What’s it like to learn with AWC?

I enjoyed the voice and friendly manner of the presenter, the self-paced structure, and the regular pauses to write the next part of my story. So many learnings backed up by examples.

I know now how to structure the hooks, the planting of clues, driving the story with action, dialogue and the senses. I now read in a totally different way as well, and can see how the writer is 'manipulating' the reader (in a good way).

Go for it. Totally professional info that will change your writing.

The course was thorough and covered a lot more than I had anticipated (even though I'd read the course outline, there was so much more). Michelle is a fantastic tutor. The topic is huge and dynamic, and she was able to provide lots of clear and practical 'how to' advice, terrific website examples and ideas to think about when personalising our own sites.

I basically binged the whole course over a few days, as I wanted to get an overall picture of the content. I'm glad I did as now I can work through the modules that are more relevant to me in my own time.

The very first thing I have done (literally, within half an hour of completing the final module) was go back over the content about domain names, took Michelle's advice of 'run don't walk' - and have secured my domain name! Her enthusiasm and encouraging 'can-do' approach made what I'd thought was going to be a 'hard thing to do' not hard at all.

Michelle touched on a lot of important topics, and I now feel I have a better understanding of what I need to be thinking about in terms of what is important to me, and what my actual goals are. Module 1 really set the scene for the whole course. Plus, as she reinforced, I want to focus on my writing, so I'm happy for the expert web designers to do the website work, but now I have the confidence to be an active voice in my brand and know what to 'ask for' - and not just 'looking in' and hoping they're presenting me as me, if that makes sense.

The AWC is an all-welcoming, warm and supportive organisation for writers at all stages of their career. They offer a variety of resources that offer practical advice and encouragement in the craft of writing and storytelling. And the monthly Furious Fiction is always a blast of a challenge!

I needed direction on how to progress my novel. Structure, discipline and deadlines. The course met my expectations, and my expectations were very high. I wanted it to dig me out of a very deep hole - and it did!

Bernadette was fantastic. For me, just the right kind of personality - having the authority of years of working in the industry but exuding a true love of books, writing and writers. Her advice was direct, practical, genuine and always kind. She made me feel I had something worthwhile to contribute and, further, that every writer in the course had something worthwhile to contribute. For some reason that dissolved a big defensive barrier in my brain - letting in a community of writers and letting myself out amongst them.

I discovered that I can write, that I deserve to write, that my novel is entertaining, to believe in myself, trust my ideas. And that there as so many writers out there just like me, writing away. I felt alone before, but now I know I'm part of a pod in a big ocean.

Two big takeaways: That having your drafts read by other writers/readers and getting their feedback is invaluable. And, that the first draft is simply 'writing the story', and then there is time and a process for turning the story into a novel after that.

Don't hesitate, just do it, your writing will improve. Life is short and novels take time to write.

A really practical and well-rounded course. It helped give me tools and clear direction to move from someone just passionately playing around with creative writing into someone who feels excited to pursue the challenge of pulling my writing into the form of an actual book.

Really enjoyed learning all the tips about structure and importance of creating a cohesive narrative that builds upon itself and weaves together with resonance.

Very practical and interesting course. Well worth the time and investment!

Creative Non-Fiction is a writing style I wanted to explore for a while and which I believed would broaden my knowledge and flair.

The course was planned meticulously and this showed distinctly in every aspect - from the design of each module with each being broken down into digestible chunks, to the course materials and the ease of navigation on the website. Plus, it's always a pleasure listening to the soothing voice of Valerie Khoo - and the author interviews were a fantastic bonus!

The course has opened my eyes to the depths and dimensions of Creative Non-Fiction, how important all the elements are even if seemingly tiny, and expanded my knowledge, which in turn has inspired some confidence in my capacity to be able to write well in this genre.

Every now and then, I mention to friends that I like to take a course with the Australian Writers' Centre to replenish my knowledge and skills - and my comments are always the same: that the AWC is fantastic, thorough, trustworthy, and with a genuine interest in both the content it teaches and its students. I always then go on to note that many of Australia's best writers have come out of the AWC. All wonderful things! Thank you, AWC!

