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Writing & Journalism Courses - Rotorua

Course List


Statement of Attainment

Advanced Freelance Writing

  This course develops and sharpens your writing skills largely through interaction with a professional, published writer, who becomes your tutor and mentor. You will read about different writing techniques, you will conduct research and interviews, and plan projects.Freelance writing is a highly competitive field. Successful freelance writers not only have good writing skills, they have a ‘nose’ for a good story, a mastery of their chosen area of writing, the ability to write quickly and succinctly, good interpersonal skills, and a wide range of useful contacts. While all these career-building skills are important, they obviously take time to develop. This course builds on skills and experience you might already have. It assumes that you have a solid understanding of writing. You may already have had something published. If you want to build on your past experience and skill though; this is exactly what this course is designed for.
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Article Writing

  Ever wanted to become a published writer? Learn the skills of article writing and turn your love of the written word into an exciting new career or rewarding hobby.  It is a great thrill for writers to have their work accepted for publication, and the advantage of writing articles is you have the greatest chance of experiencing that thrill. This course teaches you how to channel your energies into obtaining the tools and learning the techniques required to write and sell freelance articles. On completion of this course, your new-found knowledge could enable you to take your writing from hobby status to career opportunity, either full-time or part-time. Courses Direct's Article Writing course will teach you how to construct your article and develop your own style, how to adapt your style for different markets, and ways of shaping your material into saleable form. You will learn manuscript presentation and the best way to approach editors. Plus, as your course is delivered by correspondence, there are no timetables to adhere to so your study can fit around your current lifestyle.
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Autobiographies, Biographies & Family Histories

  Would like to record your life story? Or maybe you would like to learn the skills of biography writing to record someone else's? Whatever your goals, our Autobiographies, Biographies & Family Histories course can offer you the concrete advice and personal support to get you started. Everyone has at least one story to tell - the story of his/her life. And for many it is a story well worth the telling. Apart from the immediate interest of family and friends, once written, it is there for posterity, a permanent record that will fascinate future generations. For some, writing an autobiography can actually make money. For others it will be a journey of self-discovery, even self-healing, and for most it will prove a particularly satisfying experience. Throughout the course you will learn how to develop structural and thematic links that hold your writing together, and how to create a workable outline of chapters and craft your life story into readable prose. Attention will be given to rewriting, editing and polishing your work. Courses Direct's Autobiographies, Biographies & Family Histories course will give you the skills to research, conduct interviews and compile life stories, be it your own, someone you know or even a famous personality. Plus, as your course is delivered by distance education, there are no timetables to adhere to so your study can fit around your current lifestyle.
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Business Writing

  Interested in developing your business writing skills? Or are you looking to make a strategic career advancement? Whatever your goal, our Business Writing course will give you the edge. Today's professionals must be able to communicate effectively through the written word if they are going to succeed in the modern business environment. This course has been designed by industry professionals and teaches you the strategies needed to increase the clarity, impact and professionalism of emails, memos, letters, proposals, reports and résumés. You will also learn how to eliminate wordiness and reduce writing and rewriting time. In addition, we teach you how to organise, begin and end documents effectively, as well as how to present ideas strategically and diplomatically. Courses Direct's Business Writing course focuses on the range of business writing abilities needed to make a stronger impact at work and further develop your skills. Plus, as your course is delivered by correspondence, there are no timetables to adhere to so your study can fit around your current lifestyle.
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Calligraphy

  Would you like to learn the skills of calligraphy for personal pleasure? Or maybe you would like to profit from the many opportunities available through this craft? Whatever your goal, Courses Direct's Calligraphy course will help get you started. Calligraphy literally means ‘beautiful writing' and has been practised throughout the ages as a way to combine functional writing with beauty and art. The timeless art of calligraphy arises from our basic desire to interact, engage and create. Perfecting this ancient skill will bring joy to you and others. From simply developing your own beautiful handwriting style, through to embarking on a profitable artistic career - the art of calligraphy is a superb starting point. Whether you've never picked up a paint brush before, or you've been a keen artist for years, calligraphy can illuminate your every day AND inspire you to unlock your creative talent. This Calligraphy course covers all the essential tools for you to become confident in this artistic field. Plus, as your course is delivered by correspondence, there are no timetables to adhere to so your study can fit around your current lifestyle.
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Comprehensive Writing

