Australian Writers' Centre - Creative writing courses
Discover how a creative writing course at AWC can change your life.
Whether your goal is to write bestselling fiction, stories for children, a memoir or to simply explore your creativity – you'll find the ideal course here.
Learn online (from anywhere!), or in our Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth classrooms.
Our core creative writing path gives you the foundations for compelling adult fiction – taking you from the seed of a story idea to a completed manuscript.
Explore an area of interest with Genre and Fiction Essentials. And gain extra knowledge and motivation with the Publishing and Writers' Toolkit courses.
Creative Writing Stage 1, Novel Writing Essentials and Write Your Novel
Picture Books, Chapter Books, Writing for Children and YA
Dialogue, Characters. Grammar, Short Stories and more
Everything you need to know about the publishing industry
Motivation, Time Management, Scrivener and more
The core creative writing path
Learn the foundations of compelling stories with these creative writing courses.
Creative Writing Stage 1
Discover the secrets to writing compelling fiction.
Develop characters, scenes, dialogue and more.
Learn the nuts and bolts of the art of writing.
| Foundations | |
|---|---|
| Online with tutor | |
| 5 weeks | 8 June 2020 |
| $450 | BOOKINGS NOW OPEN |
Writing Workout
Complete exercises to strengthen your writing muscles.
Receive tutor guidance on your fiction techniques.
Write, write and write!
| Development | |
|---|---|
| Online live with tutor | |
| 6 fortnights | 16 June 2020 |
| $550 | BOOKINGS NOW OPEN |
Novel Writing Essentials
Write the first 20,000 words of your novel.
Become a stronger writer with group workshopping.
Give your opening chapters the best possible start.
| Development | |
|---|---|
| Online with tutor | |
| 8 weeks | 15 June 2020 |
| $695 | BOOKINGS OPEN NOW |
Write Your Novel: 6-month Program
Workshop your way to a completed draft.
Iron out structural flaws and master techniques.
Achieve your dream of writing a novel.
| Advanced | |
|---|---|
| Online with tutor | |
| 6 months | 7 September 2020 |
| $415 per month | APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW |
Write Your Novel: 12-month Program
Workshop your way to a completed draft.
Iron out structural flaws and master techniques.
Achieve your dream of writing a novel.
| Advanced | |
|---|---|
| Online with tutor | |
| 12 months | 6 July 2020 |
| $245 per month | APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW |
Courses for kids and teens
Creative Writing Quest for Kids
Encourage your child's love of writing with this creative adventure
Write a complete 800-word story
Receive feedback from a bestselling author
| Online with tutor feedback | |
| Self-paced | START TODAY |
| $245 | |
Teenage Creative Writers’ Program
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.
| Foundations | |
|---|---|
| Online with tutor | |
| 10 weeks | |
| $395 | COMING SOON |
Writing books for younger readers
Discover how to write for children of all ages
Writing Picture Books
Create magical stories for the youngest of readers.
Discover the themes that kids (and publishers) adore.
Explore your creativity in a supportive environment.
| Online with tutor | |
| 5 weeks | 15 June 2020 |
| $450 | BOOKINGS OPEN NOW |
How to Write for Children and Young Adults
Learn how to write books for ages 8-18.
Create compelling characters readers will love.
Gain a blueprint for succeeding in this market.
| Online with tutor | |
| 5 weeks | 8 June 2020 |
| $450 | BOOKINGS OPEN NOW |
Writing Picture Books Masterclass
Learn how to structurally edit your manuscript.
Tighten your story's prose, patterning and rhythm.
Perfect your pitch before approaching publishers.
| Online with tutor feedback | |
| Self-paced | 8 June 2020 |
| $345 | BOOKINGS OPEN NOW |
Writing Chapter Books for 6-9 year olds
Discover how to create your own book series.
Understand the story themes that resonate.
Uncover the tricks to keep young readers hooked.
| Online | |
| Self-paced | START TODAY |
| $245 | |
Fiction Techniques
Enhance your skills with advanced literary techniques
Plotting and Planning
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.
| Online live with tutor | |
| 2 mornings | |
| $275 | BOOKED OUT |
History, Mystery and Magic
Learn how to write a successful cross-genre story.
Explore unique narrative patterns and structures.
Stir your readers' imagination with vivid storytelling.
| Online live with tutor | |
| 5 evenings | 15 June 2020 |
| $450 | BOOKINGS OPEN NOW |
Crime and Thriller Writing
Increase your narrative tension and suspense.
Create intriguing characters that hook your reader.
Learn the essentials of this insanely popular genre.
| Online live with tutor | |
| 5 evenings | 27 July 2020 |
| $450 | BOOKINGS OPEN NOW |
Popular Women’s Fiction
Learn how to succeed in the women's fiction market
Bring a believable voice and character to your story
How to create the ‘page-turner’ effect
| Online live with tutor | |
| 5 evenings | To be announced |
| $450 | BOOKINGS OPEN SOON |
Short Story Essentials
Learn the secrets to compelling short fiction.
Create a gripping narrative with great pace.
Receive a personalised assessment on your 2500-word story!
| Online with tutor feedback | |
| Self-paced | 8 June 2020 |
| $345 | BOOKINGS OPEN NOW |
Fantasy, Science Fiction and More
Get advice on structuring your story across a series.
