How Melissa Garside found children’s book publishing success
Melissa Garside always dreamed of becoming a published author, and her children’s novel, Lexie Moon & The Word Burgling Bungle, is out now with Riveted Press!
Bidding war as Emma Pei Yin publishes ‘When Sleeping Women Wake’
“I rolled up my sleeves, signed up for as many courses as I could with AWC and just went from there,” Emma told us.
After fine-tuning her skills, Emma perfected her manuscript and her pitch, and received offers from five literary agents before signing with Laurie Robertson at Peters Fraser Dunlop.
Graci Kim completes middle grade trilogy with ‘The Last Fallen Realm’
Courses taken at AWC:
Novel Writing Essentials
Novel Writing Essentials
Graci Kim has worked as a diplomat, cooking show host and even made kids toys – but it was when she sat down to reread her favourite childhood novels that she discovered her passion.
“It hit me – none of the books I read and treasured as a child had people like me in them. All the books I’d loved were about white people. I had been invisible on the page my whole life,” Graci says. She signed up for a course at the Australian Writers’ Centre and started writing books about Korean diaspora kids having magical adventures.
Graci’s debut middle-grade novel, The Last Fallen Star, has now been published by Disney Hyperion (Rick Riordan Presents) and the trilogy has been optioned by the Disney Channel for a live action television series.
Q&A: ‘Gulf of Mexico’ vs ‘Gulf of America’
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its
Writing Podcast Episode 651: Beau Donelly, co-author of the book that inspired the hit Netflix series about Belle Gibson
Belle Gibson fooled the world as a health influencer who lied about having brain cancer. In this re-released conversation, we speak with Beau Donelly –
WIN ‘You Are Fatally Invited’ by Ande Pliego
This week, we’re giving away three copies of You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego. In this twist-filled thriller, six bestselling authors are invited to
Q&A: The origin of ‘a kettle of fish’
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its
Writing Podcast Episode 650: Olivia Isaac-Henry and her new book, ‘Sorrow Spring’
A ‘folk horror’ that spans 40 years – awash with intrigue, magic and dark secrets! That’s what awaits you in this episode as we meet
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘The Last Days of Kira Mullan’ by Nicci French
This week, we’re giving away three copies of The Last Days of Kira Mullan by Nicci French. In this tense psychological thriller, Nancy North suspects
Q&A: Why do we call them ‘byes’?
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its
Writing Podcast Episode 649: Alexandra Almond and her cosy fantasy novel, ‘Thoroughly Disenchanted’
Feeling cosy? Then you’ll love meeting author Alexandra Almond, as she shares her cosy fantasy novel, Thoroughly Disenchanted. Alexandra unpacks how she built her distinct
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘Chickenpox’ by Remy Lai
This week, we’re giving away three copies of Chickenpox by Remy Lai. Chickenpox by Remy Lai is a laugh-out-loud graphic novel about Abby, stuck at
COPYWRITER 084: How to write newsletters, master AI, and tell great stories with Steven Lewis
Steven Lewis is one of the most experienced copywriters working in Australia today and was one of the world’s first web copywriters. Yes, he’s that
Q&A: The origin of ‘commute’
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its
Furious Fiction: January 2025 Story Showcase
Welcome to our first Furious Fiction Showcase for the year! This is the place where we recap this month’s creative challenge and let thousands of
Writing Podcast Episode 648: Kate Solly on ‘The Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-up’
Crafting a novel is one thing, but author Kate Solly loves crafting ‘crafty’ novels – including her latest title, The Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-up. Kate
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘The Last Fashion House in Paris’ by Renee Ryan
This week, we’re giving away three copies of The Last Fashion House in Paris by Renee Ryan. The Last Fashion House in Paris is a gripping
How Emma Pignatiello went from teacher to romance author
The Australian Writers’ Centre’s Romance Writing course came at just the right time for school teacher Emma Pignatiello. She had written three YA manuscripts and was working on a crime novel, but she realised that what she really loved was romance.
Q&A: The origin of ‘daylight robbery’
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its
Writing Podcast Episode 647: Sophie Clark on writing and pitching her ‘romantasy’ novel, ‘Cruel is the Light’
From the halls of Australia’s Parliament House to the dark corners of the Vatican! In this episode, author Sophie Clark talks about her writing process
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘Death in the Arctic’ by Tom Hindle
This week, we’re giving away three copies of Death in the Arctic by Tom Hindle. In Death in the Arctic, Chloé Campbell joins a luxury
Claire Thompson inspires with her true-story picture books
Deciding to write picture books was literally a lightbulb moment for media and communications manager Claire Thompson. Each time she put her newborn baby in the carseat, the interior lights flashed on, so Claire and her four-year-old invented a story about a magic baby. She immediately realised she wanted to write a children’s book and enrolled in the course Writing Picture Books a few days later.
