What’s it like to learn with AWC?

I really wanted to access a distilled essence of short story composition and this course absolutely delivered.

I enjoyed the handouts, the explanations and the reading lists. I'm reading some incredible short stories now making me realise how much I've got to learn!

I now have a dot point list of essential criteria on my wall where I write in which I measure what I've written against it.

If you want your writing to improve, enrol in one of the courses and soak it in.

Pamela Cook was a brilliant tutor. I had her for Creative Writing Stage 1 as well, and she does a great job with her feedback, pointing out areas to improve and how we can move forward. I learnt so much through listening to her feedback given to other writers in the group too. She was very giving of her time, answering additional questions we had. Also shared her insights on the publishing industry at the final wrap event which was very useful. She was also fantastic at instilling confidence in me as a writer, to the point where I feel like I can tell people I'm a writer, I'm working on a novel!

It has greatly improved my writing skills, my understanding of novels, characters, POV, setting, plot and so much more. Most importantly, it has built my belief in myself as a writer. I know it's still a tough road and getting published isn't easy, but I'm going to give it my best crack, as I now have belief in my work that I didn't have before.

The courses at Australian Writers' Centre have been instrumental in developing my skills, knowledge and self-belief as a writer. I've completed quite a few, Novel Writing Essentials being the latest one. It has propelled me forward with confidence, and I now have 65,000 words down for my first novel. I've written for years - probably the last decade - but doing these courses has put me on the right track in terms of learning about structure, plot, character, dialogue, setting, POV (just to name a few). I couldn't be more proud and am very grateful for AWC and the tutors. If you're thinking about starting a course - don't hesitate. You will not regret it!

I love writing and want to make it into my profession, but needed clarity on how. I hoped for this course to give me the knowledge needed to take the step.

The modules were so great and I liked having assignments with a deadline to make sure the content was put into practice.

I feel more confident and less clueless, even if it still is very much uncharted water for me. It gave me tools and momentum which I am working hard to make the most of.

If you want to start writing feature articles and have the chance of being published, without any previous experience, this is a great starting point.

Tim is a really easy person to listen to. Great presentations.

It has made me think about humour in a completely different way. It was freeing to realize I could add humour later and not stress about making something hilarious in the rough draft.

I have recommended AWC to friends and colleagues. It is simple to access and well set out. The courses I have done have been of an excellent standard.

Kate was fantastic - she presented her points clearly and had great a great slide presentation. She was generous in her sharing and open to students' questions.

I learned a lot - couldn't be happier with the course. It lent itself to online learning.

It's helping me to see where my work in progress should have its plot points. The examples from existing stories helped bring this to life.

Thanks to Kate for making the course interesting, comprehensive and visually luscious!

I did History, Mystery and Magic with Kate Forsyth and I just had to have another course with her.

For us beginner writers, writing a book is such an all-consuming task that we forget the end goal - write a book that is publishable. What I realised from Kate is that the publishing industry has some expectations and norms. More importantly, readers have expectations and that’s when planning and plotting become so crucial. I hate even the prospect of planning my book. However, I know I need it. And Kate broke it down into steps and made it less daunting and more like following a recipe book.

There are many beautiful words that can be written to describe Kate and her teaching. However, you really need to experience one of her courses to understand that Kate shares wisdom and knowledge that goes beyond words and therefore resists description. Some unspoken magic happens at her classes that transforms you into a different writer.

Kate is very engaging and helpful. Excellent that she provides detailed notes and slides. Slides help 'visual learners', good teaching practice.

Kate seems to relate in an 'intimate' way despite the large number of participants and via zoom.

I also work as a workshop presenter, mentor editor, and found it great to listen to others. I am unlikely to do much more of this work (nearly 81) but I finish a Master of History at the end of the year (researching the period I hope to write about) so hoping this will get me going again with my own writing.

Bernadette is a great teacher with an obvious deep knowledge of copywriting.

The assignments/writing exercises were the best part of the course - a chance to apply the skills.

I'm now aware of what's needed in copywriting as opposed to the news writing I've done throughout my career - they are quite different.

This course has given me structure to learn how to write articles and an introduction into the freelance and journalism industry.

It is a great way to get a clear idea of the freelance industry and journalism. It also provides you with vital article writing skills in a clear and understandable way.

The presenter was engaging and very easy to understand. The tutor who I received specific feedback from was very useful with constructive and positive feedback.

I enjoyed the depth and specifics of the course. It gave me the structure and details to put me on the right track to what is expected by publishers. It also gave me insight as to the structure of these books which I have read hundreds of but hadn't realized certain things.

There was just so much more to structure than I thought there was. I actually know what a structure is now and have a better understanding of tension and the like.

I'd written a children's middle-grade novel but knew it was lacking. I browsed your courses and decided Fiction Essentials: Scenes was just what I needed. I had given some thought to scenes in my story but didn't realise their importance. I'd always tended to think in chapters, ending with a question or a twist etc. Emphasis on scenes was something required for stage and screen plays, or so I thought. Now I understand how important they are.

