What’s it like to learn with AWC?

Special thanks to Pamela for her clearly presented talk in which she covers a lot of techniques, examples and highlights! I really appreciate these 1.5 hr sessions on a particular topic. I like the structure of the session and the fact that the presenter actually keeps to the handout! I also like hearing from previous students and enjoy their insights into success!

Pamela was thorough in her explanations (with good examples). She didn't rush the content and was clear in her direction and explanation of how important creating the world of the story is. The handout and slides were a great bonus! Well prepared.

I did not realise how important it was to have a clear direction and concept of the environment in which the story is set. It has clarified quite a few points for my writing.

The AWC is holistic in its approach to writing and very professional from the website itself through to the courses (and their variety) to webinars, blogs, newsletters etc. It is highly professional with fun and a sense of humour - the perfect combination.

Pamela is easy to listen to and easy to watch. She doesn't pfaff around and gives good examples. An excellent presenter with years of experience which benefit the rest of us.

Though an experienced writer for government, I am relatively new to creative writing and felt that a short story course would be a good stepping-stone into creative writing

I found the list of suggested reading very helpful, and discovered many good short stories and writers as a result. I found it a practical course as well, with good advice about structuring a short story and formatting and submitting manuscripts to publishers, as well as writing techniques.

It was really useful to submit my final short story to Cathie and receive some valuable feedback and positive comments!

I am motivated to write more short stories now as I can see that they are a genuine art form in their own right, and that some of the world's best writers regularly complete short story anthologies. Short stories are good practice for the would-be novelist - I think that I may stumble upon a story idea for a full novel through this form of creativity, and it is certainly a more achievable and less daunting prospect that can keep writers writing and gaining skills.

This is something I CAN do, and enjoy!

The AWC is a good avenue to help you bridge the gap between dreaming of being a published author and making it a reality.

Thanks Valerie. And thanks Cathie for your positive and useful feedback advice.

I love to write creatively and have been curious to learn more about how to sharpen my skills in storytelling. There's so much advice on the Internet that I wanted to do a course and be exposed to professional advice that went through the process of writing a short story from start to end. I write short stories for friends and wanted to learn more about the technical parts of crafting a short story.

I've never done an audio course before, but it was really great and I appreciated all the handouts. I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to keep up with a self-paced course within 12 months, but the course being broken down into modules really helped.

I learned how to structure a short story and some of the technical devices that I've been curious about and have since employed in my own writing to make it tighter. I appreciated the breakdown in editing and how to attack a story from several different perspectives.

I like the flexibility of being able to do a self-paced online course. The examples provided and the analysis of those examples was very helpful. The audio lessons were short but detailed enough that you could fit them into a busy day, and the instructor was easy to follow. I did like the exercises and intend to do them again.

I'll definitely be looking at other courses! I enjoyed this one and was grateful I did it.

I did initially worry that I wouldn't be able to commit to studying each week as it's been a long time since I enrolled in any type of course, but I was able to fit the modules around my hectic daily life.

Vivienne gave good, professional feedback and allowed me to see my writing as a reader/editor would. I tend to get very close to what I'm writing but Vivienne's comments and suggestions showed me that I need to focus on what the reader wants, not what I think they want.

The course has shown me that I have something to offer with my writing, and that what I write can be valid and valuable to readers.

Well presented, knowledgeable content with a relaxed but professional atmosphere.

I just learnt so much. Every aspect of picture book writing was covered in great detail. I loved the opportunity to submit assignments and receive feedback each week. I was able to write three complete picture book texts simply by doing the assignments.

The course and my tutor have given me the confidence that publishing a picture book is a real possibility and not just a dream. It is worth putting in the work.

If you are serious about publishing a book, do not approach any publisher until you have invested the time and money in a course like this with AWC. You don't know what you don't know.

I hope you will see my book on shelves and grab a copy!

Jennifer was great. She was very helpful and giving when it came to her feedback. She was also really supportive without pulling any punches when it came to things that needed to be improved.

The opportunity to be given feedback on the whole novel was wonderful - especially since the people in the group were the first people to read it. I also really enjoyed reading everyone else's work - there were some amazing stories in the group.

I knew my novel needed improvements but found it hard to work out exactly what it was that needed fixing. Having a group of other writers giving feedback was so useful - I have direction now and am inspired to continue to improve my story. I have also met a group of really supportive women that I hope I will be able to continue to work with outside the course as we all continue our writing journeys.

All the courses that I have completed through AWC have been great. They are comprehensive and provide you with practical tips and information on how to write and how to improve your writing. They are well worth completing.

Bernadette was great! Very engaging and informative, and the feedback was always very constructive.

In my everyday life and work life I'm now looking at advertisements and better understanding what the marketers or copywriters were trying to do with the copy.

I'd say the course gives a great foundation to work from and gives a much better understanding of copywriting.

