Word of the week: Meretricious
Meretricious (adjective) [meruh’trishuhs] “I know this sounds like it has something to do with merit. But it doesn’t. Meretricious actually means ‘showy or flashy, but
Writing Podcast Episode 151 When you can call yourself a writer?
In this minisode of So you want to be a writer: Debbi wants to know when she can call herself a writer, and Holly queries whether
“I got published!” : Our amazing grads featured in “Delicious”, SMH, “The Age” and more!
Whenever we receive news about our grads’ freelance writing success, we always want to shout loud and proud on their behalf! Here are some of
Q&A: Fowl, foul or fell swoop?
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
We’re hiring: Amazing Office All-rounder with a Focus on Customer Service
The Australian Writers’ Centre team is growing and we have room for a full-time Amazing Office All-rounder With a Focus on Customer Service. Please note:
Writing Podcast Episode 150 Meet author and illustrator Tania McCartney, writer of ‘Australian Story, an Illustrated Timeline’
In Episode 150 of So you want to be a writer: Discover tips for writing great dialogue, why learning about your craft is vital (even for
Road is good for Bridget’s memoir
Success: Road No Good – Finch Publishing, January 2017 (Runner up, Finch Memoir prize 2016) AWC courses taken: Start Your Novel: Introduction to Novel Writing
Word of the week: Petrichor
Petrichor (noun) [PET-ri-kuhr] Thanks for @splitinwriter for this suggestion (and good timing this week!). According to the Macquarie Dictionary: “The term petrichor was coined in
Writing Podcast Episode 149 Should your write under different pen names for different genres?
In this minisode of So you want to be a writer: Layne wants to know about how to write stories with different timelines. And Bohdi asks whether
Q&A: Tack vs tact
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
COMP CLOSED: Win a double pass to “Miss Sloane”!
This week, thanks to Roadshow Films, we have 10 double passes to give away to the soon-to-be-released Miss Sloane starring Jessica Chastain, John Lithgow, Alison
COMP CLOSED: It’s raining cats and dogs!
Cats and dogs may be like chalk and cheese, but they both make for great reading material. And this week, we have a four-legged treat
Writing Podcast Episode 148 Meet Vanessa Carnevale, author of ‘The Florentine Bridge’
In Episode 148 of So you want to be a writer: How to research your genre (and why you should), the counter-intuitive benefits of scheduling your
Word of the week: Paraph
Paraph (noun) [paraf] “You might be fooled into thinking that this is short for ‘paragraph’ but it actually refers to a flourish made after or
Writing Podcast Episode 147 World building, rugby league and stealing someone’s story.
In this minisode of So you want to be a writer: Andrew wants to know how Allison approached her world building and which rugby league teams
Word of the week: Incunabulum
Incunabulum (noun) [in-kyoo-nab-yuh-luh-m] “This word sounds like it’s supposed to be some kind of cloud. But it actually refers to a really old book, particularly
Writing Podcast Episode 146 Meet Nicole Hayes, author of ‘A Shadow’s Breath’
In Episode 146 of So you want to be a writer: Discover how to become an insanely good writer, the life-changing magic of tidying up your
Q&A: Envisage vs envision
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
“I got published!” : Jocelyn Pride, Sophia Auld, Steven Tritton, Glenn Marshall
It’s one thing for us to witness the continuous improvement of our AWC students during their course. And quite another when their talents are finally
Word of the week: Ataraxia
Ataraxia (noun) [at-uh-rak-see-uh] “While it sounds like a planet from a sci fi novel or even some kind of eating disorder, according to the Macquarie
7 effective time management tips for freelance copywriters
You can’t beat the freedom and flexibility that come with being a freelance writer – but that doesn’t mean that freelance writing is an easy
Holly Bidwell’s new creative companion
We recently ran a competition for our community and challenged you to bring your creativity to the Surface. This was your chance to win Microsoft’s
Writing Podcast Episode 145 Writing under a pen name; and publishing options for a parenting book.
In this minisode of So you want to be a writer: Bill wants to write and create social media platforms under a pen name. Simone asks
Writing Podcast Episode 144 Meet children’s writer Oliver Phommavanh, author of ‘The Other Christy’
In Episode 144 of So you want to be a writer: Find out 5 things you can learn by writing every day and 7 steps to
Q&A: Revert or reply?
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
Word of the week: Meretricious
Meretricious (adjective) [meruh’trishuhs] “I know this sounds like it has something to do with merit. But it doesn’t. Meretricious actually means ‘showy or flashy, but cheap underneath it all’. So you might refer to ‘meretricious clothing’. Or even a ‘meretricious argument’ if you want to describe one that’s possible but
Writing Podcast Episode 151 When you can call yourself a writer?
In this minisode of So you want to be a writer: Debbi wants to know when she can call herself a writer, and Holly queries whether she should pitch her stand alone novel as part of a potential series. Got a question for Val and Al? Ask at podcast [at] writerscentre
“I got published!” : Our amazing grads featured in “Delicious”, SMH, “The Age” and more!
Whenever we receive news about our grads’ freelance writing success, we always want to shout loud and proud on their behalf! Here are some of their recent achievements: Above: Laura McGeoch had her first story featured in Essential Kids “How to
Q&A: Fowl, foul or fell swoop?
