Online Writing Courses

If you can read this webpage, then you have all you need to access our range of online courses at the Australian Writers’ Centre! We offer three kinds of online course: 

Online classroom  
These courses begin on a set date, with an online tutor and other classmates learning at the same time.

Online self-paced
These courses are ready to go ‘on demand’. You get instant access and can revisit the content for up to 12 months.

Online live
With these courses, you participate online from the comfort of your own home in a live Zoom video-based classroom. Your tutor and your classmates are right there with you in real time.

CREATIVE WRITING COURSES

Our popular course in storytelling and creativity

Discover the secrets to writing compelling fiction.

Develop characters, scenes, dialogue and more.

Learn the nuts and bolts of the art of writing.

Point your story in the right direction

Write the first 20,000 words of your novel.

Become a stronger writer with group workshopping.

Give your opening chapters the best possible start.

Group workshopping and motivation to help you complete your manuscript the smart way

Workshop your way to a completed draft.

Iron out structural flaws and master techniques.

Achieve your dream of writing a novel.

Write regularly. Frequent feedback. Specialised training. Great results.

Complete exercises to strengthen your writing muscles.

Receive tutor guidance on your fiction techniques.

Write, write and write!

Shape your story into its brilliant final form

Shape your story into its brilliant final form

Receive powerful editing techniques and guidance

Workshop your manuscript with experienced writers

Courses for kids and teens

Embark on a storytelling adventure!

Encourage your child's love of writing with this creative adventure.

Write a complete 800-word story.

Receive feedback from a bestselling author.

For budding authors

Discover the key skills for creating compelling stories.

Receive feedback and guidance from an award-winning author.

Learn creative techniques that can be easily applied at school.

Writing books for younger readers

Discover how to write for children of all ages.

Create memorable stories for the youngest of readers

Create magical stories for the youngest of readers.

Discover the themes that kids (and publishers) adore.

Explore your creativity in a supportive environment.

It’s time for your picture book to take flight

Learn how to structurally edit your manuscript.

Tighten your story's prose, patterning and rhythm.

Perfect your pitch before approaching publishers.

How to write middle grade books for 8 to 13 year olds

Learn the key elements of a novel for children

Create believable characters and dialogue

Find the right voice to suit your reader

How to write a young adult story that publishers will love

Understand the YA readership and characters.

Develop your unique voice and story structure.

Get up-to-date with the current state of YA publishing.

Inspire a new generation of readers...

Discover how to create your own book series.

Understand the story themes that resonate.

Uncover the tricks to keep young readers hooked.

Crafting funny stories for kids

Learn how to craft funny stories for kids.

Develop your own brand of humour.

Receive feedback from a bestselling author.

Fiction Techniques

Enhance your skills with specific literary techniques
Share your unique story with the world

Discover the power of writing about your own life.

Learn a framework to help you tell engaging stories.

Understand how your stories can help others.

How to make your readers fall in love with your novel

Learn to write a romance novel readers will love.

Develop your ideas to suit the romance market.

Gain clarity on the best publishing route to take.

Guide your readers through a long-lost world…

Develop your research skills and methods.

Create believable and historically accurate characters.

Learn how to craft a captivating story set in the past.

With personalised feedback

Learn the secrets of compelling short fiction.

Create a gripping narrative with great pace.

Receive a personalised assessment on your 2500-word story!

An adventure through the craft of fantasy storytelling

Master the art of building intricate, living fantasy worlds.

Design unique and logical magic systems that add depth and intrigue to your storytelling.

Learn the secrets of plotting adventures that intertwine epic quests with deeply personal character journeys.

Create fresh and compelling stories by mastering the key conventions of the world’s most loved genres

Learn how to write a successful cross-genre story.

Explore unique narrative patterns and structures.

Stir your readers' imagination with vivid storytelling.

Twists, turns and writing on the edge of your seat

Increase your narrative tension and suspense.

Create intriguing characters that hook your reader.

Learn the essentials of this insanely popular genre.

Writing a novel without a plan is like going on a journey without a map. Discover how to stay on track with Kate Forsyth.

Discover the 7 basic plots you need to know.

Turn a story idea into a well-structured plan.

Create a plot that keeps readers engrossed.

Craft compelling true stories that resonate with readers

Learn how to write page-turning true stories.

Master the art of creative non-fiction techniques.

Discover your unique and distinctive narrative voice.

Candice Fox bring death to life with killer techniques and real cases

Tips from #1 NY Times bestselling author Candice Fox.

Delve into the grisly side of fiction.

Bring your scenes to life with authentic crime details.

Create compelling and memorable characters your readers will love

Engage readers through your cast of characters.

Use character development to create narrative tension.

Complete exercises to cement your new skills.

Learn the secrets to crafting compelling conversations

Discover how to write compelling conversations.

Learn how to use dialogue to drive your story forward.

Complete exercises to ensure your dialogue is authentic.

Master what you need to know to create a professional manuscript

Master the art of punctuating dialogue correctly.

Know how to avoid common formatting and style mistakes.

Complete exercises and quizzes to reinforce your skills.

