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?’

AWC graduate Jess Horn’s train of thought

Australian Writers’ Centre graduate Jess Horn turned her love of wordplay and imagination into two published picture books. Discover how our Writing Picture Books course gave her the skills and confidence to bring Train of Thought to life.

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.

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.

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 […]

Miranda Luby continues to shine as a YA fiction author

Miranda Luby was a confident copywriter in her professional career – but her dream of writing a novel remained elusive until she plunged into our writing courses. We were thrilled to hear that Miranda’s debut novel Sadie Starr’s Guide to Starting Over has now been published by Text Publishing, so we chatted with the newly minted author of this wonderful young adult book to get all the juicy details about her writing life and success.

Jo Skinner: balancing writing and medicine

Plenty of authors have day jobs – in fact it’s more common than not, such is the nature of the business. For Dr. Jo Skinner, she is adamant not to let her medical career stifle her writing. In fact, it has actually become a source of inspiration. “I always say that I am very fortunate […]

How Susannah Hardy’s new year’s resolution turned into a new career

One new year’s day, Susannah Hardy made a decision that would change the rest of her life. She decided she wanted to earn money from writing. Already working as an actor, Susannah then enrolled in a course at the Australian Writers’ Centre. That set her on a path where she now has dual careers – as an actor, as well as a successful freelance writer, published in Australia’s top magazines and newspapers.