What’s it like to learn with AWC?
Each year, thousands of students just like you achieve their writing goals through our courses and world-class presenters. Here they share how their new-found skills and confidence enriched their life.
I love Kate's teaching style. It was well-structured and I always enjoy the inclusion of poetry.
I suppose it showed me I wasn't as lost as I imagined - that many of the things I already did and thought were part of the life of a writer. And it showed me how to deepen them.
I realised at one point that I was writing (and hesitating to write) a certain way because I was avoiding something in my life.
Gentle and encouraging, a self-paced course full of inspiration and illumination.
In a weird way I needed permission. Permission to believe that writing is something meaningful to me and a possibility in my life.
It confirmed a lot that I already knew from other pursuits, but tied it into writing. For example, of course you need to practice it every day - just as if you would like to master a musical instrument.
At the moment, I'm reading a massive tome by Iain McGilchrist regarding the relationship between the left and right brains. The insights into creativity and how the brain works are fascinating. The art and pictures accompanying the lessons are very thought provoking. It is great just to see insights into various people's lives that you can use to reflect on your own and how to piece the puzzle together.
If you can't attend an in-person workshop or are searching for permission, then this course has opened my eyes to what it will take for me to change my life for the better.
I have been writing my book for six years and felt I needed some extra inspiration to get back on track, so when I saw Kate's course in her newsletter I thought, 'here's a lady I can relate to, I have met, read her books, perhaps I should take the initiative.'
Inspiration is what I was after, and I was inspired to pick up my pen every day and let my mind go wild. Kate reminded me to write poetry. I was able to see where my story was lacking and why, and find ways to improve on it.
I feel that anything new that I learn about writing, is profound because it sets me closer to finishing my book. The weaving between art and writing is a new level of inspiration and imagination for me.
If you are serious about writing, start by signing up for the newsletter. I wish I'd done it a long time ago. There are so many courses available.
I have dreamed of being a writer most of my life but never had the courage and, as I have gotten older, now don't know really where to start. This course sounded like the answer and I am so pleased that I have finally been able to complete this course - it was fantastic!
Thank you, Kate, thank you so much. Your words seemed to speak directly to me - to my hidden fears, secrets and so much more. I am only sorry that I left this to the last minute to finish (life got in the way) as I would have revisited your videos again and again.
This course has given me a framework to start my creative writing. It has 'dumbed down' a lot of the mystic of writing. I appreciate that there is so much more to learn (and I cannot wait) but this is the most amazing start - I cannot stop thinking about what I have learnt and surely that is the goal of teaching / learning?
Kate presents with a joy and passion and it is set up in easy "chunks", plus self-paced appeals.
I now have a great little journal by my bed and it is filled with notes, drawings and haikus and this tool has helped me to start writing reflectively and who knows, maybe even an idea or two for a protagonist, antagonist, a setting, has begun to develop.
All the storytelling essentials tips gave me an aha moment, especially 'begin at the point of change' and 'signal the story's problem or source of conflict straight away.'
If you wish to immerse yourself in writing and 'Dare to Dream' that writing your novel, picture book, memoir etc. is possible, then I'd thoroughly recommend the AWC as your one stop shop! The quality of the instructors is second to none, many of whom are world renowned authors. Their wealth of knowledge in their chosen field is top shelf. Do yourself a favour and listen to AWC's podcasts, as well as enrol in a course that speaks to you and your writing genre.
The breadth of the course was delightfully unexpected.
It was perfectly delivered. I really enjoyed casting the net back into the depths of history of how we tell stories, as well as the scientific exploration of how stories affect us and change us.
It's helped me regain focus on my writing, as well as feel better about not having a "perfect" writing schedule or being able to write the "perfect" chapters.
Writing down my fears is as important as writing down my dreams. I can't begin to chase my dreams if I haven't faced my fears, and I can't face my fears until I name them first.
Do it! Best investment in yourself and your writing you could do.
I was drawn to the course by the premise of it being about developing a joyous relationship to writing, and going deeper than just learning techniques. It felt like it would be almost therapeutic!
I enjoyed the way Kate brought so many down-to-earth elements into the course, things that I feel wouldn't be found in other courses. And also complex things like an overview of what's actually going on in the brain in various modes. It all just wove together just a comprehensive and somehow spiritual take on writing.
I've been wanting to bring some stories of mine to life, and this course has given me so many ideas and tools for moving forward with that! I can experience a joyous anticipation about writing when I develop that kind of relationship to it, instead of treating it like a chore or something I need to put lots of pressure on myself for.
