Australian Writers' Centre

Meet memoirist Louise Southerden about her book 'Tiny', which details her experience building a tiny house while going through a challenging relationship. Louise shares her journey into travel writing, the dynamics of writing personal stories, and techniques for capturing the essence of travel experiences.

Listen to the latest episode of ‘So You Want to be a Write‪r‬’ on your favourite podcast app, or follow the link: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/blog/ep-622/

WIN THIS BOOK – This week, we’re giving away three copies of 'Girl Falling' by Hayley Scrivenor. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Blue Mountains, this compelling story explores the complex relationship between two lifelong friends as their lives take unexpected turns that will keep you turning the pages. Here’s the blurb:

Why would my best friend want to destroy my life?

Finn and her best friend, Daphne, have grown up together in the Blue Mountains. Bonded by both having lost a younger sister to su***de, they've always had a close – sometimes too close – friendship. Now in their twenties, their lives have finally started to diverge: Daphne is at university and Finn is working in the Mountains, as well as falling in love with a beautiful newcomer called Magdu.

Unused to sharing Finn, Daphne starts to act up in ways that will allow her to maintain the control over her best friend she's always relished. Then, one fateful day, Finn, Daphne and Magdu all go rock-climbing – and Magdu falls to her death. Is it su***de, or a terrible accident – or something more sinister?

Bold, dramatic and utterly compelling, Girl Falling forces us to confront the stories we tell ourselves about the people we love. Displaying all of Hayley Scrivenor's razor-sharp skills for character, landscape and narrative, this is a breathtaking read.

To win, enter here: writerscentre.com.au/win

Create narratives that combine historical fact, shadowy intrigue, mystical wonder or a touch of romance. Let internationally acclaimed author Kate Forsyth guide you through the course: History, Mystery and Magic course, exclusively at Australian Writers' Centre. You’ll learn how to create immersive worlds that will captivate your readers and keep them intrigued til the end of your story.

It's now available at a never-to-be-repeated launch price so book now.
Your special launch price (only til 1 Sept): $267
After that the regular price will be: $395

Enrol now: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/store/courses/history-mystery-and-magic/

Children’s author Carla Fitzgerald is author of the middle-grade novel 'How to Break a World Record and Survive Grade 5'. Carla shares insights into writing compelling stories for children and offers five must-do tips for aspiring middle-grade authors. Additionally, Nat Newman provides a practical app tip about the benefits of using Google Docs. And more.

Listen to the latest episode of ‘So You Want to be a Write‪r‬’ on your favourite podcast app, or follow the link: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/blog/ep-621/

Want to write about real events without crossing legal lines? Don't miss our FOCUS ON… Avoiding Infringement seminar on Thursday 12 September! Award-winning author Pamela Freeman will guide you through the rules of using real people, quotes, lyrics, and more in your stories.

Enrol now: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/store/courses/focus-on-Avoiding-Infringement/

The Paris Summer Paralympics began this week – and will surely showcase more amazing stories of sporting courage and skill. But where does the name “Paralympics” actually come from? Is it parallel? Is it paraplegic? Or maybe it’s paralegals and parachutes? We go in search of the origin story of this inspirational international event in this week’s Q&A – take your marks, get set and go read it on our BLOG right now: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/blog/qa-why-is-it-called-paralympics/

Stories this month went to great heights in responding to our creative flash fiction challenge, resulting in a crop of lofty tales. We’re ready to share them with you – including our Top Pick – in August’s story showcase!

Link: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/blog/furious-fiction-august-2024-story-showcase/

Unlock the secrets of writing captivating fiction. Our History, Mystery and Magic course is now available. Created by award-winning author Kate Forsyth, the new online format means you can learn from wherever you are. Kate offers practical techniques to help you create rich, multi-layered narratives that will keep readers engaged until the final page.

It's now available at a never-to-be-repeated launch price so book now.
Your special launch price (only til 1 Sept): $267
After that the regular price will be: $395

Enrol now: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/store/courses/history-mystery-and-magic/

AWC graduate Troy Hunter has published his debut novel 'Gus and the Missing Boy' with Wakefield Press and has been shortlisted in the 2024 Ned Kelly Awards for Best Debut Crime Fiction.

