17 writing courses to do this summer!
Ahhhh summer – the sound of crashing waves, the gentle evening chirp of the cicadas, the sizzle of the BBQ, the tapping of the keyboard…
Ground-breaking new project from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes
It’s no secret that we’re big fans of Downton Abbey and we love advancements in publishing. Downton Abbey’s creator Julian Fellowes is embarking on a
COMP CLOSED: Win Bill Bryson’s “The Road to Little Dribbling” this week!
Our weekly book giveaways are back for 2016 and we’re kicking off the year with a cracker read from the master of observational travel, Bill
Valerie and Allison’s favourite podcast interviews of 2015
In episode 90 of our top-rating podcast, So you want to be a writer, hosts Allison Tait and Valerie Khoo named their favourite three interviews for
Q&A: Thank you, thankyou, thank-you!
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
The Day Jobs that Inspired Famous Authors
If you have work commitments that make it difficult to find the time to write, take heart: not only have some of the world’s most
Ep 90 The best of 2015
In Episode 90 of So you want to be a writer: Margaret Atwood is writing a graphic novel, writing rituals and why they work, tips on how
“Dear Santa…” An aspiring writer’s Christmas wish list
Dear Santa, How’s things? It feels like it’s been, what, a year since we last caught up? Wow, yes, I think it may have been
Affect vs Effect – which one is it?
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
Ep 89 Meet epic fantasy novelist Mitch Hogan, author of ‘Blood of Innocents’
In Episode 89 of So you want to be a writer: Do you mourn the loss of a character? How to write a killer elevator pitch for
COMP CLOSED: It’s our 12 BOOKS OF CHRISTMAS giveaway!
Tis the season to be reading, fa la la etc. And here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we want your holidays to be happy and
Contributing Editor position open with Kill Your Darlings for 2016
Kill Your Darlings are looking for a Contributing Editor to join their team for 2016! They’d love someone to write in one area. Potential areas
Who understands the CBCA?
This post is written by Cathie Tasker, expert picture book editor and presenter of the course Writing Picture Books at the Australian Writers’ Centre. The Children’s
Q&A: Tide me over, Tied me over, or Tie me over?
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
The Vault: Interview with picture book author Danny Parker
In late 2015, Allison Tait caught up with picture book author Danny Parker for a chat as part of our So you want to be
Wanted: Amazing Office All-rounder in our Sydney office.
This position has now been filled – thanks for your interest! The Australian Writers’ Centre team is growing and we have room for a full-time
Ep 88 Meet Ellie Marney, author of ‘Every Word’
In Episode 88 of So you want to be a writer: Why publishers are giving million dollar advances to debut novelists. Should you write for love or
Josefa Pete: research scientist becomes freelance feature writer
“Eighteen months ago, if someone had said to me you’re going to be doing freelance writing, I probably would have brushed it off and said ‘no way’…”
And yet today Josefa Pete, busy mum to two boys, proudly calls herself a freelance writer, without a moment’s hesitation. So what changed?
COMP CLOSED: Win Ian Fleming’s James Bond Letters!
We’ve been given a Licence to Win this week, with two copies of The Man With the Golden Typewriter (published by Bloomsbury, RRP $29.99) to
Q&A: Apostrophe drama: Is it each other’s OR each others’ ?
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
How to write great dialogue in a screenplay
Writing dialogue can be tricky at the best of times. But when you are writing a screenplay, it’s vital you get the right mix of
What’s YOUR 2016 writing goal? Tell us!
Whether you believe in its power or not, the presence of a new year being just around the corner is difficult to ignore. It’s often
38 films about writers and writing
I have a confession to make. If there is one thing I enjoy just as much as reading a great book, it’s a great film
Ep 87 Meet Drew Chapman, author of ‘The King of Fear’
In Episode 87 of So you want to be a writer: Congrats to our presenter Judith Rossell for making the shortlist for the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards.
2015 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards shortlists
Here are the 2015 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards shortlists. Below, you’ll find a super-duper list of amazing writers including our own fabulous Judith Rossell, whose book
17 writing courses to do this summer!
Ahhhh summer – the sound of crashing waves, the gentle evening chirp of the cicadas, the sizzle of the BBQ, the tapping of the keyboard… Wait, what? That’s right. Summer is actually a GREAT time to learn a new writing skill, especially considering it coincides (here in the Southern Hemisphere
Ground-breaking new project from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes
It’s no secret that we’re big fans of Downton Abbey and we love advancements in publishing. Downton Abbey’s creator Julian Fellowes is embarking on a brave new project that marries digital technology and Victorian serialised storytelling. From the press release: Ground-breaking new project will see story published in weekly chapters on
COMP CLOSED: Win Bill Bryson’s “The Road to Little Dribbling” this week!
Our weekly book giveaways are back for 2016 and we’re kicking off the year with a cracker read from the master of observational travel, Bill Bryson! His latest book is The Road to Little Dribbling – his first travel book in fifteen years, and a follow up to the enormously
Valerie and Allison’s favourite podcast interviews of 2015
In episode 90 of our top-rating podcast, So you want to be a writer, hosts Allison Tait and Valerie Khoo named their favourite three interviews for 2015 (well, Allison named four because she’s a rebel). You’ll find out what made these interviews so great and why you should listen (or re-listen
Q&A: Thank you, thankyou, thank-you!
