What’s it like to learn with AWC?

I've always loved picture books and have dreamt of writing and illustrating my own. I was attracted to AWC because the courses were created and tutored by people with strong and relevant experience.

I wasn't sure I'd find the time and I also lacked confidence in creative writing. My worries were unfounded though; I found time in the evenings and weekends and learned so much along the way.

There is so much information shared and I'm thrilled I can go back and replay the lessons and read the notes to keep improving.

Suzanne provided great constructive feedback that really helped me throughout the course. She explained things from a publisher's perspective and gave great examples of ways to improve. She was always encouraging and kind in her delivery.

Listening to the feedback each week was a high point. I learned so much from this. I also enjoyed sharing the journey with the other students and learning from them too.

Not only has it fed a passion I've had for a long time to write stories, but it has given me the determination to learn more, starting with the Masterclass and then a course in illustration. It has also helped me in my day-to-day work in graphic design. Whether I become a published author or not, I'll enjoy trying!

I want to write and have such fun making up stories with my children and husband. So much joy! I needed practical knowledge and tools to do it.

Great course content. Has put me on track by explaining all the practical / industry and publishing aspects that I wasn't aware of.

The tutor was kind, open, honest. Suzanne kept her comments to the point and relevant, which I appreciated.

The practical activities were helpful, and I lapped up the industry information and practical aspects of publishing.

It has given me more confidence to get serious about making this a part of my life - and to start planning to reduce my (current) workload so I have more time each week to dedicate to writing. Also, the industry knowledge was what I was looking for, and I received it.

Thank you - I thoroughly enjoyed this course.

This course is a goldmine of information - with links supplied, organisations suggested, accredited tutor feedback and classmate participation. I also appreciate the frequent email contact and how the course content is presented in an easy-to-understand manner. Best thing I've ever done.

The tutor was invaluable. Professional and knowledgeable, Cathie could pinpoint exactly where change was necessary. Her feedback facilitated a progression in my writing skills and provided the direction I needed to not only learn but continue to hone the art of writing a children's picture book.

The course is empowering. It has directed my writing and pushed my confidence - I KNOW I am a children's book author now, thanks to you guys.

THANK YOU! This course has given me a solid foundation and understanding, not only of the creative side to writing children's picture books but to the industry as a whole. It has prompted me to dive in at the deep end and given directions on how to swim. Now I'm going to continue, coughing and spluttering, with the MasterClass! Hooray!

If you're looking for a professional organisation with comprehensive course material, caring facilitators, and accredited, experienced tutors, then AWC will exceed your expectations. Do it, do it, do it.

I have always wanted to pursue my interest in children's picture story books but didn't know where to get started. So after some googling, I was amazed to find this course - it was exactly what I was looking for!

My only hesitations were:
- time - would I find enough time each week to complete the course? I had to prioritise time, which over 5 weeks was manageable
- cost - initially it seemed like a lot of money as I wasn't entirely sure of the quality of the course, but now that I have completed it, I feel like I have gotten my money's worth.

I was so impressed with how each module built upon the one before it. Looking back, I can see I have learnt so much and really hope I can apply these skills. This course has given me the confidence to take writing seriously and pursue this interest of mine.

I really enjoyed listening to the modules and I absolutely love the handouts; they are invaluable (alongside the copious notes I took for myself).

I found Cathie gave constructive feedback to everyone. I enjoyed the weekly assignments; I think it was good to put things into practice straight away.

I now have the confidence and skills to have a go at writing my own book, with the hope of one day being a published author. As a teacher, I feel like I will never look at a picture story book in the same way! It has also given me ideas on how to teach writing to my students as well.

I would like to say thank you to all involved in creating this course. It has been put together well and it was everything I was hoping it would be, and more! I hope to one day be contacting you to let you know I am a published author!

It was really well structured and informative:) The tutor was efficient. Honest feedback. Professional. Her feedback from week one was a turning point in my understanding of the topic.

It's given me a real appreciation for language and how it can inspire, motivate, and create change.

I enjoyed the practical content and knowing my work was being reviewed by someone from the industry. The tutor provided fantastic feedback and was so responsive.

I feel confident now I have a craft worth practicing.

AWC courses are well structured and so well informed they are well worth the money even if it's just for you to do as a hobby.

It is an incredible course to do, especially amidst a busy life schedule. Answered all the questions of a first time writer.

Don't think about it, just do it.

I have wanted to write picture books for a long time and this has been my first step in taking the idea seriously.

Cathie gave very useful feedback and I was so grateful to take on board her comments on my stories.

The content was fantastic. Such a rich and robust compilation of information - a perfect initiation into the world of picture books.

I am on a roll now, so keen to keep reading, researching, writing and editing. And before too long, I think I'll try submitting to a publisher. I don't know how I would have got to this stage without the course.

I loved this course and look forward to starting another one.

Cathie is amazing and I nervously soaked in all her comments. I look forward to one day meeting her.

I need to go back to my stories that I've written and start from scratch. I can see where my stories now fall short, and I plan to follow all the advice and feedback that was given.

I didn't want this course to end. My only regret is I didn't do this course earlier.

The tutor was very knowledgeable, comments were helpful and guided us to work on certain aspects of our writing. I learnt a lot and thoroughly enjoyed the tasks and content.

The course is fantastic and it is a wonderful place to start!! Thank you for the past 5 weeks! I am so grateful!! I am excited to write! Thank you for this invaluable starting point. I hope I can have the confidence to know when to submit a story to a publisher.

I have picture book ideas in my head and wanted to know how to act on them. I wasn't sure what to expect but found it very beneficial and covered more than I had anticipated.

I enjoyed reading the works submitted and learnt a great deal from them all. The support materials are detailed and worthwhile.

