What’s it like to learn with AWC?

I wanted a sound foundation for writing historical fiction and to compare with my background in writing academic research.

It made me focus on writing actual chapters instead of just the research (however much I enjoy that part of the process).

The course brought everything together in one place and allowed me to review as I needed. Module 5 especially provides a thorough, up-to-date overview of research methods and sources. The defamation modules gave me confidence in this area. The lists of reference material at the end of modules gave me useful books to follow up. Coming online with AWC also opened me up to the newsletters and podcasts which provide other dimensions for learning. I have now commenced Fiction Essentials: Dialogue.

I had questioned my ability to make the transition from academic writing (which I felt was probably not current enough) but found that my intensive approach to research and many of my skills are compatible with writing historical fiction. I also viewed Kate Forsyth's presentation on "Inside the Making of a Novel". I enjoyed her dissection of her own research process and found many similarities with my own. I realised that I wasn't being overly pedantic at all. Her analysis has helped me to further develop my own approach.

Find your area of interest and have a go. There is always something more to learn.

Great information and "case studies" along the way. The idea of writing an historical fiction seems more achievable after completing the course.

The resources section - especially learning about Trove - was enlightening.

Do the course - you'll be glad you did.

I enjoyed learning the extent of online access to resources especially through the local and state library, and the importance of building the world for characters to come alive within.

It went into much more depth than I expected. It was so informative and I learnt so much.

I realise how much more research I need to be doing. I love that you covered so many options for research. Many more than I could ever have found on my own.

Deciding to write an historical fiction novel, I wanted to find out more information on resources and how to access them.

I enjoyed the in-depth coverage of elements of fiction writing and applying them to an historical event/ setting. How to access information other than via google or my local library!

The spark of an idea for a novel is now underway, and I am excited to be fulfilling my dream.

AWC courses are thorough, informative and fun.

The guidance, with video demonstrations, around research was great. I already have a strong background in academic research but learning about the amazing world of information available through state and national libraries and Trove was great.

It's self-paced, easy to understand and very practical for fiction writers. Affordable, a great investment in time and money.

A huge awakening of avenues available for finding contemporary source materials for historical periods covered in the novels I'm writing.

I wanted to get more specialised guidance on historical fiction writing and the course outline sounded promising.

I enjoyed all aspects of this course. It was well structured and well delivered and I learnt a lot.

I really enjoyed the guidance on research techniques and how to access different research resources. The advice on creating authentic historical characters that are still likeable and engaging for modern readers was another standout, although the whole course was excellent.

I've often bemoaned the loss of access to various academic resources now that I'm not associated with a university. I hadn't realised how many resources I still had access to through my humble library card! The amount of information (especially online reference material) that is publicly accessible through libraries and other institutions was an eye opener.

The research section was my biggest 'aha!' moment. I hadn't realised how reliant (dare I say complacent?) I had become on Google and Google Scholar. They still have their place of course, but there are so many other resources available that I had overlooked.

Go ahead, you'll learn a lot and have fun on the way!

I was constantly amazed at the sheer depth of the information presented, along with the generosity of the authors included.

I enjoyed the amount of information available, along with the ease of accessing this information online. The little stories such as the history of the Christmas tree that Valerie interspersed the audios with. I learnt so much and at times felt quite ignorant.
At times I was almost overwhelmed at the sheer amount of information available.

I understood research was extremely important, however, I now have a much clearer understanding of the system of research as in start general and then be more specific and deep dive.

Don't go anywhere else. AWC courses and presenters are world class.

I have always been a keen reader of historical fiction and I aspire to write a series of historical fiction novels which feature women through the ages.

I enjoyed learning how to bring ideas about stories from the past to life, how to embed accurate, factual detail into the story in a balanced way to provide an enjoyable experience for the reader.

I am very grateful for the detail provided regarding research and defamation. Very helpful.

I have started a novel, this course has provided some very helpful tips in relation to research and defamation particularly as I am writing about an event that has occurred locally in the past.

I would say 'do it, enrol, today!' I have enrolled in several courses with AWC and I have found the information to be relevant and very informative to a writer such as myself that is at the start of my writing career.

I found the course excellent for the research and information I needed to enhance to book and taking it to more interesting, accurate and compelling tale.

The course was well-constructed and most engaging. There is a whole world of information at my fingertips, more than I had imagined.

I am now aware the book I have started would be more authentic with greater research into the life and times of the 1880s.

Use the Australian Writers' Centre's courses to enhance your writing to a publishable level.

Exceeded expectations. Fabulous research ideas! Focus on how to get the details and avoid vague times, places and characters.

This course covered many things that I needed to know in detail. I enjoyed finding out about research options, sourcing material, defamation pointers, and creating past worlds. It was very thorough.

I've done several AWC courses and have always learned a lot. They are targeted, well put together, and provide heaps of information to help you find your way.

I have been working on a historical novel but have never tackled something like this before. When I read the course outline I was sure it would be useful for me.

The course affirmed that my methodology was on the right track. It also gave me new insights and ideas about the research and how to approach it. Defamation hadn't been on my mind and I found that section fascinating.

I enjoyed doing it at my own pace, as my health issues make some days harder than others to focus. Having an abundance of real-life examples was also terrific.

I thought I knew how to use Google search until I watched the video. I learnt more than I realised it was capable of doing.

I enjoyed being given helpful prompts on what to consider when I am writing my book, and being given information about where to find it.

This has well described the research ahead of me! And opened my eyes to how much is out there. I was feeling a bit lost beforehand.

Great practical advice delivered in an easy to understand and absorb way.

As with any course I have done my initial hope is to get one really good 'take away' learning to make it worthwhile. This course exceeded my expectations, delivering half a dozen new ideas/resources/approaches that I hadn't come across previously.

Engaging presentation, clear and helpful downloads, concise and helpful content.

I enjoyed the discussion of just how many facets there were to consider in worldbuilding. I now have a really good jumping-off point for writing a fictionalised family history.

No matter what kind of story you want to write, there is a course available that can help you do that well.

The research resources modules far exceeded my expectations. I thought I was pretty good at doing research, but this was awesome and I was able to resolve some of my research dilemmas as a result. I found new resources, and joined two new online organisations to find more information.

No matter what stage you're at in your writing, you'll find a course that can help you in some way - learning the craft, motivation and inspiration, and meeting others at a similar stage to you. Just get on with it and do it.

I loved the practical guides and worksheets and the easy, accessible styles of audio-based learning.

Tracking your research! I so often get lost in a sea of information, it was so helpful to see how to organise your information once you find it.

It's practical, easy to follow and you never know what little gems you may find to help you along your writing journey.

I enjoy reading historical fiction including Sir Walter Scott and Henryk Sienkiewicz and thought I'd have a go at writing it.

I enjoyed the detailed advice given about writing historical fiction. I am now more comfortable to have a go at writing about historical topics particularly in Australian history including the Battle of Pinjarra.

If you like reading historical fiction, have a go at writing it. The course will help you to succeed. I thoroughly recommend it.

This course has helped me with my historical research and being mindful of the legal aspect.

Just start with one course, as it will lead you to another and then more courses; all are enjoyable.