What’s it like to learn with AWC?

The modules were well presented and easy to follow. They gave both an understanding and practical advice towards writing compelling stories for this age group.

The tutor was very positive, and supportive.

I loved Kate's insights and the way the course was structured. The handouts were very helpful and reinforced learning. They are also excellent to have on hand as references when writing that next novel.

It gave me confidence that the way I was approaching my novel was on the right track, but it also gave me many insights on how to improve the way I approach planning and preparation for the task of writing. It was the clarity I was seeking. Having just had a short story published I was thrilled (to say the least) but then comes the inevitable fear about trying to get bigger works published. This course has helped me to prepare for that journey and I am very grateful.

This course will provide a simple set of guidelines in how to plan, structure and then write your novel. Kate's passion is clear, her insights invaluable and the resources she provides are practical and applicable across all genres. She is a gem, and this is a gem of a course. It has given me more confidence to keep pursuing this writing journey.

I was attracted to the diversity of the course - covering 5 genres in popular fiction. That breadth allows for incorporating those elements in different combinations, which made the course such good value for me.

I was dubious about one genre, Romance, as I don't read romantic fiction as a rule. But it was more engaging than I had expected, and I was able to apply the learning to fiction I have read and enjoyed, by Jane Austen, Mary Stewart, LM Alcott, etc.

I enjoyed the academic depth that was included, and which was woven seamlessly into each workshop. I could see the principles of adult learning at play, in how well-structured each workshop is, with relevant learning just when one needs it. For example, there were discussions of poetic devices, and the use of metre and rhythm. They made clear sense in the contexts in which they occurred, though I haven't thought about iambic pentameter in many decades!

I am reading with a more alert perception of the author's use of language and structure. I am more aware of developing a narrative arc for major characters, and of considering whether a character is dynamic or static.

AWC courses are interesting, focussed and good value for money if you choose carefully.

Charlotte was very encouraging and gentle with her feedback. She provided good feedback about issues which needed to be addressed.

The writing exercises were fun. I really looked forward to Charlotte's feedback each week.

Although 5 weeks is not a long time for any course, the lectures were densely packed with great insights which will require further unpacking by me over the coming months.

Point of View was clarified for me in a way that meant something.

Even though most of us are unlikely to get published, do the course to enjoy the process - make that your goal. And if you end up with a manuscript that interests publishers, see it as a bonus. Any art form requires an audience but not all artists can achieve it. The process of trying and learning has many other benefits and the possibility of finding your audience gives hope.

I've started writing my 2nd psychological thriller and I wanted to learn the specific genre elements to make sure that my book has the best possible chance of getting published.

The writing exercises were hugely helpful, especially the ones on elevator pitches and openings. I now have an awesome new opening for my book!

Louisa is incredibly knowledgeable in her field and I loved how engaging she was throughout the whole course. She's very personable and I felt comfortable asking questions and sharing my own writing, which doesn't happen often.

I enjoyed the level of engagement with Louisa and the rest of the group, and the ideas that came from this.

I'm back in creative flow and my mind is oozing with ideas and scenes for my second book. Since completing the course, I now have the confidence and inspiration to write my first draft.

AWC is the best place to learn about creative writing and gain the skills to become a professional writer.

Pamela Freeman is fabulously enthusiastic and knowledgeable. She knows when to praise and when a thorough (and necessary) critique is called for.

Fantastic and assorted feedback. Pamela's was the most useful but everyone contributed in some way. A good, hard critique is jarring, but it is enjoyable in the long run when your novel improves.

If you're serious about writing, do Australian Writers' Centre courses.

Thanks for everything! I'll be doing more courses!

I thought the course was better than I hoped. Lots of practical and specific information as to writing and researching articles, how to structure articles, and how to approach potential editors. I can't think of an outstanding question the course does not cover.

Alex had a very professional and encouraging manner. Feedback was specific and comprehensive. I liked being able to see/hear the feedback on others' work too.

I enjoyed the tone and content of the online course. I liked that the course covered the nuts and bolts of how to go about being a freelance writing, not just the writing itself. Learning about who to speak to, what to say, when to contact is invaluable insight to someone who has no links to the media industry. I was very aware that I had no idea about how to approach getting published and this lack of knowledge was a showstopper in pursuing a writing career. I feel I now have the tools to proceed with some confidence.

I liked listening to the online modules - Valerie Khoo's engaging delivery hit the right combination of professionalism and friendliness. The assessments built on each other in a logical way and always felt achievable (by contrast, my first task in Week 1 as a journalism student at the NSW Institute of Technology in the 80s was "go and cover tonight's City Council meeting". No scaffolding, no background, no advice - nothing. It was sink or swim. I lost confidence in myself and changed my course - and my life!)
I also liked that the pacing was good - the content and assessments were doable in the time frame.

I feel I have the tools to draw on make a start on getting published. And here's that word again - confidence. Doing the course has given me confidence to proceed.

I think a major learning was the freelance writing hasn't been killed by the internet. Rather, the internet has expanded potential markets and has certainly enhanced research. Good to know, as I was half expecting to learn that potential markets were dying.

Expect an enjoyable and challenging course. Do it!

Just a pleasure learning. I will enjoy enhancing my knowledge and experience as I do my next course

The tutor was excellent.

Learning about how stories are developed and the insight I have gained now allows me to look at movies/stories in a more informed mind. It has opened my eyes to what I can do.

I have recommended it. Broaden your mind... Looking forward to my next course.

Pamela is wonderful. The feedback she gave me nearly always hit the nail right on the head for what needed to be addressed in that submission. The zoom sessions with her were also brilliant - being able to ask questions and bounce things off her is fantastic, given her incredible experience and depth of knowledge both of writing and the industry as a whole.