Master this vital skill in fiction writing

Master this vital skill in fiction writing.

Gain techniques to strengthen your narrative voice.

Complete exercises to solidify your storytelling.

Build a stronger, more satisfying story for your readers...

Dramatically improve the framework of your stories.

Develop techniques for effective pace and tension.

Discover practical methods to achieve a strong narrative arc.

Write vivid, gripping scenes that build your story and engage your reader

Construct scenes that flow seamlessly through your story.

Craft vivid settings that evoke deep emotion.

Discover how to edit your scenes for maximum impact.

How to edit your own stories

Gain editing skills that will improve your story.

Easily identify plot holes and structural issues.

Polish your manuscript into a publishable piece of work.

How to write a compelling opening that will make publishers want to read to the end

Learn what makes a perfect opening.

Understand what publishers want in an opening.

Set up story questions for your reader.

How to avoid the saggy middle and write a page-turning story

Learn how to add structure and shape to the middle of your story.

Understand the midpoint and the midpoint reversal.

Learn techniques to help you through the two-thirds point.

How to leave your reader both satisfied and wanting MORE

How to satisfy your reader and leave them wanting more.

Learn the elements required for a story's climax.

Live Zoom seminar with Pamela Freeman.

How to maximise the golden rule of fiction

How to tame this technique and enhance your writing.

Learn how to streamline your storytelling.

Understand when to SHOW and when to TELL for maximum effect.

Maintain the interest and engagement of your reader

What genre requirements there are for pace?

How pace needs to change over the course of a story.

How to control pace both within scenes and over the whole story.

Make your writing sparkle

Develop a style which engages readers with your characters and encourages them to read on.

Learn how to ensure that style and tone work together to create the ‘feel’ of your book.

Learn a new way to think about putting characters on the page.

How sensory storytelling can bring your characters and story to life

Deepen your characterisations.

Bring settings to life.

Show the real effect of plot events.

How to make your story world come alive

Enhance your writing with a vivid story world.

Develop essential skills to create your story world, your way.

Approaches to creating your world – research, play, plot.

How to create a complex, intricate, compelling narrative

Shape and enrich your main narrative.

Iron out your main characters and secondary characters.

Discover different facets of your major theme.

How to pack a narrative punch by creating primary players with page-turning powers

Learn how to create such compelling and complex characters.

Understand why the character journey matters.

Learn how to make your characters believable.

Create interesting and layered stories

Understand how to choose your point of view characters.

Explore how to best use dual timelines.

Discover ways of creating distinct voices for each point of view.

How to create an antagonist readers can’t resist

Learn about the pitfalls in creating your antagonist.

Discover tips and techniques for creating the right kind of villain for your sub-genre.

Discover how relationships between protagonist and antagonist can fuel the story.

How to weave the past and the present to create a great story

Learn to use dual timelines instead of flashbacks and memories.

Discover tips and tricks for writing dual timelines.

Find the right point of view for your timelines.

How writing scenes from your character’s past can bring your story to life

Learn when you should use memories or flashbacks.

Discover how to transition between the past and the present.

Understand the difference between writing a memory and a flashback.

How to write action scenes that zing with excitement

Learn how to make each movement and plot event clear for the reader.

Discover the key to raising narrative tension with each sentence.

Understand how to speed up the pace of the story.

Craft your chapters so that readers can’t put your book down!

Discover how to keep readers are engaged from the first word of each chapter.

Explore how to ensure chapter lengths and content match the overall story arc

Learn how to make the end of each chapter prod the reader into reading the next one

Improve your book’s chances of success

  • Discover how you find out what style is right for your book
  • Explore how genre affects both point of view and style
  • Learn how you can control style in large and small ways

Publishing

Everything you need to know about getting your work published.

What you need to know to get your book deal

Discover the nuts and bolts of publishing.

Maximise your chances of getting a book deal.

Gain the insider knowledge you need for author success.

Maximise your author earnings and impact by tapping into the booming audiobook market

Be confident about the right audiobook options to choose as an author.

Add an additional revenue stream to your income as a writer.

Develop a clear plan for production of your audiobook.

Get found online, connect with your readers and sell more books

Discover what every author website needs.

Learn how to showcase your writing.

Create a blueprint for your author platform.

Your first step to success as an indie author

Ideal for authors who want a global readership.

Discover the critical elements of a professional ebook.

Learn the exact steps to sell internationally on Kindle.

Because we DO judge a book by its cover

Discover the 5 steps to a winning cover.

Learn the book cover rules for your genre.

Attract readers with the right fonts and imagery.

Writers’ Toolkit

Add extra knowledge, industry insights and motivation.

Find your voice and tell your story with Kate Forsyth

Find and sustain your creative inspiration.

Become empowered to write freely in your own voice.

Learn from bestselling author Kate Forsyth.

How to entertain a live audience of children with your stories

Discover how to engage a live audience of young readers.

Enhance your career with paid talks and school visits.

Learn to adapt your presentations to suit different age groups.

Get found online, connect with your readers and sell more books

Discover what every author website needs.

