What’s it like to learn with AWC?

For a little while I have had an idea for a book but didn't know where to start. I was attracted to this course by how it was set up to be a "stage 1" course that offered the "nuts and bolts" of writing in so many areas... characterisation, scene, plot etc so felt it would be the perfect starting point.

I was a little hesitant about how the workshopping would work but throughout the course found it less scary than I thought and extremely helpful.

Nicole was an incredible online tutor. Her feedback each week was so specific, detailed and helpful and you really felt supported with each assessment.

I enjoyed getting to focus on new topics each week and getting to try new ways of writing with each assessment.

It has really motivated me to pursue my passion for writing and has given me the tools needed to start my novel!

This has been my second course I have now done at the Australian Writers’ Centre and have had my expectations exceeded both times.

Kate was brilliant. She was so enthusiastic in her lessons and gave us the same zest for learning about each genre and how to best navigate them.

I enjoyed the ability to look back at Zoom sessions and make sure I've written down all of the incredible nuggets of information Kate gave us.

Don't hesitate to do this course, because if you're a writer of any genre you will learn something from Kate. She's a master of storytelling.

The course is comprehensive and extremely well-designed, with a focus on technique and craft. It was exactly what I have been looking for.

The lessons were very enjoyable and informative. I found myself looking forward to my next session. It gave me the tools to craft better stories and to feel more confident in my ability.

If you're after an accessible, craft-based course this is it, whether you're a hobbyist or aspiring to a writing career.

It had been a very long time since I'd done any creative writing, but a few characters had begun to show up in my imagination, and I knew I needed some help to get started writing a story.

Margaret was incredibly encouraging. All her feedback was constructive, and provided with kindness and enthusiasm.

I enjoyed discovering that I could actually write creatively, and that I really enjoyed it. It really encouraged me to keep writing and see where it leads.

I was surprised at how much content was packed into such a short course, and how practically useful it was. The assignments were very achievable (while still providing a challenge) and provided immediate opportunity to apply the information from the lessons. I would highly recommend Creative Writing Stage One to anyone starting out on this writing journey.

I'd just completed the Creative Writing Stage One course and I thought the Bootcamp would be a good way to help me keep getting words down on the page.

I enjoyed the daily encouragement, and the challenges to try different things.

I now have over 12,000 words that didn't exist a couple of months ago, and the beginning of a story that I want to keep writing. I've always been drawn to writing, but I didn't expect to enjoy the process of world building and writing fiction as much as I am.

I really appreciate the flexibility and variety of the AWC. As I'm based in SA, I especially appreciate the broad range of online courses available.

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.

I had just completed Creative Writing Stage 1 and wanted to bridge the gaps in my knowledge with Novel Writing Essentials before applying for Write Your Novel.

I worried that perhaps it would just recap what CWS1 covered, but it really didn't. It took everything I learned in CWS1 and built upon it, enhanced that knowledge, and developed it further.

I loved working with Bronwyn. She was so encouraging and her feedback on everyone's work was insightful and right on-point. She always pinpointed the places I'd struggled with in a scene and gave me some wonderful suggestions for fixes!

I really enjoyed getting to know my classmates and seeing their work evolve. I've found quite a few folks I'm hoping to workshop with more in the future!

I'd recommend (and do!) the AWC to my writing friends. The courses are rich with information, and even after having spent ten years "teaching myself" how to write, these course have filled in a lot of gaps in my understanding of how fiction works. I am, without a doubt, a better writer today than I was a year ago, and I wish I'd come to these classes earlier!

This course has given me an extra boost of confidence in regards to copywriting as I can now include the SEO factor into my pitch for clients which is a huge plus.

I enjoy Bernadette’s courses. She is a great presenter and the content is all relevant and easy to understand. The feedback for the assignments is always very thorough and worth listening to comments on other people’s work as there are interesting points made and it’s good to see what other people are doing.

I got my first client during this course by being able to explain SEO and its importance to a new business. During the course I was speaking to someone who is starting a business and we were chatting about their website and reach into the market. I wasn't pitching but before I knew it, I ended up with a copywriting job for a new business in my industry with people I never really imagined I would be working with.