My dream is to write romance novels so I was looking for a course that would teach me the foundations and expectations of the romance genre. I wanted to know the structure and the rules to put myself in the best position possible to fulfill my dream.

This course was so enjoyable and encouraging. I loved that one of the main messages is that your story is unique and only you can write it. The whole romance writing community feels so warm and inclusive and it was such a wonderful opportunity to be a part of the Zoom question and answer sessions. I got just as much out of them as the modules. I also really loved learning about the world of romance writing and the different categories and sub-categories available. It has made me love and appreciate the craft that goes into these stories even more.

It was so practical and in depth. With the focus on structure and expectations for romance novels, it answered all of my questions!

I feel a lot clearer in my approach to writing my first draft. Having the expectations and structure has eased a lot of my worries and has sparked that excitement to hit the keyboard running.

These courses are the best investment you can make for yourself. The course material is clear and in depth and the community in the groups and on social media are all so inclusive and encouraging. The modules are really well presented, and I found myself laughing along and genuinely having fun while learning.

The course was very well taught. Gave me an insight to this form of publishing that I didn't previously have.

I realised that my character's life story fits very neatly into one of the narrative structures. I had a kind of structure in mind before I started the course, but the course material helped to give it more force.

I would say that the AWC course I completed was very helpful and it gave a confidence boost to this aspirational author.

I enjoyed the motivational soundbites and hearing the relevant parts of lots of author interviews one after the other.

The bonus 30-Day Bootcamp helped me during the (already contracted) draft I was working on when I enrolled in this course a year ago. That draft is now completed and the structural edit done!

AWC courses are well worth the time and money!

I enrolled because I'd completed Creative Writing Stage 1 and wanted to keep going.

I thought Jenny was excellent and I totally trusted her experience and knowledge. I listened to Jenny's feedback on everyone's submissions and felt she consistently honed in on key points and offered really helpful advice.

I enjoyed workshopping - both giving and receiving feedback.

It increased my knowledge of the craft of writing in a big way and gave me the confidence to rewrite a one-page prologue into a 3000-word opening chapter.

If you haven't yet been published, start at the beginning with Creative Writing Stage 1 - even if you've already completed a manuscript (like me). There's a lot more to it than you might think!

I've always wanted to write. This seemed like the best place to start. I had no hesitation at all. Couldn't wait to get started.

Jennifer's feedback was an enormous help. She was fantastic.

I enjoyed putting my learnings to the test via the assignments and gaining some different ideas by reading other students work.

It's made me want to learn more and start writing my first book. I've already enrolled in other courses and look forward to enrolling in Novel Writing Essentials.

I loved the idea of setting the scene using the colour system. It made everything make sense and made better writing easier.

Just do it. If writing is your thing, then this Stage 1 course is a must. Just so helpful and such a good grounding for other courses.

The course was really well thought out. It was structured and written in a really clear and user friendly way, and was very thorough.

This is another writing skill that I can now offer to clients.

AWC is the best place to find useful writing courses that are well structured and written, clearly presented, and will answer every question you have about the subject.

Fantastic tutor... engaging and spoke in a fun, informal way with lots of brilliant real life examples.

The way Bernadette engaged and shared the content - this is always difficult when delivering content online, but she nailed it! I will take the next Copywriting course because of Bernadette. I also loved the way she provided feedback... it was constructive and didn't make you feel diminished. Great tutor.

Great course and excellent forum for writers. I recommend the Australian Writers' Centre to keep sharpening your writing skills!

The tutor was super knowledgeable and provided very thorough feedback.

I enjoyed stretching my brain, and learning more about SEO.

The course is easy to fit in with work, good pace and content.

I loved the title - it was so positive and full of possibilities. I was looking for inspiration and an easy step-by-step map to get me started, and the course offered that.

