What’s it like to learn with AWC?

I enjoyed the flexibility, linked to the bite-size lessons which were still packed full of information.

It has been a great step on my learning journey

Every single aspect of the picture book, and also the process, requires deep attention to detail.

Go for it, the courses are flexible, accessible and chock full of information.

While working as an editor of an inflight magazine, I started the course to prepare me to become a travel writer who can actually travel and write rather than be at the desk reading, writing and thinking about travel.

I knew a lot of the content may be familiar since I was already working as an editor but there was so much helpful information that filled in some of the gaps for understanding how things would work as a freelance writer.

I was so happy to have been able to have access to the bonus Facebook group and the Facebook live sessions with Valerie and Katrina.

I love getting insights from Valerie about the industry as a whole and key insights from Katrina from her on-the-field experience. I would say that's probably been one of the most helpful and motivating aspects of the course. Examples of her writing as well as other travel writers have also been really helpful.

Through the various example articles, I realized that I need to really work on writing a good hook, find a way to tie a particular theme throughout the article and find a way to weave that into an impactful ending.

After going through this course and hearing from Katrina about how she is able to take one trip and spin it into multiple stories, it dawned on me that that's the only way to survive as a freelance travel writer! It's probably going to take some time to get to that level but I really want to aim for that as I start this journey as a writer.

This is a really great start for those looking to get into travel writing. The course gives a comprehensive look at the industry and there are plenty of tips and tricks that can help you succeed in this field, whether you plan to do it on the side or as a full-time job.

Kate presents with a joy and passion and it is set up in easy "chunks", plus self-paced appeals.

I now have a great little journal by my bed and it is filled with notes, drawings and haikus and this tool has helped me to start writing reflectively and who knows, maybe even an idea or two for a protagonist, antagonist, a setting, has begun to develop.

All the storytelling essentials tips gave me an aha moment, especially 'begin at the point of change' and 'signal the story's problem or source of conflict straight away.'

If you wish to immerse yourself in writing and 'Dare to Dream' that writing your novel, picture book, memoir etc. is possible, then I'd thoroughly recommend the AWC as your one stop shop! The quality of the instructors is second to none, many of whom are world renowned authors. Their wealth of knowledge in their chosen field is top shelf. Do yourself a favour and listen to AWC's podcasts, as well as enrol in a course that speaks to you and your writing genre.

I have always loved fiction and had so many what ifs from stories I've read and ideas of my own that I felt as if I just needed to learn how to channel it and spread my creativity.

I was worried that I wouldn't have time to do it, because exam season was coming up when I began, but because of the flexibility of the course, I didn't need to worry.

I want to do so much more. I loved learning this course. I loved getting feedback from Jo Riccioni. She was very positive in that she would speak so excitedly about the positives from my assignments and would give feedback in what I could have done better in a way that was more helpful rather than degrading.

I love how this course made me go down a massive rabbit hole of plot and characters and the like.

This course is so much more perfect than I imagined. I learned so much. I had no idea how to go about making a novel but suddenly, I feel like I'm more than ready to tackle it. It had me researching more on how to be a better creative writer and solidified my choice in wanting to become a published author.

I feel as if every module in this course had me going 'aha!'. I'm not trying to sound lazy, but it's true. I found everything helpful and I cannot narrow it down.

You will not regret it, my friend. If you want to better learn how to write creatively, then look no further. I loved this program and I bet you will too.

Is there a course that I can take after this one, because I want to. I'm honestly sad it's coming to an end.

I wanted to get into a more consistent rhythm with my writing, and hoped that the Bootcamp would provide that structure for me. I also thought there would be some useful tips for someone new to writing.

I didn't think I'd be able to write so consistently or develop a story whilst doing the course. I started with no real idea in mind, but wanting to explore how to write and before long I had an idea unfolding right in front of me. I found the planning day useful because it gave me time to think about where my story could go, which I hadn't given a lot of thought to prior to starting because it came to me as I was writing. I was surprised at how much I could write on the 500 in 30 minutes days too; I always exceeded 500 words in 30 minutes. I found it useful advice about not editing and just keep writing. It seemed to allow more creativity to flow and it was nice not editing and moving the story forwards.

I think it's a great bootcamp. The different targets each day were really useful, it always felt like they were achievable.

It's made me realise that I am actually capable of writing and being creative. I now need to work on my style and understanding how to write well-structured stories!

Do it! If you're interested in learning and improving your writing, the courses offered are wide ranging and there's something for everyone.

