Media Bootcamp national student writing competition 2014 winners announced

by | Mar 17, 2014 | Travel blogger destinations, Travel Live Learn in the media

AUSTRALIA’S MOST INSPIRING YOUNG WRITERS UNCOVERED 

Last week seven of Australia’s brightest writers discovered they were winners in a national student writing competition hosted by Sugoi Media Australasia and Media Bootcamp Australia.

inspire 2  cambodia_smile  thoughtful girl

READ THE WINNING ENTRIES

The competition, promoted throughout high school English departments Australia wide, garnered much attention and the standard of entries was exceptionally high. Aspiring writers and media stars were encouraged to submit a piece of up to 500 words in any format (i.e. poem, interview, news story, fiction…) but the work had to relate to the theme “INSPIRE”.

Director of Sugoi Media, Sarah Blinco, says, “The judging panel which consisted of media, publishing and education professionals, was excited and surprised to receive so many high quality entries from across Australia. It was difficult narrowing down to finalists, let alone choosing winners. As it was, we extended the ‘final six’ to include a seventh outstanding and unique entry. It’s been so rewarding liaising with enthusiastic young talent. Too often media spotlights those youngsters behaving badly, and this is an excellent opportunity to promote the quiet achievers − the kids who are smart, hard working and switched on − who actually do deserve the attention.”

Each of the winners achieved their first ever published piece by being showcased on popular lifestyle website, travellivelearn.com, which receives thousands of visits from all over the world each month. They will also enjoy a digital mentoring session with an industry professional as part of their prize, in order to assist them to hone in on individual writing and media goals.

This national writing competition was hosted in conjunction with Media Bootcamp, a world-first digital mentoring and training program designed to provide extra assistance to high achieving English and media students keen on a career in communications, media, publishing, radio or PR. It’s particularly useful for students in the city who want to get a head start on their careers, and students in regional parts of Australia who lack resources and opportunities to be trained and mentored by relevant industry professionals. Media Bootcamp was developed in 2012, has already fostered exceptional young talent around the country, and has assisted a number of students into trainee roles in radio and communications well ahead of the time it usually takes to get a foot in the door of these competitive industries.

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For further information please contact info(at)sugoimedia.com.

Editors, additional links of interest:

 

How to write a Lonely Planet guide

How to write a Lonely Planet guide

by | Feb 10, 2014 | Creative travel experiences, Travel blogger destinations, Travel Live Learn in the media

This evening I was lucky enough to attend a seminar, How to write a Lonely Planet guide, hosted by Intrepid Travel and featuring acclaimed author, journalist and presenter, Frances Linzee Gordon.

What she said:

[true sentiments on ‘travel’]

“Travel is addictive because of the adventure, self discovery, serendipity, fun, opportunities and stimulation that every day brings.

Travel is like making a new friend – you always listen out for the place in the news, you want to return, and you care about what happens there.

To write about a place you need to be saturated in it – learn some of the language, speak to/interview everyone, understand general costs of living etc.

Keep an ‘as you go’ diary to note down fresh impressions so when you’re tired and go to write up a feature you don’t forget things. Include details, colour, a local feel. Use the writer’s muscle – the more you use it, the better you are.”

[writer / traveller action points]

  • Keep a Diary – for fresh impressions on the road.
  • If you don’t have writing experience, consider taking a course.
  • Photography course – a great idea because your stories are more marketable with images. Also, you can sell to image libraries (eg. Getty, Lonely Planet) for extra income (because a travel writer’s income is limited).
  • Learn a language(s).
  • Enjoy the moment (adhere to the concept of ‘mindfulness’)– it’s easy to worry about money, going home, terrorists etc. – but stop and take in the amazing things you have in the moment.
  • Choose to support local businesses and industry.
  • Try everything – dance, eat – go outside your personality.
  • Enjoy – be safe without being paranoid, don’t be budget obsessed, be inconspicuous and be open to everything.

 

[Keep in mind…]

  • Beware: check local conditions before travel (eg. Disease, weather, crime).
  • Double check passport / copies accessible.
  • You’re more vulnerable to local threats if you look like a tourist. ‘When in Rome’… and be aware of what different clothes, or smoking / drinking in public may represent in some areas of the world.
  • Support is often not readily available so understand what emergency services etc are/aren’t available.
  • Arrange all relevant health vaccinations, dentist etc. 6 weeks prior to leaving.
  • Travel insurance – critical – but also check your insurance covers your proposed activities (eg. If you are going skiing, diving and so on, carefully check the terms because you can be caught out).
  • Research where you’re going.
  • Pack carefully – make a list then pack in ten minutes to avoid unnecessary extras.
  • Be aware of scams.
  • Always tell someone where you’re going.
  • Leave valuables behind, only carry money.
  • Stay in touch with home / leave an itinerary.
  • Make friends with the hotel manager – they are good for safety tips, local information and many other things.

