Lifestyle Learning Direct

The course has been a valuable learning exercise for me, making me more aware of what I see from day to day. To utilise one's memory, there are many different ways to trigger a response, visual being a very good one. The course did meet my expectations. It certainly is a course that anyone can do by correspondence - it is a very straightforward subject. Undertaking the course gave me a good insight as to how our minds work and, where possible, how we can improve and train our minds to remember things and events more clearly. It certainly is a course worth doing and is not hard to do by correspondence.

I learned a great deal more about sentence structure and punctuation and the ability to stretch a story. I feel more confident. I wanted to write my father's biography and thought that by doing the course I would make a much better job of it. I am pleased to say that it has been achieved, thanks to Jeff Toghill, and also my Comprehensive Writing tutor Tony Aldridge. Both men have been a tremendous asset to me, not only with their encouragement but also with their constructive criticism, which was greatly appreciated. I hope this will show up if and when I eventually get published.

I found the Editing & Proofreading course well organised and professionally run. It met all my expectations and exceeded them in quick returns from my tutor after marking. I would like to complete another course with you some time in the future ... I know it will be at the same high standard.

I learned so many new approaches to writing. I found the modules clear and concise. I have a certificate to proudly display.

While I was studying I entered a short story, "A City of Hope", into the South-east Queensland Short Story Competition. I was elated to learn I was to receive a Highly-commended Award for my story, and have it published in Tales of the Great South-east, by Assegai Books. Doing the writing course gave me the courage to seek out publishers. Thank you.

The course was well organised and explained clear strategies for different types of writing. The course exceeded my expectations. It gave me confidence to express myself. I thought the course unfolded in a logical and easily understood way. I was very self-conscious when I began the course. As it progressed I received encouragement from my tutor. I found my writing became much easier and it flowed. For many years I have been associated with Rottnest Island, a small island off the coast of W.A.. Now I have finished the course I want to write a short cultural history of the island.

It made me step out of my comfort zone and try different genres of writing. I found it easy to follow and interesting. I have had a children's story accepted into the NT Children's Anbthology 2007, written lots of letters to the editor, and have built up a portfolio of writing for a book of short stories. Published 2 local Katherine (NT) anthologies over the last 2 years and had 7 stories published in both. Entered a short story in the NT Literary Awards and ABC Short Story Competition. Had a monologue accepted  onto a Radio National "Radio Eye", and wrote a 50-minute show "Katherine Characters" with playwright Alana Valentine.

It helped me develop my skills in characterisation and descriptions. The course educated me in a variety of different writing areas. In early June, I received a High Commendation for my short story "The Day Elana Cut Her Hair" in the 2007 Alan Marshal Short Story Competition. In July I had my short story "The Other Woman" published in an online magazine called The Outpost. This course was long and required hard work and self-discipline to complete. I still can't believe I've finally achieved my certificate, which I have been waiting for, for so long. It is another achievement on my wall.

I gained many fresh ideas and approaches to writing interesting and informative manuscripts. I appreciated the amount of excellent course materials. It's an excellent course. I was also very impressed at how quickly assignments were returned. Completion of the course was made easy because of the support of staff. It was a pleasure to tackle each assignment.

I now feel more confident in letting other people read my stories.

It kept me focused and underlined the discipline required to write for publication. It has affirmed my writing and given me the courage to persist with publication. My reason for completing the course was to identify where my strengths in writing lay. These strengths have been affirmed and I have a clear understanding of where I might head.

I liked that there were no deadlines for the assignments. I was really fascinated by the small details - e.g. harmony, mood, etc. - which make all the difference in the end. Thank you for the opportunity.