What’s it like to learn with AWC?

It was great. It met the expectations I had based on my research on the website. Enjoyed every week learning something new and stretching myself by putting it into practice.

Lovely tutor, good at delivering feedback in a sensitive way and generous with her knowledge.

I was initially worried I couldn't handle the commitment on top of my existing family and work commitments but it wasn't a problem. The audio files meant I could listen and learn on the go while driving, walking or doing tedious tasks.

I want to do so many AWC courses now. I loved learning so much in 5 weeks. It was more meaningful and handled better then creative writing I did at university years ago.

I found Suzanne gave incredibly useful feedback in a manner which allowed me to improve my writing and move forward in my quest to become a published picture book author. My knowledge of many aspects of children's picture book writing has increased beyond measure.

If you would like to increase your knowledge on the skills needed to become a children's picture book writer, then this is the course for you!

The tutor's feedback was incredibly helpful! She was sensitive but was also very constructive. Lessons that have completely changed my outlook on writing for children's picture books. It was comprehensive and answered all the questions I've been searching for in one place.

This course will give you a thorough understanding of the children's picture book world. You'll touch on everything from writing and editing to research and submitting. The information is relevant and a great resource to look back on in the future.

Suzanne rocks!

I have written several books for my nieces and really wanted to develop that skill. I have completed a course here previously and always find the content easy to follow, clear and the price reasonable. I like the community it creates within the course group. Everyone is here for the same reason and all the feedback received from Suzanne and fellow classmates is constructive and supportive.

Suzanne was practical in her feedback. I feel that the advice given was constructive, supportive, clear and she didn't coddle us. There's nothing worse than being told your story is amazing, when all you want is feedback. Families are biased so it's useful having a tutor.

I enjoyed the freedom to write what you wanted and write different stories each week or work on the same one. There was no pressure to write a certain topic. Also, as always, reading everyone else's work and watching the skill of your fellow classmates improve is an added bonus.

I'm used to writing short stories where you have to be quite a bit more descriptive so it was really interesting and fun to learn the balance between author/illustrator.

The courses provided by AWC are fun, informative and have a wonderful sense of community. If you have ever thought about writing or are looking to sharpen your skills then this is the place for you.

Thanks - and see you for the next course.

I had some ideas for children's picture books and wanted to learn about the genre to guide/improve my writing and also to learn about making submissions.

I had 2 working drafts by the end of it that hadn't been conceived of at all before the course began, which was great.

Zanni gave terrific feedback - very supportive but also usefully specific in terms of ideas for further work and improvement.

It was fun seeing other participants' ideas and watching these develop.

The course was lots of fun and kick started me to get started on a couple of ideas that I will continue working on.

Thanks to Zanni and the other participants!

The course content opened my mind to see things through children's eyes, and how to use appropriate words. There are so many valuable lessons. Curiously, the importance of the 'three-act structure' makes so much sense, and this structure is explored thoroughly in this course.

Zanni is very insightful and came fully prepared with plenty of feedback that showed me where I tend to stray away from the three-act structure.

Other students' feedback and comments were really beneficial. Quite a buzz. Best course! It really showed me the core structural basics that are transferable across all formats and genres.

The courses are high standard and the self-paced aspect works perfectly. Wish I'd have studied this sooner.

I knew picture book writing was a finely honed craft with specific conventions, and I wanted to get clear, concrete information on this, as well as a sense of how the industry works, particularly expectations in presenting manuscripts to publishers. I was happy with the quality of the information covered in the modules.

Suzanne is very encouraging and constructive in her feedback and responded to questions promptly. It was good to have her insights as someone who works as an editor/publisher within the industry.

I liked the way the information in the modules was designed and structured, and released weekly rather than all at once. This made the course more dynamic i.e. to be a part of a small group receiving info, specific learning outcomes and deadlines each week with personalised tutor feedback. I also loved that the course allows each participant to get what they want from it and there's plenty of time to access the information afterwards.

From my earlier exposure at RMIT, I understood the incredible craft and perspiration it takes to write the best picture books, and the course cemented this well and truly, but it also offered important insights into the publishing side and great information on how to become immersed in the thriving children's writing community. I feel more confident now, though I know it's a pretty tough road to get published.

The course is very enjoyable and provides a solid foundation in the elements of the craft and up-to-date industry insights.

I was attracted to this course because it specialised specifically in writing picture books for children.

I found the handouts very helpful to follow while listening to the lectures. The extra exercises were helpful too. I found Suzanne's feedback was a good balance of encouragement and areas to improve. I found her comments about my and other students writing astute and specific enough to understand and make a change.

