Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Gourmet Sandwich


10 # Create a Sandwich

Your task this week is to write a small article (100 – 250 words) for inclusion in a Monthly magazine available nationally. Your role is Food Editor and you have been asked to create a new sandwich and then review it.

So get creative with the filling, the bread or wrap type..... experience something you have not had before and let us know about it!
This is an opportunity to utilize your descriptive and persuasive prose, without being stale or general. Remember to highlight smell, the attractiveness, how easy it is to eat, how well it stays together, its portability ( the original function of a sandwich) and palatability.

You may choose the demographic and audience (it might be a parenting , a womens fitness or an alternate health magazine)

Include a photo if you wish.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Daydreaming and Day tripping


9 # Take A Daytrip


What better way in practicing your travel writing skills than to review something close to home? Many people fail to explore their own backyards - until perhaps overseas or interstate guests come to visit. You may be surprised at the variety of interesting activities on offer within either your city or within an hours drive of where you live.

Your task this week is to plan a daytrip either for yourself – or to include friends or family – and go and enjoy yourself! Pitch your review for Weekend newspaper lifestyle magazine insert. 300 – 600 words which can be accompanied by photos.

When writing your review, remember to include all details regarding ticketing prices and availability, office hours or additional tours which can be added. Suggest age groups who would gain the most enjoyment and any interesting information you may find out about the history or the setup of where you are going. Remember to give basic travel times or public transport information from your city centre.



Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Toddler Titles


8# Review a Childrens book.


You are writing for a monthly parenting magazine targeting parents of new born to toddlers. 150 - 250 words

Your role this week is to review a book specifically for a toddler (16 – 23 months old)


Here are some features to look for when choosing toddler -friendly books and points your review may focus on:

Sturdy books. Babies and toddlers don't just look at books – they want to explore every part of them, including chewing them, bending them and throwing them.

Books with pictures. Toddlers enjoy repetition and brightly coloured pages to catch their attention.Large, simple drawings or photographs of familiar objects are best – especially if they are of children their age.

Simple themes. Picture books and stories with few words are good at first. Rhythm and rhyme are especially appealing. Books that toddlers can interact with – either answering in noises or a simple one word answer.

Test Ride it - If you don’t have a toddler to read to – I am sure a neighbour or family member would adore your volunteering for reading time this week.

You might like to revisit How to write a review for tips.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Review a blog

7 # Review a Blog...or two...

Its often said that the only way you can improve is to keep practicing, keep learning and go and check out what others are doing, model excellent behaviour or techniques and.. keep practicing.. etc etc.

Its easy to fall in love with your own blog - the layout, the widgets, the look and feel of it. But is it really advertising you in the best light?

This weeks review is to go and look at a handful of random blogs and see what others have done with them. This is not reviewing the content, it is to look at the overall package, the attractiveness, the user friendliness of it.

There are a number of bloggers who have made a business of reviewing others blogs - doing a little write up on their blog and promoting others work. One such lass is Aya... and she makes a good living from this.... check her out

http://ayasreviews.blogspot.com

I have also seen this website on a few bloggers sites http://payperpost.com - where it seems you can be paid ($5- $10) for writing a short (50 words) review on other peoples blogs and sites. I haven't investigated it yet - so if anyone uses it currently - or knows about it - please do leave a comment.

YOUR ROLE:
Three or four sentences on each blog you review along with their links with a maximum of 5 blogs reviewed. The audience is other bloggers with the outcome in demonstrating good elements and ones that might not work so well.

Remember to use blogging courtesy - and leave a comment on their site.

Who knows, you may find a co-writer to work on a project together or inspiration to change or modify yours.