What’s it like to learn with AWC?

I'm interested in writing a story set in the 1970s, which just falls into the category of historical fiction so I was looking for some advice, particularly around research and how to use fact to inform and help shape fiction.

I enjoyed the details about sources of information and how to make the most of these. The character work sheets. I liked having access to the course for a year which meant that I could listen to some aspects more than once as I developed my ideas.

Information is presented with a good mix of fun and serious content. The courses are a great launch pad for learning about all kinds of writing.

The resource material and the defamation section were great. I now have more knowledge and confidence to head into historical fiction.

Historical Fiction is a good thorough course covering things you may not know you need to know!

There was an enormous amount of practical content shared, particularly in the bonus module on research. The section on defamation answered all of my questions (even if it has scared me a little!)

Excellent courses that not only provide practical tools, information and learnings but also build motivation.

I learnt lots that I did not even consider. I enjoyed the measured pace and examples and how to avoid the pitfalls.

I'm now more aware of what I am writing about in my blog and its implications to those people I mention

AWC has great online courses that you can do at your own pace with loads of interesting information. They also have a great weekly email and excellent podcasts.

I am considering a novel set in a previous time and I wanted some hints and tips.

The course covered a lot of content; there was no stone left unturned. I feel I have all the tools to assist me on my way.

I am writing a historical novel and am very open to learning everything I can.

The course had a wealth of helpful, detailed information. It was given me more confidence that I am giving writing my historical writing a jolly good go!

Excellent, detailed course with valuable bonus information on doing research and defamation.

I was blown away by the detail and the information embedded in each module. Loved the tables for planning aspects like setting and characters.

It validated my desire to research broadly and deeply.

I have an interest in history and would like to attempt a historical fiction story but had no idea where to start!

The information provided regarding writing about real people was very helpful for me. The chapter on world building was very informative and the handouts were useful.

It has helped me to start structuring and researching for my novel!

I have already recommended AWC to several friends/colleagues. The courses are clearly and logically presented, engaging, informative and well-priced. Being developed and presented by industry professionals provides credibility and relevance. Thank you!

Thank you for making this available and to Pamela for writing such an excellent and useful course. I enjoyed learning new things that will prove helpful in my own writing. Audio and handouts were easy to follow.

It has made me more aware of various pitfalls to watch out for.

I have taken a number of courses (online) from AWC and think it is an excellent place for aspiring authors to learn what is needed to succeed in their writing goals.

I have completed a lot of research for a work in progress. I see that I have much more to do, which is daunting. However, the course information provides a structure that is reassuring. Lots of great information about research techniques. This makes the mammoth task of researching seem do-able.

I wanted to convert a lifelong interest in reading historical fiction to actually writing it.

I'm pleasantly amazed by how thorough and rigorous this course is, combined with being creative and inspirational.

I found that the course sparked lots of ideas for new stories. I was amazed to discover all of the resources that are available for research and inspiration.

Encouragement to read works published in your time period, using Trove for creative inspiration, and learning about Google Advanced Search have all been eye-openers, and make researching fun and absorbing.

The AWC courses are fun, very detailed and full of practical advice, encouragement and inspiration.

I knew it would be good, but I'm amazed by how much was packed into this course.

I loved the handouts that provided the structure I was chasing to develop my characters and their world. The prompts and questions cover so many areas, and I could easily see where my research needed polishing.

My understanding of how, what and why to research has become much clearer. I was flailing around, but now have a structure and feel a lot more confident with both researching and writing.

Do it. Don't even bother to think about, just book yourself in and enjoy the ride.

I now feel more confident about embarking on writing a historical novel. I particularly enjoyed learning more about world building and how important this is to creating an authentic historical story.

I really enjoyed the systematic approach and the level of relevant detail. I liked that I could do it in my own time and at my own pace.

Highly recommended.

The whole course was set out very well and seemed to cover every aspect that I could imagine would need to be covered for historical fiction.

It has spurred me on to actually start researching and putting pen to paper.

All the courses that I have attended in person or completed online have been very informative and enjoyable. I thoroughly recommend the Australian Writers' Centre.

While never specifically intending to write historical fiction, I fell into it firstly by writing plays about Australian aviation history which have been performed over the last eight years. An interest in European History 1930 to 1945 led me to writing short stories set in this era. I wanted more information on research methods as I might consider tackling a more substantial piece in the future.

The resources were exceptionally clear, and the lessons included helpful illustrative examples. The written material provided an excellent framework for developing characters and plots within a specific historical setting. Moreover, these frameworks could easily be applied to general fiction. The sections on pitfalls and research proved particularly useful.

I wasn't aware of the number of research resources available. It made me think I should get to know my State Library!

I've enjoyed the monthly challenge of Furious Fiction offered by AWC - always a spur to creativity, and especially valued during seemingly endless lockdowns. AWC offers a wide range of clear and informative courses suitable for writers at different stages of their journey. These focus on the CRAFT rather than the politics of writing.

It is thorough, informative and positive in approach, with easy, clear voices to listen to.

I want to write historical fiction and your other courses have been so useful.

It was very comprehensive, especially covering potential pitfalls and putting them into context.

This is where you go to learn to write a book properly! I'm writing that book!!!