I enjoyed the lectures and completing the assignments. I enjoyed reading other students' writing.

I am keen to keep writing and improve my writing. I would like to maybe send something to a publisher and see how it goes.

A professionally presented and informative course.

I loved the course. I learnt so much in such a short period of time. Zanni was lovely. Great feedback. Very helpful.

It was informative from the start. A step-by-step, how to do program which was what I needed. I feel that I can actually do this.

If you want to write, do the courses.

Excellent format and Zanni provided valuable feedback at each stage as we progressed. I also felt there was great class support, loved how the group engaged. The content was enjoyable. Detailed feedback that I was able to apply to my story each week. The feedback was given in an encouraging way.

The course was engaging and well presented. It was also fun. I have more confidence and have gained skills, and knowledge to craft ideas into stories.

I already have recommended the AWC :) It's the presenters, it's the format, it has the edge!

Really great feedback - positive but constructive. I don't usually care for criticism (I'm so sensitive, I'm usually completely discouraged by it) but in this case I loved it and really enjoyed editing once I had guidance. It really improved my writing having people to bounce off and it gave me a lot of confidence in sharing my work.

At first the fact we had to openly share our work TERRIFIED me. However- the support from the other students REALLY surprised me. We have a Facebook group already and I am excited to continue these relationships and am hopeful see published works from our group members in the future :)

I set my self a personal goal of writing a new story each week and I did and I loved pushing myself for inspiration.

I really feel like I have found my true passion. It's so nice to feel inspired and pushed to write. And pushed to edit. And pushed to create good work.

Thank you. And many thanks to Zanni.

I have had a desire to write and illustrate children's books since I first started working with children in 2001. I've written countless books but all with ZERO structure or technical know-how. This course was exactly what I wanted and needed to push me into a mental and creative place that enabled me to hone whatever skill I may have and concentrate on making my original dreams come true.

Zanni was lovely. Her feedback style is encouraging as well as direct and honest - definitely a style that can and did push the likes of me to try new things and go further than the crippling self-doubt would otherwise allow.

I enjoyed the content and information. And definitely being encouraged, pushed and guided through the feedback and the classmates' group chat.

I had never written in prose before or considered any formal structure in my writing efforts prior to this course. I wrote, and write, simply because I enjoy it. The structure and tools provided gave me a new approach to writing and I immediately saw the benefits. After a while, I even found the fun in doing things the way they're supposed to be done. It also opened my eyes to how other writers have approached their books and why some work and some don't. It amazes me the number of books out there that have completely ignored the tools and techniques found within this course, and yet are still published.

Just a heartfelt 'Thank you'. This course was humbling and super-informative. I loved every second. Thank you.

Do it. If you want to learn how to write children's books - do this course.

I wanted to learn about writing picture book stories for very young children. This course looked interesting and comprehensive in the topics it covered. The course duration of five weeks and being able to study in my own time appealed to me.

Suzanne's feedback was insightful, constructive and revealed a deep knowledge of this area of writing and the publishing industry.

There is so much valuable information in each module, and I found being able to download the handouts, audio lessons and exercises very useful. The assignments are well thought out and it was great to be able to listen to the feedback on other classmates' assignments.

I feel that I have learned a lot about writing for very young readers, and the course has given me the confidence to keep on writing.

I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn about writing picture books and what publishers are looking for.

I had an idea bouncing around my head and I knew I needed help to refine the language and pace. Now I have a few other ideas!

I did not expect the brutal truth but I got it and I appreciated it. The way Suzanne delivered her constructive critique was firm and considered. You can tell she has years of industry experience and cares for the students.

The feedback made me reflect and adapt. I've been able to change my style without losing too much of myself and I'm confident in my newfound writing skills.

I've always wanted to write and this course has allowed me to feel vulnerable and excited. It's given me the fundamentals I need if I pursue publishers and certainly exposed me to the expectations which I didn't know existed about publishing.

Just do it, stop overthinking about your ability and just do it.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I'd been searching for more information on writing picture books, and at last saw this course. I just wish I'd come across it a few years back. I found myself learning things I hadn't even realised I needed to know!

Suzanne was great, very clear, and her feedback was spot on.

I loved that it was purely picture book focussed. I'm not interested in writing chapter books right now, so was happy to be putting all my energy into a course that was so totally about this one type of book.

I now know what I've been doing wrong, and how not to make those same mistakes in the future! Believe me, I am sincerely grateful!