Create an original and believable world.
Immerse yourself in the art of spec fic.
| Online live with tutor | ||
| 5 weeks | 30 June 2020 | |
| $450 | BOOKINGS OPEN NOW | |
Plotting and Planning
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.
| Online live with tutor | |
| 2 mornings | 18 July 2020 |
| $275 | BOOKINGS OPEN NOW |
Life Writing
Feel empowered to find your unique voice.
Bring your experiences to life on the page.
Learn from Australia's leading memoir teacher.
| Online live with tutor | |
| 6 Friday mornings | 12 June 2020 |
| $550 | BOOKED OUT |
Screenwriting for Television
Learn plotting techniques for a TV drama series.
Bring your characters to life in a script.
Gain insider knowledge of the television industry.
| Online live with tutor | |
| 5 evenings | To be announced |
| $450 | BOOKINGS OPEN SOON |
Creative Non-fiction
Learn how to write page-turning true stories.
Master the art of creative non-fiction techniques.
Discover your unique and distinctive narrative voice.
| Online | |
| Self-paced | COMING SOON |
| $295 | |
Anatomy of a Crime: How to Write About Murder
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.
| Online | |
| Self-paced | START TODAY |
| $195 | |
Fiction Essentials: Characters
Engage readers through your cast of characters.
Use character development to create narrative tension.
Complete exercises to cement your new skills.
| Online | |
| Self-paced | START TODAY |
| $195 | |
Fiction Essentials: Dialogue
Discover how to write compelling conversations.
Learn how to use dialogue to drive your story forward.
Complete exercises to ensure your dialogue is authentic.
| Online | |
| Self-paced | START TODAY |
| $195 | |
Fiction Essentials: Grammar and Punctuation
Master the art of punctuating dialogue correctly
Know how to avoid common formatting and style mistakes
Complete exercises and quizzes to reinforce your skills
| Online | |
| Self-paced | START TODAY |
| $195 | |
Fiction Essentials: Point of View
Master this vital skill in fiction writing.
Gain techniques to strengthen your narrative voice.
Complete exercises to solidify your storytelling.
| Online | |
| Self-paced | START TODAY |
| $195 | |
Fiction Essentials: Self-editing
Gain editing skills that will improve your story
Easily identify plot holes and structural issues
Polish your manuscript into a publishable piece of work
| Online | |
| Self-paced | COMING SOON |
| $195 | |
Publishing
Everything you need to know about getting your work published
Inside Publishing
Discover the nuts and bolts of publishing.
Maximise your chances of getting a book deal.
Gain the insider knowledge you need for author success.
| Online | |
| Self-paced | START TODAY |
| $165 | |
Pitch Your Novel: How to Attract Agents and Publishers
Learn how to put together a bulletproof pitch.
Gain tips on writing your synopsis and cover letter.
Your 10-step process for approaching agents and publishers.
| Online | |
| Self-paced | START TODAY |
| $147 | |
Self-publish Your Novel on Kindle
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.
| Online | ||
| Self-paced | START TODAY | |
| $97 | ||
Book Covers That Sell
Discover the 5 steps to a winning cover.
Learn the book cover rules for your genre.
Attract readers with the right fonts and imagery.
| Online | |
| Self-paced | START TODAY |
| $85 | |
Successful Self-publishing: 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.
| Online | |
| Self-paced | START TODAY |
| $245 | |
Writers' Toolkit
Add extra knowledge, industry insights and motivation
2 Hours to Scrivener Power
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.
| Online | |
| Self-paced | START TODAY |
| $97 | |
Build Your Author Platform
Boost your brand and your profile.
Learn how to choose the right social media platforms.
Create a community of fans – before your book hits shelves!
| Online | |
| Self-paced | START TODAY |
| $165 | |
Make Time to Write
Features the popular Creative Writing 30-day Bootcamp!
Get strategies to fight procrastination.
A step-by-step guide for creating a writing routine.
| Online | |
| Self-paced | START TODAY |
| $147 | |
Creative Writing 30-day Bootcamp
Create a daily writing routine.
Strengthen your creative muscles through regular use.
Smash out 10,000 words in just one month.
| Online | |
| Self-paced | START TODAY |
| $97 | |
Blogging for Beginners
Learn how to set up a new blog
Establish the right structure and categories.
Begin publishing live content immediately
| Online | |
| Self-paced | START TODAY |
| $85 | |
How to Get More Blog Readers
Develop a blueprint to grow your readership
Learn how to write compelling content
Discover how to attract potential sponsors
| Online | |
| Self-paced | START TODAY |
| $97 | |
Reinvent Yourself
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.
| Online | |
| Self-paced | START TODAY |
| $97 | |
So You Want To Be A Writer – THE BOOK
Discover everything you need to be a successful writer.
A blueprint to get started and thrive in the writing world.
Advice from over 120 writers.
| Physical book | |
| ORDER TODAY | |
| $25 | |
MOJO MONTH
Enjoy 29 days of inspiration, motivation and mindfulness.
Beat procrastination with regular live writing challenges.
Smash your goals, find your mojo and recharge your creativity!
| Online | |
| Self-paced | STARTS SOON |
| $97 | |