Furious Fiction: September 2024 Story Showcase
Welcome to September’s Furious Fiction story showcase – where this month we mixed things up a little with a picture prompt! Writers had to use
Writing Podcast Episode 628: Meet Scott Ryder, a former Australian commando, on his memoir ‘Forged in Fire’.
Meet Scott Ryder, a former Australian commando, who discusses his memoir Forged in Fire, detailing his 22-year military career and the transition to civilian life.
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘The Blanket Cats’ by Kiyoshi Shigematsu
This week, we’re giving away three copies of The Blanket Cats by Kiyoshi Shigematsu. This story is a heartwarming tale set in Tokyo, where a
Writing Podcast Episode 627: Award-winning picture book author Sandhya Parappukkaran
Meet Sandhya Parappukkaran, a picture book author with four wonderful books that have all been shortlisted or have won Premier’s Literary awards. This is a
Q&A: ‘Watts’ vs ‘volts’ vs ‘amps’ vs ‘ohms’
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its
Writing Podcast Episode 626: Lisa Kenway, author of the psychological thriller ‘All You Took From Me’.
Meet Lisa Kenway, author of the psychological thriller All You Took From Me. Lisa shares insights on how her medical background influenced her novel, the
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘Klim’ by Michael Klim
Dive into the inspiring journey of one of Australia’s most beloved athletes. This week we’re giving away three copies of Klim by Michael Klim. He
Writing Podcast Episode 625: Bec Nanayakkara on her picture books ‘Grow Big Little Seed’ and ‘The Book Star’.
Meet Bec Nanayakkara who discusses her journey to becoming a published picture book author. Bec reveals how she got her book deals, her writing techniques,
Q&A: The origin of ‘umbrella’
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its
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.
Writing Podcast Episode 624: Sandie Docker on how to ensure longevity in your author career
Meet Sandie Docker, who shares her journey and strategies for ensuring longevity in your author career. Sandie emphasises the importance of networking, connecting with readers,
Sarah Clutton carves out a career as a published author and freelance writer
Courses taken at AWC:
Write Your Novel program
Freelance Writing Stage 1
Writing for the Web and Mobile
2 Hours to Scrivener Power
Build Your Author Platform
Write Your Novel program
Freelance Writing Stage 1
Writing for the Web and Mobile
2 Hours to Scrivener Power
Build Your Author Platform
Sarah Clutton never thought she had the staying power to write a novel – two published books later, she’s proven herself wrong, and says she’d couldn’t have done it without the Australian Writers’ Centre. Sarah’s debut novel, Good Little Liars, was published by Hachette UK imprint Bookouture in 2019; Bookouture also published her second novel, The Daughter’s Promise in 2020, and she’s now working on her third novel.
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘The Oxenbridge King’ by Christine Paice
This week, we’re giving away three copies of The Oxenbridge King by Christine Paice, a beautiful tale that blends history, fantasy, and heartfelt emotion inspired
COPYWRITER 077: How to charge what you’re worth with Andrew Griffiths
Do you struggle to price your copywriting services? Do you constantly undercharge and feel undervalued? Do you see others less talented than you getting paid
Writing Podcast Episode 623: Exploring the world of children’s writing with Cassy Polimeni
Cassy Polimeni discusses her journey to becoming an author, the process of writing and publishing her books The Garden at the End of the World
Q&A: Where does ‘smarmy’ come from?
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its
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
Courses taken at AWC:
Writing Picture Books
Writing Picture Books
When Sandhya Parappukkaran quit her food technology job to pursue her creative dreams, she originally turned to arts and crafts. But while reading with her son, Sandhya’s childhood love of books was rekindled. After completing the Writing Picture Books course, her debut picture book The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name has been published by Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing.
Writing Podcast Episode 622: Louise Southerden on travel writing and her revealing memoir ‘Tiny’
Meet memoirist Louise Southerden about her book Tiny, which details her experience building a tiny house while going through a challenging relationship. Louise shares her
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘Girl Falling’ by Hayley Scrivenor
This week, we’re giving away three copies of Girl Falling by Hayley Scrivenor. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Blue Mountains, this compelling story
Writing Podcast Episode 621: Children’s author Carla Fitzgerald shares her five must-do tips for aspiring middle-grade authors
Children’s author Carla Fitzgerald is author of the middle-grade novel How to Break a World Record and Survive Grade 5. Carla shares insights into writing
Q&A: Why is it called ‘Paralympics’?
