What’s it like to learn with AWC?

I wrote a chapter book manuscript in 3 days after finishing the course. 7100 words, and I thoroughly enjoyed writing it. As recommended, I have ideas for another three that could be part of the series.

I just wish I had known about the Australian Writers' Centre sooner.

I enjoyed the processes that you learn for each reread.

I now have a manuscript that I'm really happy with and I feel that it's ready to pitch.

Do it, you won't regret it.

As soon as I started Module One, I realised I had made a good decision to enrol as there is just so much information and guidance.

I enjoyed the feeling of excitement at the prospect of finding myself in the world of book publishing. Gaining knowledge and starting to believe that this might just happen for me!

Know what sort of writing you have in mind and do one of the courses available.

I think Bernadette was excellent and a lovely person. I enjoyed hearing what she had to say about the other stories and it was beneficial to me.

Pamela's presentation was user friendly and covered such a lot of important information, a combination of the human side of world building and the technicalities.
And I enjoyed having the opportunity to submit work and get feedback.

I was conscious of setting but not aware that world building should be woven through the setting in each scene. I had thought it more applicable to fantasy and sci-fi. Now I realise its importance, I'm enjoying adding little extra details where needed.

I woke up to World Building!

Kate was very generous with her tips as to how to plan, create and mould our stories. Some novelists or practitioners aren't prepared to share their secrets. She was also respectful with where we were at as story tellers.

I enjoyed Kate's examples and rich knowledge. I also loved the visuals in the Power Points. Mixing practical disciplined planning with creativity.

It was very engaging, self paced and I felt my thinking was challenged.

I was very happy with the course and loved the personal video feedback.

It helped me understand more English at school, and really get into the character of the nurse from Romeo and Juliet, and I nailed my exam.

I'd say do it, it's very good for some tips.

I share our life on the road, living in a caravan as we travel around Australia on Facebook. It's been suggested I write a book about our adventures, so when I saw this course was about personal storytelling and memoir writing it appealed. It felt like it would help me improve the stories I share on Facebook, and how to write a book too.

Nat was amazing with the feedback she provided to all students. Each week I would take her feedback and rework my assignment, then ask Nat if it was better in the chat, and she always gave feedback on areas I could still improve or if I had done a good job.

The feedback was definitely the most valuable part of the course for me. I learned so much by submitting assignments and then hearing the feedback on how I could improve.

I feel like I can now start writing my memoir, and I feel more confident and comfortable writing interesting content for my Facebook page. I have also started getting up thirty minutes earlier each morning to write before work, and I plan to increase it to an hour slowly over time.

If you want to write better stories definitely give the Personal Storytelling and Memoir Writing course ago.

I've been writing for a NFP in fundraising which is new to me. I previously worked in marketing and events so thought this course would help improve my copywriting skills.

I thought Mark gave each individual really clear feedback each week. It was really helpful to listen to his feedback to all other students so you could read, compare and get further insight into each module.

Easy to understand modules, delivered on a weekly basis. This gave me enough time to plan around work and personal life while ensuring I would give each module the right amount of attention needed to get the best out of it.

I was really happy with the course and the materials provided.

I feel much more confident with the tips and tricks shared during each module. I look forward to taking all this onboard when writing my next fundraising appeal.

The Copywriting Essentials course gives a lot of impact in a short 5-week program.

I wanted the opportunity to surround myself with other writers and get instruction and be accountable. Weekly check-ins and assignments.

Fantastic feedback provided by Margaret as well as my fellow students, it was fabulous!

I went from having written just over 3,000 words towards my novel to the end where I have now written over 46k words - it kept me motivated and wanting to write more!

It's a fabulous course to keep you motivated and accountable and the feedback from the tutor and fellow students is invaluable!

Petronella was bubbly and welcoming, no question was off limits and she was a great cheerleader for the students and their characters. It's clear she loves writing and supporting budding writers. I was so happy to have her as my tutor.

Giving and receiving feedback was great. I enjoyed both processes.

Definitely do it! The courses are well run and the feedback from professional authors is invaluable.

