Furious Fiction: August 2024 Story Showcase
Welcome to August’s Furious Fiction story showcase – where we challenged writers this month to reach great heights. The prompts for this month’s challenge were:
Troy Hunter enters the scene with his award-nominated debut novel
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.
Sarah Jane Lightfoot’s path to author and illustrator success
“I enrolled in the Writing Picture Books course to learn as much as I could about the industry I was entering and build on my confidence and capabilities as an author. I’m so incredibly grateful that I did.” With her newfound skills, Sarah went on to publish her debut picture book ‘Down the Road, Little Bee’.
Writing Podcast Episode 620: Kate Forsyth on 5 essential lessons to make you a better writer
In this special episode, we bring you an edited version of the recent webinar featuring bestselling author Kate Forsyth. The episode is jam-packed with insights,
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘The Girl With The Violin’, ‘The Death of Dora Black’, and ‘The Echoes’
This week, in celebration of our new course History, Mystery and Magic, we’re giving away a blockbuster bundle of three books representing these genres! This
Writing Podcast Episode 619: Picture book author Deborah Frenkel on her creative process and creating a successful career.
Meet Deborah Frenkel, author of four picture books including her most recent: 100 Schools Days and The Truck Cat. Deborah reveals her journey to publication,
Q&A: ‘Filthy rich’?
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
How Lisa Kenway landed a book deal for her psychological thriller ‘All You Took From Me’
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.
Writing Podcast Episode 618: J.P. Pomare on writing gripping crime thrillers and his latest novel ’17 Years Later’.
J.P. Pomare on writing gripping crime thrillers and his latest novel 17 Years Later. J.P. discusses his writing process, research methods, and experiences with book
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘Precipice’ by Robert Harris
This week, we’re giving away three copies of Precipice by Robert Harris, author of nine best-selling novels! Harris is known for blending historical events with
COPYWRITER 076: How to build a six-figure copywriting business with Sophia Auld
Would you like to earn a six figure income from copywriting? Would you like to leverage your existing career to help you find new copywriting
Writing Podcast Episode 617: Lian Tanner reveals 5 strategies you need for longevity in your author career
Meet Lian Tanner, who reveals 5 strategies you need to build longevity into your author career. Lian also discusses her latest picture book, When the
Q&A: Knock on wood?
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
Ariane Beeston’s journey to writing her compelling memoir
Having a baby is a life-changing experience, and for Ariane Beeston it was profoundly so. She experienced postpartum psychosis, a rare and debilitating mental illness. As part of her healing journey, she started writing about her experiences. After completing Freelance Writing Stage 1 at the Australian Writers’ Centre, Ariane kickstarted her freelance writing career and has now published a memoir, Because I’m Not Myself, You See, with Black Inc.
Matt Samuel turns his dream of writing picture books into reality
Matt decided to enrol in Writing Picture Books at the Australian Writers’ Centre and was hooked. Finally, he could put his picture book ideas into practice. After a meeting with an editor at Yellow Brick Books, Matt was offered a contract and his debut picture book The Other Side of the Clouds will be published this year.
Writing Podcast Episode 616: Meet Julie Bennett, author of ‘The Lost Letters of Rose Carey’.
Meet Julie Bennett, author of The Lost Letters of Rose Carey. Julie discusses her writing process, the inspiration behind her novel, researching historical fiction and
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘The Wilds’ by Sarah Pearse
This week, we’re giving away three copies of The Wilds by Sarah Pearse. The Wilds, the third in the Detective Elin Warner series, is an
Q&A: ‘Lap’ vs ‘length’
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
Cassy Polimeni achieves her dream of becoming a children’s author
Cassy Polimeni always wanted to become an author and even studied creative writing at university. She followed this with a career in magazines and publishing, while putting her own creative pursuits on the back burner. But while he was on maternity leave, she took the opportunity to enrol in a course at the Australian Writers’ Centre, which came highly recommended from writer friends. That investment and commitment to her craft paid off: Cassy has now published two books for children with another on the way.
Writing Podcast Episode 615: Meet Anna Johnston, author of ‘The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife’.
