What’s it like to learn with AWC?

The weekly individualised feedback on each assignment attracted me as I would like to be a published author and I didn't know where to start.

I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to keep up with the assignment deadlines and I was worried that everyone else would be a higher standard than me. I didn't need to worry as I managed to keep up and everyone was very supportive and welcoming.

Advice on language and story structure was the most valuable to me. The encouragement and constructive feedback was wonderful. Felt like I was guided through the process of writing a picture book from start to finish. It was also encouraging to feel like I was on the right lines with my writing and my goal of becoming a published author could actually become a reality.

It has encouraged me and given me the confidence to take the next steps in my writing career.

I sometimes struggle with worldbuilding. Either too much detail or not enough. I was hoping this seminar would help sort out how I could find that balance.

I enjoyed how relatable it was. It wasn't just an abstract concept with vague answers. It really answered my questions.

I feel like I can now write about the world I'm creating in my story. The way it was explained was very helpful.

In a weird way I needed permission. Permission to believe that writing is something meaningful to me and a possibility in my life.

It confirmed a lot that I already knew from other pursuits, but tied it into writing. For example, of course you need to practice it every day - just as if you would like to master a musical instrument.

At the moment, I'm reading a massive tome by Iain McGilchrist regarding the relationship between the left and right brains. The insights into creativity and how the brain works are fascinating. The art and pictures accompanying the lessons are very thought provoking. It is great just to see insights into various people's lives that you can use to reflect on your own and how to piece the puzzle together.

If you can't attend an in-person workshop or are searching for permission, then this course has opened my eyes to what it will take for me to change my life for the better.

I had a story idea that was just sitting in my head and knew I needed someone to keep me accountable to actually write it, as well as learning things along the way.

I really liked Nat - she was honest and upfront without being too abrupt. She and I have a similar sense of humour, so I think that helped too. I liked her feedback which could be blunt, but it was actually quite refreshing to have someone that doesn't sugarcoat their ideas! It helped to pull me away from my work and really look at it properly.

I enjoyed the feedback - I learnt so much from looking for things in other people's writing that I've learnt to look for them in my own. it's also nice to read so many fresh, new storylines coming through. I read very widely, not sticking to any particular genre, and average well over 100 books a year, and I'm so excited to see some names I know coming through with debut novels when they get published!

We've set up a writer's group via Whatsapp - and that dedicated time really helps me focus, knowing there are people there also writing (and that they'll know if I procrastinate.). It's sometimes the only writing time I get in a week, and if I can push out 1200 words in the hour, then three times a week will keep me on track. Everyone is so constructive with their feedback and can deliver it in a way that is helpful and useful.

I learned that I am actually capable of doing this. It's like when someone tells you something you should have known your whole life, but it comes as a revelation anyway. It's very validating to have fifteen other writers say "Yes, this story deserves to be told, and you're the person to tell it."

It's the best way to start your book. It'll go from an idea to an actual book if you work at it and have some fun along the way.

I wanted to learn what the category of romance entails. I wanted to know if it's as easy as it looks from the outside - (nope :) ). I have completed other AWC courses and really enjoy the presenters, the way it's structured and I always feel like I have learnt a lot when I've finished.

I enjoyed finding out the depth of romance and just how much it entails. It gave me so much more information than I was expecting. And the modules were not long or onerous.

I'm more certain of what it is I want to write and how to go about that. I feel like I have more of a plan to follow.

AWC course information is presented in a clear, concise way. There is no overload of information, and courses are formatted in such a way that you can do them little by little or all at once if that's what you want. The presenters are highly experienced, knowledgeable and very friendly. Feedback is presented very well; it's encouragement all the way. I love their courses!

Mark provided clear and consistent feedback to all participants.

A great, quick win for anyone in business either looking to improve their own copy for marketing materials or those wishing to branch out into a freelance copywriting space.

I enjoyed the clear and simple way Linda presented the course.

I thought it was great. It has motivated me to continue writing with a view to self-publishing.

The Australian Writers' Centre offers great easy to understand courses that help you succeed in your writing projects.

Petronella was great. I enjoyed the almost instant feedback.

I fell like I've got some basic tools now. The AWC is exactly what a beginner needs to get some direction.

I was browsing through available courses on a whim and came across one I thought would suit me in the future. I'm not an author yet but it's something I'm working towards and I knew one day I would need my own website and had no idea about how to set one up.