"I wish I could tell my ten-year-old self that this would happen. I had always wanted to be an author, but as I skidded into my 50s, I began to worry that it was a bit of a pipe dream," he told us.

Find out how an AWC course helped Troy crack the case of the 'saggy middle' on our blog: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/blog/troy-hunter-gus-and-the-missing-boy/

Huge congrats to AWC graduate Sarah Jane Lightfoot on the release of her latest picture book 'When Dinosaurs Roamed Australia'. It’s publication day and we’re keen to get our hands on a copy!

In this special episode, we bring you an edited version of the recent webinar featuring bestselling author Kate Forsyth. The episode is jam-packed with insights, focusing on five essential lessons from different genres that can improve your writing. Kate Forsyth delves into historical fiction, crime and mystery, romance, fantasy, and magic realism, sharing her top tips for writing compelling and immersive narratives. Additionally, the episode features a Q&A session where Kate answers questions on writing routines, character development, publishing, and more. The episode offers practical advice and inspirational insights for aspiring and established writers.

Listen to the latest episode of ‘So You Want to be a Write‪r‬’ on your favourite podcast app, or follow the link: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/blog/ep-620/

Getting a review in the Australian Women’s Weekly is huge! Congrats to Lisa Kenway and her incredible novel ‘All You Took From Me’.

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The first print review of ALL YOU TOOK FROM ME, in the September issue of , is a good one, and I’m so grateful! Lovely to share the page with fellow author , too.

WIN THESE BOOKS – This week, in celebration of our new course History, Mystery and Magic, we're giving away a blockbuster bundle of three books representing these genres! This is your chance to win:

'The Girl With The Violin' by Shelley Davidow
'The Death of Dora Black' by Lainie Anderson
'The Echoes' by Evie Wyld

To win, enter here: writerscentre.com.au/win

Story Seeds is free – from us to you! What is it? This is a series of writing prompts that will last you an entire month. So it’s 31 days of inspiration!

*** How do you get it? ***
We send it on the last Thursday of every month in our newsletter. So sign up now to get next month’s Story Seeds in your inbox soon!

*** Why Story Seeds is great for your writing ***
Well, not everyone wants to write the Great Australian Novel. And that’s ok! You may simple want to explore and tap into your creativity. If that’s you, then Story Seeds is going to be your friend.

It’s about helping you discover the joy of writing. It’s your own private activity. You don’t have anyone looking over your shoulder. There is no tutor to assess your writing. You do it for practice, inspiration – and fun!

Go to storyseeds.com.au

Our NEW History, Mystery and Magic course, created by bestselling author Kate Forsyth, will give you the tools to create impactful cross-genre stories that will keep your readers captivated. Learn how to create authentic historical settings, plot intriguing mysteries, and infuse your writing with magical realism or romance.

It's now available at a never-to-be-repeated launch price so book now.
Your special launch price (only til 1 Sept): $267
After that the regular price will be: $395

Enrol now: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/store/courses/history-mystery-and-magic/

Enhance your professional toolkit with our course: Intelligent Business Writing with AI. Join us on 10 September to demystify AI in business writing. Learn how to use AI tools to generate high-quality text; no matter the format. Understand the benefits and risks, and gain practical experience in AI-assisted writing.

Enrol now: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/store/courses/intelligent-business-writing-with-ai/

Meet Deborah Frenkel, author of four picture books including her most recent: '100 Schools Days' and 'The Truck Cat'. Deborah reveals her journey to publication, her creative process and tips for aspiring authors.

Listen to the latest episode of ‘So You Want to be a Write‪r‬’ on your favourite podcast app, or follow the link: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/blog/ep-619/

Congratulations to AWC graduate Lynelle Kendall on publishing her anthology of stories and poems for children aged 5-7 titled 'Stories of Imagination'.

Lynelle completed several courses at AWC. "I have walked away from all these courses more confident in my writing and with more belief that I CAN be a published author," she told us.

