What’s it like to learn with AWC?

I highly enjoyed the course and learned a lot. It went into detail on topics I had never considered before.

I enjoyed the step-by-step guides on how everything worked. There were a lot of little "aha!" moments – things I hadn't considered but which clicked into place during each module.

I've done two AWC courses now on completely different topics, and have enjoyed the content and delivery during each.

I needed to regain my writing mojo - and some discipline - after my dad passed away earlier this year. I figured a structured bootcamp would be just what I needed to help me get back on track.

Though I've successfully participated in NaNoWriMo a few times before, where the goal is 30K in 30 days, I wasn't sure I'd be able to reach the 10K target for this bootcamp. I thought I'd sabotage myself somehow, some way! I decided to post my daily word counts on Instagram stories - not to brag but to keep myself accountable.

Writing almost every day really helped me gain traction on a manuscript I'd been struggling with for some time. For the most part, no two bootcamp days were the same. The daily targets were achievable. I appreciated a day off here and there, and I'm happy that those days off didn't break my momentum in the long run.

The course showed me it *is* possible squeeze writing into my daily schedule. I had been stuck on my current MS for so long. The more I wrote during bootcamp, the clearer my plot became. Now I have an extra 13,000 words and, once I edit them, a viable story to show my agent and editor! Oh, and I'm now a convert to writing outdoors at my local park without getting distracted.

One of my best days was when I completed a 250-word goal within 15 minutes. And it wasn't stream-of-conscious stuff! If I can repeat that twice a day most days from now on, I'll be very happy.

It's a great investment. Well worth the time and money, and you'll achieve things you never thought possible!

For a long time it felt like I was just going through the motions of life - no goals, nothing to look forward to. I looked up writing courses just as an idea of something I might like, mainly to kill my boredom. After finding your website and looking through the list of courses you offer, the pathways you set out, my inspiration sparked. The feedback from previous students - and the promotion of their published work - really made AWC seem more like a supportive community than a rigid monotone classroom. And I was correct in that assumption.

No hesitations at all enrolling in this course. It is the quickest I signed up to anything in a long time. It really got the creative juices flowing and I can't wait to be able to enrol in another.

Pamela was freaking amazing! And Valerie's recorded lessons were also freaking amazing! They were so easy to listen to and easy to follow. She speaks clearly and in a way anyone could understand her. The terminology she uses and even the jokes helped me learn more, I think because I was able to relate to what she was saying. Instead of having to focus on every single word to understand.

Pamela's feedback was so much more than I expected. I have so much respect for her for how she is able to provide constructive criticism but never once coming across too harsh. The suggestions she also provides on improvements if something isn't working or recommending an alternate way to portray something has inspired so many more ideas.

This was my first writing course so I had no idea what to expect. The course was easy to follow. The platform the course is delivered on is super easy to navigate. If I had to pick one thing (and I'm not entirely sure if you'd constitute this as part of the course or not, but) it would be the inspiration it sparked. From both the recorded lessons and Pamela's feedback. The way they explain things and give examples really had the right side of my brain in overdrive.

I feel like I have a purpose now. Provided everything goes well, I will be able to leave something behind. And hopefully leave a mark on my readers. Maybe help them in a way other authors have done for me.

Just enrol. The courses speak for themselves. You won't regret it.

Thank you so much to everyone involved with AWC. My life has changed because of you. I can't express the gratitude I have to AWC for transforming my outlook on what I am capable of.

It was better than I expected because I finished with an enthusiasm to continue. About the middle of the course, I found myself becoming a little anxious that I couldn't get my writing tasks done and that it would all get away from me. Then I remembered - how do you eat an elephant?

I managed to write 13,500 words of the novel that has been simmering in my head for a decade or so. It has halted my procrastination and I can't wait to get the first draft finished.

It's not necessary to spend all day everyday writing to produce some good stuff. 80% of the time working on your novel is spent in your head (thinking about what comes next) and 20% is putting it down on paper.

Don't think about it - just go ahead and do it. You won't be sorry.

Michelle presented a wealth of information and examples in an encouraging and digestible way.

