blog – Page 12 – Australian Writers' Centre

Sarah Jane Lightfoot’s path to author and illustrator success, with debut picture book ‘Down the Road, Little Bee’

Courses taken at AWC:
Writing Picture Books

Textile designer Sarah Jane Lightfoot was determined to be a published children’s author and after creating a calendar based on a story idea, she was delighted to get a contract for a picture book with Affirm Press! But with the contract also came the doubt that she didn’t quite know what she was doing.

“I enrolled in the Writing Picture Books course to learn as much as I could about the industry I was entering and build on my confidence and capabilities as an author. I’m so incredibly grateful that I did.” With her newfound skills, Sarah went on to publish her debut picture book ‘Down the Road, Little Bee’.

Ep 448: Sami Bayly, author and illustrator of ‘The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Peculiar Pairs in Nature’

Meet Sami Bayly, author and illustrator of ‘The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Peculiar Pairs in Nature’. Check out these books that have been withdrawn from sale – and why. Our hotly anticipated Romance Writing course will launch this week. Plus, we have 3 copies of ‘Bewilderment’ by Richard Powers to give away.

COMP CLOSED: ‘Bewilderment’ by Richard Powers

THE BRAND NEW NOVEL FROM THE PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING, BOOKER PRIZE-SHORTLISTED AUTHOR OF ‘THE OVERSTORY’… Picked as one of the ‘Best Books of 2021’ in the

What is ‘Regency romance’ and how can I write it?

If you’ve been swept up in the spectacle of Netflix’s Bridgerton, you’re not alone. More than 63 million households have tuned in to the pomp

Ep 447: Chris Hammer discusses his latest novel ‘Treasure and Dirt’ [Story Sessions series]

This is the latest nail-biting novel from Chris who is the award-winning author of the international bestsellers Scrublands, Silver and Trust. Before he reads from

Q&A: How to use “touché”

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

Furious Fiction October 2021 winner and shortlist

Another month and another chance for entrants to flex their creative muscles with our ever-changing selection of Furious Fiction criteria. This month, we invited you

The importance of ghostwriter agreements

This article was written by Sharon Givoni. We’ve all been there. At a party, at a dinner table, out for coffee with the gang—you are

Ep 446: Meet NYC literary agent Lucinda Halpern

Meet NYC literary agent Lucinda Halpern. Discover how to get back into the swing of writing when you’re unmotivated. Plus, we have 3 copies of ‘Blood Trail’ by Tony Park to give away.

Jacinta Froud: From teacher to published children’s author

Courses taken at AWC:
Writing Picture Books
Writing Picture Books Masterclass
Writing Chapter Books for 6-9 year olds

When Jacinta Froud came across the Writing Picture Books course at AWC, she jumped at the chance to learn the practical storytelling skills for children’s fiction.

“I loved the fact that it was online, self-paced and that I could complete the course around my family commitments,” Jacinta says. “I made connections with the lovely writing community and more recently I secured a publishing deal with the amazing Larrikin House.”

Jacinta’s debut picture book Jingle Belly will be published by Larrikin House in November 2021, with illustrations by Gabriella Petruso.

COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘Blood Trail’ by Tony Park

Evil is at play in a South African game reserve… This week’s book giveaway is Blood Trail by Australian author Tony Park. Tony is the

Ep 023: How to triumph in the face of adversity, with Kate Halfpenny

A once-in-a-lifetime job opportunity that turned toxic was the catalyst for leading journalist Kate Halfpenny to turn her hand to content writing. And what a

Ep 445: Sophie Hardcastle discusses her latest novel ‘Below Deck’ [Story Sessions series]

This is Sophie’s first adult fiction novel, although she has also published a memoir Running Like China (about her experiences with mental illness) and a

Q&A: What is a bugbear?

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

Gary Nunn: From freelance journalist to published author of ‘The Psychic Tests’

Courses taken at AWC:
Novel Writing Essentials
The Story Doctor

Although he had a successful career as a freelance journalist, Gary turned to the Australian Writers’ Centre to help hone his craft in writing fiction and creative non-fiction. The result is his first book, The Psychic Tests: An Adventure In The World Of Believers and Sceptics, published by Pantera Press.

“The AWC was such a key part of that: meeting other writers, access to those who’d done it, the community that forms around those taking a course. Writing can be such a solitary pursuit for a gregarious, garrulous person like me! The AWC was the antidote to that.”