Q&A: The origin of ‘acid test’
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its
Writing Podcast Episode 646: Rebecca Heath invites you to ‘The Wedding Party’
Want to know the formula to writing success? In this episode, scientist-turned-author Rebecca Heath discusses her latest domestic thriller novel, The Wedding Party and her unique
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘More or Less Maddy’ by Lisa Genova
This week, we’re giving away three copies of More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova. More or Less Maddy follows Maddy, a young woman struggling
How Melissa Garside found children’s book publishing success
Melissa Garside always dreamed of becoming a published author, and her children’s novel, Lexie Moon & The Word Burgling Bungle, is out now with Riveted Press!
Bidding war as Emma Pei Yin publishes ‘When Sleeping Women Wake’
“I rolled up my sleeves, signed up for as many courses as I could with AWC and just went from there,” Emma told us.
After fine-tuning her skills, Emma perfected her manuscript and her pitch, and received offers from five literary agents before signing with Laurie Robertson at Peters Fraser Dunlop.
Graci Kim completes middle grade trilogy with ‘The Last Fallen Realm’
Courses taken at AWC:
Novel Writing Essentials
Novel Writing Essentials
Graci Kim has worked as a diplomat, cooking show host and even made kids toys – but it was when she sat down to reread her favourite childhood novels that she discovered her passion.
“It hit me – none of the books I read and treasured as a child had people like me in them. All the books I’d loved were about white people. I had been invisible on the page my whole life,” Graci says. She signed up for a course at the Australian Writers’ Centre and started writing books about Korean diaspora kids having magical adventures.
Graci’s debut middle-grade novel, The Last Fallen Star, has now been published by Disney Hyperion (Rick Riordan Presents) and the trilogy has been optioned by the Disney Channel for a live action television series.
Q&A: ‘Gulf of Mexico’ vs ‘Gulf of America’
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its rules, regulations and ridiculousness. It’s a celebration of language, masquerading as a passive-aggressive whinge about words and weirdness. This week, gulf wars… Q: Hi AWC,
Writing Podcast Episode 651: Beau Donelly, co-author of the book that inspired the hit Netflix series about Belle Gibson
Belle Gibson fooled the world as a health influencer who lied about having brain cancer. In this re-released conversation, we speak with Beau Donelly – co-author of the book that inspired the hit Netflix series, Apple Cider Vinegar. You can listen to the episode below, on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify,
WIN ‘You Are Fatally Invited’ by Ande Pliego
This week, we’re giving away three copies of You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego. In this twist-filled thriller, six bestselling authors are invited to a private island retreat hosted by reclusive mystery writer J.R. Alastor. What begins as a week of literary games turns deadly when one guest is
Q&A: The origin of ‘a kettle of fish’
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its rules, regulations and ridiculousness. It’s a celebration of language, masquerading as a passive-aggressive whinge about words and weirdness. This week, there’s something fishy… Q: Hi
Writing Podcast Episode 650: Olivia Isaac-Henry and her new book, ‘Sorrow Spring’
A ‘folk horror’ that spans 40 years – awash with intrigue, magic and dark secrets! That’s what awaits you in this episode as we meet British author Olivia Isaac-Henry and discuss her latest suspense novel, Sorrow Spring. Olivia shares what inspired the location and themes, how she blended historical events
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘The Last Days of Kira Mullan’ by Nicci French
This week, we’re giving away three copies of The Last Days of Kira Mullan by Nicci French. In this tense psychological thriller, Nancy North suspects her neighbour Kira Mullan’s death isn’t a suicide. Battling her own mental health challenges and dismissed by others as unreliable, Nancy must uncover the truth
Q&A: Why do we call them ‘byes’?