I love writing, and while it has always been a part of my jobs, I've never given it the focus I'd like it to have. I wanted a recognised, online course that was straight-to-the-point about how to get started with freelance writing. This was perfect!

I wondered what the commitment would be - time wise, and for the assignments. The way it's structured, it really makes you WANT to give everything a go. Everything was presented so well, and the assignments are simply a great opportunity to apply learnings, rather than being daunting.

I have loved every minute of this course!
I loved the podcast resources.
I loved the assignments.
I loved the feedback from Alex.
I loved the flexibility - it was easy to fit into my life.

Alex is so knowledgeable. She was supportive and encouraging, but specific with her feedback. I loved the podcast feedback she posted - it was great going through each of my classmate's work, as well as my own. Shared learnings!

I feel empowered to make a career in writing. I love the idea of applying my writing skills to areas that interest me - the 'interest me' bit is really exciting! I've done lots of copywriting for companies / businesses in the past, but I feel like I now have the templates and tips to approach editors and write feature articles in the right way, removing some of the imposter syndrome I've always felt.

Before I enrolled in this course, I'd been thinking I may need to go back to Uni and do a writing or journalism course. This course was less time intensive, lower cost and very practical - but would it actually deliver? I had listened to many of the AWC podcasts, which I love, so it seemed like a logical step forward. I am SO grateful that I took the step and enrolled. I have loved every minute and can't wait to get started on another one!

Don't hesitate! The AWC courses are practical and informative, challenging and empowering. AWC connects you with fellow writers who are on the same path as you. The support is amazing. Enrol today!

Zanni's feedback was warm but critical. It was not condescending and did not come across like Zanni was a 'know-it-all'. Her feedback was very insightful and you can tell she has broad knowledge in how to write picture books

I feel I have a better technique for the structure of my picture books and making them more focused on the theme and main emotion.

AWC writing courses, and particularly this one, have a very strong reputation. I was missing something in my picture book education, and I turned here because I knew the course was written and delivered by Australian professionals who knew their stuff. It did not disappoint!

The price is higher than some other courses, and it kept me away for a while, but I knew it would be worth the cost and it was. The feedback we got from Zanni was amazing and made the price 100% worth it.

I have been writing picture books for a number of years, have taken a zillion courses and even won a couple of competitions. But this course was still for me!!! I learnt so much!

Zanni is professional and caring. She gives her honest opinion but she has critiquing mastered because she does it gently and with care. The video format for feedback was amazing. Best way to receive feedback on writing!

It really is the combination of everything coming together. The audio is bite sized and entertaining (thank you Val!). The handouts are comprehensive and easy to follow. The assignments are challenging but achievable. And the weekly feedback is unique and so, so helpful. It helps take you from doing okay, to really understanding where you need to focus your attention.

I was missing something before, or maybe it was that I had all the information but it hadn't sunk in the way it should have. This course changed it all. Picture books are still challenging (and so they should be), but I feel like I have a rock solid foundation and clear roadmap to tackling every picture book draft. I've never felt this prepared before.

It was a brilliant course and I loved every second of it! Huge thank you to Zanni for her generous and detailed feedback. It pushed us all to new heights, which is exactly what you want in a critique.

Want to know how to write better? This is the place you need to go. They know their stuff, and they'll tell you EVERYTHING!

Lesley has a lovely manner. She explains things clearly and is professionally presented. The videos were nicely produced.

The advice was good. Exercises were practical and they really helped you to understand the requirements of that age group.

I felt like it has honed my skills and really helped me to think about short sentences and the type of action that is needed to keep children in this age group interested in reading a book.

I also liked what Lesley said about finishing stories. If you don't finish a story, you will get good at beginnings and maybe middles but not endings. That hit home because I am good at beginnings but struggle with middles.

Thank you for putting together this course. I enjoyed it. Thank you for having the opportunity to send a short piece of writing to Lesley for assessment. That is a great opportunity.

