Category: Fiction writing

19 haiku poems about Autumn

April 17 was International Haiku Poetry Day and in our recent AWC newsletter, we threw out a challenge for our community have a go at writing one, on the subject of AUTUMN. What is a “haiku”? Well, there are many forms and they have a lot of complexities – but at... read more

Astrid Scholte: Now a successful author of young adult fiction

AWC Courses completed: Creative Writing Stage 1 Advanced Fiction Writing Techniques (Creative Writing Stage 2) Start Your Novel History, Mystery and Magic Blogging for Beginners What Publishers Want Lofty ambitions pay off Astrid Scholte had always hoped to be published. In fact, she had the lofty goal of being published... read more

Announcing the CBCA Book of the Year Notable Books!

Congratulations to all the wonderful authors who have made it onto the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s list of Notable books for 2018. Huge accolades to these Australian Writers’ Centre presenters: Nicole Hayes for A Shadow’s Breath   Zanni Louise for Archie and the Bear Judith Rossell for... read more

Top 10 fiction writing posts of 2017

Writing fiction is one of the most fulfilling and demanding things you can commit to, and at every stage you will have questions – about the process and about yourself! We understand that it can be both exciting and exasperating, and sometimes you want to just have a cup of tea... read more

Top 10 most popular online courses

One of the great perks of writing is that you can do it while wearing your pjs at home, or sipping your latte at a cafe, or during your daily commute. It’s such a portable skill! So it’s no surprise that learning online is such a popular choice... read more

Six courses to start this summer

As we come to the pointy end of December, you may be feeling particularly inspired to kick some goals in the new year. The holiday period is a fantastic time to ride that burst of motivation. We’ve lined up six writing courses that you can start RIGHT NOW. All... read more

AWC alumnus Sarah Bailey makes the 2018 Indie Books Awards Longlist

We were so excited to see Australian Writers’ Centre alumnus Sarah Bailey on the 2018 Indie Book Awards Longlist for best debut novel, The Dark Lake. According to the media release: “Established in 2008, what makes the Indie Book Awards unique is that it’s the Australian independent booksellers themselves... read more

What is middle-grade fiction and should you write it?

Middle-grade fiction has seen a surge in popularity over the past several years, with writers such as Jeff Kinney and Mary Pope Osborne frequently topping both bestseller and top earning author lists. Australia has also produced its fair share of bestselling stories. Think Andy Griffiths' colourful Treehouse books, or... read more

#whereiwrite: Rural fiction author Fiona Palmer

Today we’re chatting with Aussie author Fiona Palmer – about what’s on her desk and what’s on her mind regarding her latest book, Secrets Between Friends. She’s written eight previous bestsellers, all set on a rugged rural backdrop, but for this one, she headed to the WA... read more

Win $5000 and a publishing deal for your romance manuscript

Australian romance writing is heating up. And with the return of the XO Romance Prize for 2017, it’s going to get even more exciting. If you’re an Australian romance writer with an unpublished manuscript, the XO Romance Prize will be right up your alley. What’s up for... read more

The secrets to writing successful short stories

Back in 2002, an author you may have heard of by the name of Stephen King said that “there are few pleasures so excellent as sitting in my favorite chair on a cold night with a hot cup of tea, listening to the wind outside and reading a good story... read more

Shankari Chandran: From lawyer to published author

When Shankari Chandran took time out of her career as a lawyer to have her fourth child, she turned her hand to writing in between baby feeds and family demands. This pastime has turned into a new career and Shankari has now released her first novel The Barrier, a futuristic... read more

#WhereIWrite: Crime author Emma Viskic

Yes, it’s that time again. Where we delve into the shelves, explore the doors and investigate the desk space of authors. Today it’s award-winning Australian crime writer Emma Viskic – winner of the 2016 Ned Kelly Award for her critically acclaimed debut novel, Resurrection Bay. That same book... read more

Kimberley Freeman discusses “Stars Across the Ocean”

Today it’s a quick chat with rural romance author and dual-timeline specialist Kimberley Freeman, on her latest book – Stars Across the Ocean. So Kimberley, we know that the main character’s name is Agnes, but perhaps you could tell our readers a smidge more about her and her... read more

Charlotte Nash invites you to “The Paris Wedding”

Today we’re speaking with Brisbane-based bestselling Australian author Charlotte Nash about her new book, The Paris Wedding – hitting bookstores July 2017. Charlotte has up until now written “rural lit” – tales of life and love in remote Australia. So, naturally the idea of Paris seems about as far from... read more

Picture this: An interview with illustrator Giuseppe Poli

Giuseppe Poli is a leading illustrator in his field. His latest children’s book Baby Band (words by Diane Jackson Hill) was released this year. Giuseppe lives in Queensland and we had a chat with him about his insights into the world of illustrating... Hi Giuseppe. Hey, before we start... read more

Eliza Henry Jones has an ‘Ache’

When Australian author Eliza Henry Jones hit the shelves in 2015 with her debut novel In the Quiet, it was anything but quiet – earning the then-25-year-old a clutch of awards, kudos and positive press. Now back for her ‘tricky follow-up album’ second book, Eliza is drawing... read more

Claire Corbett discusses her new wartime novel, “Watch Over Me”

Today we’re chatting to Australian author Claire Corbett about her new book, Watch Over Me. Described by Tom Keneally as “a tale of pilgrimages and adventures, all beautifully textured and lovingly narrated”, this is a story that Claire feels very strongly about telling. Hi Claire, can you describe your... read more