What’s it like to learn with AWC?

Bernadette Foley is a great facilitator, who offers thoughtful feedback and good, practical advice for all course members. It's been a pleasure to share time with her, and the other participants, over the past six weeks.

I enjoyed the considered and useful feedback provided by everyone who took part in this course - and also the opportunity to meet such an interesting range of characters and other worlds.

AWC courses are practical, focused and great value. Highly recommended.

Bernadette was excellent. She was very affirming, very helpful and managed the group with great skill. Her feedback was practical while not being too prescriptive.

I enjoyed the fortnightly exercises. I did not have a story that I was working on, so I just threw myself into the exercises to try out new skills. Very useful.

Great value and very useful. The tutors work to set up a safe environment for workshopping each other's work. It has given me the confidence to be bolder in my writing and keep going. I can now move forward with my ideas for a story.

The tutor was awesome. Very generous in her feedback and sharing her experiences. Created a great community.

I enjoyed the Zoom workshops and learning from the group with Pamela's advice. I now have a draft outline of my book. Will set my writing goal and just go for it.

I just loved the Writing Workout and also the two other courses that I did - Creative Writing Stage 1 and Novel writing Essentials. Just get into it - it truly helps to put you on your writing track.

I wanted to refine my foundational skills so that my creative writing would improve, my writing practice would flow better and I would find the path for making headway on the novel I'm in the process of writing.

I wasn't quite sure if I was ready for Novel Writing Essentials so I enrolled in this course first, and I'm glad I did. The exercises were fantastic in creating a practice environment to build story elements, and I loved the way I could apply my work in progress to the exercises in some instances.

Pamela is phenomenal! She's so generous with sharing her knowledge and skill set, gives constructive yet encouraging feedback with frankness and she's a true example of what many aspiring writers are aiming for, with her prolific and varied publishing history. She's also a lot of fun, and made the course interesting and engaging.

I enjoyed the group environment - I was lucky to have an awesome group. Providing feedback to each other, listening to the questions of others and getting answers I didn't even know I needed.

Before I started this course, I lacked confidence and flow in my writing practice. I've been meandering for a year on the not-even-close-to-being-finished first draft of my WIP. I thought for sure I was not cut out to be a writer, that at some point I would have to stop pretending I have something to say. But this course reminded me that writing is a skill not a talent, and I don't need to give up. And that even though there's always more to learn, that actually there is a lot I'm good at. With the support of Pamela and the writing group, I learned loads, flexed my writing muscles and have restored faith that I'll be able to finish my first draft.

I would say it's the best practical course I've ever done, with high quality content, teaching and peers.

Just a huge thank you to Pamela, Abby and anyone else behind the scenes as I know that a lot of effort goes in to ensuring these programs run so smoothly and effectively.

I really valued this course and the exercises it provided. The fortnightly meetings with likeminded writers were really valuable and enjoyable. At the end of the course I was able to replot and begin rewriting a story that I had been struggling with.

The tutor was outstanding. Angela gave targeted and actionable feedback. After each Zoom, I had clear steps on how to improve my writing. I have a stronger sense of my writing style and more confidence in my writing.

The course really built my confidence in myself. I could see a difference in the quality of my writing by the end of the course.

I was really interested in reigniting my passion for creative writing, which I realised I hadn't lost - it just needed some air time :)

I found Bernadette's feedback accurate and timely. Overall, she guided the group well, and there were a few great moments that I personally found very useful. I also really loved the diversity of the writers - age, gender and style. We had it all.

I needed a course that just refreshed my memory of previous course materials while giving me a much-needed creative boost. The fact that it was online, at night, with fortnightly sessions meant I could easily squeeze it into my busy daily schedule.

I was worried that I wasn't a "good enough" writer, but this course taught me that we all need to "work out" to get better (and improve our confidence in ourselves).

My tutor, Angela Slatter, was amazing. Got us straight into writing within the first few minutes (which was scary), had our writing exposed to the class (which was nerve-racking) and then edited our work (which was mortifying) but then, somehow, made me feel like a better and more capable writer with each session.

I feel really motivated, confident in my abilities and ready to start writing creatively. It also gave me insight into the benefits of writing regularly and I am planning on incorporating creative writing (which often gets pushed down the to do list) into my weekly schedule.

Just do it. You'll thank me later.

Bernadette was great, very approachable, treated people's work respectfully and gave me very useful feedback.

