The Writers' Studio

Writing is rewriting.

Don't be afraid to edit and refine your work. Remember, each draft is a step closer to perfection. Embrace the process, and let your words evolve into their best form.

It's also so important to take a break between drafts. Distance gives you fresh eyes and a clearer perspective on your writing!

Each month we update our competitions page, so make sure you're checking in regularly!

We list upcoming Short Story and other Writing competitions of varying lengths and genres, so there's something there for every writer.

Please read any instructions and entry requirements on the competition/awards website.

Click here to view the current competitions: https://buff.ly/3GraEe1

Although North American-centric, the New York Times 100 Notable Books list is often a good read:

100 Notable Books of 2023 Here are the year’s notable fiction, poetry and nonfiction, chosen by the staff of The New York Times Book Review.

Your words have power.

Use them to transport readers to new worlds, evoke deep emotions, and spark their imagination. Let your writing be a journey for both you and your readers. Focus on sensory details. Engage your reader's senses to make your writing more immersive and unforgettable.

Storytelling is not just about narrating events; it's about evoking emotions, creating anticipation, and keeping your readers engrossed. One of the essential elements of this craft is mastering narrative tension, the invisible thread that binds your audience to your words.

In the world of storytelling, tension is like a taut wire, stretching and pulling, leaving your readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages. It's that feeling when your heart races, your palms sweat, and you can't put the book down.

So, how do you create and maintain narrative tension? It's about knowing when to reveal and when to withhold, about planting seeds of curiosity and watching them grow into a forest of questions. It's about building conflicts, both internal and external, that keep your characters and readers engaged in the story.

But it's not just about adding suspense; it's about maintaining it throughout your narrative, keeping your readers invested in the outcome. It's a delicate balance that we explore in our creative writing courses, where you can learn the art of weaving tension into your stories.

Narrative tension is the heartbeat of a captivating story, and we're here to help you master this skill. So, dive into the Writer's Studio and learn how to keep your readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting each turn of the page. Check out our First Draft Online course, commencing early 2024: https://buff.ly/2TqbsWy

Embrace the blank page as a canvas for your imagination. Every word you write is a stroke of creativity. Don't fear the unknown; revel in the excitement of creating something new today.

Tip: Start with a vivid image or emotion. Let it be your guide into the world you're about to create.

Creativity involves an unusual and contrary set of laws. If you violate them, you will expend enormous amounts of energy and get nowhere.

People get into trouble and waste an awful lot of time because they don’t understand the rules of the creative process, which are very different from the way most of us tackle problems in life.

Rules

4. You will make a mess. Creating stories is never a neat, orderly or predictable process. Mess is inevitable. You make a mess, you clean it up. You lose your way. You find it again.

5. You must write badly first. Trying to get it perfect right away will only get you blocked. Writers write a number of drafts to get it right. You’ll do better if you lower your expectations.

6. Mistakes lead to discovery. This is a game of mistakes. Mistakes and uncertainty are good. They create a new combination of possibilities. Good and bad go hand in hand. Letting yourself be bad is the best way to become good.

“A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit”

“Write. Start writing today. Start writing right now. Don't write it right. Just write it – and then make it right later. Give yourself the mental freedom to enjoy the process, because the process of writing is a long one." Tara Moss

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware of the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open.” Martha Graham

"Words are our most inexhaustible source of magic."

- J. K. Rowling

"I write to give myself strength. I write to be the characters that I am not. I write to explore all the things I’m afraid of." - Joss Whedon

Some delicious Saturday food for thought...

"I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn." - Anne Frank

The most important quality in any work of fiction is to keep the reader wanting to turn the page and know what happens next. One major key to achieving this is to develop creative tension on the page using the tools and techniques of classic storytelling. It doesn’t happen by accident.

This is the art and craft.

