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

FICTION

Picture Books, Chapter Books, Writing for Children and YA

KIDS AND YOUNG ADULTS

Dialogue, Characters. Grammar, Short Stories and more

FICTION TECHNIQUES

Everything you need to know about the publishing industry

INSIDE PUBLISHING

Motivation, Time Management, Scrivener and more

WRITERS' TOOLKIT

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.

Foundation

5-week online course
with tutor feedback

$450

26 October 2020


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Writing Workout

  • Complete exercises to strengthen your writing muscles.
  • Receive tutor guidance on your fiction techniques.
  • Write, write and write!

Development

6 fortnights online LIVE
with tutor

$550

17 November 2020


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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.

Intermediate

8-week online course
with tutor feedback

$695

9 November 2020


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Write Your Novel

  • Workshop your way to a completed draft.
  • Iron out structural flaws and master techniques.
  • Achieve your dream of writing a novel.

Advanced

6-month online program
with tutor

$415
per month

9 November 2020

Booked out

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Write Your Novel

  • Workshop your way to a completed draft.
  • Iron out structural flaws and master techniques.
  • Achieve your dream of writing a novel.

Advanced

12-month online program
with tutor

$245
per month

18 January 2021


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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 self-paced course
with tutor feedback

$245

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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.

10-week online course
with tutor feedback

$395

9 November 2020


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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.

5-week online course
with tutor feedback

$450

2 November 2020


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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.

5-week online course
with tutor feedback

$450

26 October 2020


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Writing Picture Books Masterclass

  • Learn how to write books for ages 8-18.
  • Create compelling characters readers will love.
  • Gain a blueprint for succeeding in this market.

Online self-paced course
with tutor feedback

$345

2 November 2020


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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 course
with tutor feedback

$245

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Laugh Out Loud

  • Learn how to craft funny stories for kids.
  • Develop your own brand of humour.
  • Receive feedback from a bestselling author.

Online self-paced course

$245

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Fiction Techniques

Enhance your skills with advanced literary techniques

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.

5 evenings online LIVE
with tutor

$450

21 April 2021


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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 self-paced course
with tutor feedback

$345

26 October 2020


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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".

5 evenings online LIVE
with tutor

$450

11 January 2021


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The Story Doctor

  • Structurally edit your manuscript so it shines.
  • Refine your novel's dialogue, description and imagery.
  • Learn from bestselling author Kate Forsyth.

4 evenings online LIVE
with tutor

$495

To be announced


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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.

2 evenings online LIVE
with tutor

$275

23 November 2020

Booked out

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Life Writing

  • Feel empowered to find your unique voice.
  • Bring your experiences to life on the page.
  • Learn from Australia's leading memoir teacher.

6 mornings online LIVE
with tutor

$550

6 November 2020

Booked out

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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.

5 evenings online LIVE
with tutor

$450

1 February 2021


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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 course

$395 $275 SALE

START TODAY


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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 course

$195

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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 course

$195

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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 course

$195

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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 course

$195

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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 course

$195

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Fiction Essentials: STRUCTURE

  • Dramatically improve the framework of your stories.
  • Develop techniques for effective pace and tension.
  • Discover practical methods to achieve a strong narrative arc.

Online self-paced course

$195

To be announced soon


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Cut, Shape, Polish

  • 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 course

$245

START TODAY


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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 course

$165

START TODAY


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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 course

$147

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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 course

$97

START TODAY


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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 course

$85

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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 course

$245

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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 course

$97

START TODAY


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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 course

$165

START TODAY


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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 course

$147

START TODAY


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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 course

$97

START TODAY


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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 course

$85

START TODAY


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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 course

$97

START TODAY


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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 course

$97 $67 SALE

START TODAY


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MOJO MONTH: November

  • Enjoy a month of inspiration, motivation and mindfulness.
  • Beat procrastination with regular live writing challenges.
  • Smash your goals and grow as a writer!

Online self-paced course

$97

1 November 2020


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