Meet Anna Johnston, author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife, her rapid success, and her writing process. You can listen to the episode below,
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘Two Daughters’ by Alison Edwards
This week, we’re giving away three copies of Two Daughters by Alison Edwards. Two Daughters explores the lives of Ava and Laurie and their journeys
Q&A: ‘Gold’ vs ‘golden’
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
How Mitch Jennings went from journalist to crime writer
Mitch Jennings had always harboured ambitions to write a novel, but he says that working fulltime as a journalist meant that writing at home after work wasn’t very appealing because he had already been writing all day. He knew that he needed structure and accountability, so he enrolled in Novel Writing Essentials at the Australian Writers’ Centre.
How Jenna Lo Bianco went from 160 rejections to a successful career as a romance author
Jenna Lo Bianco, a secondary school Italian teacher, experienced what she calls a magical moment when she was on leave after the birth of her second child. Amid the chaos of the pandemic, she stumbled on a Tweet about the Australian Writers’ Centre’s Romance Writing course. At the time, Jenna had completed two manuscripts: Love & Rome and The Italian Marriage but she hadn’t yet found a publisher.
The course that changed Jess Horn’s life
Jess Horn was a busy working parent with no time for hobbies, but she decided she could just squeeze in a few minutes to enter the Furious Fiction competition at the Australian Writers’ Centre. After that, she was hooked. With her childhood love of writing rekindled, Jess enrolled in Creative Writing Stage 1 and then dived into Writing Picture Books.
Furious Fiction: August 2024 Story Showcase
Welcome to August’s Furious Fiction story showcase – where we challenged writers this month to reach great heights. The prompts for this month’s challenge were: Each story had to take place UP IN THE AIR. (There were some specific rules, but essentially, stay off the ground.) Each story’s first sentence
Troy Hunter enters the scene with his award-nominated debut novel
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.
Sarah Jane Lightfoot’s path to author and illustrator success
“I enrolled in the Writing Picture Books course to learn as much as I could about the industry I was entering and build on my confidence and capabilities as an author. I’m so incredibly grateful that I did.” With her newfound skills, Sarah went on to publish her debut picture book ‘Down the Road, Little Bee’.
Writing Podcast Episode 620: Kate Forsyth on 5 essential lessons to make you a better writer
In this special episode, we bring you an edited version of the recent webinar featuring bestselling author Kate Forsyth. The episode is jam-packed with insights, focusing on five essential lessons from different genres that can improve your writing. Kate Forsyth delves into historical fiction, crime and mystery, romance, fantasy, and
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘The Girl With The Violin’, ‘The Death of Dora Black’, and ‘The Echoes’
This week, in celebration of our new course History, Mystery and Magic, we’re giving away a blockbuster bundle of three books representing these genres! This is your chance to win: The Girl With The Violin by Shelley Davidow It’s 1989 and for a young Jewish-Australian violinist, a scholarship to Berlin
Writing Podcast Episode 619: Picture book author Deborah Frenkel on her creative process and creating a successful career.
Meet Deborah Frenkel, author of four picture books including her most recent: 100 Schools Days and The Truck Cat. Deborah reveals her journey to publication, her creative process and tips for aspiring authors. You can listen to the episode below, on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or add the podcast RSS feed manually
Q&A: ‘Filthy rich’?
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, dirty money… Q: Hi AWC,
How Lisa Kenway landed a book deal for her psychological thriller ‘All You Took From Me’
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.
Writing Podcast Episode 618: J.P. Pomare on writing gripping crime thrillers and his latest novel ’17 Years Later’.
J.P. Pomare on writing gripping crime thrillers and his latest novel 17 Years Later. J.P. discusses his writing process, research methods, and experiences with book adaptations into TV series. The episode features insights on maintaining creativity, the importance of method writing, crafting captivating crime narratives, and tips for aspiring writers.
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘Precipice’ by Robert Harris
This week, we’re giving away three copies of Precipice by Robert Harris, author of nine best-selling novels! Harris is known for blending historical events with thrilling storylines making Precipice a highly anticipated release for 2024. Here’s the blurb: Summer 1914. A world on the brink of catastrophe. In London, 26-year-old
COPYWRITER 076: How to build a six-figure copywriting business with Sophia Auld
Would you like to earn a six figure income from copywriting? Would you like to leverage your existing career to help you find new copywriting clients? Would you like to write about something you love and get paid well to do so? If any of that resonates, this episode is
Writing Podcast Episode 617: Lian Tanner reveals 5 strategies you need for longevity in your author career
Meet Lian Tanner, who reveals 5 strategies you need to build longevity into your author career. Lian also discusses her latest picture book, When the Lights Went Out. Lian covers: writing to your passions rather than market demands, seeking valuable feedback, continually learning the craft, and being open to reinvention.
