What’s it like to learn with AWC?
Each year, thousands of students just like you achieve their writing goals through our courses and world-class presenters. Here they share how their new-found skills and confidence enriched their life.
I enjoyed the way that Michelle explained everything so thoroughly and also how warm and engaging she was in delivering all of the information.
I learnt so much so it's really hard to pinpoint one major thing, but I like the idea that we can do most of this ourselves. It has given me the confidence to begin building my website, but I am still a little overwhelmed by it all at the moment.
This is a great course, filled with everything that you need to know in order to build your own website. It is also presented in such a friendly, helpful and engaging way and I really enjoyed it.
The course was very well presented and so full of useful information. The course gave me a much deeper insight than I initially expected.
I have really come to appreciate the significance of having a website as an author and loved the examples used such as Rachael Johns. I love the fact that you really can do it yourself.
AWC courses are of such a high but practical quality. You always leave a course with a good dose of extra enthusiasm and self-confidence.
The course being online and flexible was a big attraction, coupled with the length of time and the expectations of the course. I felt I could have a fun introduction to writing that could be done outside of full-time work, and it felt achievable. It was also a reasonable price point and didn't require me to commit for six months or a longer period of time without knowing if I could like it.
Nat provided really helpful constructive feedback and it felt like she took the time to provide useful insights. She was great, knowledgeable and constructive but also positive which was motivating.
I enjoyed learning something new every week and the ability to provide some structure to my writing. It was a great kick start.
It has encouraged my love of language and to use my voice for something I am interested in, rather than as a professional mouthpiece which is liberating. It has forced me to use my imagination which I have enjoyed, the world is limitless when you can create your own!
It was a great way to reinvigorate an interest in writing, and provided some really great, flexible learning options in a supportive environment.
Thanks very much, I enjoyed it!
The course has given me a clearer idea of what is required to create a novel. Allowed my idea to begin materialising. Each lesson provided valuable insight that was completely new to me.
The tutor was professional, went above and beyond when providing feedback
Invaluable lessons, an experience that will result in you really starting to feel like a writer.
This course is an absolute must - taught me so much, very helpful. The graphs with acts and turning points visually represented made it easier to visualise and adapt to my manuscript.
Tension = I MUST find out what happens! Can't wait to make changes to make my story more engaging in the middle.
I enjoyed the in-depth breakdown of various timelines, chronological or otherwise, multiple voices etc, and of course the examples supplied. Very useful.
It has given me confidence. No matter how effortless that wonderful novel appears to be, someone has sat down and planned it, obeying rules/guidelines (or not). You don't just sit down and write, or not without at least some knowledge of the expectations of both readers and publishers.
Good stuff: you'll have more chance of being published if you enrol in their courses.
I enjoyed being given helpful prompts on what to consider when I am writing my book, and being given information about where to find it.
This has well described the research ahead of me! And opened my eyes to how much is out there. I was feeling a bit lost beforehand.
Great practical advice delivered in an easy to understand and absorb way.
Bernadette was an incredible tutor! She is a copywriting genius, a word artist in her own league and I learned so much from her. I loved her enthusiasm, and the way in which she generously injected years of knowledge and wisdom into our lessons - just priceless. Her ability to give transparent and constructive feedback, while being encouraging, was a wonderful balance to an aspiring copywriter like myself.
It was so helpful having assignments that were then marked, with beneficial feedback given weekly.
I now believe I have the skills and confidence to pursue a career in copywriting. I can call myself a copywriter and Bernadette encouraged us to embrace our talents and not shy away from being bold and courageous enough to give it a real try!
If you want explore a niche area of writing, and desire to learn industry skills from a world-class copywriter, then Australian Writers' Centre is for you!
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity! It is life changing.
I enjoyed Nat's enthusiasm and great feedback. She was fantastic, absolutely loved getting her feedback.
The course has helped me overcome my anxiety about creative writing. I have already recommended it, saying that the tutors are fantastic and give excellent feedback.
I enjoyed the assignments i.e. putting into practice what had been discussed in the modules, and learning about SEO. Previously, I had no idea what it was about and thought it was beyond my ability to comprehend this "technology".
Have done a few courses with AWC and I would say, if you like writing, there is something for you here.
Forever a cynic, I thought the course might be too basic and that I might not learn anything new. I'm happy to say I was very wrong! I have learned so much and realised that I didn't really understand how important character development, structure and POV choice are to creating a compelling story.