Ep 444: Meet Joyce Morgan, author of ‘The Countess from Kirribilli’.

Meet Joyce Morgan, author of ‘The Countess from Kirribilli’. We recap the best writing advice you’ve received. Plus, we have 3 copies of ‘Echoes of War’ by Tania Blanchard to give away.

COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘Echoes of War’ by Tania Blanchard

This week we have three copies of Echoes of War by Tania Blanchard to be won. Tania is one of our amazing AWC alumni, and

Ep 441: A.L Tait discusses her latest novel ‘The Wolf’s Howl’ [Story Sessions series]

A.L. Tait is better known as co-host of this very podcast, Allison Tait. The Wolf’s Howl is book two in her Maven and Reeve series, and

Q&A: What is a meme?

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

Congrats to the AWC alumni shortlisted for the 2021 Richell Prize

The shortlist for the 2021 Richell Prize for Emerging Writers has just been announced, and we are proud to congratulate our talented AWC alumni on

What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

Here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we’re in the privileged position to chat regularly with successful authors, talented freelancers, world-class presenters and our amazing students.

Ep 442: Meet Wai Chim, author of ‘The Surprising Power Of A Good Dumpling’

Meet Wai Chim, author of ‘The Surprising Power Of A Good Dumpling’. Learn what nobody tells you about the publishing industry. Plus, we have 3 copies of ‘The One Impossible Labyrinth’ by Matthew Reilly – the internationally bestselling author of the Scarecrow series, the Jack West series and numerous standalone novels.

COMP CLOSED: WIN Matthew Reilly’s latest “Jack West Jr” novel

THE END IS HERE. AN IMPOSSIBLE MAZE. A CATACLYSMIC CONCLUSION. The countdown is over – as this week we offer up the seventh and final

Ep 022: How to use Instagram to promote your copywriting business

Instagram is a powerful tool to add to your self-promotion strategy, and in this episode you’ll learn exactly how to use Instagram to be your

Ep 441: Marion Frith discusses her debut novel ‘Here in the After’ [Story Sessions series]

Many people will know Marion as a former journalist and political speechwriter, but this is her debut novel – and it is stunning. The subject

Sarah Jane Lightfoot’s path to author and illustrator success, with debut picture book ‘Down the Road, Little Bee’

Courses taken at AWC:
Writing Picture Books

Ep 448: Sami Bayly, author and illustrator of ‘The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Peculiar Pairs in Nature’

COMP CLOSED: ‘Bewilderment’ by Richard Powers

THE BRAND NEW NOVEL FROM THE PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING, BOOKER PRIZE-SHORTLISTED AUTHOR OF ‘THE OVERSTORY’… Picked as one of the ‘Best Books of 2021’ in the Sunday Times, this week’s giveaway is the 2021 Booker-Prize-shortlisted Bewilderment by Richard Powers. We have three copies to be won – check out this quick

What is ‘Regency romance’ and how can I write it?

If you’ve been swept up in the spectacle of Netflix’s Bridgerton, you’re not alone. More than 63 million households have tuned in to the pomp and romance, and many people who’d never heard of a ‘Regency romance’ before are now addicted. So what exactly is a Regency romance? And how

Ep 447: Chris Hammer discusses his latest novel ‘Treasure and Dirt’ [Story Sessions series]

This is the latest nail-biting novel from Chris who is the award-winning author of the international bestsellers Scrublands, Silver and Trust. Before he reads from his prologue, Chris is going to share with us the inspiration behind this story and also some tips about writing which I know you’re going

Q&A: How to use “touché”

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 touché feely… Q: Ready

Furious Fiction October 2021 winner and shortlist

Another month and another chance for entrants to flex their creative muscles with our ever-changing selection of Furious Fiction criteria. This month, we invited you to play, using the following rules: Your story’s setting: a COURT of some kind. Your story must include a character who measures something. Your story

The importance of ghostwriter agreements

This article was written by Sharon Givoni. We’ve all been there. At a party, at a dinner table, out for coffee with the gang—you are telling a story. You’ve told this story so many times and it’s a winner. You embellish here, cut out a few boring bits there, and

Ep 446: Meet NYC literary agent Lucinda Halpern

Meet NYC literary agent Lucinda Halpern. Discover how to get back into the swing of writing when you’re unmotivated. Plus, we have 3 copies of ‘Blood Trail’ by Tony Park to give away.