Q&A: Knock on wood?
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, opportunity knocks… Q: Hi AWC,
Ariane Beeston’s journey to writing her compelling memoir
Having a baby is a life-changing experience, and for Ariane Beeston it was profoundly so. She experienced postpartum psychosis, a rare and debilitating mental illness. As part of her healing journey, she started writing about her experiences. After completing Freelance Writing Stage 1 at the Australian Writers’ Centre, Ariane kickstarted her freelance writing career and has now published a memoir, Because I’m Not Myself, You See, with Black Inc.
Matt Samuel turns his dream of writing picture books into reality
Matt decided to enrol in Writing Picture Books at the Australian Writers’ Centre and was hooked. Finally, he could put his picture book ideas into practice. After a meeting with an editor at Yellow Brick Books, Matt was offered a contract and his debut picture book The Other Side of the Clouds will be published this year.
Writing Podcast Episode 616: Meet Julie Bennett, author of ‘The Lost Letters of Rose Carey’.
Meet Julie Bennett, author of The Lost Letters of Rose Carey. Julie discusses her writing process, the inspiration behind her novel, researching historical fiction and career journey so far. You can listen to the episode below, on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or add the podcast RSS feed manually to your favourite podcast
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘The Wilds’ by Sarah Pearse
This week, we’re giving away three copies of The Wilds by Sarah Pearse. The Wilds, the third in the Detective Elin Warner series, is an atmospheric thriller set in a remote Portuguese national park. As Elin and her brother Issac try to reconnect, they are drawn into the mystery of
Q&A: ‘Lap’ vs ‘length’
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 going to great lengths…
Cassy Polimeni achieves her dream of becoming a children’s author
Cassy Polimeni always wanted to become an author and even studied creative writing at university. She followed this with a career in magazines and publishing, while putting her own creative pursuits on the back burner. But while he was on maternity leave, she took the opportunity to enrol in a course at the Australian Writers’ Centre, which came highly recommended from writer friends. That investment and commitment to her craft paid off: Cassy has now published two books for children with another on the way.
Writing Podcast Episode 615: Meet Anna Johnston, author of ‘The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife’.
Meet Anna Johnston, author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife, her rapid success, and her writing process. You can listen to the episode below, on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or add the podcast RSS feed manually to your favourite podcast app. 00:00 Introduction01:15 Literary competitions and overcoming fear02:58 Nat Newman
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘Two Daughters’ by Alison Edwards
This week, we’re giving away three copies of Two Daughters by Alison Edwards. Two Daughters explores the lives of Ava and Laurie and their journeys of self-discovery and resilience. This stunning debut is full of secrets, aspirations, and complex human relationships. Here’s the blurb: For Ava, heading to university in
Q&A: ‘Gold’ vs ‘golden’
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 going for gold… Q:
How Mitch Jennings went from journalist to crime writer
Mitch Jennings had always harboured ambitions to write a novel, but he says that working fulltime as a journalist meant that writing at home after work wasn’t very appealing because he had already been writing all day. He knew that he needed structure and accountability, so he enrolled in Novel Writing Essentials at the Australian Writers’ Centre.
How Jenna Lo Bianco went from 160 rejections to a successful career as a romance author
Jenna Lo Bianco, a secondary school Italian teacher, experienced what she calls a magical moment when she was on leave after the birth of her second child. Amid the chaos of the pandemic, she stumbled on a Tweet about the Australian Writers’ Centre’s Romance Writing course. At the time, Jenna had completed two manuscripts: Love & Rome and The Italian Marriage but she hadn’t yet found a publisher.
The course that changed Jess Horn’s life
Jess Horn was a busy working parent with no time for hobbies, but she decided she could just squeeze in a few minutes to enter the Furious Fiction competition at the Australian Writers’ Centre. After that, she was hooked. With her childhood love of writing rekindled, Jess enrolled in Creative Writing Stage 1 and then dived into Writing Picture Books.
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