Furious Fiction: May 2024 Story Showcase
Welcome to May’s Furious Fiction story showcase – a celebration of flash fiction creativity for this month. The creative prompts were: Each story had to
Sarah Speedie on her new dream career as a picture book author
Sarah Speedie was a full-time stay-at-home mum and, when her children reached an age where she could carve out time for herself she chose to embark on a new journey – one that would reignite her passion for learning and storytelling. Sarah enrolled in the Writing Picture Books course at the Australian Writers’ Centre.
Writing Podcast Episode 604: Valerie talks to copywriting guru Bernadette Schwerdt on how she co-wrote entrepreneur Radek Sali’s memoir, ‘How to Build a Billion Dollar Business’.
Explore the world of co-writing and collaboration with Radek Sali and Bernadette Schwerdt. They explore the collaborative effort behind writing Radek’s book, How to Build
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘The Underhistory’ by Kaaron Warren
This week, we’re giving away three copies of The Underhistory by Kaaron Warren, author of the novels Slights, Walking the Tree, Mistification, Tide of Stone
Copywriting Podcast Episode 072: How to use podcasts to build your business with Lyndal Harris
If you’d like to launch your own podcast to promote your copywriting business, this is the podcast for you. Lyndal Harris is one of Australia’s
Q&A: How far is a ‘country mile’?
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its
How Sandhya Parappukkaran followed her creative curiosity to become a published picture book author
Courses taken at AWC:
Writing Picture Books
Writing Picture Books
When Sandhya Parappukkaran quit her food technology job to pursue her creative dreams, she originally turned to arts and crafts. But while reading with her son, Sandhya’s childhood love of books was rekindled. After completing the Writing Picture Books course, her debut picture book The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name has been published by Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing.
Writing Podcast Episode 603: Picture book author Megan Daley on how to nurture your children to become readers.
Meet Megan Daley, author of The Beehive. Megan talks about her passion for children’s literature, her role as a teacher librarian, and her picture book
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘The Librarians of Rue de Picardie’ by Janet Skeslien Charles
This week, we’re giving away three copies of The Librarians of Rue de Picardie by Janet Skeslien Charles, author of The Paris Library. The Librarians
Ryan Abramowitz’s picture book ‘Elegy for an Elephant’
Ryan completed the course Writing Picture Books, and then joined the Writing Picture Books Masterclass. He has now published his debut picture book, Elegy for an Elephant, a touching and important story that explores grief following loss through suicide, which he wrote and illustrated in consultation with mental health practitioners.
Joanna Nell: From GP to bestselling author
An unexpected incident led Joanna Nell to the Australian Writers’ Centre and the subsequent publishing of her feel-good debut novel The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village (Hachette Australia).
Q&A: What is a ‘non-sequitur’
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its
Kell Woods finds international success after courses at Australian Writers’ Centre
After studying a suite of courses, starting with Novel Writing Essentials, and including History, Mystery and Magic and Plotting and Planning, Kell’s publishing dream came true when she landed a two-book deal with publishing powerhouse Tor US. Kell’s debut novel, After the Forest, was published in 2023, with international publication by Titan Books in the UK and HarperCollins in Australia/New Zealand.
Writing Podcast Episode 602: Meet Jo Peck, author of the memoir ‘Suddenly Single at Sixty’.
Meet Jo Peck, whose memoir Suddenly Single at Sixty details her journey through divorce and rediscovery. Jo discusses her writing process, the therapeutic value of journalling,
COMP CLOSED: ‘Ghost Cities’ by Siang Lu
This week, we’re giving away three copies of Ghost Cities by Siang Lu, author of The Whitewash, and the co-creator of The Beige Index. Ghost
Q&A: Leopard, Jaguar, Puma, Cougar, Panther… which is it?
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its
Seth Haddon scores his dream book deal
Seth took all the skills and tips that he learned in that class and has gone on to forge a career as a writer in the gaming industry. He has also published three books with Blind Eye Books and his latest novel, Volatile Memory, is being published by Tor Books. “I absolutely believe I wouldn’t be where I am without having attended the Write Your Novel course,” Seth says.
Writing Podcast Episode 601: Meet Deborah Abela, author of ‘The Kindness Project’, her 29th book!
Meet Deborah Abela, author of The Kindness Project. Deborah is one of Australia’s most beloved children’s authors. Her latest middle grade novel is The Kindness
Shankari Chandran: From lawyer to award-winning author
When Shankari Chandran took time out of her career as a lawyer to have her fourth child, she turned her hand to writing in between baby feeds and family demands. This pastime has turned into a new career and Shankari has now released her first novel The Barrier, a futuristic fast-paced thriller that has been compared to the works of Michael Crichton and Matthew Reilly.