This course is fabulous! As soon as I finished the course, I knew that this was one AWC course that I would work through again and again while I still had access to the materials. It wasn't just inspiring, it opened new doors to writing more freely and gave me permission to be a more courageous writer.
I felt like I was being taken on a rich and exciting journey. There was so much help and wisdom to find along the way, and by the end I felt ready to try new things.
This course is about so much more than writing, it is about creativity and how to live a creative life. It is full of tips and strategies, all shared in the most generous and supportive way.
This course will change how you see yourself as a writer. I can't recommend this highly enough.
Wonderful pep talk for those of us who sometimes languish in a morass of being overwhelmed, muddled and amongst other self-defeating prophecies.
I will get back to my book sooner rather than later.
Don't hesitate, do it now!
The research that Kate has done is absolutely phenomenal.
I loved the presentation style, and the accompanying artwork just added an extra layer of richness to the course.
It has shown me that it is ok to devote my life to learning and that it will take time and practice to perfect my craft.
From the opening module of inspiration, I was absolutely hooked. The knowledge Kate presented was so varied and in depth, however, totally understandable.
The quality of courses run by AWC are consistently high, with the most up-to-date industry knowledge available. The participant is always left with the feeling that anything is achievable.
There was so much packed into this little course. It was simple but also offered practical exercises and tools to help me develop my writing skills and daily writing practice. I've taken lots of notes and saved everything so I can come back to what I've learned whenever I need to refocus.
I think I've been struggling with giving myself permission to prioritise writing, and not just writing but thinking, researching random ideas, going down the rabbit hole for no other reason than I'm interested. This course has helped me step into my power and prioritise the things that don't matter to anyone else but me.
AWC courses are professionally presented, clear and engaging.
Absolutely inspiring, such a refreshing approach, so many wonderful pointers to enrich my journalling and writing, and has given me the impetus I needed to believe in my writing again - Thank you Kate!
Kate's sharing of her craft - the way I felt as though Kate was talking to me directly and cheering me on with my writing, and the gorgeous artwork she chose to send subliminal messages throughout. The 12 challenges - practical and wonderful for a lifetime of writing.
Renewed belief in my writing abilities.
If you want to learn about writing from masters of the craft, AWC is the place to do it.
It was like being taken gently but firmly on an adventurous journey.
It connected to what I know about the brain and helped me to understand how I can use this knowledge to develop a writer's life.
Do this course before anything else.
I'm in the middle of writing a fiction. Sometimes I slow down and stop. I hoped this course would help me to stay on track and give me some new creative ideas.
The depth of exploration into creativity far exceeded my expectations. Also, Kate is an inspiring presenter who exudes joy and positivity throughout.
There was something different in every lesson; I just kept learning something new.
Technical detail beautifully explained. No judgement of what you write about or whether or not you're a good writer. Kate's message was that if you need to write, then you must write, which was great to hear from a published author. Journal writing challenges were fantastic.
It's really exceptional. It pulls a person to bits then invites a reconstruction.
Kate's a great presenter. The examples and images she selected are astounding.
The exercises helped me to see my writing in a new light.
An inspiring and enlightening course.
I have used the suggested writing prompts for memoir writing each week and told others about the course.
I enjoyed Kate's engaging manner and enthusiasm. Well structured. Loved the references to poetry and art. Loved Kate's personal stories.
I just loved it. It was so nourishing and inspiring and reassuring.
I have been writing for a long time, but felt stuck with regards to inspiration. The course gave me practical tips to move forward and develop a well of inspiration. Also I had felt quite low about being stuck, and Kate's course really lifted me up.
The Dare to Dream course was something every writer should do!
I enjoyed Kate's encouraging style, her wisdom, and her clear presentation. I'm much more confident in my writing and sharing it with my local writers' group.
Loved it. Thank you Kate!
Kate and her course have inspired me to keep on writing even though there are times when life gets in the way.
For anyone who is passionate about learning their craft and is serious about making writing their career, don't hesitate to do this course. In fact, I have encouraged a few aspiring writers to do so.
The variety of topics was very interesting and completely different from any other writing course I have done before. I really loved Module 3 about the history of storytelling and how stories affect our brains - so fascinating! But Kate also gave very practical tips and processes which are things I can implement myself, and it was good to hear how she incorporates some of these suggestions in her own life.
I am going to take on board some of Kate's tips on facing fears and finding flow from Module 4. There were some practical suggestions which I want to implement in my own writing life.