What’s it like to learn with AWC?

I enjoyed doing this course and felt that it prompted me to restructure and finish a story that I'd previously tried to write. The main aspect that made this work for me was learning about how to plan and plot. As a pantser, this was particularly valuable! Thank you.

Valerie Khoo's video explanations and audio lessons were fantastic.

The course has taught me many things and I've learned about so many different styles of writing, as well as how the short story format changes and evolves over time. Since I have not fully completed the course (feedback to be given), I say this course has very well met my expectations. I'm really looking forward to the feedback and love that this course offers the opportunity for an established and experienced writer to offer feedback. This part has definitely exceeded my expectations and probably could be made more prominent in the description of the course.

I now have much better writing habits. And I don't feel guilty when I'm not writing, because I know that even when I'm out for a walk or in the shower, I'm still in the author state of mind, thinking of titles and characters and what's next. I also feel a lot better about having various works on the go at once, and that this is normal and encouraged.

I used to spend so much time editing as I went, and now I know that I just need to get started and write until the end, then come back and polish it later.

I would say that the Australian Writers' Centre really set me up with all that I needed to know, or was unsure about, when it came to writing and what makes a good story. I felt included and like there were so many others out there just like me, not knowing where to start. If only I'd known, just start at the beginning. There were tips and frameworks to change my line of thinking about what it meant to be a writer. Writers write. And that's all there is to it.

I have actually completed a short story! And feel equipped to write more.

The online audio recordings were concise and straight to the point, and provided all the information that I needed.

I loved the writing exercises. I enjoyed delving into the five senses and drawing upon my own experiences to smell, hear, taste, feel and see the surroundings that I was working with in the assignments.

The course has helped me continue to develop and edit my book in a way that makes me feel proud to be able to potentially self-publish and monetise the story.

I would say that it's fun, it's low-key, the exercises are easy and enjoyable to do and that the assessors and tutors are friendly and open to receiving and giving positive and encouraging feedback.

I enjoyed the course heaps and it was a great finish to the year.