What’s it like to learn with AWC?

Lesley was a wonderful tutor. She gave me so much information that was invaluable. I enjoyed soaking up all the knowledge that she has to offer. I will be referring back to these videos for as long as I can.

The course was really well structured so that it goes through many different aspects of writing for this age group one module at a time.

I feel like I can do this. I feel like I have a new enthusiasm for giving writing for this age group a go.

The self-paced courses are amazing. The fact that you can study at your own pace and continue to go over what you have learnt is invaluable. I also like that it was specific to a particular age group.

Lesley is a great presenter and really emphasised the important aspects of writing for this age group. I will be more aware of adding drama and maybe a catastrophe or two to my writing.

Lesley presents a great course that covers all aspects of writing chapter books. If you want to write for children, it's a must.

The self-paced learning and the assignment was fun.

I started writing a book series after completing this course. I had the first book assessed by Cathie Tasker and then enrolled in the Write Your Novel course. It has directed me to writing middle grade and I am really enjoying the process.

The courses offered at AWC are invaluable. The tutors are professional, highly experienced and very positive. I love the podcasts, writing community and Author Block Parties.

I really enjoyed Lesley's delivery of the course and her obvious passion for the subject. It is infectious!

Being shown lots of real-life examples in books that have actually been published was extremely helpful to me.

I now have a lot more confidence to start writing stories for this age group with the thought that they might get published one day.

It's totally worth it.

I have an idea for a story, but I wasn't sure whether or not it was a middle grade or a chapter book so I did this course to understand the difference & also pick up some new tips.

The modules were the right length, full of great information and easy to watch. Lesley was really engaging.

It left me feeling very comfortable that the idea I am considering is definitely a chapter book and that I'm more than capable of writing it.

I really love writing stories for this age group and thought it would be a great course to undertake. I thought it might be time consuming however I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't. It was upbeat and positive. I really enjoyed Lesley's enthusiasm for writing.

It really clarified how to go about writing for this age group. It was quite thorough in that way so I feel confident to go ahead and write stories for submission to publishing houses.

I love the way you can fit these courses in with your daily life. I love the online learning experience.

I have three grandchildren between the ages of 6-10 and am interested in what books are available for this age group. I am particularly interested in books available for children whose reading requires they are set in this chronological age group but whose reading age is at the lower end as the oldest one is having problems.

I wish I had have had a teacher of Lesley's calibre when I was a child. Not to mention her books! I have always loved reading and would have loved so many of the books available today. Apart from the classics, which I loved, I can't think of any in this age group with such energy, fun and gentle lessons.

I believe the course fulfils the expectations established in all modules. I look forward to going through all the modules again over the remaining months it is available.

Lesley's approach and commitment to the course as a teacher and writer were consistent, sincere and thorough. She set a high standard and maintained it.

I have completed a number of courses at AWC and the standard is high. Each course has helped to improve or brush up my writing skills. I hardly need to say, 'keep up the great work,' as it is obviously part of your ethos.

Lesley was a pleasure to listen to. She clearly presented information and tips that were really helpful.

The opportunity to send a small assignment and receive positive feedback from Lesley has given me the confidence to write a chapter book for 6-9 year olds. Thank you, Lesley. The next AWC course I am doing is Laugh out Loud with Tim Harris.

To anyone wondering - there's no set time. You can have 12 months to do the course. AWC sending the course outline, before you decide to go ahead, is very useful. Give it a go and delve into the writing world.

Lesley is a wonderful presenter - a pleasure to learn from. I enjoyed her teaching and doing the assignments.

I'm keen to experiment and see if I can produce something publishable. The main thing is that I really enjoyed it, which hopefully means my writing will be enjoyable to read.

Was quite keen to explore all aspects of my writing journey, particularly after having taken the Picture Books course for younger readers. I have fond memories of the chapter books of my own childhood and its role in introducing me to independent reading. I hadn't ever heard of a course for this specific area being offered before.

It was helpful going through the development of one particular story to illustrate the concepts. The presenter also offered a solid grasp of the area with examples from other books.

Children's books have always seemed an untouchable and distant realm for the chosen few. It was wonderful to have it demystified and explained by Lesley, with instructions that are clear and specific.

I think the AWC has given me such a boost, both in motivation and in confidence, to continue along the writing journey. It's paved the road that little bit more in the most important of ways.

I'm a teacher for dyslexic children. The early chapter book is where these kids are desperate to reach. My stories have to appeal to a wide age range of beginning readers.

It's not until you take a course such as this that you realise how little you know about a winning book structure.