  Interested in starting a writing career? Or maybe you would like to learn the skills of the writer for your own personal fulfilment? Whatever your goals, our Comprehensive Writing course can offer concrete advice and personal support to improve your work - be it writing for pleasure or profit. During your course you'll be shown how to write, and also how to market your material to give you the best possible chance of publishing success! Your personally allocated tutor will also help you achieve your writing goals by assessing and overseeing your progress. Courses Direct's Comprehensive Writing course is flexible enough for you to write and develop in those areas that most appeal to you - from human interest, fashion, cooking and gardening through to sports, business, travel, history or politics. You will also learn about fiction writing, such as novels, short stories and writing for children. Plus, as your course is delivered by distance education, there are no timetables to adhere to so your study can fit around your current lifestyle. Turn your imagination and love of writing into a wonderful new career, profitable hobby or rewarding interest. Enrol today! This course has accreditation with the IARC.
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Crime, Mystery & Suspense

  Crime can pay! At least it can when you write a good publishable detective, mystery or crime story. Have you witnessed in recent years the overwhelming number of television shows, motion pictures and novels dealing with crime? Have you noticed the number of fans who hungrily devour these stories the minute they are produce or published? The crime writer caters to the public’s fascination with the underbelly of society, those law-abiding citizens who are unfailingly fascinated by the darker side of life. The field of crime is an exciting and mysterious writing genre and you will learn the general rules of thumb for creating your own “perfect crime”, from law enforcement procedures to criminal characteristics, the slang of the street to information on common weapons. We help you understand the foundations needed for effective crime writing, show you the fundamentals of researching and creating clever plots and how to gain ideas and inspiration. Also explained are the different crime categories, the varying roles the cast may play and the aspects needed for courtroom drama. Throughout the course you will learn how to research police reports, forensic techniques, crime scenes – and you will learn to think like a criminal! There are a variety of techniques, tools and processes that can be used to develop a good story. You will be introduced to the concepts of timeframe, building climaxes, identifying and hiding clues, the value of sub-plots and the protagonist. Other essential elements include profiling the cast, dialogue, reading faces and viewpoints. Explore the methodology behind the crime. How was it committed? Was it through drowning, shooting, stabbing or poisoning? How is the crime scene to be treated? What are the procedures of finding evidence? What are the motives behind the crime? Was it premeditated or the result of reckless action? We also explain common mistakes that are made when it comes to handling weapons, using plastic bags and firearms, etc. Learn how to present believable characters and create an objective theme: the stepping stones needed to develop the plot and establish a personal and distinctive style. We look at the synopsis, title, listing your work with publishers and keeping records, and advise how to turn your first draft into a polished and professional piece of material. Courses Direct’s Crime, Mystery & Suspense course aims to provide the skills to take you from the spark of an idea, though to polishing your final manuscript. So, for would-be writers of thrillers, action/adventure, suspense, mysteries, and everything in between – whether novel or script – this course is your vehicle for creating crime that is believable and entertaining.
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Dramatic Writing

  There are many different types of writing – short stories, poems, novels, screen plays etc. Dramatic writing can fall into all of these. A short story usually takes place over a shorter period of time. It is often set in just one setting/scene, and the characters may be shown with broader strokes – there is not as much time to analyse characters as there is with novel writing.A novel, however, allows more space to describe characters and scenes. There may be more than one scene and more than one plot. The plots may be multilayered. Writing comes in many forms, all of which can be creatively employed and manipulated by the creative writer, regardless of the genre (novel, poetry, travel guide etc) in which she or he is writing. One form of writing is rarely used on its own.
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Editing Foundations - Editing and Proof Reading (I)

  Become a Professional Editor or Proof ReaderThis course provides a sound foundation for setting yourself up as a freelance editor; or for seeking work as a proof reader. Graduates may well start with part time work editing web sites, newsletters or low circulation magazines; but over time (and perhaps with further study) can work up to full time employment as a proof reader, sub editor, book or magazine editor, copy editor, freelance editor, or even publishing assistant or publisher.Editors work for publications both in house (eg. in a magazine, newspaper or web development office), or outside as contractors (eg. self employed from home). Good editors are always in demand and with greater access to the internet, today’s editors can often work from virtually anywhere in the world.Alone, this course does not make you into a professional editor, but it can lead to valuable career opportunities when combined with other courses that develop your knowledge and skills in publishing and journalism.
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Freelance Writing

