What’s it like to learn with AWC?

I had heard Kate Forsyth interviewed on ABC Conversations with Richard Fidler. I was fascinated when I heard she had a doctorate in fairy tales. I have read two of her books, Bitter Greens and Beauty in Thorns. She was so inspirational in the interview, I wanted to experience her Zoom talks and pick up some writing tips.

Kate was a very warm and friendly person. Kate loves her work; she loves writing and teaching others how to write. This is refreshing. She doesn't mind sharing her knowledge and is very encouraging to aspiring writers.

I enjoyed Kate's enthusiasm for her work and fresh approach to teaching her Zoom class. We looked at the different genres of history, mystery and magic writing skills. Kate gave us tips on reading better. We all have a big list of books we want to read.

I would love to be as organised and brilliant as Kate Forsyth and a successful published author. Meanwhile, I write for pleasure and enjoy improving my writing skills by doing a few AWC courses and being in a writer's group.

I have already recommended the AWC to many friends. There are a wide range of courses to choose. My favourite one was MOJO course in MAY 2021. That opened up so many sensory challenges.

Thoroughly enjoyed the course and will read more of Kate Forsyth's books and follow her suggestions of other writers to read.

I really enjoyed each lesson. Kate was very engaging and enjoyed our feedback and questions. She was always keen to answer our questions and give in-depth answers.

I loved all the different literary examples that Kate used in each chapter, which has now been added to my "to read" pile. Has spurred me on to focus on a historical saga that I've had floating around in my head.

I love attending all the courses at AWC and find the content engaging and informative and the teachers are also engaging and encourage us to pursue our dreams.

I enjoyed this course with Kate immensely.

Kate was brilliant. She was so enthusiastic in her lessons and gave us the same zest for learning about each genre and how to best navigate them.

I enjoyed the ability to look back at Zoom sessions and make sure I've written down all of the incredible nuggets of information Kate gave us.

Don't hesitate to do this course, because if you're a writer of any genre you will learn something from Kate. She's a master of storytelling.

I am writing a middle-grade adventure fantasy book that has elements of mythology and history. I was confused as to how to blend all those different aspects in my novel. I also had concerns about cultural appropriation.

Truth be told, I didn't know much about Kate Forsyth before the course started. It was a busy period in my life and I didn't do proper research on her. I turned up for the first online class and only moments later I was enchanted. No, really! I was in the captivity of Kate's melodic voice, honeyed words, and most importantly, the distilled, concentrated wisdom of an experienced writer she was pouring out so generously for us.

The course is about knowing different genres, but it goes much deeper and far beyond that. If I have to describe the course to friends, I would say the course teaches you the most intimate aspects of what it is to be a writer, it touches on the surprising ways writers use words and structure to evoke emotions, to captivate and delight.

And let me tell you, I have a new favourite author and you may guess who that is. Not only has Kate mastered her craft, but she is also incredibly professional and hard working. It opened my eyes to what it means to be a writer. I strongly recommend this course to anyone interested in creative writing, at any stage of their writing journey.

I really have no words left to describe how wonderful and giving Kate is. She went overtime every class, just making sure all questions were answered and everything was clear. She never gave a rushed answer. Every time she took a question, she examined it deeply and thoroughly.

It goes far beyond describing the features of different genres. It really touches on the essentials of creative writing in general. It is an eye-opening course, on many levels. And it is beautifully, beautifully presented.

Now I know what it actually takes to be a writer, the time and effort required to develop the craft. I have started using many of the techniques Kate has taught us in my writing and it has made a big difference.