Learn how to showcase your writing.

Create a blueprint for your author platform.

Organise your manuscript and write more efficiently

Master Scrivener 3 – the must-have tool for authors.

Transform the way you research and write.

Discover author Natasha Lester's secrets to Scrivener success.

Don’t have time to write? We’ll show you where it’s hiding...

Features the popular Creative Writing 30-day Bootcamp!

Get strategies to fight procrastination.

A step-by-step guide for creating a writing routine.

Be inspired with your own daily dose of creative momentum!

Create a daily writing routine.

Strengthen your creative muscles through regular use.

Smash out 10,000 words in just one month.

Your motivational guide to getting started as a writer

Learn how to become a writer with this motivational program.

Access tips, advice and strategies from successful writers.

Your step-by-step guide to change your life.

FREELANCE WRITING COURSES

Transform yourself into a freelance writer!

Industry advice on writing for publications.

Techniques on structure, research, interviewing.

Find and pitch story ideas with confidence.

Exclusive mentoring with Valerie Khoo and advanced skills to improve your freelancing success!

Further real-world mentoring.

Direct access to expert feedback/advice.

Sharpen your skills, fast-track success.

Freelance writing – extra skills

Hone your techniques and explore an area of interest.

Have your opinion published in print and online

Learn how to craft opinion pieces for publications

Communicate your passion with a wider audience.

Receive personalised feedback on your writing.

Learn the art of sizzling sentences and delicious description

Learn how to break into the industry.

How to write delicious reviews and recipes.

Combine your love of food and writing.

Bring a world of destinations to life

Write engaging travel content.

Tips on itineraries, photography, freebies.

Turn any place into a paid story.

Learn the secrets to telling other people’s stories

Write compelling human stories.

Learn pacing, structure and style.

Valuable insights from a top profiler.

A step-by-step guide to writing powerful content quickly

Create compelling content quickly.

Showcase specific expertise.

Engage readers with easy templates.

Working from home as a freelance writer? Here’s how to work smarter.

Turn your feature writing into a business.

Tips on invoicing, tax and more.

How to be effective in quoting for jobs.

Copywriting

Learn the foundation skills to get started as a copywriter.

Learn how to write words that sell – and get paid to be creative

Write headlines and words that sell.

Take creative briefs and do research.

Earn money immediately from clients.

Copywriting – extra skills

Increase your copywriting services and knowledge.

How to write copy that Google loves!

Write copy that Google loves.

Tips on making your words smarter.

Charge more as an expert.

Because becoming a copywriter is about more than words...

Strategies for getting more clients.

How to fill your portfolio fast.

Position yourself as a specialist.

For copywriters. Creating wealth from words.™

Receive exclusive tutorials, training and templates.

Meet like-minded people and expand your network.

Enjoy monthly motivation and a copywriting coach.

Unlock the art of creating compelling property listings

Unlock a reliable revenue stream.

Tips and templates on getting started.

Earn course cost back in just one job.

Learn how to create and write effective email marketing campaigns that get results

Write high performing emails and newsletters that get results.

Learn the digital marketing fundamentals that underpin a successful email campaign.

Gain the skills to promote yourself as an expert email copywriter.

BUSINESS WRITING COURSES

Master the art of clear and professional business writing.

Your powerful workshop in professional communication

Understand ‘plain English’ principles to improve readability.

Discover common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Get templates to improve your reports, proposals, emails and proofing.

Your easy-to-use framework for editing with confidence – every time

How to edit business documents with ease.

Essential rules for punctuation, bullet lists and more.

Industry proofreading symbols and style guides.

Learn the art of UX Writing for website and app users

Create seamless online user experiences.

Best practice app and web techniques.

Convert more customers and drive sales.

Transform your emails, reports and documents efficiently and ethically

Become familiar and confident with the language and terminology of generative AI.

Learn to craft prompts like a pro with a choice of frameworks and templates.

Streamline your writing workflow and increase productivity.

Save time, communicate clearly and write with confidence

Learn the 11 golden rules of business writing.

Explore the business writing DOs and DON’Ts.

Work smarter with practical tips and exercises.

Get the right publicity and build your brand

Learn to correctly structure releases.

Understand the key points to deliver.

Tips on maximising exposure and hit-rate.

Share your knowledge and grow your brand

A blueprint for building your own book.

How to position yourself as an expert.

The ideal way to use your book in your marketing.

Your guide to publishing your own print and ebooks

A self-publishing framework for non-fiction writers.

Demystify the current self-publishing landscape.

Get professional guidance on book layout and design.

Team Training

Group training in your workplace or in our online Zoom classroom.

Your powerful workshop in professional communication

Understand ‘plain English’ principles to improve readability.

Discover common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Get templates to improve your reports, proposals, emails and proofing.

Your easy-to-use framework for editing with confidence – every time

How to edit business documents with ease.

Essential rules for punctuation, bullet lists and more.

Industry proofreading symbols and style guides.

Learn the art of UX Writing for website and app users

Create seamless online user experiences.

Best practice app and web techniques.

Convert more customers and drive sales.