What’s it like to learn with AWC?

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.

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 found the information easy to understand and utilise for a variety of story ideas. This course is great for new writers (I found it extremely beneficial).

Highly recommend doing this course and any other AWC course.

I found Kate's course extremely informative and inspirational.

I loved it all. Kate's insight into the world of art and literature was most interesting and I relished the tips for writing that she shared.

I am inspired! I want to write now more than ever. I want to take all the knowledge Kate has imparted and put it to use.

I would say if you are interested in these genres and are looking for expert tips and knowledge then give it a go!

I enjoyed so many things! I loved the introduction to authors who I was not familiar with, I loved Kate's insights and examples, her passion for writers to push boundaries as well as respect the craft as it has developed over centuries. I loved the visual images accompanying the slides. I especially loved the inclusion of magic realism as the last module.

It has clarified the direction I want to go in my writing.

The AWC has many opportunities to learn, be inspired and be swept into the flow of writing.

I enjoyed Kate's presentation style and depth of knowledge.

I learned so much about different aspects of the writing craft, as well as about different genres of writing. This course has strengthened my writing skills in the areas of plotting, dialogue, characterisation, and the use of narrative devices.

If you are serious about wanting to become a writer, the AWC courses are your best option :)

I have learnt so much from this course and, as I am doing a PhD in Creative Writing Non-fiction at the moment, it has been so helpful to me.

I enjoyed Kate Forsyth's ability to bring the text to life by showing and explaining so many different ways of seeing, hearing and even feeling a text.

The Australian Writers' Centre course I attended, History, Mystery and Magic by Kate Forsyth, was an extremely well-researched and presented course. It was also affordable as I was able to use Afterpay. I am looking forward to attending more courses in the future.

I loved the selection of books across the different genres, and how the course offered both breadth and depth deconstructing these books in each area. It taught me so much and deepened my understanding of how literary devices are used in writing. I'm excited to start rewriting my own work, now equipped with the insights I've gained.

This course is truly a game-changer! I was so captivated by the content that I completed it in just one week. The material is both fascinating and incredibly informative. Now, I'm excited to dive into the challenge workbook and start applying what I've learned. I genuinely believe this course will transform my writing for the better—it's a must-do for anyone serious about improving their skills.

I love Kate's passion and expertise, and will definitely sign up for more of her courses.

Kate's lectures were very interesting and informative - I learnt a lot. And I really loved the time we spent going over extracts from published works and talking about the various techniques the authors used to achieve different effects.

Kate is clearly experienced and knows a lot about writing across a number of genres, and I really loved getting to learn from her.

Other than the lectures - which were excellent - I also really loved getting to take part in a writing course specifically about genre fiction! In the past writing courses I've done with AWC, most people were not writing genre fiction, and even fewer were writing fantasy - so it was really nice to feel like I wasn't the odd one out for a change.

Going through the extracts has inspired me to read some favourite passages from other novels more closely, and try to learn how the authors are working their magic. It was also just really motivating and inspirational to be in the course. Since finishing it, I've been working on my novel idea again, with more confidence about how I'm mixing genres. There was so much information in the course that I feel like I am still 'digesting' it all, and will be for some time to come yet.

The presenter Kate Forsyth was so knowledgeable, helpful, organised and insightful.

The course helped me look at my current work-in-progress with an eye to how to improve my writing, particularly with different literary devices.

It was wonderful having Pamela for the Q&A as well; she's always so generous and thoughtful with her answers to whatever questions are thrown her way.

Every course at the AWC is brilliant and there is a course for everyone!

This course profoundly changed the way I think and work as a writer for the better and made me feel I could finally complete my troublesome work in progress.

I think this course connected back to the others I had done and provided a complete picture for me. It was well constructed, easy to follow, well-paced, very interesting.

Kate's legendary lessons inspire and ignite! Knowledgeable in writing, she also shared her expertise with us in ways we could all understand, helping us to create our own toolbox of skills along the way. She understands the minds of novice writers and makes it an interesting and nurturing learning environment.

I feel immensely enriched by this course. Kate was amazing. Personable, clear, presented in depth tuition and analysis of texts.

I am already utilising Kate's guidance to deepen my current WIP, extend my research and enrich the overall tone of my writing.

Looked forward to every Monday night. Highly informative, constructive, relevant tuition in a comfortable online class. I will absolutely invest in another Kate Forsyth class. I was immensely enriched by Kate’s knowledge and writing wisdom.

Kate taught so much and so well. I will do more courses with her as I can dedicate the time. I enjoyed her explanation of literature, her ease of creating a safe place to learn and her love for her profession.

Kate Forsyth! I was so excited to hear what such an experienced author had to say about writing in these genres.

I thoroughly enjoyed Kate's teaching style, her warm and approachable delivery, and her beautiful slide decks.

I felt as though I was part of a community of engaged and knowledgeable learners. I absolutely loved this course.

