What’s it like to learn with AWC?
Each year, thousands of students just like you achieve their writing goals through our courses and world-class presenters. Here they share how their new-found skills and confidence enriched their life.
After taking a travel writing course with the Australian Writers' Centre, I took up the mentoring opportunity with the Freelance Writing Masterclass Program for over a year.
While I was confident of my writing abilities, I found writing pitches to publications really difficult. Being able to send draft pitches for review in the one-on-one pitch sessions was extremely useful. They were key in honing my skills and (finally) getting me to think from an editor's perspective and deliver the elements they're looking for.
Valerie has the ability to really cut through to identify a problem with a pitch and provides very specific suggestions for how to rectify and improve a pitch. I still find it the most difficult part of travel writing, but my skills really improved during this period.
Valerie is forthright in her feedback but considered and accurate and ultimately very helpful. She's in your corner and wants you to succeed. There are also other opportunities to ask questions, glean titbits of useful information and be involved in a community of supportive writers and there is a wealth of information in the library of resources. While I ummed and ahhed about enrolling in the program at the beginning, I'm really pleased I did.
I highly recommend the Freelance Writing Masterclass Program for anyone that wants industry specific learning. This has been the most helpful course I have come across and the masterclass was what helped me get published with absolutely no prior experience at all.
Everything is broken down so well and explained so well. There is so much help and support available - through the Facebook page, the 'Ask me anything' Zoom sessions and the intense but incredible, monthly 'Feedback Fiesta'. Valerie is really detailed and really knows what she is talking about. She absolutely whooped my butt and made me sweat but it was all so worth it. The results were there.
Previously I tried going to university and college for writing courses but none of it was helpful in preparing me for the read world of publications, editors and article writing. This is hands down the best thing any hopeful and up-and-coming freelance writer could do.