New magazine titles are always being launched. Some wither and die, while some become enormously successful and even give rise to imitations.

Perhaps the key to a successful magazine - whether on a shoestring budget or a mass-seller - is the same: identifying a gap in the market and supplying a product that fills it.

Magazine journalism - The truth always beats fiction!

This three-day intensive course will throw light on tried-and-tested methods through which to obtain real topicality, despite the fact that, unlike newspapers, most magazines are not placed to react to daily news happenings.

The good news, however, is that this production schedule may work to a magazine's advantage: There can never be too many ideas for features, just as there can never be too many sources. Even a tentative, half thought-out idea can be seized upon and worked into a real crackerjack of a story!

Designed to equip aspirant writers and magazine journalists at entry level, this experiential programme will explore in detail what common interests writers have, and will help them harness their natural curiosity to write an entertaining story.

We'll explore the essence of research, and study the art of an interview and the difference between a simple quest for a quote and for information intended to reveal something far below the surface.

By the end of this programme, participants will have learned how to:
• Improve their ability in information-gathering
• Refine their interviewing skills
• Master the elements of good writing
• Use creative story forms to put together a captivating piece of writing

Individual assignments will be provided and carefully critiqued during the course.

Venue

Date: 14 July 2008 to 16 July 2008
Location: IAJ Parktown, Johannesburg
More info: 9 Jubilee Road
Parktown

Contact: Mabatho Sekwala
Company name: Institute for the Advancement of Journalism (IAJ)
Telephone number: 27 11 484 1765
Email address print@iaj.org.za