What’s it like to learn with AWC?

I've completed several other courses and this was the next on my list of 'have to do'.

I think what was most enjoyable about this course was that Pamela enjoyed presenting it so much. Her enthusiasm was infectious.

It was eye opening in writing for young adults.

I enjoyed delving into what is important to young adults and the things which may be happening to them at this stage of life, how their relationships with others and themselves change and think of them growing into adulthood. I enjoyed cementing these things in my own characters, especially working backwards from their growth to make sure I have the plot elements needed for them to change.

The course allowed me to create my characters through an authentic YA lens. To deepen their personalities.

I am currently writing a YA novel. After encountering my first 'writers block', I began searching for something to re-ignite the spark again. Completing this self-paced course has given me the encouragement and boost to get back on my laptop and finish my story.

But I found that by refreshing my previously learned skills and learning how to mould them into writing for young adults, I am so glad that I enrolled in this course.

It has re-ignited my spark to continue and finish my manuscript.

Just do it because you won't be disappointed.

I really enjoyed the entire content. Pamela Freeman presented things very well, it's simple to follow, easy to hear and subtitles were available (I'm hearing impaired), and easy to go back and rewatch. Pamela's voice is also very nice to listen too, and I love her smile (not that that will help me write, but it's a bonus). Every time I watch a video, I feel like a friend is welcoming me into their home.

I feel like I really know where my story needs to go now. I understand way more about writing for young adults than I did before taking the course, and that's helping me map out my story. I'm not great at outlining and such, so that's a bit difficult but I'm learning.

I've only tried one course for now, but intend to try other courses after I finish the second draft of my WIP. I only recommend something I'm pleased with, and I can comfortably recommend AWC to other writers. And I can tell them there are so many courses, and different ways to work through them as well.

I enjoyed all of Pamela's tutorials and having access to the slides, handouts and exercises. The exercises throughout were helpful too and got you thinking outside of the box.

Reaffirmed that I enjoy this genre and writing in general and it's something that I'm passionate to keep pursuing.

I enjoyed learning about what young adult readers are looking for and what aspects should be incorporated into the story i.e. coming of age.

If you're interested in learning more about writing, especially a specific style of genre, AWC is a great place to do that. It really gives you the tools and confidence to take to your writing.

Such a comprehensive course relevant to any genre or audience. I have a much better grasp of how to approach my story in terms of plot as well as characters.

Every AWC course is full of wisdom and insight from experienced authors who are passionate about helping you write better stories.

This course rekindled my love of writing and being able to learn so much about it was fantastic. It has inspired me to keep writing and creating stories to give hope to YA readers.

Character development is really the key for YA and so important for readers to want to keep reading.

You can learn so much in such an engaging manner and it really is so inspiring as well as interesting.

I enjoyed the breakdown of the different elements (of storytelling and building a character) and the examples (and how diverse those examples were). I also enjoyed Pamela's passion about the topic.

A great way to build your writing foundation or build on your writing foundation, and better understand not only the story writing elements but where you need to strengthen your skills as well as proving tools to do that.

Pamela always delivers clear, easy to follow information and ideas. She structures her delivery and presents well.

The information and exercises regarding characters were excellent. Enjoyed thinking about my characters and trying to develop them further.

I feel I understand the area of YA fiction more and the course has given me confidence about my ideas for a novel. I'm looking forward to developing those ideas based on Pamela's presentations.

The Australian Writers' Centre is an amazing source of inspiration. The level of training in their many courses and the professionalism with which each course is presented is outstanding. Each course that I have completed is a goldmine! If you want to write, AWC is well worth considering for support, and sound, relevant teaching.

I most enjoyed Pamela Freeman's advice that was delivered in an encouraging and accessible way, and the handouts I can keep and refer to.

I feel like I have started the journey to learn more about the craft of writing. It has encouraged me to actually start writing.

The self-paced course is great because you can fit it in around your other commitments. It inspires you to stop thinking about it and actually start writing.

I had already started writing a YA novel but felt I needed to check that I was on task. I also wanted to learn how to do texting in a novel and language and what is acceptable and what is not. I was a third of a way through, and now have a little bit more done basically because I have gone back and rejigged elements of it. Teaching teenagers for years, I felt I had first-hand knowledge of their behaviour but not sure about how to show it.

I thought I might find the course too much work each week, but I loved it - and what I like is that I now have months to go back and revisit sections when I want to.

The techniques on writing were what interested me as I had already fleshed out the whole plot. Pam's presentation was clear and encouraging; she is an excellent presenter.

I now feel motivated to complete the book. Before I felt uncertain of how to go; now I have far more of an idea.

I enjoyed the specific information and discussions about YA issues and audiences. The course has given me so much practical guidance for writing YA.

I was really moved by the audio on the importance of hope in YA writing and the responsibilities of a YA writer to their audience.

AWC gives the tools and guidance for writers to gain the skills needed in their craft.

Thank you!

I wanted to try YA fiction to see if it works for me, having done Picture Books and a few other courses before.

Pamela is an expert in many genres and gave valuable feedback. I have learnt so much. She also has a great sense of humour, making learning and working easy.

I loved the small group so everyone could participate. My fellow students were supportive, giving feedback on each other's writing.

Just do it!