What’s it like to learn with AWC?

I currently work as a Global Communications Manager for a global corporate travel management company and already do a lot of blog writing for the business on corporate travel trends, technology, thought leadership, sustainability etc. Sometimes it can be a little dry to write about and I would love to expand my horizons into the leisure side of travel and write about things I am more passionate about and see where it takes me. Even if I never do this full-time, it is still a good outlet and hobby and maybe something I do more of in my retirement years. Who knows!

Sometimes going to back to study can be hard work, but the format of this course was quite low-key and easy to digest. I did not find it overwhelming or stressful. I especially liked that the videos were short and straight to the point. Great for those of us with short attention spans.

It has just made me look at how I approach my writing at work and how it can be improved. Some of the templates have also been helpful and good to have more of an understanding of how publications operate and the art of a timely pitch.

For anyone passionate and interested in becoming a writer, this is an excellent place to start your career. You are learning from real-life experts who work in the field, backed by years of experience. You are listening to some of Australia's best!

The course not only provided me with excellent insight into the self-editing process for the book I had only recently completed, but it gave me tools to be mindful of with future writing. It also validated a lot that I was doing naturally, which was excellent for my confidence.

I enjoyed the analytical breakdown of story structure. I was surprised when I broke down my novel and it was very close to what was expected. However, the process made me realise that I had a (sub) character in my story that did not have a complete arc which led me to adding more chapters, which I think has helped my story considerably. The process made me think through the eyes of the all the characters, not just the one controlling the narrative.

I am new to all of this. My passion for writing has started late. I accept that this is a hobby, but I am certainly going to try to either get published or self-publish at some time in the future. The process of writing is escapism for me. Furious Fiction has helped me continue to write, even when the passion dies down a little.

If you have a passion for writing it is a worthwhile investment to take one of the courses AWC offers.

I've done a few courses with Pamela, and I find her presentations to be invaluable.

All the material given was easy to understand and clarified a few points for me. I feel that my skills as a writer are being honed.

Don't hesitate - AWC's courses are well worth investing time and money in your writing career.

I enjoyed all of it - very practical and insightful. A good mix of video, handouts and exercises.

It is important to really get to know all of your characters, including secondary characters, to strengthen dialogue.

The AWC courses are consistently worthwhile with quality content, flexible learning, and incredibly knowledgeable tutors.

I felt like Cathie knew the subject very well and was able to provide solid feedback.

What I enjoyed most was the different way you write compared to writing for an adult audience, which is what I'm more used to.

Do this course, it's fun.

The information given was easy to understand and, with the examples given, was relatable to the novel I am currently writing.

It clarified a few of the doubts I had about my writing.

Don't hesitate - the FOCUS ON series of workshops is affordable and essential to any writer's toolbox of knowledge.

Grant was great; he explained the concepts clearly with good examples.

Reframing the concept of editing as an important part of communication was very helpful. Previously, I viewed editing as either proofreading or just an exercise for pedantic anal people to hyper-fixate on rules. This course reframed that to think about it as an important component of communication.

The editing course explains many of the components of editing. You will take something away from it, whether it enhances your understanding of words and grammar, or it helps you think about editing as an essential component of communication.

Writing press releases and articles during my working life, I like the short story form with its similar structure of concise sentences and paragraphs.

I enjoyed finally writing and submitting the 2,500 word short story and, hopefully, having implemented all the lessons I'd learnt.

The course has got me back into writing. I used our caravan to be away from the house and not be tempted to put the washing on or make a cuppa. Hours sped by once I embarked on the actual short story.

The course was excellent but give yourself plenty of time to complete.

This course far exceeded my expectations with content and presentation. It's given me the tools I need to help guide me through my book.

I love the workbook! This is exactly what I need to help me organise my thoughts and plan my novel. It made me realise that I wasn't on the wrong track and I just needed a map to help guide me.

If you want to be a writer, the Australian Writers' Centre has something for EVERYONE!

I've written for years but, with chronic migraine and raising kids, it became more 'thoughts' than words on the page. After joining the Romance Writers of Australia my desire to write, have my manuscript in a state to submit and enter competitions was burning. I just wasn't able to be as productive as I wanted to be. I knew I needed to carve out time in my busy life - others could - why couldn't I? And so this course...

As well as the course, it really was the 30-day bootcamp that propelled me into the space I'm in now. I'm making time to write and it's paying off. I was travelling through Tasmania with my family during this bootcamp and it forced me to 'find' the time to write/plan to write, despite our busy schedule. I learnt that I CAN write with the family in the same room as me. I could also escape to a quiet spot to write and while in the passenger seat of the car I could plan by scribbling in my notebook.

Writing 'is' the priority in my life now. I even have an author website!