The course has made a huge difference to the standard of my writing.

I found writing scene by scene was satisfying and rewarding. Previously I'd thought and written in chapters which take much longer. Writing a novel can be overwhelming for an inexperienced author. Doing it scene by scene (step by step) is like scratching a lottery ticket: you know instantly whether you're going to be rewarded or not. If rewarded, you go on to the next scene happily. If not, you rework it.

I found this course full of meaty information. It is exactly what I needed to improve my novel. I actually find writing more interesting and exciting now that I have an understanding of scenes. At the same time, I have a greater awareness of the work an author has to put into a novel.

AWC offers some great courses for aspiring writers and also experienced writers. There is always more to learn about writing, for example, writing in different genres and keeping up to date with publishing requirements.

This course is so comprehensive. I love it! Alex has a lot of knowledge, great feedback and she is very encouraging.

I feel much more confident when I write because I feel that I actually know what I'm doing now. I use my new skills in everything I write and really take the time for it until I feel it's perfect.

Thank you so much for this opportunity!

Go for it! Highly recommended.

Very detailed and useful feedback. Really gets your mind thinking and challenges you. I enjoyed hearing how everyone else approached their story writing.

It is always daunting studying again. You always want it to be perfect. For me it was a great way to overcome my fears of learning and that has inspired me to keep going and keep learning.

A great way to learn and expand your writing knowledge either at your own pace or within a set course. The presenters were excellent and the care taken on feedback really shows their keen interest to see each student get the best out of the course.

I was attracted to this course because I've found a love for artistic/creative writing and wanted to enhance my understanding/skills.

I really loved my online tutor! She was nice and gave me amazing advice.

I found receiving the feedback to be the most enjoyable - I loved hearing what I did well and also enjoyed being given the feedback to improve.

I did my research to confirm that it was Bernadette's course that I wanted to do in Copywriting, and after comparing her to the competitors, I was happy with what I'd learned about Bernadette, and keen to proceed in my learning journey with her.

The course contained the right amount of information and exercises, without being too overwhelming for me. I was also able to complete it in a timely manner so that I could start implementing the knowledge quickly. I'm keen to do the other courses in Copywriting now too, with the SEO, and the Business course as well.

Bernadette was brilliant. She kept the learning and tutoring on point, entertaining, and efficient.

The course had in it all that I could learn and apply, plus included some well-thought-of resources. Thank you very much for starting me in this career.

It's given me the confidence to go and do something I've been curious about (copywriting) for some time. I've always thought that being involved in the world of advertising would be fun and creative. Now I have something valuable to contribute to this field, and I'm excited to proceed.

During the tutorials I probably thought several times, as I listened to them, "I'm so glad I chose to go with Bernadette. She's really knowledgeable, fun, and kind." Really, it was the teacher and her encouragement that made me feel like, "I can do this." :D

Choose AWC, and learn from Bernadette. She and her courses are amazing! You'll learn heaps, and graduate, ready to fly.

Just a heartfelt thanks :D

The tutor provided great feedback. Didn't skip over anything that needed some constructive criticism and provided in-depth feedback wherever needed.

The additional handouts were very helpful and I enjoyed analysing articles both good and bad to see what worked and what didn't. I liked that Vivienne was able to provide insight into the freelance writing industry with the business side of things as well as the writing side of things.

Not coincidentally, I had my first paid submission to an online magazine. And luckily, through Vivienne's invoice examples, I was also able to quickly identify what to write up for my first invoice.

Do it. Vivienne provides very honest and helpful feedback and the way the course is run allows you to observe feedback from others as well --- which can be so helpful to quickly learn from others in a similar position to you, what they've done well and where they can improve. It's very professionally run and allows you to study at any time of the week.

Deb Fitzpatrick was my online tutor, and she did a wonderful job. I gained a lot of feedback and information!

I enjoyed the variety of learning experiences. Not only was every week teaching me something different, but there were different ways to learn. For example, audio lessons, exercises, downloads, and assignments.

Week Two of the program really made my mind spark. I learned about the punctuation of dialogue, and how to use it well. This has really helped develop my writing.

The Teenage Creative Writers' Program has helped me to learn more about my characters, settings and plot, as well as how to improve my writing skills.

Amanda was helpful and pointed out useful ways to improve my writing. I enjoyed meeting other writers and interacting online, along with reading everyone's work and receiving feedback.

The course has had a profound impact on my direction. Before beginning the course, I was trying to fit writing in alongside the rest of my life; now I am prepared to make it a priority and focus on my writing as my next direction in life.

Taking a course at AWC is inspiring and motivating, whatever direction you intend to go with writing.

Bernadette was fantastic at delivering tutorials that were super clear, engaging, and easy to follow. Her feedback was always very thorough and encouraging.

I really enjoyed completing the assignments and listening to the feedback, as I tend to learn the most while doing.

It's given me the confidence to pursue a career in copywriting.

100% do it, you won't regret it.

Just a big thanks to Bernadette!