This could be you | Australian Writers' Centre

AWC alumna Penelope Janu has won the 2017 XO Romance Prize

AWC alumna Penelope Janu has won the 2017 XO Romance Prize for her unpublished manuscript, On the Same Page. Described by guest judge Alexandra Nahlous as “A wonderful, captivating story about a writer desperate to keep her identity hidden, and the man determined to expose her”, Penelope receives a $5000 advance and a publishing contract […]

Brad Kelly: From history teacher to full-time freelance writer

After a 15-year career as a history teacher, Brad Kelly was ready for his next challenge. With a keen interest in the world of writing, he completed a course at the Australian Writers’ Centre. “I had always been drawn to long form journalism and features, and I wanted to learn the nuts and bolts of the trade,” says Brad.

Joy Adan: Living her dream as a freelance writer

Even though Joy Adan dreamt of becoming a writer, she initially didn’t have the confidence to pursue this passion. “I had a recurring voice in my head – that sounded a lot like my mother – that kept telling me that the only people who could call themselves writers were either really lucky or really poor. That I should do the responsible thing – and set aside my creative ambitions in search for a secure, well-paying job.”

How Jennifer Johnston gained the confidence to become a freelance writer

Jennifer Johnston is living proof that you never stop learning – in fact, she has built a career on it. Having completed a postgraduate certificate in creative industries, she realised that while she had a lot of theory, there were many gaps with regard to practical skills. On the long-time recommendation of a friend, she chose a short online course in Travel Writing at the Australian Writers Centre – and wished she had taken her advice sooner!

Gabrielle Martinovich on her journey with the Australian Writers' Centre

Emily Joyce on breaking into freelance writing via courses at the Australian Writers' Centre

Jenna Guillaume: Journalist turned YA fiction author

After putting off the idea of creative writing for many years, Jenna Guillaume signed a two-book deal with Pan Macmillan for her YA fiction. Her latest novel is You Were Made for Me and her debut was What I like About Me published in 2019.

AWC alumna and AWC presenter in the 2017 fiction edition of The Big Issue!

It’s that time of year again. The Big Issue has released their annual fiction special. With 14 short stories, it features authors such as Paulo Coelho, Matthew Reilly and AWC alumna Anna Spargo-Ryan. Plus AWC presenter Nick Earls was a judge for this edition. Talk about an all-star cast! From the media release: The Big […]

Writing Podcast Episode 200 Meet Shankari Chandran, author of ‘The Barrier'

In Episode 200 of So you want to be a writer: Allison new book The Book of Secrets is out now! What is it like to be Obama’s speechwriter? Discover more apps to help with your writing and social media tips for authors. Your chance to win a copy of the latest Candice Fox and James Patterson […]

AWC Alumni news: Articles featuring in Domain, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age

We're super proud of our AWC alumni lately – their inspirational and insightful stories have been featured across Domain, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Check out some of their great reads below. Above: Linda Moon‘s article in Domain.com.au “Is moving house good for you? The pros and cons of relocating”. Above: Lucille […]