Jacinta Froud: From teacher to published children’s author

Courses taken at AWC:
Writing Picture Books
Writing Picture Books Masterclass
Writing Chapter Books for 6-9 year olds

When Jacinta Froud came across the Writing Picture Books course at AWC, she jumped at the chance to learn the practical storytelling skills for children’s fiction.

Jacinta’s debut picture book Jingle Belly will be published by Larrikin House in November 2021, with illustrations by Gabriella Petruso.

COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘Blood Trail’ by Tony Park

Evil is at play in a South African game reserve… This week’s book giveaway is Blood Trail by Australian author Tony Park. Tony is the author of almost 20 African novels and this latest one promises another thrilling adventure. We have three copies to be won – here’s a quick

Ep 023: How to triumph in the face of adversity, with Kate Halfpenny

A once-in-a-lifetime job opportunity that turned toxic was the catalyst for leading journalist Kate Halfpenny to turn her hand to content writing. And what a journey she’s been on ever since. She shares the highs and lows and lessons learnt here. Bad mothers. Boogie boarding. Bad jobs that make us

Ep 445: Sophie Hardcastle discusses her latest novel ‘Below Deck’ [Story Sessions series]

This is Sophie’s first adult fiction novel, although she has also published a memoir Running Like China (about her experiences with mental illness) and a YA novel Breathing Under Water. Just like in those books. Sophie doesn’t shy away from painful subjects – but always with a sense of healing

Q&A: What is a bugbear?

Gary Nunn: From freelance journalist to published author of ‘The Psychic Tests’

Courses taken at AWC:
Novel Writing Essentials
The Story Doctor

Ep 444: Meet Joyce Morgan, author of ‘The Countess from Kirribilli’.

Meet Joyce Morgan, author of ‘The Countess from Kirribilli’. We recap the best writing advice you’ve received. Plus, we have 3 copies of ‘Echoes of War’ by Tania Blanchard to give away.

COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘Echoes of War’ by Tania Blanchard

This week we have three copies of Echoes of War by Tania Blanchard to be won. Tania is one of our amazing AWC alumni, and writes historical fiction inspired by her family history. Her first novel, The Girl from Munich, was a runaway bestseller and shortlisted for the ABIA Best

Ep 441: A.L Tait discusses her latest novel ‘The Wolf’s Howl’ [Story Sessions series]

A.L. Tait is better known as co-host of this very podcast, Allison Tait. The Wolf’s Howl is book two in her Maven and Reeve series, and it’s another cracking middle grade adventure. This is such a great book and – although you can enjoy it on its own – I highly

Q&A: What is a meme?

Congrats to the AWC alumni shortlisted for the 2021 Richell Prize

The shortlist for the 2021 Richell Prize for Emerging Writers has just been announced, and we are proud to congratulate our talented AWC alumni on the list! The winner will receive $10,000 in prize money from Hachette Australia, and a year’s mentoring with one of their publishers. Kay Harrison has

What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

Here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we’re in the privileged position to chat regularly with successful authors, talented freelancers, world-class presenters and our amazing students. And although everyone approaches writing differently, it’s clear that there are common truths that can be helpful for all. Most importantly, if you want to

Ep 442: Meet Wai Chim, author of ‘The Surprising Power Of A Good Dumpling’

COMP CLOSED: WIN Matthew Reilly’s latest “Jack West Jr” novel

THE END IS HERE. AN IMPOSSIBLE MAZE. A CATACLYSMIC CONCLUSION. The countdown is over – as this week we offer up the seventh and final book in Australian powerhouse author Matthew Reilly’s Jack West Jr novel series. The book is called The One Impossible Labyrinth and here’s a quick synopsis:

Ep 022: How to use Instagram to promote your copywriting business

Instagram is a powerful tool to add to your self-promotion strategy, and in this episode you’ll learn exactly how to use Instagram to be your authentic self and find new clients. Emily Osmond is an Instagram expert. She is the founder of the Modern Marketing Collective program and is skilled

Ep 441: Marion Frith discusses her debut novel ‘Here in the After’ [Story Sessions series]

Many people will know Marion as a former journalist and political speechwriter, but this is her debut novel – and it is stunning. The subject matter is tough, it deals with terrorism and PTSD and trauma, but Marion has written a compassionate and moving story about friendship. In this Story

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