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its
Furious Fiction: August 2024 Story Showcase
Welcome to August’s Furious Fiction story showcase – where we challenged writers this month to reach great heights. The prompts for this month’s challenge were:
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.
Sarah Jane Lightfoot’s path to author and illustrator success
“I enrolled in the Writing Picture Books course to learn as much as I could about the industry I was entering and build on my confidence and capabilities as an author. I’m so incredibly grateful that I did.” With her newfound skills, Sarah went on to publish her debut picture book ‘Down the Road, Little Bee’.
Furious Fiction: September 2024 Story Showcase
Welcome to September’s Furious Fiction story showcase – where this month we mixed things up a little with a picture prompt! Writers had to use the image above in ANY way as inspiration to tell their story! What you wrote was UP TO YOU – but participants were told to
Writing Podcast Episode 628: Meet Scott Ryder, a former Australian commando, on his memoir ‘Forged in Fire’.
Meet Scott Ryder, a former Australian commando, who discusses his memoir Forged in Fire, detailing his 22-year military career and the transition to civilian life. Forged in Fire takes us inside the secretive world of the commandos. You can listen to the episode below, on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘The Blanket Cats’ by Kiyoshi Shigematsu
This week, we’re giving away three copies of The Blanket Cats by Kiyoshi Shigematsu. This story is a heartwarming tale set in Tokyo, where a quirky pet shop lends out cats for just three days to seven individuals seeking solace and change. Here’s the blurb: Is three days with a
Writing Podcast Episode 627: Award-winning picture book author Sandhya Parappukkaran
Meet Sandhya Parappukkaran, a picture book author with four wonderful books that have all been shortlisted or have won Premier’s Literary awards. This is a huge achievement for this former food technologist who started writing picture books on a whim not that long ago! Sandhya discusses her journey to becoming
Q&A: ‘Watts’ vs ‘volts’ vs ‘amps’ vs ‘ohms’
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its rules, regulations and ridiculousness. It’s a celebration of language, masquerading as a passive-aggressive whinge about words and weirdness. This week, the powers that be… Q:
Writing Podcast Episode 626: Lisa Kenway, author of the psychological thriller ‘All You Took From Me’.
Meet Lisa Kenway, author of the psychological thriller All You Took From Me. Lisa shares insights on how her medical background influenced her novel, the exhaustive research involved in writing about medieval re-enactment, and the persistence required to secure a publishing deal after three years of pitching. You can listen
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘Klim’ by Michael Klim
Dive into the inspiring journey of one of Australia’s most beloved athletes. This week we’re giving away three copies of Klim by Michael Klim. He shares about his journey of determination, courage, and the pursuit of excellence both in and out of the pool. Here’s the blurb: Klim’s journey to
Writing Podcast Episode 625: Bec Nanayakkara on her picture books ‘Grow Big Little Seed’ and ‘The Book Star’.
Meet Bec Nanayakkara who discusses her journey to becoming a published picture book author. Bec reveals how she got her book deals, her writing techniques, the illustration process, and much more. Also discover how our app recommendation can help you keep track of submissions. You can listen to the episode
Q&A: The origin of ‘umbrella’
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its rules, regulations and ridiculousness. It’s a celebration of language, masquerading as a passive-aggressive whinge about words and weirdness. This week, umbrella academia… Q: Hi AWC,
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.
