Australian Writers' Centre blog

Q&A: Draught vs draft

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 are feeling... read more

9 sweet courses to binge over Easter

As we approach the Easter long weekend and the chance to take stock one-third of the way into 2019, it’s a great opportunity to add to your writing skills with our suite of self-paced online courses. The following NINE have been created by experts and designed to... read more

WIN double passes to ‘The Chaperone’ starring Elizabeth McGovern

This week we have 10 double passes to give away to see The Chaperone, in cinemas nationally from 25 April 2019. Based on Laura Moriarty’s bestselling book and reuniting the writer (Julian Fellows), director (Michael Engler) and star (Elizabeth McGovern) of Downton Abbey, The Chaperone takes place amid the... read more

Australian Book Industry Awards 2019 Shortlist

The Australian Publishers Association is delighted to announce the shortlist for the 2019 Australia Book Industry Awards. From this shortlist, The Category Winners and the Overall ‘Book of the Year’ Winner will be announced at the premier event on the Australian book industry calendar – The ABIA Awards night – to be... read more

Q&A: Just desserts or just deserts?

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 have deserted... read more

2019 ACU Prize for Poetry now open

Entries are now open for one of Australia's richest poetry competitions offering $18,000 in prizes. The 2019 ACU Prize for Poetry will be awarded for outstanding poetry with the theme Solace, reflecting on Anne Frank's supposition: "The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy... read more

Q&A: Raise vs raze

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 the word 'raze... read more

State Library of Victoria fellowship program is now open

Applications are now open for the State Library of Victoria’s 2019 Fellowships program. Each year, the Library offers creative and specialist fellowships to encourage the original and imaginative use or development of the Library's collections for new work. The Library also provides a number of specialist fellowships to... read more

COMP CLOSED: WIN Alexander McCall Smith’s latest book

This week we have THREE copies of The Department of Sensitive Crimes by Alexander McCall Smith, author of over 80 books including the award-winning The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. In this latest novel, there is nothing noir about the world of Ulf Varg, a detective in the... read more

Submissions for The Fogarty Literary Award are now open

If you are an author (aged between 18 and 35) from Western Australia with an unpublished manuscript then this is for you! One of Australia's richest literary awards for young writers, The Fogarty Literary Award is now open and seeking submissions for a work of fiction, narrative non-fiction... read more

9 essential tips to supercharge your fiction writing

We often talk about people being on a ‘writing journey’. Even the most established, prolific and famous writers are still honing their craft, learning new skills, trying new things, and progressing along their writing path. Basically, it’s never over! So wherever you are on your writing journey, here are... read more

Entries open for 2019 The Banjo Prize

If you are Australia’s next great storyteller then this is for you. HarperCollins Publishers Australia has announced that entries are now open for the 2019 Banjo Prize. From the HarperCollins website: "We’re looking for exciting new Australian voices telling the sorts of stories that we love to read... read more

Q&A: April Fools, Fool’s or Fools’ Day?

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 are feeling... read more

“How I fell in love with writing” part 5

All throughout this month, we’ve been sharing the wonderful stories from our community about their relationship with writing. In particular, “How did you first meet?” Today, we present our fifth and final selection – thanks again for all those who shared stories with us. We love how diverse and inspired... read more