I love the Discord chat! Also the zoom sessions.

I finished a first draft of a novel. Even if it is never published, I wrote a book, and I think that is pretty profound. I have hopefully found a writing group (thank you for setting up Discord!) that will help me moving forward also.

I have recommended it, many times! The AWC courses are worth the investment. Getting feedback from experienced industry professionals is invaluable, especially if you are writing commercial and genre fiction - what we learned in school doesn't begin to help us with this type of writing.

Just thank you to Pamela. She's amazing. I learnt so much and had so much fun.

I enjoyed having an expert help me to improve my manuscript through their guidance and suggestions, especially when I'm not experienced enough to work out how.

The tutor was excellent. Fabulous. Knowledgeable. Knows what works and what doesn't.

I like seeing how other writers have grown through the process of feedback by others and tutor. I like seeing everyone on Zoom. It makes it real. I like the diverse questions, which I hadn't considered. I like the diverse suggestions to improve my manuscript when I was at a loss, but then after tutor feedback especially small changes make a difference in giving me confidence in myself.

Seeing me improving over numerous courses, helps me believe in myself.

The AWC courses are back by a truckload of experts in their field.

The tutor was very clear, concise, motivating and affirming.

I enjoyed all of it!

I am determined to become a published author and to share my recovery story first as my memoir followed by a fiction novel about Family Violence. I have ideas for poetry and four other books. This course has helped spark my creativity.

I've enjoyed the course and Charlotte's feedback on every student's assignments, including my own.

The course is informative and, as it progressed, there was information that I was able to review and incorporate into my own writing and story.

There were many 'aha' moments that I've incorporated into my own writing, and it's made my story flow. Thank you.

Louisa is very well versed in the genre and enthusiastically delivers the course. She provided knowledegeable and implementable feedback to all participants.

Louisa's delivery of the course was passionate and that made things fun. Being able to do exercises as a group was a lot of fun too.

I'm now clearer on specific areas of crime/thriller writing and that everyone has to 'get their words out' - it won't be perfect the first time, and even seasoned writers have 'first drafts'.

Great to interact with Louisa and the other course participants.

Thank you for a well run course, materials and zoom details always worked, Louisa always knew what we were going to cover and kept things moving. Learned a lot, I have a lot to do, and know my steps forward from here.

It's like exploring a new thing. Each Sunday at midnight, I used to open the new module and check all the titles that we were going to learn in that module.

It made me understand how picture books are created and its various aspects. With my little illustration skills, I tried to create a picture book.

There are so many 'aha!' moments throughout the course. For example, learning Approaches to Illustration is an 'aha!' moment, learning Visual Literacy is an 'aha!' moment, learning about the storyboard template, and so on. All the Modules are 'aha!'

I learned some key features for importing Word documents and creating scenes that I wish I'd known earlier!

I now have a more structured approach to creating my manuscript in Scrivener and better use of some of the features.

It's always worth spending the time (and money) to make sure that you're using the software in the most efficient way. It will save you time in the long run!

I had completed Novel Writing Essentials and I wanted to get a complete first draft of my novel. I work well with deadlines etc. I was also attracted by the tutor feedback as well as workshopping.

The tutor was very experienced and helpful. Her feedback seemed spot on and direct which I really appreciated. Her expertise shone through.

The most enjoyable part was typing The End and submitting a rough, but done, first draft. I can't believe that! I loved the course - everything about it - the participants were great and supportive and I really, really appreciated Pamela's feedback.

The fact that I have a first draft has shown me that I can do it and I think I can get my novel to publishable standard. That is gold.

Huge thanks. The course was fabulous and very worthwhile.

I enjoyed the readings (love your voice Valerie!!! - huge fan of the podcast) and the way Kate analysed them and showed by example the meaning behind her lessons.

I did the course primarily to make sure I was adhering to the basic structure and plot 'beats' for writing historical fiction and magic realism. There was so much information and Kate's professional tips that I know I can inject into my second novel so that it might make it across the line re publishing.

I would say there were several 'Aha!' moments in each and every one of the five modules. I can say, however, if this is helpful, that each of the modules (two of which were not at all genres I write in and, as such, I had wrongly presumed would not shed any light on my learning) gave me those moments of profound insight, revelation, and 'Ohhh - I get it' epiphanies which was incredibly gratifying and worthwhile.

Go on the website and look for yourself - there will DEFINITELY be something there of interest, yes, but also of incredible benefit for your own writing.

I felt Louisa was very knowledgeable of the genre, and keen to share that with the students.

I enjoyed the exercises and homework assignments.

I found most of it very useful. It made me confident that when I do eventually try to write a crime/thriller novel, I will be strong in some areas of it.

I enjoyed the challenge of being able to follow the guidelines as given in the course.

It gave me ideas about writing, confirming some of what I was already doing. Also, it helped to confirm that short stories is definitely the way I want to go.

I have found the course very useful. I especially like courses where you get constructive feedback of your work.

I enjoyed the online videos from Bernadette. They were easy to follow and delivered pleasantly.

I enjoyed the assignments. I like that we had to apply the skills we were taught about and create our own copy from it.

It has given me a new boost of energy to write more and hone my skills as well as got me excited about pursuing copywriting as a side hustle for now and then hopefully a career in the future.

I like how the course kept it simple and didn't try to overcomplicate things. I kept this in mind each time I was writing my assignments and it made things a lot more fun. This is the approach I plan to take as I move forward with writing.

Check out AWC as the courses are not overwhelming, you'll have fun as you learn and you'll come away with valuable skills and a revived energy to go hard out towards your writing goals.