“Is there anything that keeps us turning the pages other than conflict? Maybe, but not for long. The secret of successful storytelling is no secret. Conflict on every page. I do not mean crude, gun-in-your-face action; I mean real, immediate, unavoidable tension, obstacles, problems … whatever you want to call them. Look at the great novels, Absolute Power or Jane Eyre, or anything in between. They’ve all got tons of conflict.” Donald Maass, New York Literary agent and author of Writing the Breakout Novel.

If you are interested in writing your own novel or screenplay, check out our First Draft course.

This highly creative, yet totally practical writing course provides you with a step-by-step process that breaks the writing of your novel or screenplay into manageable weekly tasks and is designed for people working full-time.

You will gain a deep understanding of classic story structure, enabling you to write a story that has your readers wanting to know what happens next, while taking your main character on an emotional and spiritual journey of change.

The comprehensive course materials and interactive web-based applications, together with guidance from your online tutor will provide you with the structure, accountability, feedback and support you need to create the best first draft you are capable of writing.

Click here for more information: https://buff.ly/2TqbsWy

'Every story I create, creates me.' – Chuck Palahniuk

Writing for many is a dance of creativity and self-discovery. It is not a detached act; it's a transformative journey. As you spin tales, you are shaped by the characters, themes, and emotions you spill onto the page. This reciprocal relationship underscores the immersive nature of storytelling, suggesting that authors are not mere architects but cohabitants of the worlds they craft.

The creative process becomes a mirror reflecting the author's evolving identity, perspectives, and understanding of the human experience.

For a writer, mastering the art of creating distinct character perspectives is a vital skill that breathes life into your narratives. Crafting characters with unique voices enhances the depth and authenticity of a story. Each character should possess a voice reflective of their personality, background, and experiences. This diversity in voices not only captivates readers but also enriches the storytelling tapestry.

Writers achieve this by paying meticulous attention to language, tone, and even syntax, tailoring each character's dialogue and inner monologue to resonate with their individuality. Through this nuanced approach, writers can effectively convey the intricacies of diverse viewpoints, fostering empathy and connection among readers.

Ultimately, writing in different voices is a dynamic tool that transforms characters from mere plot devices into relatable, multidimensional individuals, adding layers of complexity and realism to the narrative landscape.

Join our team at our Studio in Bronte, Sydney!

We are seeking a self-motivated and organised individual to be our full-time Studio/Office Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

Helping writers with course enquiries via both email and phone
Oversee day-to-day operations of the Studio including setting up the Studio for Live workshops, and scheduling emails for both Live and Online courses
Maintain the office and course diary
Maintaining databases
Qualifications:

A minimum of 5 years of experience in an Administration/Office Manager role
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong organisational and digital skills
Ability to work well in a collaborative environment
Happy to work independently
If you have a passion for creative writing or reading, and a desire to support the next generation of writers, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

The role is a 5-day-per-week position with some days located at the Studio in Bronte (Thursdays and Fridays essential).

Please submit your resume and a cover letter addressed to the Directors to: [email protected]

For any enquiries, please email through to [email protected]

We look forward to hearing from you!

'Fantasy is hardly an escape from reality. It's a way of understanding it.' – Lloyd Alexander

Within the realms of fantasy, reality isn't abandoned but illuminated. 'Fantasy is hardly an escape from reality. It's a way of understanding it.' In the tapestry of imagination, we explore facets of truth hidden in the mundane. Each wondrous landscape and fantastical creature serves as a mirror reflecting the complexities of our own existence. Through the lens of fantasy, we decipher the intricacies of reality, gaining profound insights and empathy. It's not an evasion, but a profound engagement—a journey through the fantastical that ultimately deepens our comprehension of the world we inhabit.

Now is the time...

If you are ready to start your writing journey, we'd love to have you join us!

This Thursday, our final 4-Week Unlocking Creativity Live course for 2023 is commencing.

✨ What to Expect:
In just four weeks, you'll witness a dramatic improvement in your writing. Whether you're a complete beginner, a seasoned writer, or somewhere in between, this course will take your skills to the next level. You'll gain clear insights into story structure, learn from a supportive community of like-minded writers, and post your work on our unique writers' board to receive constructive feedback. By the end, you'll not only be a better writer, but you'll also have a deeper understanding of who you are as a writer.

