What’s it like to learn with AWC?

The structure of the course was very clear, with audio, resources and writing activities. I loved listening to the audio and felt I learnt a lot from it. I also really like that there is the opportunity to submit work for feedback. As the course was self-paced it was a good place for me to start and develop an early-morning writing routine that I now love. I've just enrolled for the Creative Writing course as the next step.

It's kick-started my early-morning writing routine. It helped me give structure to this time when starting out. Rather than just feeling that I had to get up and write, I could get up, listen to some audio/ work through a module and then do the writing activity. This has helped me to establish the routine.

Writing picture story books has been something that I have wanted to do for quite some time. The timing was right to pursue this now.

Zanni's weekly feedback was much appreciated and welcomed. It was honest, critical and constructive. Thank you Zanni :)

I enjoyed the opportunity to put pen to paper and to bring to life some of the ideas for stories that I have been collecting for years.

I am inspired to continue writing and to refine some of these ideas.

I was looking to reinvent myself. I enjoy writing and words and felt I would like to see if it was doable to become a writer.

I appreciated the encouraging and motivational content. Tackling the self-doubt and imposter syndrome was really helpful. Knowing that it can be done if I apply myself. Listening to the graduates who have successfully reinvented themselves.

It has given me the confidence to know that it is possible to be a writer.

Amazing! I was so impressed with Zanni, and I am so glad that I did the course. She was extremely professional and knowledgeable.

Zanni's video feedback was great. Having access to all of the stories was excellent too, and hearing Zanni's feedback to all of the stories allowed me to learn so much more because I learned where they needed to improve and where they went well etc.

I feel that there is a lot there I did not know. I did not realise how much goes into writing a picture book. I learned a lot about what publishers look for etc.

I feel that the amount I have learned in these five weeks would have taken me years to learn on my own. I am going to immediately listen to all of the material again and write more stories. I am going to make the most of it while I have it, as I feel it is a really valuable resource. I am so glad that I did it.

Do it. It is money well spent. There is so much you don't know. You would be crazy not to do it.

My manuscript was a total mess. This course has shown me how to create some order into my chapters and scenes with a much better workflow.

I realised structure was one of my weak points and I wanted to work on it before going back and redrafting my manuscript. I have done previous courses with AWC so I knew the content would be helpful and informative.

I feel more confident going forward now in redrafting my manuscript and planning the rest of my series.

Everyone keeps referring to writers being either 'plotters or pantsers' - and I've always seen myself as a bit of a fusion. So, I thought I'd see how a 'real' plotter works in building successful stories.

Kate was SO thorough. It's a very full program. This said, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the handout, and most of the notes I took were just expanding on sections of the handout that she spoke to. Her slide decks too, were very useful in getting her lessons/tips/ideas across.

Kate was very generous with her time, and both weeks went over the allocated meeting time responding to participants' questions pertaining to their own writing challenges. She is obviously very knowledgeable and 'knows her product' and is very enthusiastic and practical in her giving of advice, and in her delivery of it.

I liked how Kate had book examples for every single 'tip' she gave and that the range of those books was broad, across many genres. She often referred to her own published works too, which made the advice relevant 'in real time', if that makes sense.

Though I didn't ask any questions, Kate actually answered questions that I didn't know I had! Through her examples and tips, 'stuff' was clarified for me that I now know have 'names' and are important to address earlier as opposed to later in the writing process.

Thanks again for the opportunity you've provided with this course. Glad to know that I'm not the only one 'needing' advice... and knowing there are others out there, at all different stages with their writing who also need advice, is very comforting(!)

Also, as an aside, I love Furious Fiction!

It was great to be held accountable by handing in assignments at the end of each week.

Feedback was great. Always encouraging with gentle ways to change things, that needed to be changed in our stories. Although I had a heart attack on the first feedback via Loom and my story was read out for all. But it was really good and I see the value of all stories being read out. Heart back to normal beat :)

I enjoyed immersing myself in the world of children's picture books, as this is a totally new world to me. With travel off the cards at the moment, creative imagination is the next best thing. It was challenging and rewarding.

It has given me the confidence to keep going – something I always lack. I don't think you are ever too old to start something new. Really loved immersing myself into the world of children's picture books.

I worked on the same characters and story for the whole course. Loved seeing each week the story develop, improve and fall in love with my character Wilbur. Now, I want to see how far I can go with my little mate.

Thank you to Zanni for support, feedback provided and steering me in the right direction. :)

Angela was great. Learned so much from her feedback given - not just to me but everyone else as well. Plus the extra info she gave us on various subjects was really useful.

The tutor and the workshopping were fantastic. I found the process so valuable for keeping my writing on track and learning lots at the same time.

The idea of writing a novel has felt so overwhelming. After this course, I feel much more confident about not only writing but finishing.

I've taken a few courses here and the standard of tutoring has always been so high. The weekly lessons and resources are practical, easy to understand and apply. Definitely builds confidence.

Loved it. The course was really useful and I think it improved my writing a lot.

The tutor was great. Helpful and thoughtful.

It just made me more aware of every aspect of writing.

Having written two books and attempting to approach publishers and agents already, I now know to a greater degree what I didn't know before. I didn't have the knowledge I have now to better my chances in my manuscripts, pitch, bio etc. catching the eye, mind and heart of a publisher or agent.

The tutor was very thorough with a genuine care to help. Always finding the good and a keen eye for the areas that can be improved.

