Category: Alumni/Student success stories

Kirsten Ealand’s path to becoming a published picture book author is a testament to the power of persistence. After completing Writing Picture Books Masterclass at Australian Writers’ Centre, Kirsten’s debut picture book, Like a Gannet, is now published with Windy Hollow Books. But that’s not all – she already has a second book, The Big Backyard Plan, coming out with Affirm Press.

When Peta James decided to make a lifestyle change, she never imagined it would lead her to becoming a published children’s author. But that’s exactly what happened after she took the Writing Picture Books course at the Australian Writers’ Centre.

Mo Davey used to distract her kids by telling them stories on the walk to and from school. She wanted to be able to remember them, so when another mum suggested they enrol together in Writing Children’s Novels, Mo jumped at the chance. She has now published her debut picture book, I Am Tree Rex, with Berbay Publishing.

Amanda Willimott was working in marketing, a job she enjoyed but saw as just that – a job, not a career. Her true passion lay in writing, but she wasn’t sure where to start. After discovering the Australian Writers’ Centre, Amanda went on to complete ten courses over eight years, and ultimately became a published author.

Brigitte Stanton was working as a mental health nurse, a job that could be stressful at times. She had been wanting to write for a few years as a creative outlet, but didn’t know where to start. After discovering the Australian Writers’ Centre, Brigitte went on to complete several courses that fit around her lifestyle and has now published her debut picture book. Brigitte’s picture book Wanda Needs a Haircut is out now.

Troy Hunter had completed a full first draft of his debut novel but felt it wasn’t working, particularly in the middle section. After discovering the Australian Writers’ Centre, Troy went on to complete FOCUS ON… The Second Act and has now published his debut young adult detective novel Gus and the Missing Boy with Wakefield Press. He was also recently shortlisted in the 2024 Ned Kelly Awards for Best Debut Crime Fiction.

Lisa Kenway had a rewarding career as an anaesthetist and the young family she’d always wanted, but she felt that something was missing from her life. She discovered the Australian Writers’ Centre and loved that it offered short targeted courses she could fit around her busy life, and went on to complete eight courses. She kept writing, editing and honing her craft, before landing a publishing contract with Transit Lounge for her debut thriller, All You Took From Me.