This could be you

Claire Thompson inspires with her true-story picture books

Deciding to write picture books was literally a lightbulb moment for media and communications manager Claire Thompson. Each time she put her newborn baby in the carseat, the interior lights flashed on, so Claire and her four-year-old invented a story about a magic baby. She immediately realised she wanted to write a children’s book and enrolled in the course Writing Picture Books a few days later.

Karina May keeps delivering ‘that rom-com feeling'

Karina May was working in digital marketing when she started dabbling in creative writing just for the fun of it – but she soon found herself hooked on the craft of storytelling. She voraciously attended courses at the Australian Writers' Centre, including two rounds of Write Your Novel with Pamela Freeman, which gave her the structure to complete her first manuscript. After signing a two-book deal with Pan MacMillan, Karina has now released her novel Duck à l'Orange for Breakfast.

Kirsten Ealand's journey to picture book success

Kirsten Ealand's path to becoming a published picture book author is a testament to the power of persistence. After completing Writing Picture Books Masterclass at Australian Writers' Centre, Kirsten's debut picture book, Like a Gannet, is now published with Windy Hollow Books. But that's not all – she already has a second book, The Big Backyard Plan, coming out with Affirm Press.

Peta James graduated from AWC and is now a published picture book author

When Peta James decided to make a lifestyle change, she never imagined it would lead her to becoming a published children's author. But that's exactly what happened after she took the Writing Picture Books course at the Australian Writers' Centre.

Mo Davey’s new career as a picture book author

Mo Davey used to distract her kids by telling them stories on the walk to and from school. She wanted to be able to remember them, so when another mum suggested they enrol together in Writing Children's Novels, Mo jumped at the chance. She has now published her debut picture book, I Am Tree Rex, with Berbay Publishing.

Amanda Willimott's journey from marketer to fiction writer

Amanda Willimott was working in marketing, a job she enjoyed but saw as just that – a job, not a career. Her true passion lay in writing, but she wasn’t sure where to start. After discovering the Australian Writers' Centre, Amanda went on to complete ten courses over eight years, and ultimately became a published author.

Sarah Clutton carves out a career as a published author and freelance writer

Brigitte Stanton on how courses led to her dream coming true

Brigitte Stanton was working as a mental health nurse, a job that could be stressful at times. She had been wanting to write for a few years as a creative outlet, but didn’t know where to start. After discovering the Australian Writers' Centre, Brigitte went on to complete several courses that fit around her lifestyle and has now published her debut picture book. Brigitte’s picture book Wanda Needs a Haircut is out now.

How Sandhya Parappukkaran followed her creative curiosity to become a published picture book author

Troy Hunter enters the scene with his award-nominated debut novel

Troy Hunter had completed a full first draft of his debut novel but felt it wasn't working, particularly in the middle section. After discovering the Australian Writers' Centre, Troy went on to complete FOCUS ON… The Second Act and has now published his debut young adult detective novel Gus and the Missing Boy with Wakefield Press. He was also recently shortlisted in the 2024 Ned Kelly Awards for Best Debut Crime Fiction.