We seem to call people who have a lot of money “filthy rich”. But why are they filthy? Are they diving in their cash, Scrooge McDuck style? Surely with all that money, they can afford to wash, right? So what’s the real origin story of this one? And what do Ancient Egyptians and dirty old men have to do with it? Line your pockets with a wealth of knowledge in this week’s Q&A – on our BLOG right now: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/blog/qa-filthy-rich/

Join award-winning author Kate Forsyth as she reveals the secrets of fiction in our FREE online event tomorrow! Discover FIVE essential lessons to improve your writing.

RSVP now: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/awc-event-rsvp/

Yay! We’ve partnered with Afterpay so you can now pay better when you enrol in a course with us. Just choose Afterpay when you checkout, then pay it in 4 interest-free instalments.* 🙌
So if you’re been considering a course and want the option to pay in a way that suits your cashflow, we’ve worked really hard to be able to offer this option for you in case it’s a better option for your specific circumstances :)

* Afterpay late fees, eligibility criteria and terms & conditions apply. Visit afterpay.com for full terms

AWC graduate Lisa Kenway has published her debut thriller ‘All You Took From Me’ with Transit Lounge.

“When I began to take my hobby more seriously, I sought out courses to learn about the publishing industry and the craft of writing, and the AWC courses fit the bill,” she told us.

Read about Lisa's journey from anaesthetist to published author on our blog: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/blog/lisa-kenway-all-you-took-from-me/

Congratulations to AWC graduate Karen Comer on winning CBCA Book of the Year 2024 and being shortlisted in the Prime Minister's Literary Awards with her novel 'Grace Notes'! We are so thrilled about this amazing achievement!

J.P. Pomare on writing gripping crime thrillers and his latest novel '17 Years Later'. J.P. discusses his writing process, research methods, and experiences with book adaptations into TV series. The episode features insights on maintaining creativity, the importance of method writing, crafting captivating crime narratives, and tips for aspiring writers. J.P. highlights the intricacies of plotting and characterisation in crime fiction, his unique approach to developing a story, and how he navigates the darker aspects of true crime.

Listen to the latest episode of ‘So You Want to be a Write‪r‬’ on your favourite podcast app, or follow the link: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/blog/ep-618/

WIN THIS BOOK – This week, we’re giving away three copies of 'Precipice' by Robert Harris, author of nine best-selling novels! Harris is known for blending historical events with thrilling storylines making 'Precipice' a highly anticipated release for 2024.

Summer 1914. A world on the brink of catastrophe.

In London, 26-year-old Venetia Stanley – aristocratic, clever, bored, reckless – is having a love affair with the Prime Minister, H. H. Asquith, a man more than twice her age. He writes to her obsessively, sharing the most sensitive matters of state.

As Asquith reluctantly leads the country into war with Germany, a young intelligence officer is assigned to investigate a leak of top secret documents – and suddenly what was a sexual intrigue becomes a matter of national security that will alter the course of political history.

To win, enter here: writerscentre.com.au/win

Turn words into profits with our Copywriting Essentials course! Learn the secrets to writing successful copy, the art of writing headlines, taking creative briefs, and more. The next course begins 19 August – enrol today: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/store/courses/copywriting-essentials/

Would you like to earn a six figure income from copywriting?

Would you like to leverage your existing career to help you find new copywriting clients?

Would you like to write about something you love and get paid well to do so?

If any of that resonates, this episode is for you.

Listen to the latest episode of 'So You Want to be a Copywrite‪r‬' on your favourite podcast app, or follow the link: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/blog/copywriter-ep-076/

Meet Lian Tanner, who reveals 5 strategies you need to build longevity into your author career. Lian also discusses her latest picture book, 'When the Lights Went Out'. Lian covers: writing to your passions rather than market demands, seeking valuable feedback, continually learning the craft, and being open to reinvention. She also shares her process and experiences in writing middle grade and picture books.

Listen to the latest episode of ‘So You Want to be a Write‪r‬’ on your favourite podcast app, or follow the link: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/blog/ep-617/