Writing Podcast Episode 624: Sandie Docker on how to ensure longevity in your author career
Meet Sandie Docker, who shares her journey and strategies for ensuring longevity in your author career. Sandie emphasises the importance of networking, connecting with readers, and seeking help in areas outside of one’s expertise. She also discusses her role in starting the Northern Beaches Readers Festival and how it has
Sarah Clutton carves out a career as a published author and freelance writer
Courses taken at AWC:
Write Your Novel program
Freelance Writing Stage 1
Writing for the Web and Mobile
2 Hours to Scrivener Power
Build Your Author Platform
Write Your Novel program
Freelance Writing Stage 1
Writing for the Web and Mobile
2 Hours to Scrivener Power
Build Your Author Platform
Sarah Clutton never thought she had the staying power to write a novel – two published books later, she’s proven herself wrong, and says she’d couldn’t have done it without the Australian Writers’ Centre. Sarah’s debut novel, Good Little Liars, was published by Hachette UK imprint Bookouture in 2019; Bookouture also published her second novel, The Daughter’s Promise in 2020, and she’s now working on her third novel.
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘The Oxenbridge King’ by Christine Paice
This week, we’re giving away three copies of The Oxenbridge King by Christine Paice, a beautiful tale that blends history, fantasy, and heartfelt emotion inspired by the real-life discovery of Richard III’s remains. Here’s the blurb: Imagine, if you will: the lost soul of King Richard III; a talking raven;
COPYWRITER 077: How to charge what you’re worth with Andrew Griffiths
Do you struggle to price your copywriting services? Do you constantly undercharge and feel undervalued? Do you see others less talented than you getting paid more> If any of that resonates with you and you feel just a little bit annoyed that you’re not getting paid what you’re worth, this
Writing Podcast Episode 623: Exploring the world of children’s writing with Cassy Polimeni
Cassy Polimeni discusses her journey to becoming an author, the process of writing and publishing her books The Garden at the End of the World and Ella and The Amazing Frog Orchestra, and valuable insights into writing for the children’s market. You can listen to the episode below, on Apple
Q&A: Where does ‘smarmy’ come from?
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its rules, regulations and ridiculousness. It’s a celebration of language, masquerading as a passive-aggressive whinge about words and weirdness. This week, smarmy surplus… Q: Hi AWC,
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
Courses taken at AWC:
Writing Picture Books
Writing Picture Books
When Sandhya Parappukkaran quit her food technology job to pursue her creative dreams, she originally turned to arts and crafts. But while reading with her son, Sandhya’s childhood love of books was rekindled. After completing the Writing Picture Books course, her debut picture book The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name has been published by Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing.
Writing Podcast Episode 622: Louise Southerden on travel writing and her revealing memoir ‘Tiny’
Meet memoirist Louise Southerden about her book Tiny, which details her experience building a tiny house while going through a challenging relationship. Louise shares her journey into travel writing, the dynamics of writing personal stories, and techniques for capturing the essence of travel experiences. You can listen to the episode
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘Girl Falling’ by Hayley Scrivenor
This week, we’re giving away three copies of Girl Falling by Hayley Scrivenor. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Blue Mountains, this compelling story explores the complex relationship between two lifelong friends as their lives take unexpected turns that will keep you turning the pages. Here’s the blurb: Why
Writing Podcast Episode 621: Children’s author Carla Fitzgerald shares her five must-do tips for aspiring middle-grade authors
Children’s author Carla Fitzgerald is author of the middle-grade novel How to Break a World Record and Survive Grade 5. Carla shares insights into writing compelling stories for children and offers five must-do tips for aspiring middle-grade authors. Additionally, Nat Newman provides a practical app tip about the benefits of
Q&A: Why is it called ‘Paralympics’?
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its rules, regulations and ridiculousness. It’s a celebration of language, masquerading as a passive-aggressive whinge about words and weirdness. This week, parallel lines… Q: Hi AWC,
Furious Fiction: August 2024 Story Showcase
Welcome to August’s Furious Fiction story showcase – where we challenged writers this month to reach great heights. The prompts for this month’s challenge were: Each story had to take place UP IN THE AIR. (There were some specific rules, but essentially, stay off the ground.) Each story’s first sentence
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.
Sarah Jane Lightfoot’s path to author and illustrator success
“I enrolled in the Writing Picture Books course to learn as much as I could about the industry I was entering and build on my confidence and capabilities as an author. I’m so incredibly grateful that I did.” With her newfound skills, Sarah went on to publish her debut picture book ‘Down the Road, Little Bee’.
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