I always thought I was a good writer and could dash off a couple of PBs to feed my ego and show off to any grandkids. I now know what I didn't before. Writing for kids is not an easy task but I find it engrossing, a challenge that I have dived deeply into. It all started with Lesley's course. I may never be published but it has been the most rewarding hobby, or should I say vocation.

Just do it. Stop wallowing about in your own pond. Get up and breathe in the amazing advice from experts.

Thank you Lesley. Thank you AWC.

Lesley's presentation style was clear and easy to follow. The topics covered were comprehensive and informative. The exercises broadened my perspective on writing and publishing.

It has encouraged me to get back into writing. It is the place within me that I feel connected to the most.

The area of major learning for me was the themes that are usually covered when writing for 6 - 9 year olds. Most relate to their own world, including family, friends and school. But an exercise we did showed that the theme can be about anything - it just depends on how you present it.

The AWC has a wide and helpful range of courses for people interested in all areas of writing. There is something for everyone.

Thank you, Lesley, for sharing your knowledge and for your guidance.

I toyed with the idea of writing picture books after completing my Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing. I felt that my stories would suit an audience that was slightly older ... then I found this course and knew this was the age group I wanted to write for.

Lesley was a pleasure to listen to. She was thorough in her explanations and made each lesson easy to work through.

The entire course was enjoyable but the most enjoyable was the enthusiasm it has instilled in me to go back to the chapter book I started in 2016.

The desire to get back to writing for children had gone into hibernation, but it's now back with a bang!

Don't think about it ... just get on with it and enrol

Thanks for making these courses available :)

I really enjoyed learning from an actual author. Her experience was of great benefit.

I enjoyed reading the recommended chapter books. As a retired teacher librarian it was interesting to see the types of books that are still so popular.

The course revitalised the approach to children’s literature I have. Thank you. I really enjoyed the program.

I enjoyed the practical how-to type information and having the times listed where key points are in each video is very helpful! After writing my draft for the assignment I went back and dipped into the various tips that I wanted to check against my writing, so having the assignment helped me apply the information while it was still fresh in my mind.

I am working towards my goal of writing a chapter book novel. Just working through the course helped me learn about this genre and keep motivation. Because of the course I've borrowed a bunch of chapter books from the library. I also have started thinking about ideas for a series. I think Lesley is a very encouraging presenter as well. I think I might go back and listen to most of the videos again over the next few weeks to keep momentum.

I recommend the Australian Writers' Centre to people all the time! It is the only place I have found where the course quality is consistently fantastic and the tutors are successful in and passionate about their industry.

Lesley Gibbes was an extremely knowledgeable, thorough and passionate tutor.

I enjoyed understanding the elements of writing Chapter books for ages 6-9, learning something about the industry and the market.

I'm always recommending AWC! I talk about how thorough the courses are and how what value they are.

Lesley has a lovely manner. She explains things clearly and is professionally presented. The videos were nicely produced.

The advice was good. Exercises were practical and they really helped you to understand the requirements of that age group.

I felt like it has honed my skills and really helped me to think about short sentences and the type of action that is needed to keep children in this age group interested in reading a book.

I also liked what Lesley said about finishing stories. If you don't finish a story, you will get good at beginnings and maybe middles but not endings. That hit home because I am good at beginnings but struggle with middles.

Thank you for putting together this course. I enjoyed it. Thank you for having the opportunity to send a short piece of writing to Lesley for assessment. That is a great opportunity.

It is useful, relevant, helpful. Not too long a course, and not too short. Well worth the money.

Lesley was an enthusiastic, clear and engaging presenter. Her feedback was considered and helpful.

The exercises were fun and complemented the course material well. I loved the advice about story arcs within a limited word count - it was very helpful to visualise this.

This course has given me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and try something new - I completed my first chapter book manuscript.

If you're looking for something targeted and informative to help you engage young children with your writing, enrol in this course. You'll learn a lot! Thanks for a fun and informative course!

I loved and really appreciated how the course was structured and delivered.

Lesley was thorough, professional, direct and informative. I really enjoyed having her as my tutor.

What I enjoyed most about the course was the way in which it was delivered. It was all online and self-paced. With 4 small children at home, I found I could dip in and out of the course whenever it was convenient for me to do so. While the kids had their sleeps, or delve deeper into the course later at night. I could do as much or as little of the course modules as I wanted in each sitting.

The course has given me that extra boost of creative energy to keep me going with my writing journey.

Absolutely go for it! Dive into one of their courses. Try the ones that really grab your attention first, then paddle over to look at the other courses on offer. I can guarantee these courses can be addictive!

Thankyou :)

Lesley Gibbes is a great presenter with heartfelt belief in her topic which is then passed on to course recipients.

I enjoyed the enthusiasm within each module.

This is my second course and I have felt supported in my learning. I think I have found my genre.