This could be you | Australian Writers' Centre

How Felicity McVay reignited her creative passion to become a published picture book author

Sitting in darkness feeding her newborn daughter each night, Felicity McVay began to dream up the character of a boy who loves to burp. After taking two courses at the Australian Writers' Centre – Writing Picture Books and Creative Writing Stage 1 – Felicity is now a published author, with her picture book The Boy Who Burped released by New Holland Publishers. “I feel a great thrill when I tell people that I'm a writer,” Felicity says. “The courses at AWC gave me a sense of legitimacy.”

Petronella McGovern shortlisted for the 2020 Ned Kelly Crime Awards with her debut thriller ‘Six Minutes’

We're thrilled to share that AWC alumna Petronella McGovern has made the shortlist for the 2020 Ned Kelly Crime Awards for her thrilling debut novel Six Minutes. It's an incredible achievement as the awards attracted a large number of entries this year. Australian Crime Writers Association chair Robert Goodman said that the quantity and quality […]

Penelope Janu: Meet the lawyer who became a bestselling romance novelist

After more than 20 years as a solicitor and legal academic, Penelope Janu thought it was high time she finally followed her creative impulses. She completed a short course at the Australian Writers’ Centre (AWC), which gave her the confidence to pursue a creative writing degree – and led to her first novel, In at the Deep End, being accepted for publication. She has since gone on to publish several more popular romance novels.

AWC alumna shortlisted for Australia’s inaugural Matilda Children’s Literature Prize

Congratulations to AWC alumna Samera Kamaleddine (a graduate of our Creative Writing Stage 1 course), for being shortlisted in the inaugural Matilda Children’s Literature Prize. Launched in 2020, the mission of this prize is to discover Australia’s next great voice in children’s literature. Samera was shortlisted from nearly 300 entries! A huge feat. From the […]

AWC alumnae shortlisted for the 2020 Davitt Awards for best crime books

AWC alumnae shortlisted for the 2020 Davitt Awards for best crime books Congratulations to AWC alumnae Astrid Scholte and Petronella McGovern who have been shortlisted for the Davitt Awards 2020! Astrid Scholte made the list with her debut YA novel Four Dead Queens and Petronella McGovern with her debut thriller novel Six Minutes. According to […]

Tania Blanchard: From physiotherapist to full-time fiction author

A debut historical novel kicking off a two-book deal with a major publisher seems a million miles from life as a lapsed physiotherapist and stay-at-home mum. But that’s exactly the journey that Tania Blanchard has undergone over the past few years.

How Jo Jukes created a successful side-hustle as a travel writer

Jo Jukes had always wanted to be a writer, but had no idea where to start before the Australian Writers’ Centre’s courses gave her the guidance she needed to become a successful freelance travel writer.

AWC presenter and alumnae longlisted for the 2020 Davitt Awards 2020

Sisters in Crime recently announced their 20th Davitt Awards and we’re thrilled that so many familiar names are featured on the long list! Our amazing alumnae Sarah Bailey (Where the Dead Go, Allen & Unwin), Sandie Docker (The Cottage at Rosella Cove, Penguin Random House Australia) and Petronella McGovern (Six Minutes, Allen & Unwin) are […]

Charlotte Barkla rediscovers her dream to become a successful author

Engineer-turned-maths teacher Charlotte Barkla never imagined she’d become a published writer – but three children’s books later, she’s thrilled to have rediscovered her passion.

Australian Writers’ Centre alumnae shortlisted for 2020 Text Prize

The shortlist for the 2020 Text Prize has been announced – and we’re delighted to see two Australian Writers’ Centre alumnae among them! Miranda Luby, who completed our How to Write for Children and Young Adults course, and Lauren Draper, who has taken a creative writing course, have both been shortlisted for the 2020 $10,000 […]