Online Writing Course in South Africa- Receive detailed, constructive feedback.

Please note: Judy is now accepting new students. Click here to contact her for more info.

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Judy’s Online Writing Course

If you’ve ever said, ‘I’d love to write, but I don’t know how to begin,’ then this is the course for you. In Judy’s Online Writing Course you will be doing a lot of writing and you will be receiving detailed, constructive feedback.

By the time you’ve finished you’ll know what’s required to publish short stories and magazine articles. You’ll even understand why Hollywood’s films are as successful as they are, because of that all-important story structure which will greatly assist in the composition of your novel or screenplay. And, that’s only the beginning. Among many other things, we’ll be looking at:

Learning which kind of writer you are
Plot and how it differs from Story
Characterisation: The good, the bad and the Cardboard Cut-outs
Why characters’ names matter
When dialogue is superior to exposition
How ‘showing’ rather than ‘telling’ can make your story come alive
How to mine stories when your mind is a blank
Writing ‘short’ and writing ‘long'
How painting pictures and listening to symphonies has everything to do with writing. Huh? It’s true
What does a Features’ Editor mean when he/she asks you what your ‘angle’ is?
What ‘the hook’ is
A magazine’s style and why you’d be wise to check it out BEFORE you write for them
You mean I must count the words? The reality of being professional in your work
The correct way to present a manuscript for publication
Deadlines / Kill fees / Competitions
Why Hollywood movie scripts are written and rewritten, on average, 30 times; and what you can learn from them for writing your novel
Why writing your masterpiece before speaking to a publisher is a dumb move
Writer’s Block and how to defog your brain
That vital ‘Back Story’
And much more.

To cover everything you need to agree to work hard. I will work just as hard to help you. However, it’ll be a lot of fun as well!

Just think. In no time at all you could be on the first rung of the ladder to being published and earning additional income. I hope to welcome you aboard Judy’s Online Writing Course.

The course is run entirely via e-mail, to allow for times when you might be very busy or be out of town. Whether you return an assignment within one week or three is your decision. I’d rather you took your time and produced your best work.

The Importance of the Story itself

Judy’s Online Writing Course will show you which kind of writer you are, not to mention the necessity of accepting the profession, or hobby, as a discipline if you are to succeed in being published.

Seeing your name in print for the first time is one of life’s little victories and when you appreciate the value of story in your labours, even when you are working on a factual piece, you will be well on your way to understanding what the world of writing is really all about.

Effectively plumbing and relating the depths of your imagination takes a lot of practice. As Hemingway put it, “All writing is rewriting and rewriting.” Judy has set two assignments for five of the six lessons with detailed feedback so you can plot your progress in every area such as Characterisation, Dialogue, a Story’s Angle and the Point of View, etc, is concerned - in both fact and fiction.

You will come into contact with a tale’s Dramatic Purpose and its Dramatic Issue and appreciate how an efficiently told story satisfies human needs. You will meet the storytelling Archetypes and travel the Hero’s Journey, while tracing the supplied diagram to immediately comprehend how a successful narrative comes together. You will also understand why many aspiring novelists run out of steam after page 50 or so because they have not been exposed to this secret.

Q & A's

Q. On which date does the course begin?

A. There is no set date. You and I work on a one-on-one basis.

Q. How long is the course, and over what time period must I finish it?

A. There are six lessons. There is no set time limit to finish the course, as you progress at your own pace. You may choose whether you wish to finish within six or twelve weeks or longer.

Q. But, what if I need to go away for a couple of months half way through the course – can I resume the course afterwards?

A. Yes, because there is no set date to begin and end, you are in control over your own time structure. Students in the past have had challenges, such as bereavement, company business trips and the like. You just pick up from where you left off when you return.

Q. What happens if I am late submitting my work?

A. There are no ‘late submissions’ on my course, as there are no set dates to begin and end each lesson. Each assignment is worked on in your own time.

Q. Do I get a certificate at the end of the course?

A. A successful writer, unlike a plumber, builder or doctor is not gauged by the number of certificates earned. His or her writing experiences are the credentials. As a creative profession it’s usually a matter of ‘the more you do it, the better you get.’ For this reason I do not issue certificates as, quite frankly, they are not the measure of a person as a writer.

The ideal scenario is to write and keep writing; join writers’ clubs / groups and once again, keep writing. The course is aimed, mainly, at those who are serious and want to be published in fact or fiction. Of course, if you want to do the course just for fun, you are most welcome.

Q. Do you accept credit cards?

A. How you wish to pay is up to you; but everything is done online. You will save on bank charges by using your credit card, (or making a bank transfer) because paying into my account by cash means you will be charged a handling fee. Just ensure you use your name as a reference, otherwise I won’t know where the payment came from. Don’t forget that we are not in a classroom situation where I would have a machine to process your payment. Some students are at the other end of the continent or in another country.

Q. Do I have to pay upfront or can I pay by instalments?

A. I must stress that I prefer that you pay upfront. A once-off transaction is much easier for me to keep track of. However, we can always make a plan if you are desperate to start learning now. I would require half/half, just to simplify matters.

Q. What will the course equip me for?

A. By the time you’ve finished you will understand how to write short stories or a novel, as well as feature articles. From there it’s a short hop to other forms of writing - such as scriptwriting. You will also comprehend how to do this professionally in order to be published. However, nobody can make you a good writer; as that’s constant application on your part. I can only supply the tools and give you a little push. I am prepared to work hard alongside you and give you the best of my knowledge. The rest is up to you.

