GetSmarter, a specialist online training company, is hosting a creative writing course in conjunction with Random House Struik, to develop manuscripts by aspiring South African writers.
In a bid to further South African literary quality, GetSmarter will host a 10-week online course, giving participants an opportunity to be considered for publication at the end.
Robyn Allan, marketing manager at GetSmarter says the pilot course took place in the first half of the year and 120 students completed that presentation.
“The course is convened by Ron Irwin, professional literary agent, editor, author and lecturer at the University of Cape Town,” says Allan. Students also receive administrative support by e-mail and telephone from course co-ordinator, Andrea Vavruch.
She explains that the course is a part-time course conducted via the Internet. “Students complete one module per week, which include course notes, video lectures, quizzes, discussion forums and practical assignments.”
“One of the added benefits,” Allan notes, “is that students form an [online] writing community and learn from one another.” Also, the top manuscripts from the course will be submitted to Random House Struik who will read and consider them, she says.
Amanda van Rhyn, marketing manager of Random House Struik says the company is moving towards e-books and if a manuscript from the course does get published, it will be made available in e-book format, as the company is looking more and more to digital. However, she says: “We are not quite there yet.”
Allan says: “Because creative writing is a very popular interest, it fits the online medium perfectly. Writers can complete the course in their own time, while receiving constant support and guidance.”
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