25.9.09

6 random blogs which may interest you.

1. http://www.drunkwritertalk.blogspot.com/
A site where alcohol and writing walk hand in hand. Check out the different rants over novels, movies and stories which a group of five writers come up with when their on the hard liquor. Mostly funny however at times, enjoyably random.

Blogged by two fabulous New York women, the Daba girls represent the group of wives and girlfriends who date the elite group of bankers and expose their thoughts and opinions on the changing definition of romance during the recession.

Any aspiring fashion journalists out there? This is a glimpse into the critical magazine world which is more 'Devil wears Prada' than a sample sale. The bitchiness is exposed, the superficiality is revered and the industry is still one of the world's most desirable.

Postsecret is a (at times) creepy blog where postcards are sent anonymously often revealing an unexpected secret. The postcards feature a combination of funny and eerie postcards and are great as conversation starters.

One of the world's most iconic fashion photographers for Vogue magazine started out on this blog with a compilation of amazing photographs of the fashion elite. Take a trip to Paris, Milan, New York and more and check out what the runway stars are wearing off the catwalks and on the streets.

A satirical take on the daily musings of a British gossip journalist and a journalist in Manhattan as they prepare to reveal the Hollywood world piece by piece. Really funny and uplifting interpretations of the actions of celebrities and their counterparts.
There are obviously more of my favourites but I cannot remember them all from the top of my head so if you are interested in more blogs and random things, check out The Blogger Choice awards for a taste of all good things online. http://www.bloggerschoiceawards.com/

Sydney Writers' Festival: Writers Talk 2009.

If you are interested in either improving your short story writing skills or one day becoming the next Stephanie Meyer and whatnot, the following website may be of interest to you. It is a compilation of interviews from the authors and writers who spoke at the Sydney Writers' Festival and the authors include Isabelle Carmody, Morris Gleitzman, James Roy and Danny Katz. Here, they speak about characters, plots, themes and storylines as well as any other tips and advice for young writers. Check out the interviews as I'm positive it will assist you in your own writing and production of creative stories. There are also archived interviews dating back to 2007. I've made the site address a TinyUrl and you should be able to still access it. Let me know if there have any difficulties. http://tinyurl.com/ycqopgo or alternatively visit www.swf.org.au/news and find the direct link from there. Enjoy and get inspired!

23.9.09

Feeling inspired.

Instead of having a daily rant, I thought I'd just put in this very sweet paper picture to keep you all very inspired. Isn't it just lovely? I'm guessing it's perhaps easier than reading the book which she was cut out of? Metaphor anyone?

Enjoy!

Quotation of the day.

"The role of the writer is not to say what we can all say, but what we are unable to say."
Anais Nin.

Competition: Win 1 of 3 prizes!

This month's competition is perfect for any aspiring writers or anyone who wishes to practise their creative writing skills. I highly recommend that you all submit something in for a chance to win some fantastic literary prizes including DVD's, novels and other texts and stationary. The task is due on Saturday the 12th of December 2009 no later than 5.30pm. It needs to be presented as a printed document using Times New Roman font in size 12 with page numbers. Pages need to be labelled and bound. Name, contact number, title page and word count must also be submitted.

Task: Create a creative piece revolving around your understanding of life and the origins of humanity. It can be realistic or imaginative. Keep in mind the context, purpose and audience. This does not need to be a short story (if so, 3000-5000 words is sufficient). It can be a series of poetry, a film or television script, a play, documentary, picture book etc.

Good luck!

Study help: Wordle

Forget mindmaps and brainstorms, Wordle is the new way to go when it comes to writing your own notes in order to memorise particular key words to assist with your studies and revision. The site states that: 'Wordle is a toy for generating "word clouds" from text that you provide. The clouds give greater prominence to words that appear more frequently in the source text. You can tweak your clouds with different fonts, layouts and colour schemes. The images you create with Wordle are yours to use however you like." Check out www.wordle.net for more information. Enjoy!

18.9.09

List of top networking websites.

With the emergence of strong online networking trends, it only seems right that for your sake I provide you with a list of top networking websites which will help you stay in the 'now' in order to further your online communications and networking skills. It is known that people have gotten jobs out of these so it's never to late for you to start pursuing your dreams...the online way.

- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/
- Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/
- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/
- Bebo: http://www.bebo.com/

There are so many sites, even you will be surprised at how significant online networking is.

Reminder to year nine class: Payment is due.

