What’s it like to learn with AWC?

I had several story ideas that had been building in my head and somewhat on paper for years, and to have the tuition and feedback to be able to craft layers into those stories is so exciting. Cathie has such a wealth of experience and background of knowledge of the industry and her feedback was always clear and so productive.

I enjoyed the opportunity to read each other's stories and see their ideas build and evolve throughout the course. And of course applying myself to the course content and listening to valuable feedback in order to build on my own writing skills. So excited for myself and the other participants for what may lie ahead.

I've been reading picture books to young children since I was a child myself, and selecting books for Play School for over 20 years, so I felt pretty confident in understanding what makes a really good picture book from a reader's perspective. Thinking through the complexity of the layers and probing deeper into the rhythm of the language has been such a bonus. And of course, learning more about the role of the illustrator and how the publishing industry works, plus the involvement of all the other stakeholders, has been so informative.

The time flexibility is great and allows you to fit the modules in around your other work. I've learnt so much - beyond my expectations!

Always had an interest in writing children's books and finally found the motivation to take a leap and work towards this goal. I was concerned I wouldn't have enough time to complete the weekly course expectations but the course was very user friendly and very manageable.

The feedback was very useful. I enjoyed learning the techniques to writing a successful children's book.

The course has got me motivated to build on my skills and write and complete my books.

I have always wanted to learn how to write children's picture books. Over recent years I have taught in early years classrooms and this has fuelled my desire to pursue my interest. I liked that the course was only 5 weeks long, so provided a perfect 'entry level' opportunity to see if this is something I would like to pursue further. I was worried I may not be able to find the time to complete the assignments, however, this was never an issue.

Having the opportunity to have weekly feedback was definitely a draw card. I appreciated that Cathie was very honest and professional when giving feedback. I loved how she recorded herself giving feedback as she read through the work samples.

The assignments were very achievable and I loved how the modules had short audio lessons to listen to so I didn't feel I had to complete the weekly modules in one sitting. The PDF notes were also very helpful. The course was very flexible and I found it easy to complete whilst juggling work and family commitments.

I read picture books through a different lens now that I know and can appreciate the time, effort and drafting that goes into creating the final story. I'm now constantly writing notes anytime a story idea pops into my head!

The course was very practical and easy to follow. I really enjoyed how the course was structured and would not hesitate in recommending it to others. I'm so glad I signed up and can't wait to explore this interest further.

I've been wanting to get into writing for years but didn't really have a clear direction. This course has given me more confidence in my ability.

The tutor was really positive and professional with her responses and advice.

The Writing Picture Books course will give you a professional advantage to help you stand out to publishers.

Thank you. I'm looking forward to taking this further.

Cathie is a great teacher. Her feedback was direct and helpful. She was tactful and kind. I'm so sad that the course has ended.

I enjoyed learning about the industry. This course has lit an excitement within about being able to communicate to my daughter how she was made. This course has also opened my mind to the possibility of getting a publishing deal if I use all the wonderful information I have learnt here.

There have been so many 'aha!' moments. Each module builds on creating the desire for more knowledge and more learning. I loved it. I found the practical information about publishers using 32 pages or 16 double page spreads wonderful. The 3-act structure combined with a story page plan and possible page ranges I found so helpful being a complete beginner.

I would definitely recommend and have already recommended the Australian Writers' Centre to both friends and family. To my brother, a passionate Dad of 2 children under 2, I said, 'Just do it! It's fabulous!'

I would need to write an essay to convey how much admiration and gratitude I feel for the team of creatives at the Australian Writers' Centre who have put this course together. My direct message to all of you is, 'You Rock!, hats off!' Thank you so much for your professionalism and dedication to our craft :)

Having access to Cathie's experience and knowledge was highly valuable. The feedback from Cathie was concise, honing in on what could make the story better. She was also very encouraging.

I enjoyed playing around with story ideas for the assignments. I initially planned to work solely on my original idea but I ended up with two other story ideas that I'd like to explore further.

It's given me the know-how and confidence that perhaps I could make this a career, at least part time. I realised that being a children's author is actually my dream job!

I loved learning with Cathie and learning from her feedback with other students also. It provided a clearer insight into industry standard. I love how commercial all the AWC courses are - the insight provided is invaluable and a large part of what keeps bringing me back time and again.

I loved understanding where I was (or was not) getting properly into a child's mind or imagination - this has helped me see further within my daughters imaginary play and provided more story ideas for the future.

I always tell people every course is amazing. The insight, the depth AWC tutors go into, the industry relevant experience - all adds up to enjoyable and fascinating learning - even if it's just for fun / interest sake.

Cathie is great! She is knowledgeable and quite helpful on all fronts. I appreciated her feedback. She also responded quickly to questions and comments.

The course gave me structure and tools to actually write.

Thanks for all you are doing for all of us aspiring writers in the world.

It's been a bucket list item to write a children's book but this course has ignited a fire in me to become a full time children's picture book author. I'm brimming with ideas and information after this course and can't wait to submit my first manuscript.

Cathie was fantastic. She was prompt with her feedback and honest. Her recommendations were useful and supportive. Very grateful for all her insights and industry knowledge.

I enjoyed all of it. The audio was easy to listen to and understand. The handouts are a fantastic resource and extra exercises were a great tool for expanding/practising my skills. The assignments were a great little challenge and I looked forward to my feedback every week. I REALLY enjoyed being a part of a class where we could read each other's work and support each other throughout.

I felt a little lost and out of balance. Being a stay-at-home mum it is easy to become a little absent from the real world and I was a little daunted to return to it. But this course has made me feel empowered and creative again. It's given me the tools to embark on a new career that I always fantasised about. I have been restored and I'm so excited for what's next.