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its rules, regulations and ridiculousness. It’s a celebration of language, masquerading as a passive-aggressive whinge about words and weirdness. This week, bye for now… Q: Hi
Writing Podcast Episode 649: Alexandra Almond and her cosy fantasy novel, ‘Thoroughly Disenchanted’
Feeling cosy? Then you’ll love meeting author Alexandra Almond, as she shares her cosy fantasy novel, Thoroughly Disenchanted. Alexandra unpacks how she built her distinct characters, the role of magic in everyday life and her experience in finding an agent and getting published, along with advice for aspiring writers. You
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘Chickenpox’ by Remy Lai
This week, we’re giving away three copies of Chickenpox by Remy Lai. Chickenpox by Remy Lai is a laugh-out-loud graphic novel about Abby, stuck at home with her four wild siblings during a chickenpox outbreak. As chaos unfolds, Abby learns to navigate sibling bonds and responsibility with humor and heart.
COPYWRITER 084: How to write newsletters, master AI, and tell great stories with Steven Lewis
Steven Lewis is one of the most experienced copywriters working in Australia today and was one of the world’s first web copywriters. Yes, he’s that old, but in a good way because he’s been around and he knows what works and what doesn’t. Steven is a master of writing emails
Q&A: The origin of ‘commute’
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its rules, regulations and ridiculousness. It’s a celebration of language, masquerading as a passive-aggressive whinge about words and weirdness. This week, back to work… Q: Hi
Furious Fiction: January 2025 Story Showcase
Welcome to our first Furious Fiction Showcase for the year! This is the place where we recap this month’s creative challenge and let thousands of people enjoy our favourite 500-words-or-fewer stories. Let’s revisit what the prompts for this one were: Your story must take place at a beach. Your story
Writing Podcast Episode 648: Kate Solly on ‘The Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-up’
Crafting a novel is one thing, but author Kate Solly loves crafting ‘crafty’ novels – including her latest title, The Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-up. Kate shares her journey from casual writing in her family group chats to getting her first publishing contract, as well as how she manages to stay
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘The Last Fashion House in Paris’ by Renee Ryan
This week, we’re giving away three copies of The Last Fashion House in Paris by Renee Ryan. The Last Fashion House in Paris is a gripping WWII story where Paulette Leblanc, an apprentice seamstress at a Parisian fashion house secretly aiding the resistance, risks everything to fight the Nazis. As danger
How Emma Pignatiello went from teacher to romance author
The Australian Writers’ Centre’s Romance Writing course came at just the right time for school teacher Emma Pignatiello. She had written three YA manuscripts and was working on a crime novel, but she realised that what she really loved was romance.
Q&A: The origin of ‘daylight robbery’
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its rules, regulations and ridiculousness. It’s a celebration of language, masquerading as a passive-aggressive whinge about words and weirdness. This week, we’re stealing the show… Q:
Writing Podcast Episode 647: Sophie Clark on writing and pitching her ‘romantasy’ novel, ‘Cruel is the Light’
From the halls of Australia’s Parliament House to the dark corners of the Vatican! In this episode, author Sophie Clark talks about her writing process and how she pitched her debut ‘romantasy’ novel, Cruel is the Light. She chats about her political background and how walking the ‘halls of power’ influenced
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘Death in the Arctic’ by Tom Hindle
This week, we’re giving away three copies of Death in the Arctic by Tom Hindle. In Death in the Arctic, Chloé Campbell joins a luxury airship expedition to the North Pole, but a passenger is found dead, and the isolated group must confront the possibility of murder. As tension rises,
Claire Thompson inspires with her true-story picture books
Deciding to write picture books was literally a lightbulb moment for media and communications manager Claire Thompson. Each time she put her newborn baby in the carseat, the interior lights flashed on, so Claire and her four-year-old invented a story about a magic baby. She immediately realised she wanted to write a children’s book and enrolled in the course Writing Picture Books a few days later.
Q&A: The origin of ‘acid test’
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its rules, regulations and ridiculousness. It’s a celebration of language, masquerading as a passive-aggressive whinge about words and weirdness. This week, testing times… Q: Hi AWC,
Writing Podcast Episode 646: Rebecca Heath invites you to ‘The Wedding Party’
Want to know the formula to writing success? In this episode, scientist-turned-author Rebecca Heath discusses her latest domestic thriller novel, The Wedding Party and her unique journey from the laboratory to the library, as well as how she crafts each story and the importance of building a writing community. You can
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘More or Less Maddy’ by Lisa Genova
This week, we’re giving away three copies of More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova. More or Less Maddy follows Maddy, a young woman struggling to understand her bipolar disorder while chasing her dream of becoming a comedian. The novel explores her emotional highs and lows, offering a powerful and
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