I found the assignment feedback videos to be the most enjoyable. It's always nice to hear praise for your assignments, but it's even more valuable to understand what I'm doing wrong and being armed with the knowledge to fix those mistakes.
The tutor was very positive! Nat was very much on my wavelength with regards to feedback and I looked forward to watching her videos each week. Many thanks, Nat!
Now that I understand how stories are structured and the basic rules of good story telling, I feel much more confident in my ability to create a compelling story with fully realised characters. Armed with this knowledge, I'm now going back and reading my favourite stories to better understand how and why they work.
If you're looking to start writing, either professionally or for yourself, sign up for the Creative Writing Stage 1 course. I spent way too much time watching random YouTube videos about writing, but without a structured course with feedback from an actual working author you will just be going around in circles.
There were deep insights, which felt as though they were spot on for the stage of writing I'm at. The sequencing of modules looked illogical at first glance, but really delivered what I needed to know, when I needed to know it.
Margaret was very encouraging, and gave feedback that allowed me to progress my novel and further develop my writing skills.
I enjoyed giving and receiving feedback, plus the fact that this was self-paced.
This course has instilled the discipline to write regularly to meet deadlines. It also helped me develop a more critical eye for my work. When I began, I hoped I would move closer to finishing a novel. Now, I know I have a unique voice, a solid story and WILL write this book!
The Words at Dawn and Write the Night sessions have been an invaluable add-on to the course. I underestimated the power of sitting down in front of a group, setting a sessional goal and holding myself to account for it. It is incredible to have people there at varying stages of different courses and it's turned out to provide MUCH more encouragement than I anticipated. Nat Newman ensures we all get to work, but that fun, laughter and supporting each other is truly at the core. It's been the catalyst for making my writing habitual.
If you have a writing goal, the Australian Writers' Centre offers all the tools and support to help you achieve it. You'll never look back!
I enjoyed getting an insight into a writer's world and understanding language around writing - 'pantser' being my favourite!
The tutor was very thorough in their feedback and very encouraging but also not willing to pander to any potential diva - I really liked their honesty.
You don't have to be perfect straight up. Bum on seat. There are more times than not multiple drafts - say what?! Hehe
AWC is a great place to start. They appear to be a well-oiled machine with enough runs on the board from successful students to give confidence it's not just about selling something.
The online audio guides were helpful and easy to follow. The feedback was timely and helpful from our tutor. I think it was the right amount.
I feel more organised and I have a series of tools and processes to follow now.
I realised after about three sessions that writing is a process - even a science. What the writer brings is the artistry to add to that process.
It is a friendly and non-confronting way to decide if this is something that is for you to seriously consider spending more time on.
I have an idea for a book but wanted to learn the fundamentals of writing historical fiction before embarking on the task.
The tutor was excellent. I enjoyed getting personalised feedback.
Psychologically, I now understand that writing a book involves multiple iterations and that it's ok to only produce 100w a day.
Do it. Great introduction to the technical skills required to take the next step.
The course has made me aware that my knowledge and experiences in my career and in life need not be wasted. I can actually learn to make a living from them. I feel confident about making a change of career now. I never did before.
I enjoyed reading other people's ideas and feedback. The tutor was good, knowledgeable and easy to listen to.
Go for it if you want to change your career. Take it slowly if need be and soak up as much as you can.
I was worried about doing assessments as it has been a long time since doing any, but it was such a wonderful and encouraging course!
The tutor has a wealth of knowledge and a passion for what she does.
Do it! It is a great course and you will learn so much. I feel like I have found my passion.
Thank you, Margaret, for all your help.
Kate Forsyth is enchanting.
The five point plan is logical and achievable. Makes perfect sense. I have been a pantser till now. Plotting allows for measurable points along the journey to completing a story.
A wonderful resource, with so many options for learning. There is something for everyone.
Alex was very knowledgeable and provided industry-specific feedback which was really beneficial.
I enjoyed the audio modules and assignments. The course has given me a starting point and confidence to start freelancing. Without the course, I would have never tried.
A really informative course that is manageable with work or other commitments.
This course was very well structured, thorough, practical and imaginative. I found it inspiring!
It has reignited my desire to write following a personal loss.
It no longer seems quite so daunting to write a novel, now all the steps are known and laid out in manageable segments.
Choose the right course for you and grow yourself as a person, as well as a writer.