It is useful, relevant, helpful. Not too long a course, and not too short. Well worth the money.

I have been wanting to learn how to write better picture books. The Australian Writer's Centre felt professional to me so I decided to give it a go.

I was mainly wondering if the content was going to be as helpful as I hoped - and it was. It has been wonderful to have not only the actual learning in the form of handouts and audio, but the feedback in real time was incredibly supportive and helpful.

I have really appreciated Zanni's feedback. Her non-judgement has been very supportive. There has been no comparing to another's work either - again very supportive and encouraging.

It has been so inspiring and motivating to have the weekly assignments which kept me going. Life gets very busy some times and there were weeks that I thought 'perhaps it doesn't matter if I don't submit it on time’ (knowing it wouldn't be marked), but I pushed through because the feedback has been invaluable to receive.

I now understand much more about rhythm and so much more. I feel even more inspired to keep writing.

I would say that The Australian Writer's Centre present professional, comprehensive and applicable courses. You will learn a lot, from the actual lessons as well as through the sharings of other students and they will inspire you to keep going with your writing.

Simply thank you.

I liked the systematic approach to creating a novel and all ideas that came with it. It is a very generous course.

I am very grateful for Stephen's thorough response to my writing. Everything he suggested made perfect sense.

I really liked how it put me into "writer" mode, even though I have never considered myself a writer. Very helpful and encouraging.

I never even considered writing a novel - I'm probably more interested in writing short stories - but Stephen's advice and encouragement has planted the seed. Who knows?

I really enjoyed the experience. Thank you, Stephen.

I enjoyed having to think and use my brain to come up with the best writing I could. Some weeks this seemed impossible and I felt despairing, but the more I wrote the easier it became.

Nicole was succinct and encouraging. I looked forward each week eagerly to what she had to say about my writing and the others in my course.

For a few years, a new year resolution was to 'do more with my writing'. I realized that it was coming up every year but I wasn't doing anything to make the resolution a reality. So I researched online for a course and found AWC which seemed doable. Once I started, I had to concentrate hard to shape my writing rather than just slap out words in a sloppy way. Now I feel encouraged and inspired to keep going with my writing and see where it goes.

The course is challenging in that you have to really think and focus your writing and try your hardest but it is worth the effort. The sense of personal satisfaction if someone 'gets' what you are trying to write about is heart-warming.

I really appreciate the fact that I can now revisit the lessons for an extended period. Some were quite dense and I look forward to reflecting on them.

I enjoyed receiving the feedback and found it to be insightful and considered. On several occasions I found that I had wondered about the same points in my work.

I have had a general idea for a story (historical fiction, I think) as a result of research and now feel I am ready to start thinking and planning more seriously. I had no idea where to begin before, or rather, how to write without an overload of exposition.

I would recommend the Australian Writers' Centre. The content is both instructive and challenging. The course allows a flexible approach for the participant. It is very welcoming and encouraging.

I really loved almost everything about this course! Even though I found it a challenge time-wise, I felt I was very 'into' the exercises and tasks. On one evening, I only had 2 more minutes to submit the assignment before the deadline!

Congratulations on the content in this Course - well written, great audios and assignments. The emphasis placed on motivating the students in the audios was really encouraging and I think would be helpful for a writer at any stage of their 'writing development'.

I am very grateful for the support, encouragement and learning. Thank you very much.

Go for it! You will discover more about yourself as a person, and about yourself in a process of engagement with text.

I enjoyed receiving guidance from someone with real experience. I feel like it removed some of the barriers in my mind that have prevented me from pitching.

The course is short and informative. A lot of information is packed into small videos that can be watched at once or spread out.

Carli was great. Her experience is evident and I enjoyed reading the articles she has had published.

Carli's tutelage and the group combined were all passionate and knowledgeable foodies!

I feel more confident about pitching my ideas and where to pitch to.

Carli was approachable, knowledgeable and helpful.

I enjoyed the relaxed but professional approach.

It's given me courage to go out there and write! A definite for all those seeking to move into food writing. Thank you! It was a wonderful 5 weeks!