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 we’re tackling a grammar gripe
We’re hiring: Amazing Office All-rounder with a Focus on Customer Service
The Australian Writers’ Centre team is growing and we have room for a full-time Amazing Office All-rounder With a Focus on Customer Service. Please note: This role is not a writing-based role. This role won’t be a stepping stone for you to publish your novel – but you will help
Writing Podcast Episode 150 Meet author and illustrator Tania McCartney, writer of ‘Australian Story, an Illustrated Timeline’
In Episode 150 of So you want to be a writer: Discover tips for writing great dialogue, why learning about your craft is vital (even for writing veterans), and how whiteboard planning can help your creative writing. Shoutout to AWC graduate Penelope Janu who landed a two-book deal. Learn the meaning
Road is good for Bridget’s memoir
Success: Road No Good – Finch Publishing, January 2017 (Runner up, Finch Memoir prize 2016) AWC courses taken: Start Your Novel: Introduction to Novel Writing Advanced Fiction Writing Techniques Background After living for two years in remote Vanuatu where she had helped develop the preschools in an isolated town called
Word of the week: Petrichor
Petrichor (noun) [PET-ri-kuhr] Thanks for @splitinwriter for this suggestion (and good timing this week!). According to the Macquarie Dictionary: “The term petrichor was coined in Australia in 1964 by two CSIRO scientists to describe the smell that occurs when it rains or is just about to rain. It was discovered
Writing Podcast Episode 149 Should your write under different pen names for different genres?
In this minisode of So you want to be a writer: Layne wants to know about how to write stories with different timelines. And Bohdi asks whether he should write under different pen names for different genres. Got a question for Val and Al? Ask at podcast [at] writerscentre [dot] com [dot]
Q&A: Tack vs tact
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 we’re tactfully changing tack… Q:
COMP CLOSED: Win a double pass to “Miss Sloane”!
This week, thanks to Roadshow Films, we have 10 double passes to give away to the soon-to-be-released Miss Sloane starring Jessica Chastain, John Lithgow, Alison Pill and Jake Lacy. It tells the story of Elizabeth Sloane (played by Chastain), the most sought-after and formidable lobbyist in Washington D.C. – known
COMP CLOSED: It’s raining cats and dogs!
Cats and dogs may be like chalk and cheese, but they both make for great reading material. And this week, we have a four-legged treat for those who love them. This week’s winner will receive these THREE books as their prize: Incredible Dog Journeys by Laura Greaves – exactly as
Writing Podcast Episode 148 Meet Vanessa Carnevale, author of ‘The Florentine Bridge’
In Episode 148 of So you want to be a writer: How to research your genre (and why you should), the counter-intuitive benefits of scheduling your writing, and fortune cookie writer gets writer’s block! Discover how you could win an animal lovers’ book pack. Valerie’s word of the week is ‘petrichor’!
Word of the week: Paraph
Paraph (noun) [paraf] “You might be fooled into thinking that this is short for ‘paragraph’ but it actually refers to a flourish made after or below a signature, which was originally used to prevent forgery. The practice is still used today, but the word itself hasn’t been widely used since
Writing Podcast Episode 147 World building, rugby league and stealing someone’s story.
In this minisode of So you want to be a writer: Andrew wants to know how Allison approached her world building and which rugby league teams we support! And we discuss a writer’s dilemma about someone who may have stolen her story. Got a question for Val and Al? Ask at
Word of the week: Incunabulum
Incunabulum (noun) [in-kyoo-nab-yuh-luh-m] “This word sounds like it’s supposed to be some kind of cloud. But it actually refers to a really old book, particularly one that was printed – not handwritten – before 1501 in Europe.” To hear Valerie and Allison chat more about this and more on the
Writing Podcast Episode 146 Meet Nicole Hayes, author of ‘A Shadow’s Breath’
In Episode 146 of So you want to be a writer: Discover how to become an insanely good writer, the life-changing magic of tidying up your writing, and learn the meaning of the word “paraph”. You’ll meet Nicole Hayes, author of A Shadow’s Breath, find out how to do a structural
Q&A: Envisage vs envision
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 we envisage an envision quest… Q:
“I got published!” : Jocelyn Pride, Sophia Auld, Steven Tritton, Glenn Marshall
It’s one thing for us to witness the continuous improvement of our AWC students during their course. And quite another when their talents are finally recognised by the world. Sorry, we can’t help it, we love to brag! Check out some of the recent accomplishments from our exceptional graduates. Above:
Word of the week: Ataraxia
Ataraxia (noun) [at-uh-rak-see-uh] “While it sounds like a planet from a sci fi novel or even some kind of eating disorder, according to the Macquarie Dictionary it means: ‘a state of tranquillity, free from emotional disturbance and anxiety’. So you might say ‘people who meditate regularly hope to reach a
7 effective time management tips for freelance copywriters
You can’t beat the freedom and flexibility that come with being a freelance writer – but that doesn’t mean that freelance writing is an easy job. Some people, particularly those who wouldn’t generally be considered self-starters, often feel overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to handle. It’s possible
Holly Bidwell’s new creative companion
We recently ran a competition for our community and challenged you to bring your creativity to the Surface. This was your chance to win Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4 (RRP AU $2799). The winner was Holly Bidwell from Canberra. Congratulations Holly! Holly has turned it into her constant companion. “The Surface is
Writing Podcast Episode 145 Writing under a pen name; and publishing options for a parenting book.
In this minisode of So you want to be a writer: Bill wants to write and create social media platforms under a pen name. Simone asks about different publishing options for her parenting book. Got a question for Val and Al? Ask at podcast [at] writerscentre [dot] com [dot] au Click
Writing Podcast Episode 144 Meet children’s writer Oliver Phommavanh, author of ‘The Other Christy’
In Episode 144 of So you want to be a writer: Find out 5 things you can learn by writing every day and 7 steps to help you write your novel. You’ll meet children’s author and standup comedian Oliver Phommavanh. Plus, discover why your author newsletter is so important and much
Q&A: Revert or reply?
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 we ponder whether to reply or
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