It's made me realise that if I don't have a professional attitude to myself as a writer, then nothing is going to happen. It made me realise the importance of having an online presence as a writer.

I enjoyed the writing. The assignments, with deadlines, were great incentives for me to stop dithering and actually write. And the writing bit was fun, and the sense of achievement that came with that made it enjoyable.

What a lot of information you have fitted into a five-week course. I think I will have to go back and listen through it all again. And it's a great bonus that I can do that.

I have found the practical, professional and industry related elements of the course to be really helpful, and not something I've found before, even in my studies for a degree in illustration. The whole publishing world has always seemed such a distant, mysterious and impossible world to crack in to; I am really hopeful that this course has brought me closer to an understanding of the industry, and if I can get a foot in the door and begin working on my lifelong dream of making picture books, thanks to this course (I say dreamily & optimistically), I will be a very happy chappy indeed.

It's given me hope... I just hope I can cling on to that and actually get somewhere this time.

It was a highly professional, industry standard, bloody helpful, massive amount of information. And if you want to learn lots, I would highly recommend doing this course. In fact, I already have been recommending it. And I'm extremely grateful that it came recommended to me in the first place. I'm hoping it will be a game changer. Fingers crossed.

The detailed course materials unpacked the style of writing that is required in a picture book with sets of exercises.

Suzanne was a very positive and astute tutor. Her feedback was helpful and insightful. She was very prompt in giving feedback and constructive criticism.

I enjoyed the challenge of meeting the criteria set out for writing a successful picture book. It gave me confidence to write for children.

Being able to read the work submitted by other students (and to listen to the feedback they received) was very helpful. It was great to build a rapport with the other students, as we encouraged each other and offered suggestions.

Suzanne was marvellous, and readily answered any questions. Her feedback was specific, timely, and helpful.

I've realised I want to write children's picture books :)

The range of resources and courses on offer is amazing. The tutors are knowledgeable and supportive. I also highly recommend the 'So You Want to be a Writer' podcast.

It's a brilliant course!

I wasn't sure if I'd be able to keep up with the workload…but it was not only enjoyable but very manageable - even when I had a week with a 'sick' household.

Suzanne was great! Hearing her feedback on my work (as well as the work of others) was clear, constructive and encouraging. Such a help in pinpointing what to address in your next draft.

I really did enjoy everything! I looked forward to the modules, course chats and feedback each week. And in doing this course, I also discovered the podcast and blog of AWC 👌

Such a helpful course! Less intimidating than doing face to face and yet the feedback is sharp and helps you target areas to work on and improve your writing.

Excellent resources and realistic advice given regarding the publishing industry.

I enjoyed the written exercises and assignments, the concise resources in regards to all aspects of writing, illustrating and getting published, and the links to industry and further associations in the children's picture books world.

The course covers every aspect of writing and illustrating a children's picture book, from the beginning to getting published. I have more confidence in my writing and the formatting recipe to write a better and more engaging narrative for children.

I would love to illustrate children's books and I have been working towards this for some time. It would be an absolute dream to develop my skills in writing to both write and illustrate and get the wacky visions in my head out there. I would love to help struggling readers develop a love of reading.

My biggest concern was dedicating enough time to the course. The way it is run is fantastic. I ended up having so much other work on my shoulders and still managed to actively listen to the lessons, read the handouts and complete the assignments.

I love that there is so much detail about the industry. I feel so much better equipped to chase this passion. I have wanted to start writing for a long time. I briefly started a university course that was nowhere near as valuable as this one. I feel confident in practicing now where I was so lost before. I am so thankful I found the Magic and Mayhem podcast that led me here.

Susan was amazing. She was empowering, gentle and so knowledgeable. I can't thank her enough for all her wonderful feedback and dedication to helping me become better.

I loved the bonus material for illustrators. It really made me feel I'm where I'm meant to be.

I didn't know how to start a story at all. It was as if there are just too many options in how to write a story. You gave me structure and now it's like I can control my creative powers! It was also so nice to get positive feedback. I'm a very practical person and I'm almost embarrassed to admit I'm chasing this dream, but this all just feels normal now.

Please tell Susan thank you! She is a rock star and I can't wait to do another course to learn more!

Just do it! You won't just improve your writing but get guidance on the whole journey.

Completing the course provides a sense of achievement. But knowing I will use the learnings provides a sense of excitement and anticipation!

Suzanne is a lovely tutor. I liked the balance of feedback - constructive and positive. She has the sweetest voice so I always looked forward to hearing her views on our work.

I enjoyed getting to understand the important elements of writing a children's picture book. Sparkling language, structure, rhythm, and having a protagonist that moves the story along. There is so much to learn but it all made sense.

It has given me the theoretical nous to actually do something. I am spending more time focused on the next steps. Watching more and researching more. It has become an important passion for me.

The course is a nice entrance into the world of writing. No matter how daunted you might feel, take the step and know that there are many others like you who aspire to write. This course gives you the tools to match up your aspiration with practical application.

Thank you for the encouragement and the ongoing benefits of this investment. I will continue to utilise the AWC resources and maybe another course down the track once I master what I have learnt and start pitching manuscripts to publishers.

I have a passion for writing and with two young children I thought children's picture books was a great place to start.

Suzanne was wonderful, her feedback was very useful and helped refine my writing. Listening to other people's feedback was also a great resource.

I enjoyed everything! Every module was informative and I am grateful for everything I have learned. It has inspired me to follow my passion and work towards becoming a published author.

I would highly recommend AWC. Experienced tutors and very useful content.

The level of theory exceeded my expectations. Very helpful feedback on student assignments, great insights into the industry. Suzanne's feedback was always supportive as well as constructive.

I feel like I've learned a lot about writing techniques. The level of information provided and the exercises reinforced this.

Great for technical knowledge in writing picture books.