This month we have expert advice from Simon Whaley on how to structure writing for maximum success. Ten Top Tips looks at approaching an editor in the right way and Successes provides you with your monthly inspirational encouragement. The End Note and Useful Websites will, hopefully, be as useful as ever.

• Editor's News
• Successes
• Expert Advice
• Top Tips
• Useful Sites
• Inspiration

Hello Dear Readers,

Well, it’s June but it’s still raining. It makes me a little sad as I am sure there’ll be lots of outdoor events planned for this month. Ah... summer where are you?

This month also sees the summer solstice or longest day, after which the nights start to draw-in (get shorter) again – now I’m really depressing myself. So, let’s move on to happier topics such as our Poetry and Short Story Competition. You’ll have to hurry if you want to enter as it’ll be closing 30th June and you don’t want to miss out on your chance to win a share of the £4000 worth of prizes. If you win you’ll also have your work showcased on our website and be on lots of publicity material so, as a writer, you’ll have lots of free advertising – could be the start of something big!

This month we have expert advice from our tutor Simon Whaley on how to structure your articles to give them maximum impact. As always with Simon it’s a gem and has lots of examples for you to follow. Ten Top Tips shows you how to approach the dreaded editors – argh! It’s really not that bad, especially if you follow our tips. Our student story comes from Julian in Ghana who found our Freelance Journalism course invaluable in getting his career started. Useful Websites details two good reference sites and a great short story site and I’m sure you can find something to write about from the ideas given in Inspiration.

If you fancy getting out and about you could make your way over to the Southend Book Fair at South Essex College on Saturday 26th June. You’ll find, “a myriad of authors, all available to talk to, presenting their works. This is the opportunity to get limited editions signed by the authors of the books they are presenting at the fair. Furthermore, Southend Book Fair presents the chance for those attending to take part in free "course tasters" covering topics such as: Screen Writing, Creative Writing, Digital Photography, Abode Photoshop software and Art. During SBF, in the studio theatre, there will be talks by people from the publishing industry, talks about amateur dramatics, original music including recitations – all for free.” Sounds like it’ll be a great day.

If you are in Vancouver, Canada you could attend the Magazine Writer’s Craft Fair, SFU Harbour Centre on June 26th. Apparently it’s “the essential professional development event for emerging and aspiring writers who are interested in crafting their careers in magazine writing. Industry professionals share their knowledge in an intimate and interactive forum.” It costs $50 which also includes lunch.

This is an interesting one – this lady runs a website that helps experts use their knowledge to write books. She’s called The Book Midwife and she’s running a seminar, along with Dan Poynter, on Turning Experts Into Published Authors . She says, “If you want to know all the facts about writing the best possible book, the best and fastest way to publish your book and the truth about the publishing industry, we invite you to join us for an information-packed day where you can get all your questions answered, make a plan for success and actually start your book on the day!” It takes place in Central London on June 24th and costs from £147 to £197 depending on which package you choose.

So, that’s about it for now. Enjoy!

Shelley x

P.S Don’t forget our Poetry and Short Story Writing Competition closes 30th June so get your skates on – you could win the £1000 first prize!