A heartfelt huge thank you for all the individual help and feedback. It has been a great wealth of knowledge and fun.

Don't wait! Don't wait for that more spare time you think you'll have later. If you want to be a successfully published children's picture book writer then go take this course. It will equip you with what you need.

I had completed the Writing Chapter Books for Young Children but felt my style might go younger. So I thought I would give it a try! I've completed a few AWC courses - this one is by far the best!

Zanni provided some valuable feedback - was very supportive in her approach.

Doing this in conjunction with feedback from Cathie Tasker on my first draft of my chapter book - I can better see how this links. Just worked!

The page layout format became really important - and the sparkling language. Gave a terrific perspective for the depth of work required for a children's picture book.

Just pick a course & do it!

Natasha is a clear and interesting presenter. She distilled the core features of Scrivener down to the parts that a writer will most benefit from. The videos and handout content were perfect for my needs.

I have been using Scrivener for a while, albeit not especially well, and I discovered several additional features that are available. What I learned through this course will greatly improve how effectively I use this powerful software.

Natasha's description of how to use the cork-board (in its various views) will help me see my novel as a whole so I can see and improve its structure more easily. This is a game-changer for me.

In each video, Natasha highlighted something I hadn't known before - things that would have taken me way too long to try to figure out on my own.

If you want to be a better writer, the best place to start is at the Australian Writers' Centre. There is a massive range of courses that cover different interests and capabilities, so there is something for everyone. I've done about half a dozen courses now, and each one has fired up my enthusiasm and taught me a bunch of new skills. The content is solid and all the tutors are experienced writers who are knowledgeable and generous with their feedback and support. Discovering the AWC has been one of the best things that's happened to me in the past 12 months.

I wanted to focus on getting a better understanding of my writing strengths and weaknesses and gaining some options to improve these. I was also interested in learning how to make better use of key aspects of writing, such as POV, character building, scenes and pace and structure.

I was only slightly concerned that I might not have had time to fulfil all the requirements of the course but, as it turned out, I was easily able to fit it into my schedule.

I enjoyed gaining additional knowledge and skills about writing, learning more about what I can do and what I can do better, being encouraged to write more or to try something new, and interacting with other writers (the social aspect).

The module on pace and structure was, for me, an eye opener. I've always written 'by the seat of my pants' rather than plan a story out before I begin. I can see the enormous value in putting effort into even a sketchy plan at the start. This does not, as I've often worried, mean that there is no room for flexibility. Instead, it seems to allow for more possibilities in the development of a story as it's so much clearer what the story is about and aims to do, and where it's heading.

I would most certainly recommend the Australian Writers Centre to a friend or colleague. I'd probably tell them that you offer a wide range of courses that will appeal to writers of all levels, interests and ambitions. While there are many courses out there, your courses are not only easily accessible, but also very well worthwhile doing if someone is serious about writing.

A big thank you for a great experience!

I loved this course and learnt so much. I now have more information and I feel that self-publishing is a definite possibility.

I enjoyed the clear step by step instructions and advice and the links provided.

I feel that I have a possible end to my writing. I feel confident that once I seek out high quality editing with high design elements, I can have a book that is worthy for my reader to purchase and read.

If you are writing a novel, you can still achieve your goal to be a published author. This course will help you achieve this. All you need to do is write a great story, have it edited and ensure your cover is of a high standard and it is a very real possibility.

I loved how practical this course was! It got right down to the nitty gritty of how to actually turn your ideas into a picture book.

I’ve had several ideas (for many years!) and I was looking for something to help me translate my ideas into reality.

The tutor was great. I loved her helpful and honest feedback.

I really feel like I have the confidence to pursue this new direction with my writing.

I really enjoyed doing this course. The feedback was very helpful. From the beginning to the end, instructions were very clear. I'm glad it laid out the amount of hours to spend on the course each week, as that made me more organised.

The tutor clearly has a lot of expertise; the feedback was really helpful.

I loved being able to learn so much by listening to the audio whilst cooking dinner or doing something else. It was really good for my wellbeing. The tasks were a perfect challenge/opportunity to put into practise the learning from the modules.

Also, it was really affirming to be finally taking the plunge to have a go at picture book writing and using my creative side which I haven't been able to do much for several years due to working full time.

It's a great time out for your own life whilst learning/working on something you care about.

I was very impressed with the information regarding obtaining work and the appropriate methods of contacting editors etc. Made me realise that I CAN do this and all I need to do is put the work in.

The tutor was excellent; very knowledgeable and helpful.

The course was easily understood and has up to date AUSTRALIAN information which is great.

Thank you all for your hard work in putting this course together :)

Cat was a fantastic tutor. She was very clear on areas I needed to work on. Her knowledge is truly valuable.

I enjoyed the assignments. Putting the theory into action was a great experience.

I feel I have the tools to go forward and pursue freelance writing.

Thank you so much to Valerie. Her classes and words of wisdom are priceless. Do it! You won’t regret it.

I enjoyed doing the Writing Picture Books class and wanted to continue writing so I thought the Writing Picture Books Masterclass was the next step.

I thought the online tutor had a great deal of knowledge regarding this course

I enjoyed learning the different steps involved in writing a picture book and how to edit and submit your manuscript.

I have discovered I like reading and writing for children. It helped me get through a tough year being in lockdown due to covid.