What’s it like to learn with AWC?

I have wanted to be a writer my whole life, and after signing on for the Copywriting Essentials the self-doubt kicked in. I was doubting my abilities and wondering how on earth I could even contemplate changing the path I was on at my age. I saw this course and it sounded like the motivation I needed.

I loved hearing the accounts of former graduates and how they had overcome their own doubts and feelings of "surely I can't do this?" And the practical suggestions were exactly what I needed.

I really feel that I can make the change and finally become a paid writer.

I enjoyed the in-depth descriptions of so many real-life experiences of your students and the courses they took to help them on their writing journeys. Realizing that with quality courses behind me and some effort, a career in writing is possible. Finding out that people with no background in writing can still become writers!

I love your site! The range of courses is extensive and there is something here for everyone with a passion for writing - no matter the style.

I was feeling overwhelmed about what genre and writing situation I wanted to pursue, and the title of the course struck a chord within me.

I know where to begin my writing journey now and was able to rule out certain areas that I know would not be in my best interest. I found it highly useful in establishing who I am as a writer - thank you!

The AWC is the best place to find direction for your writing goals and skills.

I like Valerie's no-nonsense approach and down to earth advice as well as hearing from other authors who had completed courses and gone on to be published.

Just do it! Enrol today and get started on changing your career path.

Being a writer interests me and I wasn't sure where to start. This seemed like a great place to explore different styles of writing and see what I was drawn to.

I liked that I could do it at my own pace & listen and/or read the modules. I also liked that it was divided into modules and not one long course.

I feel more confident to give writing a go.

Well thought out, practical classes that are good value for money.

It was logical, interesting and well presented. The interviews were apt and added value to the talks.

It has given me the courage to proceed and enrol in Creative Writing Stage 1.

I feel like this course was very practical but also inspiring. It makes writing seem like a viable option if you work hard enough, get enough support and find your niche.

Great structure, lots of practical steps and many modules in a length of time that was do-able (bit by bit in your own time).

I thought it was perfect. I went from self-doubt and low confidence to believing I can do this. It fired me up to feel that I can accomplish a dream

If you ever want to put your story to paper you need to look at AWC for a clear path that you can follow. I spent too long wondering if I could be a writer when I should have taken this step long ago.

I thoroughly enjoyed the course. I have taken action already: I joined the local library, and started attending the Writing Fridays group. I have been twice and met some lovely fellow writers and feel a sense of community already. On the first session of Writing Fridays, I wrote my first short story, which was very satisfying. I am in the process of looking at short story competitions. I also attended an author talk at the library and asked her questions about how she combines psychology work and writing. I have also sent a follow up Insta message asking about the writing courses she mentioned in her talk.

Without the course, I would not have known where to start or what to do. Hearing from writers who have completely changed careers or combine writing with their current career, helped me realise that a writing career is totally possible.

I love Furious Fiction and MOJO and have done other courses with AWC, but I felt that I needed an extra "boost" to propel me forward in my "self-reinvention".

I liked being able to "tune in" for a brief time, usually during my morning cuppa...getting my mind focussed on what I really want to do. I enjoyed hearing the enthusiasm and passion of other writers.

It inspired me to actually submit a manuscript to a publisher!

The courses at AWC have been worth my investment, but most importantly, they have been worth my time.

Valerie's delivery was excellent and I enjoyed the peppering of the content with examples from people who had undertaken the work and succeeded in their field. Also Valerie's humour-filled determination to herd us cats around potential pitfalls and imagined barriers!

It's entirely possible for me to write - for pleasure, for financial return and for others' enjoyment. Also I'm aware of others' writing all around me every day - and hence am picking up even more ideas.

I had not realised the extent of copywriting, features writing or technical writing - all of which fall regularly into my arena of experience.

AWC is a great place to dip your toe into the writing world, meet like-minded people and learn from current professionals in the many fields under the writing subject line. It is a place to safely spread your wings and learn to fly!

