This could be you

More success for children’s author Jo Dabrowski

Before she even had kids, AWC graduate Jo Dabrowski loved buying and reading picture books and dreamed of one day being a published author herself. Today, those dreams are firmly a reality! Since completing Writing Picture Books at the Australian Writers’ Centre, Jo has been on a fast-track to stellar success – publishing two picture […]

Joanna Nell: From GP to bestselling author

Kylie Mansfield rediscovers her joy for writing – and lands a multi-book deal with Allen & Unwin

After rediscovering her joy for writing through the Australian Writers’ Centre’s Dare to Dream and Plotting and Planning courses, Adelaide author Kylie Mansfield signed a multi-book deal with Allen & Unwin. Her debut historical novel, inspired by true events, will be released in 2026.

How Emma Mugglestone turned a writing class into a Penguin Random House book deal

After completing a series of AWC courses, Emma Mugglestone turned her love of romance into In the Long Run, published by Penguin Random House.

AWC graduate Emily Paull celebrates her Fremantle Press debut

AWC graduate Emily Paull has released her historical novel The Distance Between Dreams with Fremantle Press. After completing Novel Writing Essentials with the Australian Writers’ Centre, Emily found the structure and confidence she needed to bring her long-time writing dream to life.

Andrew Pettifer turns his lifelong love of Spurs into a moving memoir

AWC graduate Andrew Pettifer turns a lifetime of football fandom into a heartfelt memoir blending sport, travel and friendship – inspired by his late friend Cam.

How William J. Byrne transformed a long-held dream into his debut novel ‘The Warrumbar’

For years, William J. Byrne carried the quiet dream of writing a novel while juggling family and a public-sector career. “Many years ago, I completed Creative Writing Stage 1 at the Australian Writers Centre. Then life pulled me in all sorts of directions – family, career, children – all the usual excuses. So, I forgot […]

Graci Kim channels Korean mythology with new book, ‘Dreamslinger’

Graci Kim has worked as a diplomat, cooking show host and even made kids’ toys – but it was when she sat down to reread her favourite childhood novels that she discovered her passion.

Leesa Allinson turns her passion for koalas into a picture book

Physiotherapist-turned-author Leesa Allinson has combined her love of children and conservation in her debut picture book One Koala, One Hundred Trees.

AWC graduate Zoe Crowest discovers her voice and lands a publishing deal

When Zoe Crowest signed up for her first Australian Writers’ Centre course, she was a stay-at-home mum to toddler twins. With minimal time and maximum exhaustion, she was craving a creative outlet and a way to stretch her creative muscles. “I did all three courses when my twins were just 2-years-old,” Zoe recalls. “I was […]