If you want to know about writing picture books, DO THIS COURSE! It's not too expensive, not too long, and has invaluable information.

I loved it and have learned heaps. Thank you so much!

Feedback was really constructive and it was useful listening to the feedback provided to each person. I appreciated the encouragement and validation of my idea.

I enjoyed the simple, practical and straightforward modules. I enjoyed the online chat and engagement with Suzanne and the other participants. I especially enjoyed producing and evolving my story, and being held accountable to do this!

I never thought I would actually be able to draft a full picture book - yet I have finished the course with a working version. I am really proud that I have taken a small idea and turned it into a passion project and I'm excited to keep developing it. I feel really motivated.

Thank you, it's a wonderful course!

Be brave and give it a go!

I was really impressed with the content covered in the course and I feel as if I have learnt a lot.

I loved the feedback from Suzanne after assignments and felt it was really informative and worthwhile. She had great advice that I was able to take on board. She was really active in the chats too and seemed to be approachable and involved and really interested in what everyone was doing.

I enjoyed being challenged with my writing and looking at it all in a different way. I feel as if I have grown more as a writer and I'm excited to keep putting all I have learnt into my writing from now on.

It opened my eyes to the wider world of picture books. It's not just writing the story but so much more. I learnt so much about writing the actual story and how to make my stories stronger and more interesting or appealing.

The AWC is such a worthwhile place to find courses to suit wherever you are in your writing journey. I really enjoyed and was challenged in my own writing. Just do it.

Well done to all involved. It was such a worthwhile course and so informative. Thank you.

The course content was invaluable - loved the work on structure and writing skills - the nuts and bolts. The lesson on 'show not tell' was crucial for me. The entire content is more useful than any other course I have done. It gave me more than I expected and I will extend a lot of the skills into my other writing.

Suzanne was excellent - loved listening to her feedback on our work. She has valuable insight, experience and knowledge. She was fair and provided very helpful feedback - constructive and positive. She speaks beautifully and I am grateful for her feedback!

I have learnt so much. It was great to be able to work one story throughout and continue to improve on this each week after feedback.

It has opened my eyes to the complexities involved in picture book writing. Coming from adult novels where showing visually is important, learning to allow the pictures to do this was new to me but made sense of course - it is a picture book!

I have been wanting a course that helped with the nuts and bolts of writing - language, structure, and basic skills. One of the big lightbulb moments was when Suzanne pointed out my point-of-view error in my story.

Highly recommend.

I will look to do another one of your courses in the future. I may not be great at picture book writing, but I will practise! Thank you, Suzanne!

I love my young students and I wanted to create some new stories for them! I've always loved writing and I've always been writing, but lately it's been more writing for work (marketing) rather than for pleasure or creative projects.

The assignments were great! The feedback was SO useful. I was not expecting to be able to read everyone's stories and hear their feedback and have everyone read/hear my stories and feedback, but it ended up being so cool. :-)

I loved Zanni's honesty and positive attitude. She provided really wonderful and useful feedback and recommendations!

Honestly, giving myself the time and space to read and appreciate all these picture books was so fun and inspiring. I always loved picture books but I feel like I appreciate them even more now that I realise how challenging they are! And of course, the ability to read other people's stories and hear their feedback. And to hear someone read my stories out loud was slightly scary but awesome. I really appreciated Zanni's feedback. :-)

This course reminded me I need to make my creativity/writing a priority. :-)

Give yourself the gift of creative time. It's more important now than ever! This course was part of my new 'self care' routine, honouring and nurturing my creativity.

I love you, AWC! :-)

I have just retired from a very busy and enjoyable career as a developmental/behavioural paediatrician. I've always loved children's books and recently become a grandmother, with more grandchildren on the way. I wanted to do something creative in the area of writing and found this course on Google. The AWC looked such an excellent group to start my quest for learning to write creatively.

Zanni has been thoughtful, encouraging and the experience she brings, very helpful. It has been enjoyable to read the stories from the rest of the group, and also to listen to Zanni's suggestions for them.

I enjoyed many things about this course. Learning about the structure of a picture book, and what makes a 'not put downable' story. The interaction with others on our course and reading their great stories. Zanni's guidance.

This course has given me a new pursuit, which I think about daily, and look forward to continuing with.

If you are interested in writing in any form, do one of the online tutored courses to start you on your journey. The Australian Writers' Centre also introduces you to the vibrant community of writers and illustrators in Australia.

Just a big thank you.