What’s it like to learn with AWC?

I've completed several other courses and this was the next on my list of 'have to do'.

I think what was most enjoyable about this course was that Pamela enjoyed presenting it so much. Her enthusiasm was infectious.

It was eye opening in writing for young adults.

I can honestly say this course exceeded my expectations and was one of the most enjoyable courses I have ever taken. I genuinely looked forward to the modules and completing my assignment each week.

I really loved receiving feedback from Amy. I liked her format because it felt very genuine and natural. She would give feedback as she read through our work and then provide a summary at the end, which I found really helpful. Her feedback was constructive and clear, and it really helped build my confidence with my writing. I also felt incredibly supported by her. I really enjoyed hearing her thoughts, not just on my work but on the other students' pieces as well. Since everyone wrote in different styles, it was interesting to hear her perspective on their approaches, and it made me want to experiment more with my own writing.

I really loved the pace and overall format of the course. The online modules and materials provided a lot of value without making me feel too overwhelmed. As a beginner writer, I felt the course explained things really well, starting from the basics and introducing ideas and techniques I hadn't even considered before. I also liked the assignment format. At first it was a little terrifying submitting work in front of the whole class, but I saw the value in it. The assignments reflected what we had learned in the modules, while still being manageable to complete each week. I also felt that my classmates were incredibly supportive and very talented, which made the experience even more inspiring.

Before the course, I didn't really know where to begin or whether I was even approaching writing the right way. One of the biggest things I learned is that there isn't just one correct way to write, but it still helps to have some structure and a method to guide you. I also gained a lot of confidence from the process and from receiving feedback. It was great to realise that something I enjoy doing can also feel so fulfilling.

I noticed that once I finished each module and started writing, it felt very natural and the ideas seemed to flow easily. It never felt frustrating, it was always enjoyable. Jumping straight into the writing after going through the material helped me understand the weekly lessons much better.

I would definitely recommend the AWC to anyone who has ever considered writing but isn't sure where to begin. It doesn't matter where you are in your writing journey, you will learn something valuable and the tutors are incredibly knowledgeable.

Thank you so much for creating this course and inspiring me to continue writing.

I was in the process of writing my own novel, and thought this would be a great opportunity to elevate my writing. I thought it might be a few points, maybe some useful feedback here and there, but it was well-structured, and I got a lot out of the live zoom sessions with Pamela.

The fantasy structure and worldbuilding parts were my favourite. It really helped for me to pull my story into a better-formed version of itself, and parts are readily applicable to other genres!

It helped me get a lot more serious about my writing and realise that I did have the potential to write a story that other people would find good, too.

I respect Pamela's work ethic and how she talks about how she's listened to feedback and adapted her own writing over the years, which is very encouraging to hear as a brand new writer. She brings a lot of practical knowledge to the table and I really appreciated how she's worked with so many different genres and publishers etc.

I enjoyed interacting with other writers and having people read my work for the first time ever! I haven't even shared it with family yet.

Finding out people enjoyed my first 3000 words gave me a lot of hope. It propelled me forwards in writing my first draft. I'm 56k words in now and hoping to do Write Your Novel soon once I've reached 75-85k.

The seminar has helped me to understand how I can improve my novel, and has provided me with new insight.

I learnt a lot, thank you!

It was helpful that the course was structured into manageable units. Reading the assignments from other students and the feedback they received was an excellent addition to the presented units. The interviews with authors also provided snippets of useful information.

It gave me many insights into writing that I had never thought of.

Margaret was great. She gave invaluable feedback - some of it was hard to hear but it has helped me so much.

Every word counts in a children's picture book. Every word needs to advance the story and needs to be emotive.

I learnt what I had done wrong in my drafts BUT learnt that I can create an awesome picture book.

Fantastic practical courses.

Easy to absorb in small doses, and also the ability to focus (no pun intended) on parts of my writing that I think need improving.

I know that I can continue to learn using this method, which is more cost effective for me than a long course.

