This could be you | Australian Writers' Centre

How Richard Pritchard became a successful children's author

Having worked for years in the visual effects and animation industry, Richard Pritchard knew a lot about storytelling. But when he wanted to write a middle grade novel, he felt that he needed solid guidance, so he turned to the Australian Writers' Centre.

Holly Brunnbauer took the ideal pathway to publishing success

When Holly Brunnbauer decided to write a book, she turned to the Australian Writers’ Centre. And the result is her debut novel, ‘What Did I Miss?'

The course that changed Jess Horn’s life

Jess Horn was a busy working parent with no time for hobbies, but she decided she could just squeeze in a few minutes to enter the Furious Fiction competition at the Australian Writers' Centre. After that, she was hooked. With her childhood love of writing rekindled, Jess enrolled in Creative Writing Stage 1 and then dived into Writing Picture Books.

How Karen Wasson became a picture of publishing success

Karen Wasson changed careers to write for kids, and as a graduate of the Australian Writers’ Centre has found success with her graphic novel and picture book.

Bidding war as Emma Pei Yin publishes ‘When Sleeping Women Wake'

Emma Pei Yin has always loved stories, and she was constantly creating characters and worlds in her head. When she went looking for those stories on bookshelves, however, she discovered that there were hardly any Asian voices being published. So she decided to write her own – and the result is her debut novel, When Sleeping Women Wake – releasing in 2025 in Australia through publishers Hachette, in the UK via Quercus Books, and in the US through Ballantine.

Jenny Marshall turns her passion into a career

After completing more than 10 courses at the Australian Writers’ Centre, graduate Jenny Marshall is now a copywriter and a self-published picture book author.

Ali Berg's successful publishing double act remains on track

When Ali (on the right above) gave up her job in advertising at the age of 24 to travel the world, little did she realise it would culminate in an innovative career built around books and a two-book deal with Simon and Schuster Australia and The Book Ninja (Ali Berg & Michelle Kalus, 2018) in bookstores around the world. Ali and Michelle's second novel, While You Were Reading followed in 2019, and their latest book Fancy Meeting You Here launched with rave reviews.

How Sharna Carter dreamed up picture book success

Completing the Writing Picture Books course from the Australian Writers’ Centre, graduate Sharna Carter found success with her latest book ‘I Dreamed of You’.

Alex Dook – persistence pays off with crime fiction success

The word ‘persistence’ is often thrown about in the world of publishing. And Alex Dook is a perfect example of it paying off – with a little help from the Australian Writers’ Centre! Alex's journey to publication was a long one – the culmination of years of learning from the many screenplays and manuscripts he […]

Kasey Whitelaw combines ocean education and storytelling for a 2-book success

They say, ‘write what you know’. And for Kasey Whitelaw, a marine biologist with a passion for ocean education, there was probably only ever going to be one subject top of mind. In fact, it was during her day job that she identified an opportunity that has seen her now score TWO separate picture book […]