RANDOM HOUSE STRUIK & GETSMARTER

Registrations close on July 29, 2011.

South Africa’s leading trade book publisher, Random House Struik, is partnering with GetSmarter, a specialist online training firm, to present the fourth run of the hugely popular Random House Struik Creative Writing course. The 10-week, part-time course is presented entirely online though GetSmarter’s innovative online training platform.

The Random House Struik Creative Writing course is intended for anyone with an interest in writing: published writers, aspirant authors and those who have dreamed of writing a novel or story but never quite knew where to start. The course focuses specifically on learning the tools and tricks of the trade that will help you get your work published.

GetSmarter’s advanced and user-friendly learning model provides students with a personal and professional educational experience. Students work through the course material together and receive continuous academic and administrative assistance throughout the course. Each of the 10 modules includes course notes, discussion forums where students interact with one another, an interactive quiz and video lectures to make the course material more engaging. The modules include topics like planning the story, the importance of beginnings, characters and characterisation, dialogue and conflict.

Several other features make this course unique. Course assignments are highly practical – students must create five pieces of writing – and are assessed by other students through a distinctive anonymous feedback mechanism. The course also focuses on creating a community of writers, unique in a pursuit that is known for its isolation.

In addition, Random House Struik has committed to reading and considering the top student manuscripts for publication. This gives students an unparalleled opportunity to create worthwhile contacts and to get a chance at a real publishing deal.

The previous presentation had close to 200 students from throughout South Africa and is the most popular online writing course in the country. The students’ response to the course was phenomenal. The online discussion forums were active from the first day and remained busy throughout as students chatted, debated and learned about writing. Many expressed a renewed enthusiasm and motivation to write, while some thrilled at being part of a vibrant writers’ community.

One student, William Pearce, wrote, “I never expected online learning to be so engrossing. You've used a great mix of technology and traditional learning. All the tech bits work well, the site is fast and reliable.” Meshack Khosa stated, “It is a practical and empowering course for any person who wants to learn creative writing.”

Random House Struik is a prominent local trade publisher and the biggest in South Africa. Never shy of innovating and pushing boundaries, Random House Struik is now leading the way in online creative writing training in the country.

GetSmarter is a leading online education firm in South Africa. It has trained over 4,000 students since 2008. Random House Struik and GetSmarter have partnered with professional literary agent, editor and author Ron Irwin, who will be teaching the Creative Writing course for the fourth time.

The course is due to start on August 8, 2011, and registrations close on July 29. Contact Amy-Jane on 021 447 7565 or visit www.getsmarter.co.za for more information.