What’s it like to learn with AWC?

The Writing Picture Books course was so comprehensive. I learnt so much. I was very impressed by my online tutor and appreciated the honest and constructive feedback. I enjoyed the practical and useful information and the exercises that gave me an opportunity to put this information into practice.

I have always dreamed about writing and illustrating a children's picture book. Until this course this dream seemed a little out of reach. Now I have the tools and confidence to make my dreams a reality.

If you are serious about getting a children's book published, this is definitely the course for you!

My sincere thanks for putting this course together.

What attracted me to this course was to try something new as I've already had ideas for middle grade books - I was thinking, why not try picture books? So I decided to give it a go.

This course was awesome. I can now say I can do this and make any picture book I want to, as I've learnt the skills and techniques you need to improve picture books.

This is an excellent course and a great start to get you on track for writing picture books.

I have always had ideas for and around writing a children's book, but no idea where to start. I finally decided to commit to a course to give me some directions. Of all the courses I searched online, this was the best fit for me. It was online and in my own time, a great price, and great content.

I was worried I would be out of my depth (being older and having not studied for years), and that I would give up. But I found the course and assignments were broken down into good sized chunks of info, and led into the new session well.

I felt encouraged by the tutor and fellow classmates. The chat was great. The lessons were easy to understand and have good information, tasks, and reference material. And the feedback was relevant and encouraging, and greatly appreciated.

I enjoyed the assignments in which we had to submit work of our own for feedback. It tested me! But I was able to draw on the lessons for guidance and direction, and always waited eagerly for Cathie's feedback. And the feedback was valuable.

I now feel like I have direction and can use a methodical approach to finishing a book. It gave me different ideas on how to approach writing. I have always scribbled notes about story ideas but never used them, but the course reaffirmed to me that this is a good practice.

The course content is great. The tutor was amazing helpful. The class chat was a welcoming and supportive environment. And the bonus sessions are a must do!

Thanks for an enjoyable course!

The tutor was very knowledgeable and helpful with her feedback.

I enjoyed learning new techniques in writing and specific to the children's picture book writing processes. Inspired me to continue to hone my writing craft and to hopefully be published in the future. Also taught me the basics of writing again including punctuation and grammar.

Great course that is doable even if you have a busy schedule. Perfect course to know all things about writing picture books to get you motivated.

The content was amazing, easy to follow, fun, very informative. Cathie was great, providing helpful honest & encouraging feedback. Cathie's expertise is a great asset.

I especially liked how after the first lesson I was looking at picture books differently and already understanding what I was learning.

The gained knowledge and insight is invaluable to me achieving my writing dream and becoming published. This course has led me in the right direction.

I wasn't sure how much information would be included or how much I would learn from the course. Having now completed the course I can confidently say it was well worth the time and money spent.

Cathie was very knowledgeable and her insights as someone who has worked in publishing were invaluable.

The most enjoyable part of the course was writing work for feedback each week.

I have a better understanding of how to write picture books specifically, as well as how to present my work professionally when submitting to authors.

The AWC is a great place to learn the ropes or to further hone and polish existing writing skills.

The course is slick and professional from start to finish. I had no problems with billing, or logging in, and the high sound quality of the audio meant the delivery was distraction-free.

I was worried we would spend most of the time learning the basics of storytelling, rather than the specifics of the picture book form. Those concerns quickly vanished as the course got moving. I feel much more confident understanding what works and why.

Suzanne has a lovely voice. Her soothing tone helped deliver firm and fair advice. I really admire the way she provides feedback. The consistency in her manner made it feel that there were no favourites or outliers, which helped when receiving criticism and praise alike.

Reading the work of fellow writers, seeing their approaches, and listening to their feedback provided far more value than focusing only on my own work. It felt like we were all on the journey together.

I have been writing stories across many age groups and genres for years. My biggest challenge was getting out of my own way. Other than creating stories for my kids, and those of close friends, I shelved draft after draft to collect digital dust despite much encouragement to approach a publisher. I allowed imposter syndrome to label my efforts as merely a hobby, when what I really wanted was to become a published author. This course showed me that I was no better or worse than anyone else, and the secret ingredients are basically continuous learning, critical feedback, and revision.

I have joined my local chapter of Toastmasters, and after a 5-year hiatus from social media, I have started working on developing an author platform.

Thanks, Suzanne, and everyone at AWC for creating these programs 😊

If you harbour any desire to write, AWC has the industry experience to help. Whether you have a vague idea, or a whole series in mind, their professional staff can guide you on your way. So, what are you waiting for? Just do it already!

Looking forward to continuing this journey with you 😊

With several book ideas in my head, I still was unsure of the process of how to write a professional manuscript for a picture book. I wanted the practical ideas and tips for publishing etc.

I learnt a great deal from this course. It was practical and also very helpful being able to write pieces and have quick feedback given.

Cathie was highly professional and knowledgeable, with a wealth of experience to draw from. She gave feedback that was thought-provoking and constructive.

I really loved connecting with other writers, as well as being able to work through the course at my own time. The lectures were only short which was realistic and beneficial.

It gave me strategies and thoughts on how to market myself and plan a book that is more likely to be chosen for publication. The different practicalities of the course were most beneficial, as well as the ideas on how to get yourself out there.

This is a practical course, rich with resources and tips on how to get started. The course is easy to follow, incredibly well laid out, and with knowledge from those who know!

I would definitely recommend this course to others. It is worth every cent paid to do it!

I've always loved picture books and have dreamt of writing and illustrating my own. I was attracted to AWC because the courses were created and tutored by people with strong and relevant experience.

I wasn't sure I'd find the time and I also lacked confidence in creative writing. My worries were unfounded though; I found time in the evenings and weekends and learned so much along the way.

