UnquietDad, been told you might be able to help me!

[jofeb04]

Hiya

LL has told me that you are a writer, so just wondering you views on the following (actual thread in Going back to work)

I've got a small business idea (sell on ebay etc), which involves a sort of Baby Day (writing about how the baby was born, feelings of parents after birth etc). I got asked to do one by a client (I am a Doula), and she really liked it and said that it would be good for other people as gifts etc for their children. It will only be a small part of my business, as I am a Doula and Holistic Therapist (also in Uni!)

When i wrote hers, it was very simple. TBH, client liked and appreciated the friendly tone of the card, but I'm thinking if it is sactually sold, I should write much better.

What sort of writing courses are there out there, and do you think they are worth the money?

Thanks

[jofeb04]

Thanks LL

[UnquietDad]

Hello!
Sorry, came late to this.
Huge question with many answers.

Something which someone appreciates as a gift does not automatically translate into soemthing people would pay good money for. Imagine yourself going on "Dragon's Den" with this. (What's the USP? What's your projected profit and turnover, etc?)

I'm not sure whether a writing course would help. If you don't already have the writing skills to do this, then it isn't something you can leap into doing professionally.

The WEA (Workers' Educational Association) often do good courses at low prices - have a look in your area.

[jofeb04]

Thanks UD.
You have given me plenty of things to think about

[UnquietDad]

You're welcome.
I wish you luck with it!
Feel free to CAT me if you want any more advice.

[BigGitDad]

UQD, out of interest what subjects do you write on?

[UnquietDad]

Have had published: novels, TV- and music-related stuff and a couple of others which, if I said what they were, would totally give away to everyone who I am!! (Although some know already.)

[BigGitDad]

No worries, I can understand on the identity thing. Must be nice to have a job that you enjoy if you know what I mean. I heard some one say on the radio once (John Arlott) that whoever has their hobby as a job is the luckiest person out. A fair amount of truth in that though you will probably say you hate writing now!!

[rantinghousewife]

Unquiet Dad, may I be so bold as to hijack, ds writes really well and although he could probably write the alphabet and I'd be impressed, his teachers think so aswell. They're of the opinion that his writing is exciting and deserves to be read. He is thinking that he'd quite like to do a English degree with a view to perhaps entering journalism and he will pick his options at some point in this school year. Any advice?
I seem to remember that someone said that media studies grads are ten a penny and a person would be much better off with a classic degree, is this the case?

[UnquietDad]

I can't really advise "professionally" here. I didn't do English or journalism. Then again, I went to university in a time (late 80s) when you could still just about get away with studying what you wanted, without having a clue what you were going to "do" afterwards!

But yes, there are more media studies grads than you can shake a stick at and certainly not enough media jobs to go round. I think he should study whatever interests and excites him!

[jofeb04]

Another question UQ lol

Basically, I do Birth prep sessions, and thinking of putting it down on paper (sell to clients, and other areas etc).

Problem is
a) A lot of information is from other books, can I stil write it down or is references ok. It is not going to be published etc, just in a nice file etc

[UnquietDad]

You should give proper citations and make it clear that you are quoting if you are. Shouldn't be a problem with copyright if you are not actually publishing it for profit!

[jofeb04]

UD,

I'm thinking of selling it, but only through Ebay and to Clients. Does this make any difference? .....

Any, who are you? lol

[Peachy]

Jo

f you're going into year one of the degree at Newport 9can't remember if you're foing year 1 or further on), you have to take an elective- they usually offer creative writing for this.

[rantinghousewife]

Just wanted to thank UD for the advice, been on hols and only just read it, (in case you thought I was being an ungrateful old so and so!!)