What’s it like to learn with AWC?

I had various unfinished picture book manuscripts and thought it would be beneficial to learn more about writing picture books in order to finish them and give them the best chance of publication.

I felt Margaret was experienced and gave useful feedback. I liked that she was very specific, so it was very clear me what my issues were and how to go about correcting them.

I have a better understanding of picture book structure and how to remove unnecessary words.

This was a fabulous experience. Finally, all my thoughts and ideas seem more organised. I only wish I had done it years ago.

Margaret was wonderful. Her feedback has been invaluable. If she offered editorial services for hopeful picture book authors, I would absolutely jump at it :)

The course was so well structured, it covered so much. Things I thought I already knew and so much more. It was clear, concise and thorough.

Its amazing!!! A game change for any writer!

Margaret is amazing. She is honest and encouraging to all students. She answers our queries promptly.

I was able to create 3 different stories that I can work on in the next few months.

If you want to tell stories and write them, the courses at AWC will help you to get started. The tutors are very knowledgeable. It is worth the money and it's so convenient for busy people.

After finishing the course, I have this hope that someday my story will be published. I want to keep writing and do more AWC courses.

I really appreciated the downloadable audio - a massive bonus meaning that my learning opportunities were super flexible and I could listen to the audio whilst out on a walk as opposed to being chained to the laptop! I loved the opportunity to ask the tutor questions (although it's only towards the end of the course I felt informed enough to do that) and I really liked seeing other students' work, too. Overall, I've massively enjoyed it and found it hugely helpful in helping me transform and target my writing more for publication.

I really appreciated all of Cathie's feedback; it was to the point and useful but also kind and encouraging.

I enjoyed the challenge of having to turn in multiple manuscripts over the weeks, and really having to try to apply all the advice learned so far. Module 4 was packed with things especially so I listened to that a good few times over!

As a budding writer-illustrator, I also really appreciated the illustration modules.

As someone with severe ADHD, I can often struggle to complete things, especially if they are something I really, really want to do for myself. The length and style of this course however worked perfectly for me; I now have a few first drafts of PB manuscripts that are also much more targeted than they would have been before I took the course. This in turn, has given me more self-confidence around my writing.

I found the course extremely useful in that it's comprehensive, structured and the tutor is excellent, and it's also flexible enough to fit around your everyday life. Highly recommended.

Just a big thank you to Cathie for her feedback and all at AWC :)

Charlotte was fantastic. She was supportive and kind and gave helpful feedback on assignments.

The weekly assignments were most helpful and engaging for me.

I feel more confident in refining my ideas, editing drafts, and feel more knowledgeable about the process of submission and publishing.

If writing is something you want to pursue further, I would recommend doing an AWC course to further develop your skills and confidence.

I was looking for an online course that I could do at my pace as well as at any time of day. I read the online reviews and the Writers Centre had only positive feedback from participants. The course looked to cover everything for a first time writer based on the course outline.

Charlotte was great at providing us all really positive and constructive feedback.

I enjoyed learning how the whole book industry works, as I didn't realise the enormous amount of people involved in getting a picture book to publishing stage.

I'm really excited to go to the next step and learn more about the writing process including kids chapter books and even novels.

If you are at all interested in writing, the Australian Writers' Centre has an amazing array of courses to suit everyone no matter what they intend to focus on.

Charlotte gave constructive feedback. She was always positive but not afraid to make suggestions or recommendations, and that is such valuable feedback.

I really enjoyed applying what was taught in the assignments. I feel more confident with what I am writing.

I was attracted to this course because I not only wanted to learn more about the fundamentals of writing picture books but to do so in a collaborative and motivating environment.

The tutor gave really great feedback with constructive criticism and advice on how to improve our pieces. I really liked the questions she asked the chat and how she got us to speak up a little more.

I particularly enjoyed the assignments. I loved how the guidelines were centred to specific elements and techniques of writing rather than the theme or topic. It meant we had such freedom in writing what we felt resonated with us and building up our folio.

This course definitely had an impact on my life because it simply gave me the chance to write stories and it taught me the elements that make good stories. It made me realise that I really want to make this work!

The AWC has really great courses and assignments. I love how there's so much thorough content, but you can go at your own pace.

I appreciate that I have been able to find out so much information about the techniques for writing and all the background to the actual business of Picture Book writing in one course. Also, receiving feedback each week from the tutor was invaluable. I also genuinely appreciated being able to read other people's work and learn from their feedback. It was surprisingly beneficial and humbling to know that other people would see my feedback, as well. We have all been able to learn from one another.

I appreciate Cathie Tasker's depth of knowledge and her honesty in feedback. It opened my eyes to enable me to critique my work better to actually see what was there, not what I thought I had written. I realise that I had to "kill some darlings" and continue to check the believability of my work.

I loved that I felt compelled to write each week to a deadline and that even though I would dread it, somewhat, I actually enjoyed the whole process. I am looking forward to being able to go back over the course again and again to continue strengthen my understanding and develop my skills.

