Anyone completed, or done, the Writer's Bureau Diploma?

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   jlparkposted 12 years ago

   Anyone completed, or done, the Writer's Bureau Diploma?
   
   I'm looking at it seriously, but due to financial constraints (in particular that the UK Pound is NZD $2) it being $264 (currently) which equals about $500nz, I'd like to know if it's worth it

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   thomasczechposted 12 years ago

   I have not done it. To be honest, this is the first time I have heard of it. I would like to have more information on it. If you can direct me into the direction where I can find more about it, that would be great.

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      Doc Snowposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      http://www.writersbureau.com/writing/faqs.htm

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   SidKempposted 12 years ago

   I have not taken it. I read the FAQ below. I've been writing for over 40 years. From, what I see, you can learn the same at no cost, and get your materials faster, too. I don't know what type of writing you want to learn. If it's fiction, then check out books on writing by great authors. (My favorites are Ursula K. Le Guin, John Gardner, and Stephen King.) All include exercises. If you want to learn to make money writing online, the HubPages Apprenticeship Program is a great place to start. There are also excellent courses in children's writing and becoming a freelance writer.
   
   I think that, if you search around, you will find what you want for free or for very low cost. You could even help out all us hubbers by writing a hub about what you find on how to become a better writer.
   
   And - if anyone has tried the Writer's Bureau program, I'd like to know how it did for them.

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      Mrs Jil Manningposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Stephen King's 'On Writing' is a fantastic book for any aspiring writer.  I love his saying that the pearl comes from grit in the oyster, not from going to pearl-making seminars with other oysters!

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      bizarrett81posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I totally agree with you both on Stephen King's "On Writing".  I've had that book since it came out, and it's worn and dog-eared like crazy from how many times Ive read it.  Its realistic and not sugar coated, and his advice it to the point and hones

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      SidKempposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Agreed. His 71-page auto biography is a must-read for anyone in trouble with drugs or alcohol, or needing to do an intervention with family for that, as well.

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      jlparkposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks. I've read Stephen King's one. I've also applied for the Hubpages Apprenticeship - and been declined.  I will take a look at the stuff you mentioned - and, I like the hub idea - will do!

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   Melovyposted 12 years ago

   I bought the British version of this many years ago. I never finished it because the tutoring was at the level of correcting typos, which was not what I was looking for. As I remember, I got comments such as, "Your writing is very strong. Keep it up."
   My writing was not that good, and would have benefited from more constructive criticism.
   Also they lost my first assignment and I had to resubmit.
   I found more benefit from attending creative writing classes at a local university, because you get more feedback both from tutor and other participants - but it depends on what you are after, and what access you have to courses locally.
   And this is 20 years later, so they may have changed!
   I think Sid Kemp's advice is very good, and for books on writing I'd recommend Natalie Goldberg or Anne Lamott.

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      SidKempposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the notes on your experience of The Writer's Bureau. And Natalie Goldberg is great fun, and my wife (a poet) likes Anne Lamott.

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      jlparkposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for sharing your experience of the WB. I've looked at classes etc - this is by far the more cost effective of the lot in NZ.

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   Seeker7posted 12 years ago

   All I can say is that I've had two courses with them over the years. Article writing and at the moment Copy Writing - do you know that you can pay the course fees up over a few months? I know how financial constraints can seem to close all doors to you, I'm paying my present course as monthly installments. However, with article writing and some other courses, with the Writer's Bureau, there is a guarantee that if you haven't earned your course fees within a certain amount of time, you get your money back.
   
   Yes, of course you can get information from books as someone else has suggested, but what you won't get is one to one tutoring on where to improve your writing and constructive criticism on your weak points. In addition, you do get a certificate that proves you have done at least something towards learing the skills of writing rather than being self-taught. It's highly competitive out there and you want to give yourself the best chance of success - that's my own personal point of view and I'm not saying everyone will agree with this.
   
   It depends really on what you want to do with your writing. If you want to learn skills just to ensure your own web site/blogg is up to scratch, then buy some good books. If you want to have other people perhaps hire you as a freelancer, then you're better with some certification. Good luck and I hope this helps!!

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      jlparkposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks - yes was aware of the installments and money back guarantee but have chosen to pay upfront.  I agree with you re: the cert, and the constructive criticisim, which is why I think I'll go ahead - but look into all the suggestions as well.

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   Diana Grantposted 12 years ago

   I bought and paid about £300 for a course about 2-3 years ago.  I only did the first assignment.  I got reasonable feedback, but didn't much like the subject matter of the next assignment, and never got round to finishing it and sending it off.  I still mean to start it again, but am not sure whether there is a time limit.  Don't see why there should be, as they have my money.  I get their magazine regularly, and don't read that usually either.  What am I like????

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      jlparkposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Diana - you just got busy is all! Perhaps you need to take a look at their magazine again, and see if it is for you!

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      Diana Grantposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I enjoy the magazines when I read them, buy you're right, I'm just too busy, and maybe I should start the course again - beginning of new year and all that

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      SidKempposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      What are you like? You are a writer who sees the world in a wonderful way. Your dropping the course says nothing about you.But your picking it up could speak worlds about your dedication to your art.

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