Testimonals

I would like to thank you, from my heart, for the effort you have taken. Your love and care, for your subject and pupils, surpass that of a teacher. I had concerns, initially, that a course would merely lend itself toward structure but this is just not the case. You have given me wings in that you have shown me which aspects of my writing need work and conscious effort and care.

Thank you and Thank you.

Michelle Schourie, (After her final lesson, Nov 2008)

Judy's writing course is like studying for a literature degree in fast-forward. The lessons are comprehensive and easy to understand. The assignments test your understanding of newly-acquired knowledge and extend your writing ability. Judy forces you out of your comfort zone and guides you through the wonderland of your true writing potential. Her feedback is extensive and prompt; her comments always honest, constructive and encouraging. Working at your own pace is a luxury that removes stress and adds pure enjoyment. Would I recommend Judy's course? Hey, what are you waiting for?

Janine Egan, 082 450 5070

Thank you for this course, it really has been fantastic so far! The lessons are really well laid out and I have light bulb moments at almost every turn PLUS I understand what you mean, big bonus.

Michelle Schourie, (after finishing the second lesson) May 2008

I've gone through your comments a few times now, and I must thank you again for all of it - I've never received such incredibly constructive feedback before - my teachers have always been far too kind, leaving me with no room for improvement. I really want to be OUTSTANDING.

Thank you,

Adrienne Addinall-Kokkas, Feb 2008

I was the first to do Judy’s on-line writing course and thank goodness I did. To become a good author requires talent, discipline and skill.Judy’s course will impart the discipline and skill. As a budding author I have read numerous books on how to write, they were all good in their own way.However much of what they taught was peripheral and in building parlance it would be akin to - how to paint a window.Judy will show you how to build the house, from foundation to roof. Her material and course content is interesting and reflects her years of experience.Yet, her method is not for the faint-hearted.If you listen – really listen, you will learn, but if your ‘defensive mechanism’ gets in the way, forget it. With Judy’s direction, I just may burst from the budding stage to that of a flowering author.Thank you Judy.

Pat Grayson, CEO Tomcat Software (Pty) Ltd

As a former student of Judy Barnes, I can highly recommend her courses to both beginners and experienced writers. Her approach is encouraging, challenging and extremely professional, and her crits are spot-on and helpful in a most practical way.

Norma Olmesdahl, +27 11 883-457

Dear Judy, Just a line to thank you for putting my foot on the first step of the ladder to get published. I had been waffling about with notes here and there. Piles of work in drawers and no idea how to sort it all out. Now, thanks to you, I am well on the way with my house in order and have a poem published in an Anthology of Verse and an article in an English magazine. My work is in order and I am on my way. Thanking you again for your advice and encouragement.

Jackie Ford, +27 11 795-3931

Judy's course gave me the courage to put words on paper. We learnt how to draw a map to pace our writing. We also learnt about the expectations of modern publishers and how to write as ourselves and not as a Jane Austen or Charles Dickens.

Joan Evans, +27 11 678-3740

Thank you, thank you, and thank you! At last an honest crit of my work. I always thought something was wrong. Your input did not discourage me; in fact it had the opposite effect. Far too long now I have received rave reviews from non-profs in the business. Yours tells it like it is. Hello the real world. I shall read your course properly, take my time and deliver satisfactory work from here on in. There may still be gremlins and tons of errors, but at least I am getting the best possible advice from a fellow writer and master of the craft. I will also correct the assignments after you have marked them.

Thank you!

Louis Harris, March 2006

I've been marvelling at your ability to keep the course fresh, challenging & totally practical - well done! The idea of getting us to try & publish is fantastic!

Janet Kalis, March 2006

Your course is well worded and free from the academic obfuscation that is normally written in to such courses and that is why I enjoy it thoroughly and recommend it to anybody who is interested in learning the ropes like me. It matters not at what level of intellect you are, you can comprehend and execute it.

Gerhard Slabbert, Pretoria, 2006

Judy's course is simply wonderful. The ability to complete the assignments in one's own time provides a seldom seen flexibility to the busy student, and Judy wastes no time in assessing each piece of work submitted. Exciting, varied and original, the assignments themselves are a delight. I approached each one with trepidation and became completely engrossed in each short story I wrote, so much so that the children often went to bed hungry. Judy's pragmatic approach to structure, plot and characterisation is easy to understand even to those of us who don't have a degree in English.

Judy's comments are unarguably valid. She balances constructive criticism with gentle encouragement and her sense of humour radiates throughout her course. Personal insights into her life form an integral part of the lessons, and her hard-won experience is generously shared. Practical instructions on how to put the course into action are included in the final lesson and spur the 'graduate' on.

Having completed the course, I feel well equipped to make my debut in the world of professional publishing.

Lorraine Nevin, Cape Town, 2006

Thank you for such an informative, interesting and stimulating writing course! What I truly valued was your honesty, sincerity and integrity. You most certainly delivered what you promised and then, more! At times I felt as if I was your only student (nonsense, I know) with your individual and prompt attention. Thank you.

Paul White, Durban, 2006

Thanks for all your help, Writing really is HARD work!!! Every time I get your next lesson, you open up a whole new dimension for me.It's often very intimidating, but very exciting journey. Enjoying it thoroughly. Thanks a lot.

Clinton Hardenburg, (student halfway through the course) December 2005.

Judy’s Online Writing Course

The Importance of the Story itself

Q & A's

Testimonals

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