I have read Picture Books for many years as a teacher. I now look at Picture books in a much more knowledgeable way which I hope will serve as continuing research to help me develop more of my own ideas. I also now feel that I have a very strong format for writing more ideas of my own. I feel that I am inspired to work hard to write as many ideas as possible. I also appreciate the understanding of the business of Picture book writing and the protocols involved. Certainly, eye opening.

The Australian Writers' Centre has quality courses that unlock the mystery of writing to enable you to improve your writing craft easily. Not only have I thoroughly enjoyed the Picture Book Writing Course, but I am now going to try my hand at the Short Story Writing Course. The best investment for either a new career or developing and enriching your writing abilities to improve your confidence.

I appreciate the professionalism of this whole course. I have done other courses that only scratch the surface of how to write picture books. This course has dug deeply and improved my whole perspective on the picture book writing process.

I want to write my first Indigenous children's picture book using some of my traditional Yidiny language and was recommended by Magabala books to complete this course to tighten up my first manuscript before I submit it officially.

I loved this course, it was very practical and very easy to manage on top of working full time.

I thought the online tutor was great and her feedback was very helpful to help my writing skills.

It has shown me so many practical ways of how to write, and what publishers may be looking for.

It's a great practical course to get you prepared for writing a manuscript for your first picture book.

The tutor was excellent with clear communication.

I enjoyed the opportunity to challenge myself writing new stories and learning about the picture book industry.

I have set up a schedule to research the children's book market throughout the year. My writing has become more concise and I'm adapting my writing style for children.

Have a look at what AWC has to offer and pick something. You have more excuses to write as the AWC has something for everyone.

The amount I have learnt over the past 5 weeks has exceeded all my expectations. I now have a solid foundation to continue to improve my writing. I am grateful for the detailed content of this course. I am grateful for the detailed feedback to my work.

I am excited to begin editing some of the work I have already begun with a clearer understanding of what a good children's picture book needs.

Australian Writers' Centre courses give their students incredible insight and knowledge into the world of writing and becoming an author.

Cathie was a great tutor and her feedback was priceless. She is very knowledgeable.

I enjoyed exploring my story ideas and applying what I'd learnt that week.

The course provided an overview of the essential elements, including crafting engaging stories, developing memorable characters, and understanding the importance of visual storytelling. The instructor offered practical tips on language, pacing, and the collaboration process with illustrators. I particularly appreciated the feedback sessions, which helped refine my ideas and improve my writing. Overall, it's a must-take for aspiring writers passionate about creating impactful and delightful picture books for children.

I enjoyed the lessons (so informative) and assignments.

I want to keep writing, learn more about writing, and strive for publication.

I have already recommended this course to a friend who has an idea for a children's picture book. I just said, you should definitely do this course!

I look forward to enrolling again soon. I'm keen to do the Masterclass next.

The feedback was constructive and the extra information given before feedback each week was useful.

I enjoyed learning about picture books and completing the assignments.

It's a great, well-structured course.

I was nervous as I come from a corporate background and a very different style of writing. Cathie provides valuable feedback and is very supportive so I was soon at ease. Great to have a mentor that is so experienced.

I have learnt so much not only about the writing, but the world of children's books. So many things I had no idea about. I am now so interested to continue to explore this amazing industry.

It's a fantastic course for someone with no writing experience or even those who are experienced. It caters for everyone.

I was attracted to this course by the short duration, being able to access the lessons when it was convenient, and the content it covered. Once I looked it up, I knew I had to do it!

I have really enjoyed the experience and have valued the feedback. Cathie was honest and constructive.

I loved having the opportunity to write picture books.

I am more determined than ever to try and get a picture book published one day! I am keen to do the masterclass course now.

Give it a go, you have nothing to lose.

I have a lot of respect for the advice Charlotte gave. Also having her read the stories back gave a new perspective. What sounds good in your head might not be that good when it's read back to you.

I discovered that my strong point in writing is the way I can vividly describe things. Also a lifetime of illustrating for adults is not going to translate well for picture books.

I have always told the people around me they can become anything they want. They just have to reach out and grab it. If it means going and learning something just do it.

Impressive course content and well organized and presented.

I enjoyed the writing exercises and assignments.

I now fully understand and appreciate the skills involved in writing an appealing and industry-standard picture book... much more is involved than I thought before doing the course.

There is a wealth of information to be had from engaging with the AWC, definitely worth the investment.

I look forward to doing more courses.

I was drawn to this course because it offered the flexibility of completing the modules online, as well as receiving weekly feedback.

I was extremely grateful to have had Cathie as my online tutor. Cathie's feedback helped me grow in confidence and develop the skills I need to write a picture book.

The most enjoyable aspect of the course was receiving the weekly feedback and seeing how much personal growth I had achieved over the five-week period.

Significant resources were provided for each module. The audio was also helpful, having been broken up into an easy-to-listen-to format.

My 'aha' moment was realising that I could do this, and it was essential to step outside my comfort zone and take on a new challenge.

I highly recommend the Australian Writers' Centre to any aspiring authors. They offer a great range of courses for different writing genres, and they help develop your skills and confidence as a writer.