Have your opinion published in print and online
Opinion Writing is ideal for anyone with an opinion they’d like to see out in the world.
You will:
Understand what opinion writing is (and isn’t)
Develop your opinion writing voice
Gain time-saving writing techniques
Learn how to craft opinion pieces ready for publication
Get in the know about how and where to submit your articles
Receive personalised feedback on your writing.
“Using the knowledge gained in Vivienne’s workshop, my opinion piece was accepted and published in The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.”
– Penny Leonard, Freelance Writer
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Duration 1
This is an online course
Starts: Monday 13 January 2025 Start any time during the week
Duration:
4 weeks Allow 3–4 hours per week
With: Vivienne Pearson $450 | |||||
Overview of this course
Have you ever read the opinion pages of a newspaper, or seen a heartfelt opinion piece online and thought: “I could write that”?
Opinion writing is one of the most exciting types of writing. Your aim is to grab your readers’ minds and hearts, meaning that your writing needs to be a mix of clear communication and emotionally engaging content.
Some people have one single opinion piece that they’d like to see out in the world. Others would like to add opinion writing to their skillset; either as a freelance writer, journalist or blogger.
Academics are also increasingly in demand for not only their scientific paper writing but their ability to communicate their knowledge and ideas to a wider audience. And for those who are in business or representing a not-for-profit organisation, opinion writing can be a powerful way to get your message out there.
Importantly, there is no ‘qualification’ needed to submit an opinion piece for publication – ANYONE can have an opinion piece published. This course will show you the exact steps to craft compelling opinion pieces.
Across four weeks, you’ll discover the industry skills and knowledge you need to develop your opinion writing voice and learn how to submit your articles for publication. You’ll come away with specific insight about how to maximise your chances of publication in your favourite newspaper or website.
You’ll also have the option to receive feedback from your tutor on your writing and ideas.
“I loved it, learnt so much, the individual feedback was so valuable. Do it! if you want to write, have dreamt of writing, secretly write… this course will give you the skills and confidence to share your opinions and writing. It is a great course!”
Wendy Jasper
What kind of people do this course?
The beauty of opinion writing is that it can benefit a wide variety of people, including:
- Writers and journalists
- Volunteers and staff at not-for-profit organisations
- Academics keen to write for publications like The Conversation
- Business owners looking to develop their thought leadership skills
- Bloggers wanting to develop their style
- Any individual with a viewpoint!
This course will provide you with the techniques and templates so you can easily communicate your knowledge and passion to a wider audience.
“This course exceeded my expectations. Hard to believe I have come so far in four weeks. I feel equipped to write and submit opinion pieces. I was so impressed. Superbly organised, structured. You will learn if you do the work. I think Vivienne has a beautiful manner. She can be to the point but also generous and personal. I am truly grateful to her.”
Anne Gleeson
How does the online course work?
When you enrol:
- You’ll receive login details to access your online course
- Your course contains four weekly modules, each with audio lessons and handouts
- Each week, you can submit a small assignment and receive feedback from your tutor
- There are no set class times – complete each module when it suits you during the week
- We suggest allowing 3-4 hours per week to complete each module and assignment
- You can post questions and comments in the classroom and get to know your classmates
- You’ll be able to enjoy access to the course for a full year – plenty of time to revisit your lessons and refresh your knowledge whenever you need.
About your course creator and tutor, Vivienne Pearson
Vivienne is a freelance feature and content writer. She has had dozens of opinion pieces published, both in opinion sections of The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Guardian and ABC online, as well as in non-opinion-specific publications like Essential Kids, News.com.au, SBS and Domain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you have to be an opinionated person to write opinion pieces?
A: Our strong opinion on this question is YES. And, NO. You do need to have an opinion that you want to express. But, you don’t have to be the sort of person who shouts this to the rooftops or blurts it all over social media. Publishers are looking for opinion pieces that are heartfelt and humorous as well as strident and serious. This course will show you how to craft your opinion on a topic into an engaging piece of writing.
Q: Can anyone do this course?
A: Definitely. You might have a single subject that you would like to write about, or perhaps you’re keen to see your opinions published regularly. You may be interested in this course for your personal blog, to add another income stream to your freelance writing career, or to help your role in a business or not-for-profit organisation. But you don’t need to have experience in this writing field – as long as you have a curiosity to learn, you’ll enjoy this course.
Q: Will this course help me write my blog?
A: Quite possibly! If your blog is a platform for you to express your experience and opinions, this course will help you make your posts both highly readable and persuasive.
Q. Will I receive feedback?
A: Yes. You'll have weekly assignments and will receive feedback personalised from your tutor to cement your learning.
Q: What’s your opinion on opinion writing?
A: Opinion writing is so rewarding. It’s a total buzz to see your opinion in print or online and a real privilege to contribute your views to conversations about issues that matter.
| Key information | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key information: | |||||
Duration 1
This is an online course
Starts: Monday 13 January 2025 Start any time during the week
Duration:
4 weeks Allow 3–4 hours per week
With: Vivienne Pearson $450 | |||||
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