Nat was warm and welcoming and her feedback style resonated well with me. I appreciated her humour and down-to-earth approach to helping us improve our writing. It is clear she is very knowledgeable about the craft of writing, we were fortunate to have her as our tutor. Her feedback was immediately actionable and achievable.

I have struggled with POV and tenses for a while but had several 'aha' moments where I was writing consistently in each POV and tense. I feel like I get it now. Previously I understood it from an academic point of view but now I feel it when I write.

Enrolling in any AWC course will benefit their writing but working with a community of likeminded writers and having access to professional authors is just so invaluable. It's a must!

Kate Forsyth is a wonder. She obviously enjoys her creative output and enjoys imparting her amazing knowledge.

I enjoyed the journalling. I can use it to build on my own practice. I also enjoyed the videos very much. I found the challenges quite inspiring.

When Kate talked about journalling, and her own journalling early in the course, it struck a chord with me. I have often written in journals, but I haven't usually used them as resources for writing. I immediately went out and bought half a dozen beautiful journals I can use in different ways, and probably continue with the challenges.

If a course appeals, do it! You have nothing to lose, and a lot to gain. You will find a wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm and ideas to continue with your own writing. So take up the challenge!

Bernadette Foley is an industry icon, so anything she has to say is of use.

The course has taught me how to build a world and that worldbuilding is not just the preserve of the fantasy writer. Worldbuilding can be done in any genre.

I'm a long time reader, first time writer. I spat out my first novel over the last year, and having never written anything before, I thought I should get some lessons under my belt. 'Openings' seemed like a good place to start.

The lessons were great, and I also enjoyed listening to the feedback other people received - it broadened my understanding of the concepts taught. I love how the course is broken into modules with 15-20 mins segments - perfect for listening to on car rides too and from work.

The tutor was very encouraging, with lots of great information and tips.

My writing will improve dramatically as a result - I was introduced to the art of writing.

Amy was very knowledgeable and empathetic.

I thought the video lessons were excellent.

It has given me more confidence to keep writing.

Personal Pages have been a great exercise. They're the key to making time for writing each day, plus simply practising and narrowing my writing focus. An excellent takeaway from this course that will continue into the future.

Nat is SO knowledgeable. She gave concise, targeted advice that was easy to put into practise. She took on the spirit of each story and discussed associated feelings with the writers so all our assignments felt truly valued. Her genuine interest and engaging manner made every student's feedback valuable for all of us to hear - not just our own feedback. Her approach made assessment time exciting, not dispiriting, and she pushed us to think beyond the course to our future writing plans.

I enjoyed the small, manageable assignments with simple guidelines to follow in each module. Valerie's modules were tight and informative without information overload.

Hearing Nat say one of my pieces could be submitted to a flash memoir publication or competition has given me confidence to pursue this genre and try submitting a piece! Nice to hear I'm achieving what I hoped for in exploring memoir work.

I trust AWC's courses because the approach is rigorous but also manageable, flexible and enjoyable. You provide a positive learning experience with excellent tutor support.

Thank You!

Pamela is a great presenter--clear and easy to follow. Helped me understand how to use my subplots more effectively, when to start and when to wind them up.

The AWC is such a great resource!

The tutor was fantastic. Nat's feedback helped improve my writing dramatically, and she gave honest opinions on how to strengthen my writing.

I gained so much motivation to continue writing my novel and discovered so many new ideas.

Nat is a great tutor, her feedback is fair and she takes the time to explain how a piece can be improved.

I enjoyed trading feedback with other students.

I am even more confident in my writing, especially when a published author tells me my writing ability is strong.

The 'aha!' moment for me would have to be when Nat made me realize that even professional authors make mistakes and sometimes they don't explain a scene properly the first time. Knowing that really boosted my confidence because I thought I was just terrible at it.

Bernadette is knowledgable and provided constructive feedback which helped us nail our openings.

I enjoyed learning from the feedback Bernadette provided to others plus the feedback received from course participants which broadened considerations for opening. Handout is also useful with questions to prompt nailing your opening.

I feel I'm on track with my idea and just need to write the rest of the book!

AWC courses are well structured, tutors knowledgeable and support materials are handy points of continual reference - all in one supportive community!

Thanks!