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘The Many Lies of Veronica Hawkins’ by Kristina Perez
This week, we’re giving away three copies of The Many Lies of Veronica Hawkins by Kristina Perez. A captivating and addictive journey through the depths
Copywriting Podcast Episode 071: How to land a job in a blue chip advertising agency with Philip Taffs
Would you like to land a copywriting job in an advertising agency working with blue chip clients? How about working in New York in the
Q&A: The origin of “hide one’s light under a bushel”
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its
AWC courses helped Kyra Geddes become a published author
Kyra had built a successful ten-year career in marketing and was also raising her children. When the family moved to Melbourne for her husband’s work, Kyra took the opportunity to return to university and study English. She also began taking creative writing courses to continue learning her craft, including Reinvent Yourself and 2 Hours to Scrivener Power at the Australian Writers’ Centre.
Inda Ahmad Zahri achieves her childhood dream to become a published author
Inda Ahmad Zahri likes to keep busy. As a working surgeon with a young family, she can now add ‘published author’ to her repertoire of achievements with the publication of her debut picture book Salih, out now with Ford Street Publishing.
“I’ve wanted to be a published author since I was a little girl with my nose stuck in a book for most of the day (and night!). Writing was always an outlet for me,” Inda says.
Inda is a self-confessed course junkie and knew that she would need structure, deadlines, and the best training available to make her publishing dreams come true. That’s why she turned to the Australian Writers’ Centre for its creative writing courses and community.
Writing Podcast Episode 600: Meet Inda Ahmad Zahri, author of 5 picture books.
Meet Indah Ahmad Zahri, author of 5 picture books including her latest How To Measure The Ocean. Indah, a doctor turned picture book author, delves
Furious Fiction: May 2024 Story Showcase
Welcome to May’s Furious Fiction story showcase – a celebration of flash fiction creativity for this month. The creative prompts were: Each story had to take place on an IMPORTANT DATE from the past 50 years – i.e. from May 1974 onwards. Each story had to include a character who
Sarah Speedie on her new dream career as a picture book author
Sarah Speedie was a full-time stay-at-home mum and, when her children reached an age where she could carve out time for herself she chose to embark on a new journey – one that would reignite her passion for learning and storytelling. Sarah enrolled in the Writing Picture Books course at the Australian Writers’ Centre.
Writing Podcast Episode 604: Valerie talks to copywriting guru Bernadette Schwerdt on how she co-wrote entrepreneur Radek Sali’s memoir, ‘How to Build a Billion Dollar Business’.
Explore the world of co-writing and collaboration with Radek Sali and Bernadette Schwerdt. They explore the collaborative effort behind writing Radek’s book, How to Build a Billion Dollar Business, discussing challenges, the process of co-writing, the importance of capturing emotional depth in storytelling, and the profound impact of building a
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘The Underhistory’ by Kaaron Warren
This week, we’re giving away three copies of The Underhistory by Kaaron Warren, author of the novels Slights, Walking the Tree, Mistification, Tide of Stone and The Grief Hole. The Underhistory is a chilling and unique thriller delving into the depths of a woman who is intertwined with the secrets
Copywriting Podcast Episode 072: How to use podcasts to build your business with Lyndal Harris
If you’d like to launch your own podcast to promote your copywriting business, this is the podcast for you. Lyndal Harris is one of Australia’s top podcasting consultants. She’s launched hundreds of podcasts for a huge range of businesses and she’s here today to share her knowledge about how copywriters
Q&A: How far is a ‘country mile’?
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its rules, regulations and ridiculousness. It’s a celebration of language, masquerading as a passive-aggressive whinge about words and weirdness. This week, we’re going the distance… Q:
How Sandhya Parappukkaran followed her creative curiosity to become a published picture book author
Courses taken at AWC:
Writing Picture Books
Writing Picture Books
When Sandhya Parappukkaran quit her food technology job to pursue her creative dreams, she originally turned to arts and crafts. But while reading with her son, Sandhya’s childhood love of books was rekindled. After completing the Writing Picture Books course, her debut picture book The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name has been published by Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing.
Writing Podcast Episode 603: Picture book author Megan Daley on how to nurture your children to become readers.
Meet Megan Daley, author of The Beehive. Megan talks about her passion for children’s literature, her role as a teacher librarian, and her picture book The Beehive. She also discusses her book Raising Readers, which emphasises the importance of instilling a love of reading in children from a young age
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘The Librarians of Rue de Picardie’ by Janet Skeslien Charles
This week, we’re giving away three copies of The Librarians of Rue de Picardie by Janet Skeslien Charles, author of The Paris Library. The Librarians of Rue de Picardie is a stirring and motivational novel celebrating courage, inspired by the remarkable true story of Jessie Carson. As an American librarian,
Ryan Abramowitz’s picture book ‘Elegy for an Elephant’
Ryan completed the course Writing Picture Books, and then joined the Writing Picture Books Masterclass. He has now published his debut picture book, Elegy for an Elephant, a touching and important story that explores grief following loss through suicide, which he wrote and illustrated in consultation with mental health practitioners.
Joanna Nell: From GP to bestselling author
An unexpected incident led Joanna Nell to the Australian Writers’ Centre and the subsequent publishing of her feel-good debut novel The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village (Hachette Australia).