I loved the interviews with people who have studied at AWC and are now working as writers.

I enjoyed learning about the diversity of a writing career and learning more about each area. My favourites were the writers working in the children's book industry, which is the area I'm most interested in. I also loved Valerie's positivity and can-do attitude. The steps are gold. Especially the emphasis on reaching out and building connections with those in the industry.

It gave me clarity on what direction I wanted to go - and clarified that direction. I also realised I have been struggling with imposter syndrome, and seeing that has really helped my confidence.

If you want to change careers and are wondering if writing could be it, I would recommend AWC as top of the list for quality, value for money, and practicality, with the emphasis on having a clear step-by-step plan and taking action, plus lots of inspiration and real-world success stories.

Tim did a great job! I appreciate how organized he was. He also put a lot of effort in giving us homework. I thought it was a good thing. I am learning and growing and that requires work.

I love laughing and we all need more joy in our lives.

I will be a better writer after taking this course.

I always recommend AWC courses to my writer friends. AWC offer quality courses. It's worth it!

I wish I'd done this course before starting on my first book! I can see it would have saved a lot of time.

I'd bought Scrivener, and can usually muddle my way through most software, but I soon realised I could get so much more out of it if I learnt some of the basics first.

AWC has such a great variety of courses. I've done a few now and they have all been very well put together and presented. I look forward to completing further courses.

Lots of practical and useful information given. The presenter and her style demonstrated her knowledge and expertise.

I enjoyed the discussion about marketing and self-promotion and how vital it is to get your title known. It has clarified the business model on how audiobooks are created and distributed.

The expertise of AWC presenters is exceptional. The courses are reasonably priced. It is very easy to enrol.

I loved this course. It gave me some great ideas in an easy-to-follow format. Tim Harris is a fabulous teacher, entertaining, insightful and experienced in delivering punchlines! Definitely recommend Laugh Out Loud!

I have changed up my writing and started writing a funny chapter book series. I'm loving it.

Write Your Novel made me feel like a writer. It was experiential not just information. The workshopping as well as working on my manuscript was a lot but it absolutely works in changing how you think about your manuscript.

I was amazed at the quality of the feedback from the group. Everyone put so much effort into it. Thank you Bernadette for all your hard work and hours reading and providing feedback. Know it was really appreciated.

When Bernadette gave me feedback that my manuscript 'reminds her why fiction is vital in our society-it can shine a light on real issues that we should think about and act on, in a way that's not threatening or dull, but manages to draw readers in.' I found this so motivating and grounding, it was exactly what I set out to do in the beginning.

I really liked the audios. I loved being part of a small group of new writers. The others in the course were so supportive and constructive. I really enjoyed workshopping and reading the different genres. I looked forward to the group's feedback and I've taken it on board as well as Bernadette's.

I loved the Zoom meetings. They made me feel like it wasn't just online. Discord was great. It helped to get to know the others in the group. I'm thrilled that our group has joined a new Discord chat. I love that we can stay in touch and keep supporting each other.

I enjoyed the tutorials. They were encouraging yet clear about what needed to be achieved. I've saved the great handouts and I'm sure I will be referring back to them regularly.

The course and its feedback have left me so clear about what I need to do in my next draft, much clearer than I thought I would be. And it's left me with the confidence that what I've written is good and can now be even better. Our group hasn't got to the point yet of the pitch or submitting our manuscripts to Jo Mackay but I'm very excited about the opportunity and will make sure my next draft is as cooked as I can make it.

Absolutely do the Write Your Novel course and create a world for your characters that you'll know is taking your manuscript on a journey of discovery. It's worth the time and financial commitment.

I have never attempted a dual timeline before so was interested on Pamela's take on how to best achieve a dual timeline story.

I like the easy and fluid way Pamela explains each point in a way that is not talking down to the viewer or treating them like an idiot, but as someone who just really wants to learn.

There were a few things mentioned that had never occurred to me as to what goes into setting up for a dual timeline.

It is well worth it. Just do it.