I would definitely recommend 'Your Author Website' course by Michelle Barraclough. She is incredibly knowledgeable. Her presentations are meticulous and provide thorough insights into the whole process.

Pamela has been a fantastic tutor. I found myself really looking forward to the assignment feedback each Monday and she was always happy to answer my questions. Her feedback itself has been thorough and detailed, and I always felt like my work was getting her full attention.

I most enjoyed the assignments as they provided opportunities to explore different aspects of my writing by focusing on dialogue, setting or the scene as a whole. I valued being able to use material from my own novel idea, and took the chance to re-write certain scenes or passages for the sole purpose of submission as assignments, which gave me some detailed feedback on my unique characters and world. I also enjoyed networking with some of the other students and reading their work and sharing feedback in the optional workshopping for Module 5; it's great to get several different viewpoints on your writing and gauge how it might come across to different readers, not just the tutor!

Doing this course has reinvigorated my love of writing and I've made more progress in two months than in the 5+ years prior on my novel. I feel confident in my writing ability and style after getting thoughtful feedback on my work, and for the first time really see writing as a career opportunity with a clear pathway to publication in the future.

I thought I knew a thing or two about writing - and I did - but getting the constructive feedback, the detailed knowledge and subject material from the tutor and audio lessons and the helpful handouts have given me a new perspective on writing and the idea I hold for my own novel. It makes writing a bestseller seem realistic (not easy!) and gives you the foundation skill set to get that first draft over the line.

I found the course engaging and enjoyed receiving the feedback from Pamela. She was fantastic and I felt that she explained her feedback well. She is obviously very knowledgeable but never made you feel silly!

I most enjoyed receiving the feedback. I do think that sometimes you can't get out of your own way and you think that you are doing something but in reality you are not. So to have that outside eye pointing things out to you is great for your development.

I now have more of an idea of where to start, instead of just having these ideas floating around and not knowing what to do with them.

Pamela gave constructive feedback and shared her wealth of experience and knowledge freely. I really enjoyed having her as a tutor.

I feel more empowered to stick with writing. The repeated message of just getting words on a page as your starting point makes it feel like a more achievable goal.

The content is practical and useful, and the facilitators are very knowledgeable and helpful in sharing that knowledge. Recommend.

It was a great course full of information and resources that are invaluable. It was self-paced, easy to follow and detailed.

I have more confidence writing real estate copy and the sheets to take whilst walking through a home are priceless.

I have done a couple of courses through AWC and highly recommend them.

I was attracted to this course because I've been wanting to take my writing seriously, and I finally decided that now was the time to take the plunge. Creative Writing Stage 1 seemed like the perfect course to start with at the AWC.

I was worried that the course might be too impersonal, as it's an online course. But I was pleasantly surprised by the personalised video feedback, which brought the feedback to life and offered some human connection.

My tutor was clearly an expert in their field, so I valued every piece of feedback they provided. It took a little bit of practise to get into the mindset of receiving feedback, but once I was there I was able to take it on board and it has strengthened my writing considerably.

I enjoyed interacting with other students in the course and reading their assignments each week.

This course has both humbled and inspired me. I can now see how daunting of a process it will be to write a novel, but I am also more inspired than ever to get it done.

My eyes were opened to the significant impact of your choice in narrative perspective and tense - I never realised how much magic could be weaved with these powerful tools!

The AWC offers high-quality writing courses to suit the learning needs of all writers.

I really like the structured nature of the learning experience, and how each module is broken down into achievable chunks which fit into my day.

I have a much better understanding of what freelance writing actually involves, and how accessible it actually is.

I would say AWC courses are practical, detailed and collegiate, and are absolutely worth taking.

Thank you for putting on these courses - they really are fantastic.

The tutor was clearly knowledgeable and was able to give positive feedback that supported future growth; she really enhanced the learning experience.

I enjoyed the assignment feedback. I also enjoyed listening to the course content; it made it far easier to manage the course.

I emerged from this course with the confidence to start writing and pitching straight away. I feel like being a writer is actually possible. What a gift that is indeed!

A huge thank you for bringing a little joy and helping to shed the self-doubt just a little.

It was easy to follow, and listening to all the people who have turned into writers from all walks of life is inspirational.