  Learn how to write, what to write, and how publishers buy from freelance writers.Ten lessons cover everything from good grammar, to planning and writing newspaper and magazine articles, advertisements, books and more. Emphasis is placed on things which are important to publishers who might buy your work. Tutors concentrate on your ability to properly structure an article, and to be both concise and clear in your use of words. Graduates of this course should: Have improved communication skills, particularly with respect to clarity, conciseness and correct grammar. Be familiar with the "writing industry"; having a clear idea of where opportunities exist for obtaining work as a freelance writer. How to go about approaching potential clients to obtain work. Have an understanding of the processes involved in publishing books, magazines and newspapers; from generating concepts to seeing the finished publication on sale.
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Historical Fiction

  Interested in learning the techniques of historical fiction? Combine your passion for writing and history, and start an exciting new career or rewarding hobby. Courses Direct's Historical Fiction course will help get you started! All fiction is, to some extent, escapist: it takes us away from our own lives and into those of other people. And, what could be more escapist than to travel with your writing into the past? The historical novel, a firm favourite with the reading public, is a genre that attracts many writers, and the popularity and demand for historical writers is unquestionable. What is the secret of their appeal? This course is written with expertise and authority for any aspiring author who wants to work in this interesting field. Courses Direct's Historical Fiction course will teach you about construction, characterisation, research, the technique of story-telling, finding a publisher and how to make an ongoing income from your skills as a writer! Plus, as ithe course is delivered by correspondence, there are no timetables to adhere to so your study can fit around your current lifestyle.
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Journalism

  General news from your local area is of interest to local press and radio, and can often be of interest to the wider circulating newspapers and magazines around the world – and with Courses Direct’s Journalism course, you could be the one to provide it! Discover the variety and diversity that comes with being a freelance journalist Our course will teach you how to come up with ideas that sell. You'll receive professional guidance from an experienced tutor, on making money from articles, features and news items. You'll also learn tips on approaching editors, presenting your articles and how to source work. We also teach you about reporting, interviews, features, writing for radio and multimedia, and much more! So, get started today and acquire the skills and knowledge that could set you off on a new and exciting career!
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Novel Writing

  Many people dream of writing fiction for a living, but only an elite handful succeed. This isn't necessarily because everyone else lacks the talent, but because the majority of aspiring writers lack the essential knowledge needed to craft their work to a professional, publishable standard. Like the perfect pitch for a composer, a talent for writing is only one important ingredient for your success as a novelist. In fact, it takes as much knowledge and persistence to arrange all the pieces of a novel into a harmonious whole as it does to translate the perfect pitch into a symphony. Courses Direct’s Novel Writing course has all the ingredients to enable you to master the techniques of writing a novel that will not only satisfy the author, but the readers and publisher as well. During the course you will chart the entire process of bringing the popular genre novel – whether it’s mystery, science fiction, fantasy, romance or techno-thriller – into life. Step-by-step, this course will walk you through the entire process of writing fiction, from the first spark of an idea to establishing a point of view, to developing your own style and polishing your final work. This course is ideal for anyone who has nursed a dream of one day writing a bestseller. Whether you wish to write for a career or recreationally, this course will take you where you want to go. It's time to fulfill your burning ambition and get that book you've always wanted to write, out of your head and on to the page.
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Professional Editing & Proofreading

  Get paid to read books. Learn how! You only need to look at the vast number of newspapers, magazines and books available today to understand why good editors and proofreaders are in great demand. On top of that, there are PR and advertising agencies, universities, schools and colleges, and law firms, to name but a few, that all require the services of editors and proofreaders. During your course you will be shown the skills necessary for becoming an editor or proofreader, and also the various avenues for sourcing work. Your allocated tutor will help you achieve your goals by assessing and overseeing your progress. Courses Direct's Professional Editing & Proofreading course has all you need to get started. We'll help polish your grammar, punctuation and spelling, give you handy information sheets of proofreading marks, plus lots of exercises for you to practise your skills! We also cover business management, new technology, marketing yourself, and much more. Plus, as your course is delivered by distance education, there are no timetables to adhere to, so your study can fit around your current lifestyle. If you wish to enter an industry that could provide you with either a full-time or part-time income, then this is the course for you. Enrol today! This course has certificate accreditation with the IARC.
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Professional Editing & Proofreading Advanced