I enjoyed everything about it. Although some of the exercises felt quite challenging at first, once I got into them I learnt a lot and surprised myself that I could make a reasonable go at them.

This is the first AWC course that I have done with Zoom meetings and this made it extra enjoyable for me, as you can interact with others more like in a classroom. Living in a rural area, I only ever can do the online courses, so this was the best from that point of view.

I really did the course just as something interesting to explore over winter, but what I learnt has made me feel that I would definitely like to keep writing a novel or short stories.

Go for it, you won't be disappointed.

Thanks for the wonderful courses you offer.

I really was drawn to the premise of this course being actually writing. I had previously taken Creative Writing Stage 1 which was super helpful with theory and information regarding the process but I wanted something to put the theory into practice. It makes perfect sense why the courses are linked! They work extremely well together.

I was very worried about the actual process of workshopping. Actually having to meet with a group of strangers and show them my writing felt very scary but honestly I had nothing to worry about. Everyone was so kind and supportive and we became so comfortable sharing work close to our hearts.

Bernadette was amazing. From day one she has been extremely supportive and informative. She would lead discussions but step back and let the group members then offer their thoughts and when they had constructive criticism, she was always there to better explain the criticism, offer alternatives and make it really useful. I'm currently at university where I've taken many arts courses including a creative writing course but Bernadette made this course so likeable.

I really enjoyed the expertise, the comradery, the structure and the exercises. Everything was informative and useful.

Working with this group has given me the motivation and honestly just the confidence to keep writing. I was always very insecure about my writing but they really made me feel good about it.

Angela was exceptional and so generous in her comments, feedback and little extras. I learnt loads from her and was able to get an outline together which I had been really struggling with. She also got to know each one of us and gave incredibly personal feedback.

Great value for money. Try and sign up for at least one workshop with Angela as your tutor... doing these workshops has made me write every week no matter what and given me a network of writers.

I loved this course and just wanted it to keep going!

My tutor was amazing. Pamela is an incredibly knowledgeable and encouraging facilitator. She inspired our group every step of the way. We adored her!

The homework tasks inspired us to write, collaborate and engage in critical reflection to improve our skills. Pamela was a wonderful guide and teacher throughout the journey. Pamela helped me to believe in myself. How does it get any better than that?

I cannot thank Pamela and the fellow students in my group enough. I learnt so much and felt supported along the way. The camaraderie was wonderful and the knowledge I gained was invaluable. Thank you!!

The course inspires you to reach your writing goals in an incredibly supportive environment.

Loved Pamela, the fast pace and the practical exercises. Got me moving, convinced me I can be a full-time writer.

A great way to develop your writing to the next level.

I've done two Writing Workout courses and really enjoy the Zoom format. I've definitely seen improvement in my writing. It's brought back my joy of writing.

It's wonderful working with everyone's stories, and especially wonderful to be able to connect with remote writers during lockdown. Zoom has meant I get to be in Pamela's classes even though I'm in Melbourne.

I love being part of the Zoom classes. It's been great connecting with writers from around the country. We can cheer each other on, and have wonderful discussions that would not happen if we were mainly communicating via text.

Bernadette provided an environment of warmth that encouraged each of us equally and strength to continue exploring the writing exercises regardless of the level of our writing skills.

The Zoom interaction delivered so many helpful tips from Bernadette and my fellow writers.

The 'aha' moment was when I found scenes appearing before me as a result of the exercises.

I found AWC to be a genuinely supportive environment and will take another class with them.

I was looking for a way to consistently practise my creative writing skills, although I was not ready to commit to writing a novel. I had some good feedback on this course from other people on the AWC Graduates Facebook page which made me realise that this was exactly what I was looking for.

Bernadette was great to work with, and her experience in the publishing industry really shone through in the feedback she gave us. Her feedback was always helpful, supportive and she always left me with something to think about.

I loved reading everyone's work each fortnight and watching their stories develop each session.

I created a character in Week 2 which I developed over the course and had great feedback about him and his story from Bernadette and my fellow students. I am currently working on developing his story into a novel. Bernadette also helped to foster some self-belief in my ability which has inspired me to keep going. The reaction I had to my Week 2 submission made me realise that I could actually do this!

This is my second course through AWC (not including MOJO Month) and I have loved both of them. I have learned so much both from the tutors and other students and it has helped me to hone my skills and grow my confidence.

If you are thinking about enrolling in Writing Workout, just do it! You won't regret it!

This is a magical course. Please keep it on the curriculum. :) It's a gem.