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, it’s all about thanking you…
The Day Jobs that Inspired Famous Authors
If you have work commitments that make it difficult to find the time to write, take heart: not only have some of the world’s most famous authors managed to balance writing books with a day job, but sometimes those day jobs have actually inspired their books. That’s the message from
Ep 90 The best of 2015
In Episode 90 of So you want to be a writer: Margaret Atwood is writing a graphic novel, writing rituals and why they work, tips on how to get to know your characters and the intricacies of naming them well, and the book Worst Words by Don Watson. PLUS: our 12 Days
“Dear Santa…” An aspiring writer’s Christmas wish list
Dear Santa, How’s things? It feels like it’s been, what, a year since we last caught up? Wow, yes, I think it may have been exactly this time last year. I’m sure the elves will have grown and I hope Rudolph’s nose is not still giving you grief. You really
Affect vs Effect – which one is it?
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 finally gift wrap one
Ep 89 Meet epic fantasy novelist Mitch Hogan, author of ‘Blood of Innocents’
In Episode 89 of So you want to be a writer: Do you mourn the loss of a character? How to write a killer elevator pitch for your book, 10 over-writing traps to avoid, tell us your 2016 writing goal, and how to enter our “12 Days of Christmas” giveaway. Also: tips
COMP CLOSED: It’s our 12 BOOKS OF CHRISTMAS giveaway!
Tis the season to be reading, fa la la etc. And here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we want your holidays to be happy and filled with lazy afternoons in hammocks, rainy days on couches or late night “just one more chapter” sessions in bed. And to do that, you’re
Contributing Editor position open with Kill Your Darlings for 2016
Kill Your Darlings are looking for a Contributing Editor to join their team for 2016! They’d love someone to write in one area. Potential areas of interest they’d love to hear from include: politics, society, film and TV, books and writing, pop culture, gaming and technology, music, sport, and art.
Who understands the CBCA?
This post is written by Cathie Tasker, expert picture book editor and presenter of the course Writing Picture Books at the Australian Writers’ Centre. The Children’s Book Council of Australia is a voluntary-run, non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting books, authors and illustrators. Their mission is “to engage the community with literature for young
Q&A: Tide me over, Tied me over, or Tie me over?
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 a little tongue-tied… Q:
The Vault: Interview with picture book author Danny Parker
In late 2015, Allison Tait caught up with picture book author Danny Parker for a chat as part of our So you want to be a writer podcast. Danny and his family have been in Australia since 2004 – arriving from the UK on something of an adventure and never
Wanted: Amazing Office All-rounder in our Sydney office.
This position has now been filled – thanks for your interest! The Australian Writers’ Centre team is growing and we have room for a full-time Office All-rounder. 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
Ep 88 Meet Ellie Marney, author of ‘Every Word’
In Episode 88 of So you want to be a writer: Why publishers are giving million dollar advances to debut novelists. Should you write for love or money? Book hotels are now a THING. Also: why a female author wanted a male voice actor to narrate her books. WIN a copy of
Josefa Pete: research scientist becomes freelance feature writer
“Eighteen months ago, if someone had said to me you’re going to be doing freelance writing, I probably would have brushed it off and said ‘no way’…”
And yet today Josefa Pete, busy mum to two boys, proudly calls herself a freelance writer, without a moment’s hesitation. So what changed?
COMP CLOSED: Win Ian Fleming’s James Bond Letters!
We’ve been given a Licence to Win this week, with two copies of The Man With the Golden Typewriter (published by Bloomsbury, RRP $29.99) to give away. The book explores the origins of James Bond and follows author Ian Fleming’s progress as he typed (on his golden typewriter) the initial
Q&A: Apostrophe drama: Is it each other’s OR each others’ ?
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’ll get there, one way
How to write great dialogue in a screenplay
Writing dialogue can be tricky at the best of times. But when you are writing a screenplay, it’s vital you get the right mix of realism, exposition and character development. So what can you do to ensure the dialogue you write hits the mark? 1. Be realistic with being real
What’s YOUR 2016 writing goal? Tell us!
Whether you believe in its power or not, the presence of a new year being just around the corner is difficult to ignore. It’s often a time to take stock, look back at the past year and set goals for the next one and beyond. We often talk about our
38 films about writers and writing
I have a confession to make. If there is one thing I enjoy just as much as reading a great book, it’s a great film that has a writer as one of its protagonists. I guess it’s that element of curiosity from a fellow writer to see exactly how this
Ep 87 Meet Drew Chapman, author of ‘The King of Fear’
In Episode 87 of So you want to be a writer: Congrats to our presenter Judith Rossell for making the shortlist for the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards. Allison Tait’s The Mapmaker Chronicles 2: Prisoner of the Black Hawk is one of the best middle grade books for 2015! Also: would you want
2015 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards shortlists
Here are the 2015 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards shortlists. Below, you’ll find a super-duper list of amazing writers including our own fabulous Judith Rossell, whose book Withering-by-Sea has been shortlisted for the Children’s fiction section! Congratulations Judith! The Prime Minister’s Literary Awards have been going since 2008. The books below on
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