I liked how easy it was to understand. I was pleased to find the steps laid out in a simple manner and that the videos were not huge segments.

It's really inspired me to get back to writing. I'd hit a huge slump thinking about how hard it would be to get back into it, but this has really made me happy to start writing again.

AWC is definitely worth it. There's so many resources and courses available, there's something for everyone.

The course was recommended to me by an editor who had previously completed a couple of rounds of feedback on my manuscript.

I enjoyed Valerie's encouraging style of presenting. And, of course, the abundance of practical advice. I have taken copious notes and will be watching again as I go through the pitching process.

It's given me a logical path to follow, while demystifying much of the pitching and publishing processes that are now ahead of me. Completing this course will save me an inestimable amount of time, now that I don't have to figure things out through trial and error.

The Australian Writers' Centre courses are packed with practical information, and they seemingly have something to suit writers of every style. Its course creators and presenters are clearly professionals with extensive industry experience. The course content is explained in a way that is easy to understand, while being contextualised for its real-world implications and opportunities.

I was having difficulty understanding the entire novel from start to finish. I needed a system/ process to work through the novel.

I now know how to prepare before beginning the actual writing of the novel. I was giving myself a hard time because I was struggling to write, now I know that there is a lot of legwork to be done prior to novel writing. And it is all very important.

Building the character has made it so much easier to write my novel because I already know the character and the character is consistent throughout the novel.

If you want to learn to write, do a AWC course. They are fantastic.

I heard this course mentioned in a podcast and immediately sought it out.

I'm a maths nerd. Being able to structure my manuscript mathematically really appeals, though I've just checked my midpoint and pinch points and they're nowhere near where they should be, so I've got some work to do.

I now understand a lot more about structure.

For anyone who's story has a saggy middle.

I wanted to revise some writing for this age group that I had written years ago. This seemed like a good starting point to help refine my work.

I enjoyed Lesley's presentation style. The course has helped clarify some of the technical points related to writing for this age group and how it differs from early childhood and older readers.

Cathie was great. Very knowledgeable and had top advice.

I enjoyed the informative videos. It's a brilliant, well-paced course.

I have been writing my book for six years and felt I needed some extra inspiration to get back on track, so when I saw Kate's course in her newsletter I thought, 'here's a lady I can relate to, I have met, read her books, perhaps I should take the initiative.'

Inspiration is what I was after, and I was inspired to pick up my pen every day and let my mind go wild. Kate reminded me to write poetry. I was able to see where my story was lacking and why, and find ways to improve on it.

I feel that anything new that I learn about writing, is profound because it sets me closer to finishing my book. The weaving between art and writing is a new level of inspiration and imagination for me.

If you are serious about writing, start by signing up for the newsletter. I wish I'd done it a long time ago. There are so many courses available.

An author friend recommended the course to me and it exceeded my expectations.

Nat was great. Extremely knowledgeable and provided excellent feedback.

It has given me the tools and belief to write a novel. Creating a writing habit is everything. I would say that this is the best course on offer.

Nat pointed out things in my writing - and that of my classmates - that I'd never even considered! Amazing feedback. And the course itself was hugely informative and helpful.

It got me fired up again! And took away the 'groping in the dark' feeling. It established what I've got to stop doing (rewriting the work I've already done)! Plus established exactly what each draft should work on.

Well worth the money. Fun, inspiring, and extremely helpful.

The course structure and course content were both very well done. It offers great flexibility and allows you to fit the course work into your own schedule.

Vivienne's feedback was well delivered and maintained the balance between keeping you encouraged but also providing an honest and constructive critique.

I enjoyed the fact that each module was very practical and provided the opportunity to implement the learnings from each module. The inclusion of hints and tips in the course materials was also helpful.

It has really helped me gain the confidence to approach looking for freelance work.

I enjoyed the stepwise approach and learning how to go about writing and then pitching. Vivienne offers constructive feedback and is very personable.

I feel more confident in how to go about writing and pitching now.

I really enjoyed the different writing tasks and being able to focus on different elements of picture book structure.

I had an epiphany today on the kind of stories I want to write for children and the kind of author I want to be. The course has provided me with incredible tools and resources to make this happen. I feel I already have now several very good stories to polish over the next year and hopefully have success publishing.

I would say that this course was excellent, and I wish I had done it several years ago. Sometimes life is busy, and this felt like a treat - it was!