  Would you like to expand your editing and proofreading skills beyond the standard Australian and New Zealand editing and proofreading symbols and their applications? If so, then enrol in Courses Direct's Professional Editing & Proofreading Advanced course. Good writing has clear meaning and is not complicated by words that are ambiguous or easily misunderstood. To that end, in the Professional Editing & Proofreading Advanced course we include further work on grammar and punctuation so you can learn to recognise work that's not up-to-scratch. We'll also give you ideas on how to fix it. In addition, some students instinctively practise good English language skills without knowing the theory behind their choices, so we attempt to de-bug the mystery from good grammar and give you reasons for your selections. If you want to further your skills in an industry that could give you a full- or part-time income, then this is the course for you. Enrol today!
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Publishing Advanced (III)

  Develop your ability to plan and manage a publishing business. Publisher are continually needing to consider: “What to publish?” Some establish a limited repertoire of publication activities, focusing on academic books, novels, westerns, romance novels, text and educational books, informative or self-help books or material on specific topics such as health and wellbeing, ostrich farming etc., fashion or gardening magazines, music scores etc. Other publishers will engage in a wider range of activities, publishing books, journals, monographs and newspapers in their different branches. The nature of the publishing enterprise will determine what kinds of texts they will publish, and how they choose which texts to publish. Whilst it can be taken alone, this course is ideally studied as a follow on from Publishing I and II.
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Romantic Fiction

  Interested in learning the skills of romantic fiction writing? Turn your passionate imagination and love of the written word into an exciting new career or rewarding hobby. Courses Direct's Romantic Fiction course will help get you started! Romance fiction is one of the largest and quickest growing genres of writing in the world, so the demand for well-crafted romance novels is enormous. Even if you only want to write for the love of it, or to revel in the beauty of the written word, this genre is for you. Indulge your passions! Enter the intriguing world of the romance writer and explore the potential of the rewards of being a published author. All you need is the desire Courses Direct's course in romantic fiction writing. So, what are you waiting for? The Courses Direct's Romantic Fiction course will teach you how to build romantic tension and create emotional barriers, unique plots and romantic settings, characterisation and conflict. You'll also learn to recognise acceptable and unacceptable traits in your main characters! Plus, as your course is delivered by distance education, there are no timetables to adhere to so your study can fit around your current lifestyle.
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Scriptwriting

  Interested in learning the skills of scriptwriting? Would you like to turn your love of plays and dialogue into an exciting new career or rewarding hobby writing for the big or small screen? The craft of scriptwriting is what our course is all about, and once you understand the process and presentation techniques, the market will seem less daunting than you first thought. Certainly there's money to be made, as well as glamour and fame to be found, but becoming a successful scriptwriter demands more than just straightforward writing skills – you must also develop the additional know-how to write for both visual and sound effect. Because it reflects the needs of today’s television, film, stage and radio markets, Courses Direct’s scriptwriting course provides you with these skills, along with industry insights and practical knowledge. Your tutor will show you how to see your scripts from a producer's viewpoint, and how to formulate fundamental ideas and essential qualities that must be present in all work. You learn how to apply your new-found expertise to every type of television and film script, from comedies to soap operas through to the next big blockbuster. Throughout the five modules and eight assignments, you learn the importance of timing, how to use silence for better effect, the dos and don’ts of building characters and dialogue, rewriting and polishing your work, as well as creating inspiring titles. From developing characters through action (rather than narrative) and writing effective dialogue, to formulating fundamental ideas and script presentation, we teach you the skills you need to successfully achieve your scriptwriting ambition.
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Technical Writing