Bernadette is an expert whose content is always fantastic, who shares her knowledge and experience generously, and who brings other experts into her courses to add even more value.

I enjoyed the assignments. They were fun, thoughtful and built on the lessons in the module. Getting prompt, useful feedback from the tutor also added real-world value and validation.

AWC courses are top quality, great value and focused on building skill, confidence and experience. Don't waste time with uni when you can learn so much, in a fraction of the time, with the Australian Writers' Centre.

Please pass my thanks on to Bernadette. I think she is a world-class tutor, and one of the most generous with sharing in her knowledge and experience I've encountered in years of study.

I had heard Scrivener was a useful tool and wanted an efficient overview of how it worked.

All of the functions were explained clearly and simply. It's given me the confidence and a way forward to get started with some writing projects.

AWC is a place to find all kinds of practical and hands on information on writing.

Bernadette is extremely knowledgeable and passionate in her field. Very helpful assessments and feedback. Approach is kind and considerate of all types of writers at different levels within the course.

It has reignited my passion for writing and motivated me to take action.

Well-structured and jam-packed full of tools and knowledge to kick-start your writing career, with the added flexibility of online, self-paced learning, and extremely insightful and helpful tutors.

Great feedback, very constructive.

It has made me cry several times haha! Amazing feedback and hearing people have an emotional response to my writing and believe in my story was life changing.

I learned that I am an over-writer! Was such a great piece of feedback which I can now recognise in my work.

I have already recommended the course! I said it gave me some amazing motivation, encouragement, and perspective! Great theory mixed in also!

I didn't think I would enjoy the writing community as much as I did. It was so much better than doing it alone. I have formed some writing relationships that will extend well beyond the course.

Pamela is genuine, personal, knowledgeable, interested and invested. The perfect writing tutor.

I enjoyed the discussions, feedback and being part of a community.

It has shaped my writing journey to be one of community and connection, rather than isolation.

After receiving feedback on my conclusion from Pamela, I realised that my writing can have an impact and that my first draft style and structure seems to be working.

AWC know what they are doing. Enrol, now!

I enjoyed the course. I especially love that Bernadette explains each aspect with real life examples. Also the templates and cheat sheets provided are incredibly useful and helpful.

I found Bernadette's assignment feedback extremely useful and constructive.

It has given me the confidence to offer email marketing and copywriting as yet another service to my clients.

For me there were two 'aha' moments. Firstly, I found the story telling technique through the 'power of one' extremely insightful and powerful. Secondly, I enjoyed learning about lead magnets and how powerful they can be when written well.

Just do it!

I think I received more information than I was expecting! And I learnt a lot more about giving feedback. And it's helped figure out how to tackle problems I was having with my story.

Pamela's feedback was fabulous! So, so encouraging! Because of her I feel inspired to keep going with this story. She understood what I was trying to do, when so many others didn't.

I found the teaching satisfying. Actually, I was encouraged because so I often I learnt I wasn't completely off-track! I enjoyed getting to know some of the other writers better. (I hope we can keep in touch.) The most enjoyable, of course, was Pamela's feedback.

I managed a mangled first draft!!!! Which was better than where I'd been before.

One of the things I've loved most about AWC is that you give a very structured outline. I have never wanted to be a pantser. I love the idea of knowing what is happening in each chapter before I write, even if I don't stick to it. (Even my friends, who claim to be pantsers, are beginning to talk about the benefits of plotting!) It's going to take some practise figuring out how to do that, but AWC has given me a lot of clues and I will always appreciate that.

The courses I have done with AWC have been really fun. I have enjoyed getting to know other students, and reading their stories. And now I have a plan to finish my story. (Although I might do another couple of AWC courses before committing this one to the rest if the world...)

I am really excited to take what I have learned and create something with it. My goal is to upload 2-3 books to Amazon Kindle this year.

Why did I wait so bloody long to do this?

If you want to learn to do more for yourself and your work - this is the place to do it.

Really enjoyed the feedback (both giving and receiving) as well as the chat. It was so exciting to read what other people thought of my work!

The tutor was experienced and realistic, but very encouraging.

I feel like it's been a step in the right direction. I would definitely like to continue with the editing course.

A great, encouraging course and community with the added effectiveness of clear deadlines.

Very much enjoyed it, thanks!

I learned as much from analysing the writing of my colleagues (fellow writers) and trying to make my comments as insightful as possible, as I did from the course materials. It was, however, vital to have engaged with the course materials to be able to do this. I felt the course materials gave me the metalanguage and conceptual framework to do this as well as to apply it all to my own work objectively and metacognitively.