There is so much information shared and I'm thrilled I can go back and replay the lessons and read the notes to keep improving.

Suzanne provided great constructive feedback that really helped me throughout the course. She explained things from a publisher's perspective and gave great examples of ways to improve. She was always encouraging and kind in her delivery.

Listening to the feedback each week was a high point. I learned so much from this. I also enjoyed sharing the journey with the other students and learning from them too.

Not only has it fed a passion I've had for a long time to write stories, but it has given me the determination to learn more, starting with the Masterclass and then a course in illustration. It has also helped me in my day-to-day work in graphic design. Whether I become a published author or not, I'll enjoy trying!

Suzanne's feedback was extremely valuable and being able to see other students' assignments and their feedback increased the learning opportunity.

Understanding the basic rules around writing children's books has given me the confidence to put time and effort into writing more.

AWC courses are taught by teachers with real and relevant industry experience.

I want to write and have such fun making up stories with my children and husband. So much joy! I needed practical knowledge and tools to do it.

Great course content. Has put me on track by explaining all the practical / industry and publishing aspects that I wasn't aware of.

The tutor was kind, open, honest. Suzanne kept her comments to the point and relevant, which I appreciated.

The practical activities were helpful, and I lapped up the industry information and practical aspects of publishing.

It has given me more confidence to get serious about making this a part of my life - and to start planning to reduce my (current) workload so I have more time each week to dedicate to writing. Also, the industry knowledge was what I was looking for, and I received it.

Thank you - I thoroughly enjoyed this course.

This course is a goldmine of information - with links supplied, organisations suggested, accredited tutor feedback and classmate participation. I also appreciate the frequent email contact and how the course content is presented in an easy-to-understand manner. Best thing I've ever done.

The tutor was invaluable. Professional and knowledgeable, Cathie could pinpoint exactly where change was necessary. Her feedback facilitated a progression in my writing skills and provided the direction I needed to not only learn but continue to hone the art of writing a children's picture book.

The course is empowering. It has directed my writing and pushed my confidence - I KNOW I am a children's book author now, thanks to you guys.

THANK YOU! This course has given me a solid foundation and understanding, not only of the creative side to writing children's picture books but to the industry as a whole. It has prompted me to dive in at the deep end and given directions on how to swim. Now I'm going to continue, coughing and spluttering, with the MasterClass! Hooray!

If you're looking for a professional organisation with comprehensive course material, caring facilitators, and accredited, experienced tutors, then AWC will exceed your expectations. Do it, do it, do it.

I have always wanted to pursue my interest in children's picture story books but didn't know where to get started. So after some googling, I was amazed to find this course - it was exactly what I was looking for!

My only hesitations were:
- time - would I find enough time each week to complete the course? I had to prioritise time, which over 5 weeks was manageable
- cost - initially it seemed like a lot of money as I wasn't entirely sure of the quality of the course, but now that I have completed it, I feel like I have gotten my money's worth.

I was so impressed with how each module built upon the one before it. Looking back, I can see I have learnt so much and really hope I can apply these skills. This course has given me the confidence to take writing seriously and pursue this interest of mine.

I really enjoyed listening to the modules and I absolutely love the handouts; they are invaluable (alongside the copious notes I took for myself).

I found Cathie gave constructive feedback to everyone. I enjoyed the weekly assignments; I think it was good to put things into practice straight away.

I now have the confidence and skills to have a go at writing my own book, with the hope of one day being a published author. As a teacher, I feel like I will never look at a picture story book in the same way! It has also given me ideas on how to teach writing to my students as well.

I would like to say thank you to all involved in creating this course. It has been put together well and it was everything I was hoping it would be, and more! I hope to one day be contacting you to let you know I am a published author!

It was really well structured and informative:) The tutor was efficient. Honest feedback. Professional. Her feedback from week one was a turning point in my understanding of the topic.

It's given me a real appreciation for language and how it can inspire, motivate, and create change.

I enjoyed the practical content and knowing my work was being reviewed by someone from the industry. The tutor provided fantastic feedback and was so responsive.

I feel confident now I have a craft worth practicing.

AWC courses are well structured and so well informed they are well worth the money even if it's just for you to do as a hobby.

It is an incredible course to do, especially amidst a busy life schedule. Answered all the questions of a first time writer.

Don't think about it, just do it.

I have wanted to write picture books for a long time and this has been my first step in taking the idea seriously.

Cathie gave very useful feedback and I was so grateful to take on board her comments on my stories.

The content was fantastic. Such a rich and robust compilation of information - a perfect initiation into the world of picture books.

I am on a roll now, so keen to keep reading, researching, writing and editing. And before too long, I think I'll try submitting to a publisher. I don't know how I would have got to this stage without the course.

I loved this course and look forward to starting another one.

Cathie is amazing and I nervously soaked in all her comments. I look forward to one day meeting her.

I need to go back to my stories that I've written and start from scratch. I can see where my stories now fall short, and I plan to follow all the advice and feedback that was given.

I didn't want this course to end. My only regret is I didn't do this course earlier.

The tutor was very knowledgeable, comments were helpful and guided us to work on certain aspects of our writing. I learnt a lot and thoroughly enjoyed the tasks and content.

The course is fantastic and it is a wonderful place to start!! Thank you for the past 5 weeks! I am so grateful!! I am excited to write! Thank you for this invaluable starting point. I hope I can have the confidence to know when to submit a story to a publisher.

I have picture book ideas in my head and wanted to know how to act on them. I wasn't sure what to expect but found it very beneficial and covered more than I had anticipated.

I enjoyed reading the works submitted and learnt a great deal from them all. The support materials are detailed and worthwhile.

It's made me realise that if I don't have a professional attitude to myself as a writer, then nothing is going to happen. It made me realise the importance of having an online presence as a writer.