I felt encouraged by Valerie's passion and positivity which has inspired some hope and faith that transitioning into a writing career is a real possibility if I put the work in, regardless of my background.

I enjoyed the shared experiences from past AWC graduates. As indicated above, I relished all of the encouraging messages helping me to 'feel the fear and do it anyway' and to forge ahead step by step and have faith I'll make it in the end if I continue moving forward. I have no university degree and am dyslexic, however have ironically always felt drawn to writing regardless. I feel grateful for the boost and wonderful information and hopeful that I can forge through if I continue to carve out more time for me and my future. Thank you all very much!

Valerie is so inspirational and sounds so approachable. She was easy to listen to and be encouraged by.

I need to get out there and just do it! I need to make my own way and make my own dreams come true. There is a network of supportive likeminded people out there, I just need to find them and have confidence in myself.

I have recommended the Australian Writers' Centre to several people I've met. I find the information so useful and inspiring.

Thoroughly enjoyed all of it and it opened my eyes to different opportunities. Has made me get off my backside and start doing the things I love and to achieve my writing goals.

If you would like an adventure to open yourself to new amazing opportunities this is the place to learn.

The course was continuously encouraging and motivational reinforcing that with focus, commitment, confidence and perseverance I too can be a writer.

Hearing the emotion felt by the people who were interviewed saying how elated they were when they received their first 'Yes' from a publisher after so many rejections - this reinforced that it can be possible and perseverance is key.

I would recommend the AWC and this course to any person who is considering being a writer, shrouded by doubt or questioning their ability and needs a wave of external encouragement and motivation to push them forward.

It was interesting to hear about the journeys of published writers - their stories made me feel like I could do it too!

I am keen to get started - learning the skills I need to be able to start writing for publication. I am determined to put aside time regularly to write. The course has also broadened my outlook - my main goal has always been to write children's picture books but I can also now see myself writing other genres as well.

A great short course to just motivate you and to give an overall picture of the world of writing/publishing.

I have always had an interest in writing. English was one of my favourite subjects at school, I've kept personal and travel journals over the years, and in more recent years have been finding writing a very enjoyable, often therapeutic process. I have had some recent experience with piecing together biographies in a volunteer role and it made me think more about the possibility of writing as a vocation. I thought this course would be an appropriate starting point to see if writing is a good fit for me.

The course expanded my mind to the different types of writing opportunities available, and I felt excited at the possibilities. I also enjoyed hearing the case studies: it made creating a successful writing career sound possible. It has inspired me to take the next steps.

At this point I would have to say that AWC is a great place to start if you are at the beginning of your writing journey because they have wonderful resources to inspire you and get you moving forward on your writing path.

More than anything it has reiterated many of the things I have been taught on past writing retreats but because I was working two fulltime jobs and raising my three girls, I have been unable to put a lot of those practices in place. Best of all, it has reignited my self-belief and opened me up to options of further polishing my work, knowing that I can come and go with different courses as I continue to upskill.

It reminded me to be brave. I had forgotten that submitting/pitching feature writing was once something that did not scare me.

The Australian Writers' Centre is a must and I cannot believe that I have to come to it so late. The website is easy to navigate, clear, concise, affordable and the overall general feeling I experienced was that it is relatable and inclusive. This last part I would emphasise as I have struggled in the past to find a Writing Centre that has felt as 'down to earth' as a private writing retreat.

Just give it a go! There's inspiration and practical information and it's down to earth too.

I found for the stage I'm at in the writing process, this course is what I needed. For me it was more about listening and taking notes. I have been writing for quite a few years. My books sit in a drawer never to be seen by anyone. I feel at this point in my life that maybe someone should see them.

I enjoyed listening to all the interviews and hearing how everyday people took the steps to do something they love. To hear the stories of people like myself who don't come from a writing background but love it with a passion, to know that it is possible to take something you love and turn it into a career.

I realised that the only way I can reinvent myself is to take the first step like those people I listened to.

The course was informative, well presented and spoken in simple plain language. I enjoyed it.