I now have a deeper understanding of how writers approach writing and storytelling in different genres, and I am already able to look at a text and identify various techniques. I also now have a beautiful set of additional books to read courtesy of Kate's recommendations.

If you are ready to take the next step on your writing journey, this is the course for you. A key thing you'll learn is how different genres approach key aspects of a story. You'll also workshop extracts from published books, and explore how successful authors harness these features. The best part though is that you will be taught by an absolutely amazing industry leader who will delight you with their insight and experience!

I just wanted to thank both the AWC and Kate Forsyth. This course was so enjoyable. In terms of the technology, everything worked the way it should - the course page was accessible, and the Zoom links worked with no glitches or oddities. The student cohort were lovely, and are a tribute to the AWC and your ability to attract such engaged and interesting people to the courses. Most of all though, I wanted to thank Kate, who was just amazing. She was so warm and welcoming, her slide decks were both informative and beautiful, and her delivery was fantastic. Oh, and I have so many new books on my reading lists courtesy of Kate's analyses and recommendations! Everything was just brilliant!

Kate is passionate, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. I absolutely loved each session.

I enjoyed the analysis/deconstruction of various texts that showed the underlying writing process, and how punctuation and word use create various aspects of a text.

I have run writing workshops for over twenty years and am also an avid writing course attender; Kate is excellent.

I had heard Kate Forsyth interviewed on ABC Conversations with Richard Fidler. I was fascinated when I heard she had a doctorate in fairy tales. I have read two of her books, Bitter Greens and Beauty in Thorns. She was so inspirational in the interview, I wanted to experience her Zoom talks and pick up some writing tips.

Kate was a very warm and friendly person. Kate loves her work; she loves writing and teaching others how to write. This is refreshing. She doesn't mind sharing her knowledge and is very encouraging to aspiring writers.

I enjoyed Kate's enthusiasm for her work and fresh approach to teaching her Zoom class. We looked at the different genres of history, mystery and magic writing skills. Kate gave us tips on reading better. We all have a big list of books we want to read.

I would love to be as organised and brilliant as Kate Forsyth and a successful published author. Meanwhile, I write for pleasure and enjoy improving my writing skills by doing a few AWC courses and being in a writer's group.

I have already recommended the AWC to many friends. There are a wide range of courses to choose. My favourite one was MOJO course in MAY 2021. That opened up so many sensory challenges.

Thoroughly enjoyed the course and will read more of Kate Forsyth's books and follow her suggestions of other writers to read.

The course far exceeded my expectations - combining insight into genre with a particular area of writing technique was a fantastic way to go. And there were so many useful insights.

Kate really, really knows her stuff - she understands writing and the use of language at an incredibly deep level.

I'm shaping a new series and it's absolutely given me the tools to forge ahead confidently.

The course I did was absolutely worthwhile and there is so much amazing stuff on offer.

I really enjoyed each lesson. Kate was very engaging and enjoyed our feedback and questions. She was always keen to answer our questions and give in-depth answers.

I loved all the different literary examples that Kate used in each chapter, which has now been added to my "to read" pile. Has spurred me on to focus on a historical saga that I've had floating around in my head.

I love attending all the courses at AWC and find the content engaging and informative and the teachers are also engaging and encourage us to pursue our dreams.

I enjoyed this course with Kate immensely.

I am writing a middle-grade adventure fantasy book that has elements of mythology and history. I was confused as to how to blend all those different aspects in my novel. I also had concerns about cultural appropriation.

Truth be told, I didn't know much about Kate Forsyth before the course started. It was a busy period in my life and I didn't do proper research on her. I turned up for the first online class and only moments later I was enchanted. No, really! I was in the captivity of Kate's melodic voice, honeyed words, and most importantly, the distilled, concentrated wisdom of an experienced writer she was pouring out so generously for us.

The course is about knowing different genres, but it goes much deeper and far beyond that. If I have to describe the course to friends, I would say the course teaches you the most intimate aspects of what it is to be a writer, it touches on the surprising ways writers use words and structure to evoke emotions, to captivate and delight.

And let me tell you, I have a new favourite author and you may guess who that is. Not only has Kate mastered her craft, but she is also incredibly professional and hard working. It opened my eyes to what it means to be a writer. I strongly recommend this course to anyone interested in creative writing, at any stage of their writing journey.

I really have no words left to describe how wonderful and giving Kate is. She went overtime every class, just making sure all questions were answered and everything was clear. She never gave a rushed answer. Every time she took a question, she examined it deeply and thoroughly.

It goes far beyond describing the features of different genres. It really touches on the essentials of creative writing in general. It is an eye-opening course, on many levels. And it is beautifully, beautifully presented.

Now I know what it actually takes to be a writer, the time and effort required to develop the craft. I have started using many of the techniques Kate has taught us in my writing and it has made a big difference.