I enjoyed the accountability---having to get those words off the handwritten page, typed in and submitted. I found by the end that I didn't need to handwrite everything first. There was joy in that.

I feel like a real writer. I have confidence.

I wanted to kickstart my writing and felt that this 5-week course was a good way to start without overcommitting myself.

I was delighted with the course. For such a short course the amount of information and learning was quite extraordinary. The course exposed to me many of the traps, tools and techniques of writing that I hadn't been aware of.

I found Bernadette's feedback incredibly helpful. It was instructive and delivered in a really thoughtful manner.

It got me writing! the weekly assignments gave me a purpose and a deadline!

I have so much more awareness of what I need to be considering in my writing. I have a better understanding of POV, structure, character development etc.

This course is a great way to both kickstart your writing and learn more about the craft of writing.

A big thank you.

I've already thanked Bernadette Foley for her generosity and gentleness. I found myself eagerly looking forward to getting feedback from her. It felt personable and caring and was unfailingly spot-on.

I enjoyed the pacing, delivery and feedback. I suppose, for me, that all comes back to my tutor.

Any concerns I had were prior to enrolling for the course. Willingly exposing myself, my thoughts, and my creations to another's critical assessment was a bit challenging for the ego. However, I quickly discovered that I was in expert and very capable hands. Once I'd begun the course, all of those concerns disappeared. That's a testament to the design and delivery of your course.

The experience of being in the company of someone who so clearly cares about words. Hallelujah! I guess you can call that a profound experience? When you find just the right word, that's an 'aha!' moment. And when someone pin-points the word or sentence that you knew should have been written differently but were too lazy to change, that's also an 'aha!' moment. So, two 'aha!' moments for the price of one.

Margaret loves her work! She is very positive, and when she critiques both on loom and in writing, her deep experience as an editor shows. She was caring yet professional.

I enjoyed reading the varied responses to my own work, as well as to particular students whose work I believed was of a high standard. I enjoyed the camaraderie of our group. I think everyone was respectful and many were absolutely friendly and supportive.

Just as past graduates say, the critiquing really does help you by providing a thoughtful distance from the work (in any genre), using the structure and resources provided by AWC. This more dispassionate approach in turn you can then hopefully apply to your own work.

The advice to "just keep writing your first draft, and finish it" rather than keep editing! Once that is done, then go back and start the re-edit. You cannot publish a book if it's not written. Also I listen to Valerie Khoo's pod, as well as many others. This constantly broadens my knowledge, and a more realistic approach to the industry.

I was very buoyed by many positive comments about my 3000 words. This encouragement was part of why I enrolled in the Write Your Novel 2025. I'm almost halfway in my book now, and hope to be further by Feb 2025 for the course.

Tremendous and experienced facilitators, excellent resources, constant updates to keep abreast of developments in publishing/ the writing world. The resources were both written and audio, and in plain English, which really engages many types of learners. I find Nicole in the AWC office very helpful as well.

I enjoyed receiving feedback from other members. The group chat. Being able to work at home, on my own schedule. The support materials (audio tutorials especially - excellent).

It kept me accountable not just in quantity of writing, but quality. I didn't want others to think I couldn't write. It was actually fun.

Most incredible was how much I looked forward to logging on every day, reading chat and responses, workshopping, and getting down to writing. I loved how motivated I became.

I'd say go for it.

Bernadette has been very generous with her feedback and her encouragements. With the kindness in her tone of voice I reckon you'd still love her and respect her even with the harshest of criticism! She also was very much to the point, brief and clear, which makes her feedback sound very professional and easy to grasp. I'm very grateful to have had Bernadette as a tutor.

It definitely has had some impact. I'll always remember doing this course, and I'm pretty sure I won't forget some of the tips and feedback I have received. Also it's boosted my confidence. I feel like it's helping me in giving myself permission to write. I just hope I don't lose momentum and manage to commit to keep writing.

It's a very informative, friendly, professional course and I reckon that most people would find something to their liking, it's a good use of your time and although the commitment isn't huge (3-4h a week, a reasonable price), it feels like it gives somewhat of a base (more like a trampoline, because I feel one could probably take off from here) to any type of writing. I recommend! I hope I keep writing. If I do, I'm pretty sure I will revisit some materials from the course. If I don't, I think I may sign up for another course to get another injection of motivation!