Australian Writers' Centre blog

Reading books at home with your school-aged kids

Reading aloud with your kids is one of life's most precious moments. It's a special time to connect with your children or grandchildren, nieces, nephews and neighbours. There's nothing like sitting down together to share storytime. If it's been a while since you last had the... read more

WIN ‘Ribbit Rabbit Robot’ by Victoria Mackinlay

“This lamp is enchanted and I am the genie… I'll grant all your wishes but DON'T be a meanie ...” This week, you have the chance to win a wonderful new picture book from AWC alumna Victoria Mackinlay. The book is Ribbit Rabbit Robot – illustrated by Sofya Karmazina. Victoria... read more

Q&A: Restaurateur vs restaurantuer

Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its rules, regulations and ridiculousness. It’s a celebration of language, masquerading as a passive-aggressive whinge about words and weirdness. This week, we’re restau... read more

9 Manuscript Awards to enter in 2020

We hope you’ve stocked up on paper – printing paper that is – because it is time to get those manuscripts ready for submission. We’ve collated a list of 2020 manuscript awards for writers like yourself to enter and share your stories.  Is your manuscript still a work-in-progress... read more

COMP CLOSED: ‘The Love that Remains’ by Susan Francis

“How could I write about the importance of truth and not tell the whole truth myself?” This week’s book giveaway is a memoir from Australian author and AWC alumna Susan Francis. Titled The Love That Remains, it’s an extraordinary tale about secrets, life’s shocking twists and unconditional... read more

Q&A: The origin of “news”

Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its rules, regulations and ridiculousness. It’s a celebration of language, masquerading as a passive-aggressive whinge about words and weirdness. This week, we’re bringing... read more

Furious Fiction March 2020 winner and shortlist

It’s been quite a month for the planet, but Furious Fiction judging stops for no pandemic (although each entry did have to be judged two metres apart). It’s hard to believe it was only two and a half weeks ago (feels much longer, right?) that we received a... read more

10 online courses you can complete in two weeks

Craving a creative outlet right now? We hear you. The good news is it’s easier than ever to engage your mind and fast-track your learning from the comfort of your own home. If you’re feeling inspired to focus on your writing right now – or just seeking a... read more

Ask Me Anything with Valerie Khoo

Each month, members of the Freelance Writing Masterclass Program can join an “Ask Me Anything” session with Valerie Khoo, journalist, editor, and CEO of the Australian Writers' Centre. Participants have access to Valerie's amazing wealth of knowledge, as they can literally ask her anything to do with the art... read more

COMP CLOSED: ‘The Banksia Bay Beach Shack’ by Sandie Docker

“A year is a long time in the memory of a small town. Stories get twisted, truths become warped, history is rewritten…” This week we have three copies to be won of Australian author and AWC alumni Sandie Docker’s latest novel – The Banksia Bay Beach Shack. Sandie previously wrote... read more

Fast-track your editing career with the 2020 Residential Editorial Program

Calling all editors!  Applications for the 2020 Residential Editorial Program hosted by the Australian Publishers Association is now open. According to the media release, the Residential Editorial Program is “an intensive 5-day program for talented mid-career editors in the Australian book industry to work with experienced mentors and... read more

Berbay Publishing accepting chapter book and junior fiction submissions

An exciting opportunity for children’s book authors – Berbay Publishing has opened its doors to submissions.  They’re accepting chapter book and junior fiction manuscripts for consideration. According to their media release: We'd like to see contemporary narratives, with or without a touch of whimsy, and stories that inspire... read more

How to learn and stay connected from home

If you find yourself stuck at home, we have good news. Now is the perfect time to start an online course. You can learn a new skill without leaving the house. We live in a golden age of online learning. You can learn how to crochet on YouTube, study financial... read more

Q&A: ‘Sick as a dog’ and ‘sick as a parrot’

Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its rules, regulations and ridiculousness. It’s a celebration of language, masquerading as a passive-aggressive whinge about words and weirdness. This week, we're calling... read more

5 tips for learning online

So you've taken the plunge and signed up for an online course. Congratulations! This is the first step in an amazing online learning journey. If you haven't studied online before, you might be feeling a bit wary. What's the technology like? Who can you turn to for... read more