Just a friendly reminder that payment for the year nine English class is due THIS WEEK. Please make sure you pay early to avoid further confusion. Also, any lessons missed are to be paid for except in certain situations (in which you should ask me for more information) as these four week classes are in a package and not designed to be 'pay as you attend'. The fee for Angels and Demons by Dan Brown (only if you requested a copy) is $13.00 and this is due on Saturday as well. You will not be able to receive your copy until payment is made. Please do not forget, extra processing fees may be underway if you cannot stay consistent with the due dates. Thankyou.

Teachers Pet: Smiggle slimline pens.

I'm obsessed with the Smiggle slimline pens which come in a large variety of colours to suit anyone's tastes! My favourites are the light blue, pink and silver as they are covetable pieces to fit into any pencilcase or handbag. These make the perfect little presents, all you have to do is grab a ribbon to tie it with and it's done! These pens are such perfect little goodies. Available from the Smiggle website and Smiggle stores for just $4.95.

Watch it: The Young Victoria

Directed by Jean-Marc Vallee, The Young Victoria is a historical film based on the turbulent first years of Queen Victoria's rule and her enduring romance with Prince Albert. Featuring a spectacular cast, this dramatization is a glorious reminder of the origins of the English monarchy and the rules and powerplay evident in the royal system and political government. Queen Victoria is portrayed wonderfully by talented actress Emily Blunt, who gives it a subtle and fresh portrayal of this historical protagonist. This film is perfect for anyone with a love of history and a happy ending.

Here is a link for anyone who loves period drama (whether subject related or not) which is a great outline of the different films which are available to watch: www.lightscamerahistory.com

Quotations of the day: Intelligence

"An intelligent hell would be better than a stupid paradise." Victor Hugo

"Each generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it." George Orwell

"It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the mose adaptable to change." Charles Darwin

14.9.09

Attention Year Nine Students: Novel and Film Study.

All year nine class students will need to be equipped with the following items for our next lesson:

- A copy of Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons

- One thin A4 plastic sleeve folder

- Writing/note paper

This is the list of people who I will be getting the novel/s for:

- Jimmy

- Caitlyn

- Tri

- Sonnya

If you would like a novel and your name is not on the list, please call or message me ASAP. Please be aware that the novels will cost approx $13.00 each and this, along with regular lesson payment, is also due next lesson. If you have any questions, please leave a comment in the comments section or alternatively email, message or call me before our next lesson.

12.9.09

Feedback reports.

Feedback reports will be handed out during the week to class and private students. These will include an outline of your achievements and any areas of study which you need to improve on. Please use the comments wisely as they will definitely assist you in your studies.

11.9.09

What I'm reading now.

I'm currently reading L.A Candy by Lauren Conrad which I have to admit, is definitely not the best celebrity novel I've ever laid my eyes on. How it ended up on the NY Times book list, I have no idea. It's a mixture of cliche situations and unsophisticated dialogue with characters mostly one dimensional and extremely dull. Nevertheless, it might be enjoyable for a few of you who enjoy the idea of reality television, the ideals of fame and 'living the ultimate L.A life'. If you enjoy the television show, The Hills, I am sure you will enjoy this book however don't be fooled by the pretty cover...the written aspect is not half as sweet. For the rest of you, the novel will be a tortorous bore; one which you'd probably want to just flip over and throw in the bin.

A satirical glimpse at television.

Tune into TV Burp every Thursday nights at 9.30pm on Channel 7 (after The Amazing Race) for a satirical view of the daily musings and comedy of Australian television. If you have not seen it before, I have inserted the youtube link of a segment of the first episode for your viewing pleasure.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjzyCPbham4

6.9.09

Dymocks Booklovers Club.

Designed to reward your passion for reading and your loyalty to Dymocks, the Booklover Loyalty Program now has even more to offer. Not only has earning and redeeming points become even easier, but a host of new and unique benefits are now available to Booklover members. Join Now

When you make a purchase, simply present your Booklover card to earn five points for every dollar you spend. Points accumulate every time you shop and can be redeemed on your next purchase. For example, when you spend $100, you will earn 500 points, which allows you to redeem $5 off your next purchase.

Unique Benefits

As a Booklover you'll earn rewards points each time you make a purchase. In addition you'll enjoy these exclusive benefits:

- Double Rewards Points and bonus offers sent via email.
- VIP Shopping Events
- E-Newsletters for updates on all new releases and your favourite authors.
- Be the first to know about sales, events and special offers from your favourite Dymocks store.
- Access to inside information such as chapter extracts, reviews and book launches.
- Attend Literary lunches with gues authors.
- Check your Booklover rewards balance online and update changes to any membership details.

Enjoy.