Thank you for this opportunity; it's done more for me than anyone will ever know. Oh! and keep an eye out for my name - one day, I might have a book good enough to use as a resource ;)

Once I completed all research into the range of online writing courses, I did not take long to decide that AWC was the perfect platform for me to enrol. It addressed the learning goals I have been looking for for a long time.

I found the written feedback valuable, and it helped me to improve in many ways. I thought my online tutor, Cathie Tasker, was direct and did not hold back on stating the truth about the quality of my work. This allowed me to make realistic goals for my future as a writer.

The handouts and the course videos were enjoyable and helpful in executing the weekly assignments. I also enjoyed reading other students' work as a benchmark. Finally, I also appreciated when other students gave me feedback. It showed openness and provided an exciting perspective.

It provided the highest motivation to write stories that were merely sitting in my head and notebooks for over ten years. The course provided a framework that allowed me to see that anything is possible.

Thank you for forming a very professional organisation to inspire and support writers.

Cathie is a great tutor. Her background and present experiences provide students with well-informed reflections and feedback. I found Cathie supportive, encouraging and incredibly well-informed.

I enjoyed seeing the diversity of stories that people wrote. Then reading the stories and letting each know how as a reader I experienced/responded to their work.

If you want to develop the craft of picture book writing, this course is a great initial stepping stone to start you on your way.

Due to my career in education, I have always had an interest in children's literature and children's literacy development. Writing a picture book and being successful in working with a publisher is a bucket list item of mine and I'd like to pursue it seriously.

I enjoyed the fact that I could fit this around my busy schedule - 3-4 hours is doable even while I'm working fulltime.

Cathie's feedback throughout the course was invaluable. She was very approachable and always responded to queries posted in the course chat. I felt like due to what I received from Cathie, my writing improved each week I completed a module.

Before I completed this course, I didn't realise how many elements go in to writing a picture book. I felt like I kept improving with my writing, which gave me confidence to keep going!

It's worth completing a course with AWC if you are serious about writing. They give all the information/resources needed to keep refining and honing your craft.

I loved this course. It was challenging and full of really great content. I know I'll be revisiting the content many times in the future.

The assignments were challenging and I enjoyed applying what I had learned in each module to a new story every week.

I now have a confidence in my ability to craft a story. I have a greater knowledge of the process of writing for publication. Publication is not just a lofty 'imagine' but a feasible outcome.

If you have any inclination to write a story, do this course. It will give you the knowledge and confidence to make it happen.

Thank you. I have really enjoyed being creative every week and I have learned a lot from the process.

First of all, some pats on the back for the staff in the office. Initially I had some problems downloading the material and when I rang, the staff were super - followed up - made sure I was okay - and reassured me that I wasn't a computer "Klutz" - which I think I am - and made me feel I could approach them for help anytime. And how lovely to speak to a person instead of getting a recorded message!

Being able to listen to the lessons at a time that suited meant it was easy to work in the course with my other commitments. The printouts were terrific - detailed but easy to follow - and meant I could concentrate on the talk and just make a few comments on the actual handout when I wanted to.

I thought Cathie was terrific - her comments were always helpful and balanced between being encouraging and pointing out areas that needed work. Also, seeing the work and her comments on the other students' writing was useful - a big "thank you" to Cathie.

This was a great course. It was way better than I expected. It was very professional, very well set out and covered way more than I expected. I found it a really empowering way to learn about writing picture books.

Cathie was fantastic. I found her feedback super helpful (both on my own work and on other peoples' work). She gave really clear guidance that I learnt a lot from.

I am a corporate lawyer so spend a lot of time reading and writing complicated things. It was great to spend some time learning something more simple (but by no means less challenging!), being creative, learning a new way of writing and thinking from a child's point of view. It was very different to my normal day-to-day and got me thinking in a whole different way, which I really enjoyed.

These guys are very professional, seem to have a lot of experience and put together a course that was very comprehensive and a great way to learn.

Thank you for a fantastic course!

I really like how I now feel like I have a solid framework to evaluate my picture book ideas and drafts. The course was very clear about what the takeaway messages were.

I feel much more confident about how to move forward with improving my writing.

The course is very well organised and professionally produced with an expert tutor.

Being a mum, I was worried I wouldn't be able to find the time to fully participate in this course. Evidently, this wasn't the case. The time magically appeared because I enjoyed it so much.

I enjoyed challenging myself each week to write and submit a piece of writing for assessment.

I have gained more knowledge of the Australian publishing industry; particularly the importance of market research, writing in spreads and developing a manuscript.

The Australian Writers' Centre offers courses that are worthwhile investing your time and money in. The knowledge I gained from a five-week course has been invaluable.

This course appealed to me as I've always held a wee pipe dream to write a children's book :) I hoped to understand the processes and intricacies involved (and I did!).

Our tutor Cathie was great. Her feedback was constructive, thought-provoking (for me), and written with care.

I feel MUCH more knowledgeable. I still have a long way to go... and, perhaps I'll enrol in another course :)

I had an idea for a children's picture book, but did not quite know how to get started. I looked for a course and found the AWC.

The tutor was very knowledgeable and helpful. I enjoyed doing the coursework, feeling motivated and receiving feedback.

Money well spent. Enjoyable and rewarding. Two of my manuscripts are in the process of being published!

The world of picture books is very new to me from a craft study point of view and I feel like this course has given me an excellent overview.

The tutor was very knowledgeable and doing her best to be encouraging, while pointing out with precision where the improvement areas were in everyone's work.

Before starting this course, I had a number of story ideas that I felt would work best as picture books but wasn't sure how to develop them. I now feel like I have the confidence to take the next step.

This course was a really great introduction and I totally think you should do it. It's taken away my hesitation to get started on picture books.