This could be you

How AWC courses helped Luke Rutledge get his book deal for ‘A Man And His Pride’

Luke Rutledge loves his job in communications, but was keen to scratch his creative itch. He had enjoyed writing as a child, but had stopped when life got in the way, before deciding to start again in his late 20s. After completing Novel Writing Essentials at the Australian Writers’ Centre, he started writing the manuscript for what would become A Man and His Pride – his debut novel which is out now with Penguin Random House.

AWC graduate Shannon Meyerkort’s brilliant book about …. Brilliant Minds

Shannon Meyerkort has been riding high since the release of her first book Brilliant Minds: 30 Dyslexic Heroes Who Changed Our World. While the idea initially started as a personal research project, it turned into a hugely popular book when Affirm Press offered her a book deal.

How Gabriella Margo became a published romance writer

“I have always been a big reader, and I thought it might be interesting to learn some new skills. I didn’t really intend to do anything with them, but that’s not how things panned out!” Gabriella told us.

Her latest romance novel All’s Fair in Love and Tequila is set to be released by Harlequin/HarperCollins in December, while her previous manuscript Tulips from Mal was a finalist in the Romance Writers of Australia Emerald Award and is available now independently.

How Australian Writers’ Centre graduate Louise Bassett found success writing murder and mayhem

Australian Writers’ Centre graduate Louise Bassett has released her debut young adult novel, The Hidden Girl, published by Walker Books. The novel is a gripping page-turner, set in Melbourne and Indonesia, in which teenage Melati races against the clock to save a girl she’s never met.

Australian Writers’ Centre alumna Naomi Hart publishes her memoir

Naomi Hart had spent several years preparing her debut memoir and was thrilled when it was picked up for publication. While going through the publication process, she decided she would take the opportunity to add to her writing skillset, so she enrolled into Freelance Writing Stage 1.

Paula Stevenson publishes her debut picture book ‘Buster Follows His Nose’

After moving from Sydney to a rural beef cattle property, Paula Stevenson found she had more time to devote to writing. Inspired by the stunning bushland in her new home and the with the arrival of her grandchildren, she became was inspired to write her own picture books and enrolled in Writing Picture Books at the Australian Writers’ Centre.

Bettina Deda publishes her memoir ‘Dare to Dance’

Bettina Deda originally started writing to find out more about her family history and to share their stories with her sons. With the help of Patti Miller’s Life Writing course, Bettina began to explore her own memories and experiences, culminating in the publication of her memoir Dare to Dance, published by Vpi Publishing.

Alex Sarkis stepped out of her comfort zone to find publishing success

Alex Sarkis had enjoyed writing on the side as a hobby from her day job working in accounts. But after ten years of dabbling on her own, she decided it was time to look for guidance by enrolling in a writing course with the Australian Writers’ Centre.

How Rashida Tayabali became a freelance writer and author

Rashida Tayabali had always wanted to write, but had been discouraged from studying journalism at university. While working as a marketing coordinator, she decided her maternity leave would be the perfect opportunity to rediscover her old passion. Inspired by a colleague who had done courses at the Australian Writers’ Centre, Rashida enrolled in Freelance Writing Stage 1 – and immediately her life changed.

Cathrine Mahoney quit her day job and wrote her memoir on divorce and dating

Cathrine Mahoney had a successful career as a publicist for the likes of Sony Music, Channel Nine and Nova radio. So why did she make the decision to quit her day job?