This format is great online. Pamela was a great teacher who encouraged us to develop good workshopping and writing skills. It was wonderful to be part of a group that would cheer for you and your characters and also give constructive feedback to make your better.

Pamela is an excellent teacher! She provided an excellent framework so we could all achieve, no matter what stage we were at.

The workshopping was brilliant: take a small excerpt of writing and say what you like and what confuses you. This has changed the way I look at my own writing and the way I can give feedback to others.

I am now able to take an idea and look at it from 'what do I like, what is confusing' and be less critical and perfectionist at the first draft stage. This makes achieving a first draft so much more achievable.

I needed to develop a writing habit and brush up on some technical skills. I also enrolled in Mojo so my writing habit has definitely been re-established. A combination of prompts from both courses has enabled me to write a draft story outline for the novel I've been working on in pieces for years. Very happy that I can now 'start in earnest' to write it.

Pamela's feedback was constructive and practical and she was very encouraging, tailoring her comments to the different skill levels of the participants. She was also quite inspiring with her talk of all of her projects. Made me understand that inspiration could come from almost anywhere.

Good group of people, well moderated course, feel like I honed some long-abandoned skills and I felt my confidence returning. Finally.

I'm now confident enough to 'write my novel' and am seriously considering in enrolling in that course. Whatever happens, I feel like I'm on an unstoppable path now after years of procrastination and being stuck in 'imposter syndrome'.

Being with like-minded people is inspiring - this is a way to develop a writing habit and find your way into whatever project you've had 'on the shelf'. The course is extremely motivating because you are accountable to the group. And the tuition is invaluable.

1. More people in Australia need to learn to write;
2. It's fun. An open forum to come up with ideas and not always be shut down;
3. It's encouraging. People say nice things to you. And when you encourage them, they act like your opinion is important. That's encouraging.
4. When life gets tough, write. It's cathartic. Netflix ruins your eyes and your sleep. Writing heals your heart. So, learn to write right.

The tutor was incredibly encouraging. Even when I made mistakes, she encouraged me to see that a mistake in one area is not a mistake all through. Further, she recognised my lack of experience and was very gentle.

I enjoyed reading other people’s stuff. I hope they hurry up and write their book, because I can't wait to read them.

I'm starting to write every day. I have been encouraged to think that what I write is interesting or readable. I have also been encouraged to think that maybe, one day, I could write a novel that gets published.

I'm doing the course again.

I wanted to focus on getting a better understanding of my writing strengths and weaknesses and gaining some options to improve these. I was also interested in learning how to make better use of key aspects of writing, such as POV, character building, scenes and pace and structure.

I was only slightly concerned that I might not have had time to fulfil all the requirements of the course but, as it turned out, I was easily able to fit it into my schedule.

I enjoyed gaining additional knowledge and skills about writing, learning more about what I can do and what I can do better, being encouraged to write more or to try something new, and interacting with other writers (the social aspect).

The module on pace and structure was, for me, an eye opener. I've always written 'by the seat of my pants' rather than plan a story out before I begin. I can see the enormous value in putting effort into even a sketchy plan at the start. This does not, as I've often worried, mean that there is no room for flexibility. Instead, it seems to allow for more possibilities in the development of a story as it's so much clearer what the story is about and aims to do, and where it's heading.

I would most certainly recommend the Australian Writers Centre to a friend or colleague. I'd probably tell them that you offer a wide range of courses that will appeal to writers of all levels, interests and ambitions. While there are many courses out there, your courses are not only easily accessible, but also very well worthwhile doing if someone is serious about writing.

A big thank you for a great experience!

What attracted me to this course was the fact that this was a workout. The exercises that kept me interested were just as helpful as the Zoom sessions where I got to interact with Stephen, Pamela, and other amazing writers.

Before enrolling in the course I had lost my... 'MOJO' so to say. I couldn't get myself to write, create the whole concept of a novel, despite my many ideas, felt daunting, unachievable.

Both Stephen and Pamela were lovely and insightful. They were attentive to the needs of the class and gave amazing feedback.

I enjoyed the Zoom sessions where I got to sit down with others who shared my passion for writing and storytelling all working together to help each other improve.

I'm writing my novel now! I've just enrolled in the Scrivener Course because I've invested in the software and am compiling my resources to try and bring my ideas to life.

If you have a million ideas in your head but are too scared/insecure about doing something about them, come to AWC. They have the toolkit that you need to develop that unsure desire into a plan of action.