I enjoyed most learning more about the different types of structure, and plotting and subplots, and how to apply these to build stronger and well-paced stories.

I feel that I have a deeper understanding of story structure and better idea of how to write and restructure my book so that it will have more impact and interest and draw a prospective reader in.

I have been struggling with the concept of turning points, rising action and climax, and their relationship to each other in building narrative tension. I think I have finally got a handle on what these are all about.

Do yourself a favour, if you are struggling with any aspect of writing, do one of AWC's writing courses. It will definitely help with putting you on the 'write' track. :-)

Nicole was funny enthusiastic and extremely engaging - she is a great tutor.

I most enjoyed workshopping with other aspiring writers and sharing my work. I can't wait to go home and write with the new tools I learnt.

Just go and do it; you won't be disappointed.

Thank you, and I can't wait to see what else I can do next.

The tutor clearly knows writing and gave useful advice.

I enjoyed the variety of voices providing feedback and the opportunity to develop my own skills in critical reading and providing useful feedback. I'm better able to see the flaws in my writing (plot holes, poor characterisation etc.) and how to fix them.

Sign up - it's worth the money.

Pamela's advice is credible, carefully considered, and delivered with such grace and empathy to novice writers. I enjoyed her manner and knowledge. I also love that you gave good examples to illustrate everything that was said in the advice videos.

Has made me much clearer about what to include and not to include in the opening of a story - all the factors to consider and questions to ask myself.

Can't wait for the next thing I've enrolled in haha - well done!

I was impressed by my online tutor because of the detail of information and the kind delivery of advice on how to correct my mistakes that I had made in my haste. The feedback was helpful and it was enjoyable to hear the good comments too.

I am reading and writing more each day. I love all the information that I have learnt, and I am inspired to work harder and be more focused on the craft.

Even though I am still redrafting my manuscript, my 'aha' moment was achieving the task of completing my manuscript. Also, that reviewing other students' manuscripts really opened my eyes to the art of storytelling and fresh ideas.

AWC courses are great. Choose one you like and get started. You will achieve your goal of writing and improving your craft.

I wanted to learn how to write picture books using ideas from my own experiences raising three boys. Stories that send positive messages to other kids. I also wanted to give them to my kids as a sentimental gesture and then they could pass them on to their children. AWC was recommended by my cousin.

I enjoyed learning the structure and details needed to write an effective picture book. Also, improving my writing each week after each module and Cathie's feedback to see my story evolve!

The course has increased my confidence and inspired me to complete the Writing Chapter Books for 6-9 year olds course as well. It helps knowing I can get advice and feedback from AWC and also connect with other writers.

Thank you very much for all the content and feedback! I look forward to learning more and more and more!

I've been considering writing about a non-fictional subject for a few years. Although I have written for work over an extensive period I did feel the need to underpin that with the rigour of a structured course.

I enjoyed the ease of picking up a lesson when I wanted and not being forced to follow a strict timetable. The overall structure of the course was great. I feel I gained most value in the later stages with the discussion about editing and publishing. This was very useful.

Loved Bernadette. She was practical, inspiring and gave well-thought-out feedback and encouragement with the assignments as well as adding years of expertise.

Gave me the confidence to expand from feature writing to copy.

If you are thinking about it, do it :-)

I have always loved children's books. I have a 3-year-old who has been through some challenges and I found it hard to find the right book to help her to understand her situation. I thought, if I can't find one, maybe I could write one just for her!

Judith was fantastic! She is a great teacher and I felt heard and I learnt so much. There are so many ingredients that make a good picture book… I had no idea!

I loved the words of encouragement, and I also loved Judith reading to us. I also loved hearing other people's fantastic ideas. The group was warm and supportive.

I am now inspired to write something and try to get it published. This had only been a very vague idea in my mind, but it has now become a reality!!

Thank you so much Judith. I loved the course. You are so knowledgeable, kind, and encouraging. Your passion for children's books is inspiring. Your kindness to our group of aspiring writers won't be forgotten. Thank you!!

You must do it! It is wonderful, and creative, and inspiring.

I wanted to strengthen my writing skills and understanding in order to make my CV look more impressive, and potentially qualify for more freelance opportunities.

I liked being able to work at my own pace and take my time digesting the content. Due to other commitments, I completed this very gradually over 11 months!

This course has helped me be more aware of my writing structure, based on the templates provided.

The course content - videos and handouts - were outstanding. The tutor feedback was really valuable - especially being able to watch everyone's feedback. I really appreciated Mark's feedback to everyone. It was insightful and very helpful.

I enjoyed everything about the course - I can't choose just one. My work may not have been the best; however, I came away with more confidence and enthusiasm to pursue copywriting as a side hustle.

The course was informative, insightful and fun. I thoroughly enjoyed the learning experience and the challenge. I will be revisiting some modules over the coming months, while I still have access. Very thankful for this.