Q&A: What is a ‘non-sequitur’
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its rules, regulations and ridiculousness. It’s a celebration of language, masquerading as a passive-aggressive whinge about words and weirdness. This week, it’s a tough act to
Kell Woods finds international success after courses at Australian Writers’ Centre
After studying a suite of courses, starting with Novel Writing Essentials, and including History, Mystery and Magic and Plotting and Planning, Kell’s publishing dream came true when she landed a two-book deal with publishing powerhouse Tor US. Kell’s debut novel, After the Forest, was published in 2023, with international publication by Titan Books in the UK and HarperCollins in Australia/New Zealand.
Writing Podcast Episode 602: Meet Jo Peck, author of the memoir ‘Suddenly Single at Sixty’.
Meet Jo Peck, whose memoir Suddenly Single at Sixty details her journey through divorce and rediscovery. Jo discusses her writing process, the therapeutic value of journalling, the challenges of constructing a memoir , and her inspirations. She also offers advice for writers on being honest in their writing and the importance
COMP CLOSED: ‘Ghost Cities’ by Siang Lu
This week, we’re giving away three copies of Ghost Cities by Siang Lu, author of The Whitewash, and the co-creator of The Beige Index. Ghost Cities is a mesmerizing and inventive novel that explores a profound reflection on the complexities of modern existence. Here’s the blurb: Ghost Cities – inspired
Q&A: Leopard, Jaguar, Puma, Cougar, Panther… which is it?
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its rules, regulations and ridiculousness. It’s a celebration of language, masquerading as a passive-aggressive whinge about words and weirdness. This week, we’re herding cats… Q: Hey
Seth Haddon scores his dream book deal
Seth took all the skills and tips that he learned in that class and has gone on to forge a career as a writer in the gaming industry. He has also published three books with Blind Eye Books and his latest novel, Volatile Memory, is being published by Tor Books. “I absolutely believe I wouldn’t be where I am without having attended the Write Your Novel course,” Seth says.
Writing Podcast Episode 601: Meet Deborah Abela, author of ‘The Kindness Project’, her 29th book!
Meet Deborah Abela, author of The Kindness Project. Deborah is one of Australia’s most beloved children’s authors. Her latest middle grade novel is The Kindness Project, which is her 29th book. Recently, she also released the Book of Wondrous Possibilities. While Deb writes mainly in middle grade, she has also
Shankari Chandran: From lawyer to award-winning author
When Shankari Chandran took time out of her career as a lawyer to have her fourth child, she turned her hand to writing in between baby feeds and family demands. This pastime has turned into a new career and Shankari has now released her first novel The Barrier, a futuristic fast-paced thriller that has been compared to the works of Michael Crichton and Matthew Reilly.
COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘The Many Lies of Veronica Hawkins’ by Kristina Perez
This week, we’re giving away three copies of The Many Lies of Veronica Hawkins by Kristina Perez. A captivating and addictive journey through the depths of materialism and extravagance, skillfully capturing the multi-layered society of Hong Kong, this story will keep you on the edge of your seat. Here’s the
Copywriting Podcast Episode 071: How to land a job in a blue chip advertising agency with Philip Taffs
Would you like to land a copywriting job in an advertising agency working with blue chip clients? How about working in New York in the heart of advertising land? What about using your copywriting skills to write a bestselling novel? If you like to learn how to do any of
Q&A: The origin of “hide one’s light under a bushel”
Each week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its rules, regulations and ridiculousness. It’s a celebration of language, masquerading as a passive-aggressive whinge about words and weirdness. This week, we’re beating around the bushel…
AWC courses helped Kyra Geddes become a published author
Kyra had built a successful ten-year career in marketing and was also raising her children. When the family moved to Melbourne for her husband’s work, Kyra took the opportunity to return to university and study English. She also began taking creative writing courses to continue learning her craft, including Reinvent Yourself and 2 Hours to Scrivener Power at the Australian Writers’ Centre.
Inda Ahmad Zahri achieves her childhood dream to become a published author
Inda Ahmad Zahri likes to keep busy. As a working surgeon with a young family, she can now add ‘published author’ to her repertoire of achievements with the publication of her debut picture book Salih, out now with Ford Street Publishing.
“I’ve wanted to be a published author since I was a little girl with my nose stuck in a book for most of the day (and night!). Writing was always an outlet for me,” Inda says.
Inda is a self-confessed course junkie and knew that she would need structure, deadlines, and the best training available to make her publishing dreams come true. That’s why she turned to the Australian Writers’ Centre for its creative writing courses and community.
Writing Podcast Episode 600: Meet Inda Ahmad Zahri, author of 5 picture books.
Meet Indah Ahmad Zahri, author of 5 picture books including her latest How To Measure The Ocean. Indah, a doctor turned picture book author, delves into her career transition, the inspiration behind her books, and her advocacy work. You can listen to the episode below, on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify,
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