Highly recommended, great tutors, plenty of support, and the feedback is invaluable.

A wonderful course that gave good skills with expert guidance. I came out feeling confident.

The tutor was very helpful, honest, and professional. A very quick turnaround for feedback.

The lessons broke down writing in a really manageable, confidence-building way.

I haven't written articles yet - yet to come this year - however, the course raised my confidence and made me feel very positive about my capacity. I had just finished a PhD, and the course was light and fun after this. Loved it.

Having feedback on my writing was extremely helpful, as it gave me a different perspective - every little bit of feedback from Vivienne was precious.

Absolutely worth it. It's industry-focused, teaches you the mechanics of how to craft an article, is led by expert professionals, and is excellent value for money.

I have always loved picture books. After studying Children's Literature at university many years ago, I wanted to revisit this fascinating genre and finally put some of my own ideas down on paper. I previously completed the Travel Writing course through AWC and thought it was fabulous. I knew this course would be as equally well structured, informative and organised.

I really appreciated the feedback from our tutor on our own work/writing. The information in the course covers every angle of writing for picture books as well as providing crucial community contact information and pitching to publishers tips, which I feel is really important when trying to get a start in this industry.

Margaret was great. Lots of very helpful suggestions.

I loved writing and challenging myself linguistically and thematically. It was so uplifting to feel creative again. I really enjoyed revisiting language techniques and learning the specific layout and patterns of picture books.

The course has inspired me to commit to writing, be creative again and feel confident that I can achieve a lifelong dream.

Do not hesitate! This is an excellent online learning institution, which offers comprehensive material and learning opportunities in all their courses.

Pamela Freeman is such a fabulous course facilitator. She covered so much in the modules, and I completed this course feeling well equipped to continue my writing practice. Trusting myself more, feeling more confident that this is something I can do.

Don't hesitate! If you love writing, if you want to be a better writer, the AWC is a great place to go.

I loved the lessons. Valerie has a beautiful clear way of explaining concepts and ideas. I enjoyed hearing from published authors about their approach. It was so helpful to learn that memoir needs to incorporate traditional story structure and not just be a recounting of events in life.

I have written on and off all my life and the best part of my job, as a primary school teacher, is seeing the kids immerse themselves in stories as I am reading to/with them.

I enjoyed dedicating time to myself and doing something that I love - writing.

Very thorough course, professional recordings, so many brilliant resources shared, worth every cent.

The fear of sharing my writing before starting was overwhelming but in reality it was wonderful and empowering.

Nat was very down-to-earth and approachable. Her feedback was easy to follow and supportive.

The assignments allowed you to share your writing; it made you feel like this idea of being an author was actually attainable.

I'm writing daily now, and if I'm not writing, my head is buzzing with ideas about characters and plot points.

AWC helps you build the confidence to tell your story and actually put it down on paper, even if it's just for yourself and not for the public. Sometimes the hardest part is simply starting, and AWC makes that first step feel achievable. I would absolutely recommend AWC to a friend or colleague - what have you got to lose?

I had a strong opening scene for a speculative satire originally developed for the Furious Fiction competition and I wanted to expand this into a novella or a novel. I was specifically concerned about the "middle sag" and needed a toolkit to map out character arcs and plot points to ensure the narrative logic remained sound as the scope increased.

I worried "over-planning" might sap the organic spontaneity and wit of my characters. However, the course helped me find a perfect balance; it showed me how intentional planning actually sharpens satire and allows for better foreshadowing while helping me avoid tired tropes and cliches.

It provided exactly the professional standard required for agent submissions. The deep dives into character sheets, plot lists, and chapter breakdowns were invaluable. Learning the specific mechanics of a synopsis was particularly helpful for my future pitching goals.

The differentiation between brainstorming, planning, and plotting was a "lightbulb" moment. Having the tools to visually map the journey helped me organize my thoughts without feeling overwhelmed by the scale of the project.