I recommend this course ALL THE TIME to writers who say they can't find the time to write / wish they could write more and more often. It was these two courses that made me prioritise my writing. They changed my writing life.

It was so practical and the detail in the information extremely useful. I did the course in a hurry as I am going to Cambodia this week and wanted ideas for future articles. I will definitely go back over some of the modules to help me produce a publishable article. I hope, insert happy face here!

The two presenters are amazing and generous with their knowledge and information, both in the course and at Zoom meetings.

I am a retiree with only the aged pension as an income and a bit of a buffer set aside. I am going to take this seriously as I love writing and would also love to see articles published with an added benefit of a buffer from just the pension as my income. I turned 70 this year and want to keep my body and mind active; I'm not ready for the scrap heap yet.

I would read articles on travel during a flight and think, what rubbish, I'd never be able to afford to go to this top end luxury place/ hotel/ restaurant. This course has opened my eyes as to the possibilities of so many different publications and the different style of writing for the diverse readers and publications.

If you are serious about Travel Writing this course sets the foundation for your future career, then it is up to you to get published and enjoy the journey along the way.

I really enjoyed the entire content. Pamela Freeman presented things very well, it's simple to follow, easy to hear and subtitles were available (I'm hearing impaired), and easy to go back and rewatch. Pamela's voice is also very nice to listen too, and I love her smile (not that that will help me write, but it's a bonus). Every time I watch a video, I feel like a friend is welcoming me into their home.

I feel like I really know where my story needs to go now. I understand way more about writing for young adults than I did before taking the course, and that's helping me map out my story. I'm not great at outlining and such, so that's a bit difficult but I'm learning.

I've only tried one course for now, but intend to try other courses after I finish the second draft of my WIP. I only recommend something I'm pleased with, and I can comfortably recommend AWC to other writers. And I can tell them there are so many courses, and different ways to work through them as well.

Interesting and useful information. The course made me think about different ways to approach and present my story, different ways to publish and ways to engage the reader.

I am starting a new book and wanted a little more information before beginning the first draft, as this is my first time attempting dual POV.

I now feel more confident going into this first draft/attempting multiple POVs.

I always recommend AWC! The range of courses to suit any time/skill level/budget is what I mostly talk about - being able to decide if you have hours or weeks to spend on your study is a huge draw in my opinion. Also having long courses that cover many topics at once, or shorter but more specific courses means you can always pick what you need, and leave out anything you don't - no wasting money or time!

Thank you! I'm always confident I'll come away from an AWC course with valuable information.

I really felt that my writing improved greatly after doing this course.

The tutor was very focussed and able to quickly drill into the key issues and then help you to improve your writing.

I enjoyed sharing our writing, reading different genres, providing and receiving considered feedback and support.

I now understand POV much better and am able to show rather than tell - this has opened up my story and freed up my writing.

AWC courses are excellent, led by experienced writer/tutors, and providing the tools you need to improve your writing.

Bernadette seemed very approachable and knowledgeable and was an incredible tutor to learn from!

I enjoyed the way in which the course was broken up into smaller segments.

It's a great way to improve your writing capabilities. It has already positively impacted the way that I approach writing!

I enjoyed the audio lessons of each module, the other writers, reading their submissions and their feedback for my submissions, the deadlines.

I needed the commitment to the community and the deadlines to discipline my writing. I think about my story on a daily basis and the feedback was essential to know where I am going with it. The writing community was brilliant, such good people and I like that we had guidelines for feedback.

Thank you! You helped me in the right direction on my writing journey, and gave me a valuable writing community. Excellent work! I have listened to your podcast since 2018 and I love it, I really hope to publish my memoir next year.

Vivienne was great and her feedback was very helpful.

I learnt a lot about the magazine/publications industry. Who knew so much went on behind the scenes and what was involved in getting your articles published?

I learnt something new in every module. It made me realise that it is possible for me to write an article that people may want to read and, not only that, get paid for it.

Professionally run, great set up and really interesting.

Vivienne always provided great constructive feedback each week.

I enjoyed the learning material, the assignments and feeling like I was a part of a little community.

I feel like I have gained confidence and believe that I will be able to write for a publication, instead of it being an unachievable goal.

The content is fabulous. The fact that I can now go back and do some of the exercises at my own pace and have access for a year, is great! Love the handouts too, very helpful.

I enjoyed Valerie's beautiful voice! Modules are very well constructed. Pamela's weekly practical and honest feedback. And, the encouragement to keep going!! THANK YOU!

Feel so encouraged to carry on and put in the work now needed to complete my novel. Thank you, Pamela and Valerie.

If you want to write for fun or to get published, just give it a go. Start small if you need to with one of the seminars or jump into a course that interests you. You feel part of a community that cares and understands.

Just a big thank you for your encouragement.