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.
Train platforms are fascinating people-watching locations. And if you’ve ever sat and imagined the lives of the strangers standing next to you, UK-based author Ilona Bannister’s new psychological thriller Five may be for you. In this podcast episode, Ilona discusses her inspiration for the book and her own path to
The May Gibbs Children’s Literature Trust hosts the 2027 Ian Wilson Memorial Fellowship. This offers an inspiring opportunity for emerging children’s authors and illustrators to step away from everyday distractions and dedicate focused time to their creative work. Established to support creators exploring Australian voices and themes, the fellowship provides
This week, we’re giving away two copies of Nutcote: Home of May Gibbs by Fiona Starr. May Gibbs – creator of the beloved gumnut babies Snugglepot and Cuddlepie – lived and worked at Nutcote, the harbourside home built for her in 1925, complete with the studio where she wrote and
Have you got an original Australian story idea ready for the screen? The Next Brilliant Career, launched by Netflix in partnership with the Australian Writers’ Guild and state and territory screen agencies, offers emerging writers a unique opportunity to receive industry feedback and take their screenwriting ambitions to the next
Same-sex couples fought long for marriage equality, but finally getting it didn’t necessarily equate to ‘happily ever after’. That’s the area UK-based bestselling author Tom Rob Smith explores in his new novel Twenty Years Together – inspired by how legalisation of gay marriage changed the psychology of long-term relationships. In
This week, we’re giving away three copies of The Warrumbar by William J. Byrne. Thirteen-year-old Robbie Brennan befriends Moses, an old man whose stories unravel a hidden connection to Robbie’s own family and Aboriginal heritage. When Robbie witnesses a tragic event at the Warrumbar dam, he must decide whether to
Di Taylor never set out to become a novelist. She simply wanted to find out whether she could write a book. The answer turned out to be Anna’s War (Riveted Press), a young adult historical novel published under her pen name, DJ Taylor – and her debut at the age
Headphones on everyone. Follow your tour guide and stay behind the velvet ropes at all times, as we showcase the masterpieces that we have added to our permanent collection for this month’s Furious Fiction challenge! Here were this month’s prompts: Each story had to take place in a MUSEUM or
Do you have a short story idea that explores hope, courage or resilience? The Hope Prize 2026 is an international short story competition inviting writers to share powerful fiction or non-fiction that connects with readers and celebrates the impact of storytelling. With a $13,000 prize pool, international publication with Simon
Calling poets to share their voice and creativity in the Tom Collins Poetry Prize 2026, an annual competition celebrating original poetry and the contribution of Australian writers. Established by the Fellowship of Australian Writers WA, the prize honours Joseph Furphy – who wrote under the pen name Tom Collins –
Have you been working on a short story for young adult readers? The Rhiza Edge Short Story Competition 2026 offers writers an exciting opportunity to have their work considered for publication in an anthology, while gaining recognition from an established publishing team. This year’s competition invites imaginative stories exploring the
If you have a short story ready to share, the Roly Sussex Short Story Competition 2026 offers an exciting opportunity to showcase your writing and be recognised for your storytelling skills. Run by the English-Speaking Union (Queensland Branch), the competition celebrates the power of language and short fiction, rewarding stories
If you have a short story about life in rural Australia waiting to be told, the Olga Masters Short Story Award is a wonderful opportunity to share your fiction with a wider audience and celebrate the craft of storytelling. Established in honour of acclaimed Australian writer Olga Masters, the award
Every day we experience ‘sliding doors moments’ – those decisions we make that unwittingly affect the future. In this episode, bestselling author Petronella McGovern explores this concept through her own life and via the plot of her latest novel, Every Time She Wakes. As well as sharing the inspiration and
This week, we’re giving away three copies of When the Party’s Over by Katie Hoskins. When the Party’s Over explores every parent’s nightmare – and the web of secrets that follows. Natalie’s 36th birthday party with her best friends turns catastrophic when her toddler Toby is found clutching a pill
By Valerie Khoo A little fur baby has recently come into my life. His name is Apollo, he is a ridiculously gorgeous ragdoll kitten and he has already taken up his position as the Australian Writers’ Centre’s newest writing assistant. Admittedly, his current skills are less “structural editing” and more
Do you believe in second chances? In this episode, author Michelle Wright discusses her new novel Good Boy – about a long-term prisoner who joins a dog rehabilitation program and is assigned a troubled pooch he renames ‘Good Boy’. Michelle talks about the story’s inspiration, reasons for setting it in
This week, we’re giving away three copies of Whistler by Ann Patchett. When Daphne encounters her former stepfather Eddie at the Met after decades apart, their brief but profound childhood connection resurfaces. Together they reflect on the fateful event that changed both their lives, discovering how the enduring memory of
Completing the Writing Picture Books course from the Australian Writers’ Centre, graduate Sharna Carter found success with her latest book ‘I Dreamed of You’.
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