Year: 2015

Valerie and Allison’s favourite podcast interviews of 2015

In episode 90 of our top-rating podcast, So you want to be a writer, hosts Allison Tait and Valerie Khoo named their favourite three interviews for 2015 (well, Allison named four because she’s a rebel). You’ll find out what made these interviews so great and why you... read more

Q&A: Thank you, thankyou, thank-you!

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, it’s all... read more

The Day Jobs that Inspired Famous Authors

If you have work commitments that make it difficult to find the time to write, take heart: not only have some of the world’s most famous authors managed to balance writing books with a day job, but sometimes those day jobs have actually inspired their books. That’s the... read more

Ep 90 Margaret Atwood is writing a graphic novel, writing rituals, how to get to know your characters and name them, Don Watson’s Worst Words, enter our 12 Days of Christmas giveaway of 12 books, and the best of 2015. Chat to you next year!

In Episode 90 of So you want to be a writer: Margaret Atwood is writing a graphic novel, writing rituals and why they work, tips on how to get to know your characters and the intricacies of naming them well, and the book Worst Words by Don Watson. PLUS: our... read more

Affect vs Effect – which one is it?

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 finally gift... read more

Ep 89 Do you mourn the loss of a character? How to write a killer elevator pitch for your book, 10 over-writing traps to avoid, what’s your 2016 writing goal? Win in our “12 Days of Christmas” giveaway; how to pitch to bloggers; and Amazon’s new screenwriting app. And meet epic fantasy novelist Mitch Hogan, author of Blood of Innocents.

In Episode 89 of So you want to be a writer: Do you mourn the loss of a character? How to write a killer elevator pitch for your book, 10 over-writing traps to avoid, tell us your 2016 writing goal, and how to enter our “12 Days of Christmas... read more

COMP CLOSED: It’s our 12 BOOKS OF CHRISTMAS giveaway!

Tis the season to be reading, fa la la etc. And here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we want your holidays to be happy and filled with lazy afternoons in hammocks, rainy days on couches or late night “just one more chapter” sessions in bed. And to do that, you... read more

Who understands the CBCA?

This post is written by Cathie Tasker, expert picture book editor and presenter of the course Writing Picture Books at the Australian Writers’ Centre. The Children’s Book Council of Australia is a voluntary-run, non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting books, authors and illustrators. Their mission is “to engage... read more

Q&A: Tide me over, Tied me over, or Tie me over?

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 a... read more

The Vault: Interview with picture book author Danny Parker

In late 2015, Allison Tait caught up with picture book author Danny Parker for a chat as part of our So you want to be a writer podcast. Danny and his family have been in Australia since 2004 – arriving from the UK on something of an adventure and never looking... read more

Wanted: Amazing Office All-rounder in our Sydney office.

This position has now been filled - thanks for your interest! The Australian Writers’ Centre team is growing and we have room for a full-time Office All-rounder. Please note: This role is not a writing-based role. This role won't be a stepping stone for you to publish... read more

Ep 88 Why publishers give million dollar advances; should you write for love or money; book hotels, and why one female author wanted a male voice to narrate her books. Win a copy of The Man With the Golden Typewriter by Fergus Fleming. Check out these great books about writing and meet author of young adult books Ellie Marney. Also should you “split” your personal brand into two names?

In Episode 88 of So you want to be a writer: Why publishers are giving million dollar advances to debut novelists. Should you write for love or money? Book hotels are now a THING. Also: why a female author wanted a male voice actor to narrate her books. WIN a... read more

COMP CLOSED: Win Ian Fleming’s James Bond Letters!

We’ve been given a Licence to Win this week, with two copies of The Man With the Golden Typewriter (published by Bloomsbury, RRP $29.99) to give away. The book explores the origins of James Bond and follows author Ian Fleming’s progress as he typed (on his golden... read more

Josefa Pete: research scientist becomes freelance feature writer

“Eighteen months ago, if someone had said to me you’re going to be doing freelance writing, I probably would have brushed it off and said ‘no way’…” And yet today Josefa Pete, busy mum to two boys, proudly calls herself a freelance writer, without a moment’s hesitation. So... read more

Q&A: Apostrophe drama: Is it each other’s OR each others’ ?

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’ll get... read more

How to write great dialogue in a screenplay

Writing dialogue can be tricky at the best of times. But when you are writing a screenplay, it’s vital you get the right mix of realism, exposition and character development. So what can you do to ensure the dialogue you write hits the mark? 1. Be realistic with being... read more

What’s YOUR 2016 writing goal? Tell us!

Whether you believe in its power or not, the presence of a new year being just around the corner is difficult to ignore. It’s often a time to take stock, look back at the past year and set goals for the next one and beyond. We often talk about... read more