[some final tips]

1. Especially in ‘hot’ places keep an eye on local press and talk regarding what’s going on – they’ll pick up on issues or uprisings etc.  before national or international press.

2. Visit local tourist organisations and introduce yourself, say where you’re going, what you’re doing and ask for a letter for introduction. It can come in handy in sticky situations or if you’re in trouble.

3. 3-second rule (trust your gut) – look someone in the eye for three seconds, make a character judgement – stick with that impression no matter what.

4. Be careful when taking photos – you’re often not concentrating on what’s happening around you in order to capture ‘the shot’, so in pairs keep an eye out for each other so that no one is being robbed while they are photographing something.

5. Photo tips – make people laugh, use alternative angles and look for different places to take photos of famous landmarks (i.e. alternative vantage points from where most tourists are directed to take shots). Always ask for permission before taking someone’s photo.

6. When in a restaurant write notes – you look like a food critic and are more likely to receive better service!

How to write a Lonely Planet guide

Serious about being an author for Lonely Planet? Their recruitment notes on how to write a Lonely Planet guide state:

  • All applications are read: lonelyplanet.com/jobs
  • You must demonstrate passion for travel
  • You must demonstrate destination knowledge
  • Writing experience required
  • Evidence of ‘special expertise’ (eg. Language, rock climbing, diving, other special interests, e.g. Lived, travelled, written; any evidence of independent travel)
  • Always meet deadlines and word count
  • NB. LP publications use simple sentences and language – be mindful they’re usually translated.

 

[This is a re-post from the archives. Originally posted July 13 2011, London]

Want to be a writer? Start here and win!

by | Feb 4, 2014 | Travel blogger destinations, Travel Live Learn in the media

**this competition is now closed**

 

Writing competition 2014 Are you inspired?

writing comp2

–> this competition has now closed <–

Want your first piece of published work to appear in print for thousands of readers to see? We’re hosting a brand new competition for under 20s! SIX talented content creators from across Australia will each WIN a media star prize pack including:

1. Your piece published on the widely read travel and lifestyle site, www.travellivelearn.com and subsequent promotion throughout our associated media and education networks. This will also serve as a published piece which you can feature in your portfolio!

2. A personalised digital career mentoring session with a trainer and media professional from Media Bootcamp who will provide suggestions on what you could be doing now in pursuit of your dream career in media, magazines, communications or publishing.

3. A winner certificate.

4. A copy of popular Aussie media (radio, print, television) personality, Meshel Laurie’s new memoir, The Fence-Painting Fortnight of Destiny.

5. And a chic fragrance from So…?

writing comp

What are you waiting for? Enter now and showcase your talent to Australia and the world!

THE RULES
You must be an Australian resident aged between 16 and 20 to enter. If you are turning 16 this year you are eligible to enter also. You will submit a piece of written work, no longer than 500 words. Your piece can be any format – interview, poem, fiction, essay, personal story… anything you like, but it must relate to the theme “INSPIRE”. Entries open Tuesday 4 February and close Friday 28 February at 5pm EST. Entries will be judged by a panel of published authors and representatives from working Australian media, and will be critiqued on creativity and uniqueness, how compelling they are, quality of writing, attention to detail and presentation. The decision made by the judges is final, and there will be no revision of this decision. Stories must be your own original work. You confirm that your entry has never been previously published or broadcast in any form such as a book or eBook. However, you may enter work that has been published on your personal blog, but not elsewhere. You may not enter work that has previously won a prize. One entry per person only. Incomplete forms or entries will not be accepted. Copyright in all submissions to the competition remains with the respective entrants. However, entering the competition allows Sugoi Media and TravelLiveLearn.com the right to feature any or all of the submissions in any of our associated publications, websites, social media and/or in any promotional material connected to this competition. Entrants will be added to the Media Bootcamp mailing list but may unsubscribe at any time. If you are a winner, physical prizes will be posted to you via Australia Post. Promoter takes no responsibility for lost-in-the-mail prizes. Prizes are not transferable for cash, and cannot be transferred to another person. Please note, The Fence-Painting Fortnight of Destiny does include mild use of coarse language and adult themes (drug and sexual references); Winners will be required to confirm that they/their families are happy to receive it (if not, the prize will not be replaced with another). Digital mentoring session comprises an email exchange(s) featuring personalised advice and action points with particular reference to winner’s goals. If you win, you are the only person who can redeem the prize. By entering it is understood that you agree with these terms and conditions.

Why not join our FACEBOOK community to keep an eye on this competition’s progress and learn about future opportunities?! Just click LIKE on the Facebook link to the right.

This competition is brought to you by Sugoi Media, Media Bootcamp, Get it Magazine, Get it Media, TravelLiveLearn.com, Hot Tamale Media Australia Pty Ltd

 

 

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