  Interested in developing your technical writing skills? Or are you looking to make a strategic career advancement? Whatever your goal, our Technical Writing course will give you the edge. A surprising number of people and industries are involved in technical writing. The engineer, the marketing executive, the PR consultant and the freelance writer are some of the careers that use technical writing techniques. Technical communication has become an integral part of a company's products and services. It also plays a major role in the training of workers, sales representatives and customers. Throughout the course you will study the skills needed to become a confident technical writer, and learn how to apply those skills in the business world - either as an extension of your existing skills or as a new career. The Courses Direct's Technical Writing course is focused on the range of writing skills required to get your message across quickly, easily and concisely. Plus, as your course is delivered by correspondence, there are no timetables to adhere to so your study can fit around your current lifestyle.
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Travel Writing

  Interested in learning the skills of travel writing? Want to discover how to travel the world and earn an income from your experiences? Turn your love of exploration and the written word into an exciting new career or rewarding hobby. Courses Direct's Travel Writing course will help get you started! Travel writing is a specialised branch of freelance writing that can be frustrating and challenging if you don't know how, but remarkably rewarding if you do. Travel writing offers one of the few truly effective and powerful ways of securing personal freedom while maintaining an income stream. Getting paid to travel seems too good to be true - yet the prospect is very real. Whether it is only to generate a second income or to pay for your holidays, this course will show you how to write travel articles that publishers pay for and readers love to read. Courses Direct's Travel Writing course will teach you how to research your market, different writing styles, layout and presentation, and various outlets available for travel writers! Plus, as your course is delivered by distance education, there are no timetables to adhere to so your study can fit around your current lifestyle.
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Writing Fiction

  What is Fiction Writing? Fiction is writing that includes imaginary characters, events and/or settings created by the writer. All of the components of a fictitious story do not necessarily need to be fictitious though: Imaginary characters might be set in a real world setting such as a well known city or a particular country. Characters might be fictitious, but set in a “real” event. For example, you might write about the experiences of a fictitious character during World War II. Real characters may be used for a fictitious story that embraces an imaginary event or setting (eg. a story about William Shakespeare travelling through time; or something more realistic, like a summer’s holiday at a fictitious beach resort, taken by a famous historical figure such as Mozart).
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Writing for Children

  Do you have a creative imagination that appeals to children? Want to learn how you can turn your dream of becoming a writer into a profitable career by becoming a children’s author? What a joy it is to write for children: a special skill in its own right. Children’s stories must appeal to young lively imaginations, while being easy to follow, but never condescending. The biggest difference between writing for children and writing for adults is that children are often the more critical audience. They are also avid readers, so there is a market in stories for children of all ages. Different age groups call for different writing styles and construction, which you study as part of your course. You explore the delicate business of distilling ideas and experience into exciting stories for children. You also learn vocabulary and story construction for each age group, study the importance and skills of natural dialogue, learn how to hold children’s interest and how to make them identify with your storytelling. Courses Direct’s Writing for Children course will improve your writing skills and teach you the fundamentals of writing for the younger audience. Throughout the five modules and eight assignments, you learn how to write for each specific target age group, and also how to ensure the book captures their imaginations and hearts. From finding ideas, creating credible characters and developing plots, to selecting a genre, presentation and getting published, we teach you all the skills you need to successfully achieve your writing ambition.
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Young Writers

  Interested in writing as a career? Or maybe you would like to improve your writing skills to further yourself at school or university? Whatever your goal, Courses Direct's Young Writers course can help get you started! Writing is a skill that anyone can learn, and this course is ideal for 15-20-year-olds who love writing, want to improve their writing skills, or who are interested in a career in the writing industry. You may have a flair for creating short stories or rich novels, dramatic theatre or action films, succinct reporting or persuasive logic. The Young Writers course aims to help you discover your hidden talents and develop those you are unearthing. You bring the pen and paper and we'll give you the hints, tips and tools to turn your story ideas into entertaining and moving tales. Courses Direct's Young Writers course will teach you how to structure an essay, write reports, and produce advertising copy, film scripts or articles. Plus, as your course is delivered by correspondence, there are no timetables to adhere to so your study can fit around your current lifestyle. It's all about having a go and having some fun.
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Certificate

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Advanced Certificate

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Diploma

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Research Courses

Creative Writing Courses

Editing Courses

Journalism Courses

Poetry Courses

Proofreading Courses

Publishing Courses

Scriptwriting Courses

Writing Courses

  
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