I realised that beginning slowly and by setting aside 8 mins a day, I can achieve my goal. Previously, I thought I would have to write a story in one or two sittings.

There is so much more to writing than you know and the AWC helps you break down the different aspects of the different writing genres.

I was attracted to this course after I participated in a zoom session with Kate and Val. It was excellent and that certainly enticed me. But to be totally honest, I love listening to Kate and every time I hear her on a podcast or radio or tv, I'm just blown away by her warmth and knowledge. I am fascinated by the topics she covers such as the Pre-Raphaelites and the important role fairytales play in the human psyche.

I learned so much about writing, art, life and being a creative human. It was fascinating. I've finished the course once but because I have access for the year, I will revisit it again before it expires.

I loved learning new things: the sonnet that she read by Pablo Neruda was beautiful. I googled the music she recommended and I was fascinated by the art work. I'd say Kate herself, her warmth, her knowledge and her beautiful presenting style made this an incredibly memorable event.

In my opinion, it was perfection.

I know that I need to make a structure for my writing. I understand that the fears I have as a writer are common to us all and to write anyway. I love the idea of being a 'creative human' and not just a writer. I love the notion that we must live fully as creatives, to experience life deeply to ensure our creativity is fresh and alive. Being a writer takes bravery and it's normal to feel afraid.

I would say that Kate's course is worthwhile not just for writers but for anyone who wants to live life to the fullest and experience the wonders of creativity whatever form that may take.

Thank you for providing this course for us.

I was attracted to this course because I'm currently IN my second act, and I've done a bunch of courses with the AWC before.

Pamela's a great teacher. Clear, strong, useful advice (and plenty of it).

A number of things were foggy for me before this course, but they are clearer now. Subplots; using all this as a guideline for your first edit (draft 2); and using all this as a guideline, not rules.

The AWC gives you the tools to help you write, and write well.

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.

Pamela was amazing! I learned so much from her feedback. She was able to put her finger on exactly what was missing, and I was able to take that away and use it to improve my writing. She was kind and respectful, but unafraid to tell you exactly what you were doing wrong. This is what I really needed as a writer.

I would say that fiction writing is a whole different ball game to the types of writing most people do in their day-to-day lives. There are so many people who have strong written language skills, but probably don't understand the nuts and bolts of fiction writing. AWC can help with that.

I liked the variety of word count and the inspiration of watching/reading other AWC graduates, and also author's quotes.

I now have a 12,000-word story that I want to edit and publish. I now desire to be a writer even more than before.

AWC creates excellent courses for beginners like me, and I am now inspired to get more creative and complete other courses. They have real people who are successful graduates who are relatable and verify the courses. The courses are very well set out, affordable and inspirational.

Very thorough content, engaging presenter. Useful info - e.g. length and format of presentations for different year levels.

Helped me to know what speaking agency expected when I applied to them - they accepted me!

I always recommend AWC courses - for this one, I'd say it's a very thorough course that hopefully helps us to be as successful as Nat Amoore! But she was kind enough to emphasise we're all different in our personalities and presentation styles, and to lean into that.

So impressed with the quality of the materials, the structure and how far we were taken on our writing journey in only 5 weeks!

Nat was totally fabulous! I absolutely loved how skilfully she shared feedback in a way that was 100% encouraging. Nat made me feel like I can be (and am) a writer! I'm very excited about my writing journey now. It feels like it's shifted from being a vague wishful thought to being something that's completely real and in progress.

I found the whole experience enjoyable. If I had to choose one thing it would be hearing Nat read my writing out loud and then Nat saying something like 'Great stuff' followed by really practical and useful elements to work on or think about to improve it.

I now feel like I am already a writer and my journey is about continually developing my writing habit. I've realised I'm on a continual improvement journey to become a better writer. Which is exciting compared to before the course - when I thought being a writer (at all) was wishful thinking only. Such a contrast!

I've realised that the technical elements of writing can be learnt and are within easy reach. Then all I have to do is combine that with my imagination. It is that simple! It's still hard work but so enjoyable.

You will learn so much and be encouraged more than you can currently believe possible. You will have so much fun!