It transformed my writing from a collection of surreal scenes into a cohesive, high-stakes narrative. Before the course, I had a strong voice and a 'weird' concept, but I struggled to see the path forward. Now, I have a structural map that allows me to balance dark satire with a plot that actually moves. It gave me the confidence to treat my 'absurd' ideas with the seriousness of a professional thriller.

My biggest 'aha!' moment was learning how to use the Midpoint to shift the stakes. I realised that my secondary character's death shouldn't just be a shock tactic; it needed to be a tool to reinforce both the stakes of the main story, but also the tone and mood of the book. Learning to foreshadow properly helped turn the drafting process from guesswork into architecture.

If you have a voice or an idea but lack a compass, this is the place to find it. The course cuts through the noise to provide proven, actionable tools and a lens through which to critically evaluate both your own work and the endless stream of online "tips and tricks."

I loved the course. The parts that I had thought beforehand that I would find really dry and uninspiring were actually really fun and I enjoyed immensely.

Petronella was lovely and very knowledgeable. She was very responsive to answering questions.

I have always been a reader. But being an author was something that was possible for 'others'. "I'm not creative." This course made it seem really possible and flipped switches in my brain I didn't know were there.

I thoroughly enjoyed the creative writing course at AWC. I learnt so much and suddenly my imagination is overflowing. Writing a book now feels really doable. Still hard work, but totally achievable.

Nat was an excellent tutor, very encouraging and constructive in her feedback. I really liked how she shared her personal experiences when they connected with someone's piece. It was nice to see her authentic self in the videos. She was also kind in her approach, respectful of people's painful stories, and responsive to questions in the chat. She created a safe space that over time, the fears of presenting your work or sharing parts of yourself publicly, disappeared. I found the comments from Nat enormously helpful, and although I had reservations about having our work public, I learnt a lot by hearing everyone's feedback.

I really enjoyed the teaching in the modules, and the introduction to authors who have written memoirs. (Now I have lots of memoirs to read!) I enjoyed the interviews that Valerie did with these writers. I also appreciated the interaction from Nat in the course chat and through the videos.

Due to my work, for over 20 years I have been a very analytical and factual writer. This course has allowed me to return to make room for a creative process. In practising the exercises, it has forced me to return to some of the memories I no longer think about and try and remember them in a holistic way trying to recall emotions and senses, rather than just thoughts. It's quite powerful. There is a part that required me to go back to my younger or child self, but with an adult mindset so I could see things a bit differently and perhaps, more compassionately.

I came away with a better understanding of what a memoir is - versus an autobiography. I learnt that I don't have to include everything in the memoir and I can focus on a theme.
While it's tempting to think we have nothing important in our life story, Valerie was encouraging us that our voice is unique; we all have a story that is worth writing down, and who knows where it can take us.

If you are interested in writing your story, a memoir, or having a voice in writing, you should give this a go!

I loved that it was self-paced and I could do it from home - the flexibility made it so easy to fit around other commitments (kids/work etc).

Nat was very knowledgeable, used helpful examples and memorable anecdotes.

The course has reinforced that my story is worth telling. Hearing from other writers about their experiences was really encouraging.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! When I get published I will definitely credit AWC for providing me with the foundational tools of writing a memoir. Your online portal is exceptional. One of the best I've used - very user friendly.

Pamela was excellent. She was direct and didn't hold back which was great. But also provided positive feedback too so it kept me inspired.

I feel more confident in my ability to actually finish this book. I have more questions than answers at this stage, but definitely inspired to keep going. I couldn't write during the course cause I'm quite time poor, but it gave me a lot to think about and move forward with. I found the handouts and exercises really practical and helpful.

Just keep writing. Don't procrastinate and perfect things even when you know they're not right. Just get to the end and save things for the second draft.

Vivienne was very knowledgeable, encouraging and gave detailed, constructive feedback.

AWC online courses are easy to fit into a schedule, with bite sized sessions which are structured to provide a deeper knowledge each week.