k-lee

Hi to anybody taking the time and trouble to read this. I'm a new and inexperienced writer from the frozen North of Scotland. I have self published a couple of local novels, with limited success, but always made a small profit. I have also published via Publish America, with absolutely no success, but at no financial cost to me either. I am currently tempted to do a writing course to improve my technique and understanding of the whole difficult publishing market.
Has anybody out there got any information on the "Writer's Bureau" course - see www.writersbureau.com. It gives what seems to be a cast iron, triple guarantee that is almost too good to be true. All information welcome, especially from anyone who has first-hand knowledge. K-lee

__________________
K-lee Scotland.

mammamaia

welcome, k-lee!... i'm partial to scots, after having been treated royally by the almost-all-scottish officers during a 6-week-long voyage on the 'palliser bay' from new zealand to london, a few years back...

as for the writers bureau, keep in mind that anything that's too good to be true usually is!... first of all, i find it terribly suspect that they don't provide any details on their very amateurish-looking website and force you to give up your email address to find out what it is they offer and how much it will cost...

i'd steer clear of this outfit, if i were you... or, at least check them out thoroughly first, with a google search for feedback from unhappy clients, and the local better business bureau...

let me know what you find, will you?... i mentor lots of writers from all over the world and would like to know the bottom line on this bunch, in case any of them bring it up...

love and hugs, maia
maia3maia@hotmail.com

__________________
For 100% free writing help/mentoring:
www.saysmom.com

"You must BE the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Perad

Hey, welcome, i would be wary about online course's, some of course's are all good and well but others are scams. What a writer needs is really one to one guidence. Join a writers group where each week you showcase your work and hear criticism. Its this criticism which will make you a better writer.

Or post stuff on the forum and get peoples opinions on it.

Nickie

Hello K-Lee, and welcome to the forums!

Best keep away from online writing courses: most of the time they are only designed to get money out of your pocket!


Nickie

__________________
At www.nickiefleming.com you can read about my books, my interviews with bestselling authors, and lots more!
Upcoming release: Maria Gonzalez (Feb.2009)

Kimberly Bird

Hi K-lee and welcome. My ancestors, on my Scottish side, come from the Orkney Islands and Sinclair land. I have yet to visit, maybe one day... One thing I could never figure out is why they decided to move to the Prairies of Canada. You think after being in freeze mode for so long up in the Highlands they could have picked somewhere warner, but no....

Aside from that, you could always take a local on-line writing course. One of the colleges close by must offer creative writing courses or things along that line.

Best of luck, and I will see you around the forum.

Kimberly

__________________
There are two types of wisdom in this world; one is seeking and loud, the other is silent and true. (Chief Dan George)

Pencil Nib

Hi K-Lee,

Well, I'm from Aberdeen (well, not really, moved here from Stenhousemuir 16 years ago)! Just joined the forum today. For what it's worth, I would NOT hand over your money to ANY on-line organisation unless they are 100% professional, honest and transparent.

If you want to improve your writing style, I'd look at your nearest college or university and see what they have to offer. If they have nothing, then by all means do a Google search and find a pukka organisation here in the UK.

I've found that the best way to improve ones writing is just simply to write! Hope this helps...

__________________
A 1000 mile journey starts with a captial A.

Viqto

Welcome to the forum! What were the titles/genres of the books you've published? As for the courses you're looking at, I've been told (and agree with) that what you read helps determine the level of writing you write at. So read a lot of books! Although, courses can definitely point out some exact facets of writing that most people pass right over in their writing after they learn it. Its just not noticed until you know about it. So good luck and welcome!

__________________
"A quill won't dip itself."

~Mr. Searle, my English teacher from High School

k-lee

Thanks for the reply and advice. I need all that I can get. My books have been 1. A historical novel based on the fishing industry in NE Scotland/Shetland around the turn of the century (1900) up to the period after WW1. 2. Second one entirely different - science fact rather than pure fiction, but futuristic (2015) and involving difficult issues like germ warfare and being gay. In retrospect - far too ambitious...and poorly edited! The first one was better received and sold more copies locally. I need to go back to the drawing board! What about your writing?

__________________
K-lee Scotland.

Walkio

Hi, if you order your free information pack you'll see that the Writer's Bureau course is actually really good. You get a personal tutor, 30 modules and various assignments to study in your own time. Check it out.

__________________
Make sure the steps you tread are left as footprints when you die.

delirium

Hello K-lee, welcome to the forums.