable) Author byline Assignment Deadline: One Week.
Week Six: Now that you're ready to write, how about promoting yourself? This week covers the various ways you will promote yourself including the use of social networking sites, promoting yourself in your local community, online and offline promotion etc. We touch upon press releases, handling clips, filing and organizing your life so that you're prepared for any job in an instant!
Assignment Six: The student gets to create a 'self promotion' plan to be put in to action. |
