DIRECTED WRITING: Asking a relative for advice.

59, Jalan Limau,

Taman Buah,
89000 Kluang
Johor

2 Mei 2017

Dear Pak Long,

How are you and the family? I hope everyone is fine and healthy. Abah and Umi are fine
and so are my siblings. I am writing to ask for some advice from you as you are excellent in both
academics and sports. I believe you would be the best person to advise me on the best course of
action.
I have been offered a sports scholarship to study in XCEL College, a sports college in
Johor Bharu. It is like the Bukit Jalil Sports School. It is the junior division of XCEL University
College. Pak Long, if you recalled I represented my school and state in badminton and received
the Talent Trophy for 2015 as well as the Sportsman of the Year award 2015 for the state of
Johor. On top of that, I did pretty well in my PMR exam and scored 7 distinctions.
The scholarship covers board and lodging at the college hostel, sports attire and
equipments, coaching facilities as well as mentorship plus academic schooling. In a nutshell, it is
a full scholarship. I even get an allowance and a personal coach. It look like a fantastic offer and
indeed it sounds too good to be true.
The family agrees with me that it is too good a scholarship to refuse. However, I still
have some concerns. Im afraid that I might not be able to maintain a balance between sports and
academics. Would I be able to excel my studies as well as continue to grow and develop into a
world champion badminton player? I want to be both!
One more worry is that Im afraid I would be missing my family and my home. Call me a
baby but this is the first time I would be going away from them and for two long years. Once I
commit myself, it means a long time away from home. Going home involves time and additional
expenses. I will definitely miss Umis cooking, bonding with Abah and having fun with my
siblings.
I am keen to accept the scholarship because it is and opportunity of a lifetime. But I have
my worries. Pak Long, what do you say? Please advise. I need an adults point of view. Thank
you.

Your nephew,
Rizal
DIRECTED WRITING: Advice and consolation for a cousin

10, Jalan Bukit Ria 7,

Taman Bukit Ria,
43000 Kajang,
Selangor.

6 April 2017

Dear Diyana,
I received your letter yesterday. You sounded so frustrated and rejected that I felt your
pain too. Immediately, I sat down to write you this letter to advise you to look at the matter with
the right perspective and not let it overcome you. I have had the same experience and so I would
like to share with you some tips on how to deal with the situation.
They are what I call, RSIC, that is remind, submit, indulge and continue. When you
receive a rejection letter, remind yourself that an editors opinion is very subjective. What the
editor thinks may not be the best opinion. There are others that you can go to. As the saying goes,
one mans meat is another mans poison.
After this, take the next bold step and submit the script to another publisher. There are so
many others out there. Someone out there believes in your potential. Be hopeful every time you
approach another publisher.
Then, indulge by enjoying your favourite pastime play computer games, the piano or
gardening to let off steam. Take the rejection as a reminder to work harder and better. Consider
the possible reasons for the rejection and improve. Be creative, after all you are a writer. From
these, you might be able to make the necessary corrections. Talk to someone for moral support
your parents or your school counsellor.
Finally, after letting out your frustration and feeling better continue writing. Get back to
work and create new stories. Type away at your computer and prove them wrong. Prove your
worth!
Try RISC and I hope it works for you the way it worked for me. Bye for now. Write and
let me know.

Your loving cousin,

Selina