🖋️ Course Highlights:

Week 1: Unlock the Power of Your Imagination
Week 2: The Art and Craft of Writing
Week 3: Character Development & Story Structure
Week 4: Bringing It All Together

If you're ready to start, join us this Thursday in our beautiful studio in Bronte, Sydney!

Join the Live course, starting 16 November: https://buff.ly/2PIA2nl

Do this, and you're already ahead of most...

We always say to write about something that could change your life, it is the best gift you can give yourself.

The point is when you take your main character on a journey, you go on it with them. You face the same challenges and moral decisions and grow as a result.

Milan Kundera says, “The characters in my novels are my own unrealised possibilities. Each one has crossed a border that I have circumvented ... beyond that border begins the secret the novel asks about.”

Do you agree?

The last page holds the essence of an entire journey, capturing the culmination of emotions, revelations, and the lingering echoes of the narrative's impact. It's not just the conclusion; it's a reflection of the author's artistry and the reader's connection to the unfolding story.

The last page is a portal to retrospection, where the echoes of the characters' voices and the resonance of the plot linger in the reader's mind. It transforms a mere book into an unforgettable experience, making the last page the canvas where imagination and reality converge. It's not just the end; it's a gateway to infinite contemplation and lingering memories

"If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot." - Stephen King

Imagination is the true source of creativity and the ultimate tool for your best writing. The beauty of it is that it exists within you already.

Here at the Writers’ Studio we start writers on their journey with us by encouraging them to connect, or even re-connect for some, with their imagination. Most writers have to re-learn it, as we spend so many years being taught to close the door on imaginative thinking.

"The true alchemists do not change lead into gold; they change the world into words," encapsulates the essence of this magical transformation. These words, attributed to the author William H. Gass, highlight the extraordinary power of writers.

Writers, in their pursuit of artistry, possess the unique ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Through words, they capture the nuances of human experiences, the beauty of landscapes, and the depths of emotions. They take the raw materials of life and, like skilled alchemists, craft them into narratives that resonate with readers.

One completed novel is worth a hundred half-finished ones. You learn so much more from seeing something through to the end.

What causes many people to give up, is that they constantly judge their work as it is being made, comparing it to a published book. Lower your expectations and keep going.

Success is a commitment to completion. And remember, writing is an act of discovery. Your first draft is only the first step in the process.

“The trouble is that when you're just beginning to write, you may believe that words committed to paper are sacred, fixed, immutable. But you're not dealing with a finished, printed, copyrighted book; only with an idea, a pile of words that change shape many times before they take shape as a book.” Dorothy Bryant

Emotion is the lifeblood of compelling fiction, infusing narratives with an undeniable power to connect with readers on a profound level. The essence of storytelling lies in the emotional journey it takes the audience on. That is a large part of the art and craft of fiction writing.

As the celebrated poet, Maya Angelou wisely remarked, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

The emotional resonance created through words and characters is what truly endures in the hearts and minds of readers.

Harnessing emotion in fiction is a potent tool that enables a writer to craft relatable characters, engaging plots, and convey underlying themes with depth and authenticity. Whether it's love, fear, joy, or sorrow, these emotions act as bridges, connecting readers to the inner worlds of characters and making their experiences more vivid, believable, and relatable.

To read more about the power of emotion in writing, read the full article here: https://buff.ly/3QtsTDZ

How would you describe your creativity?

Does William Plomer's view resonate with you? “Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected.”

Or perhaps the words of Albert Einstein are more fitting: “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”

We love Julia Cameron's view; “Mystery is at the heart of creativity. That, and surprise.”

Whatever your definition, may you find it today and every day!

Creativity is a game of mistakes. This is how you learn. Many people are terrified of making a mistake and this is often why they fail to progress.

One of the things we encourage people to do in our 10-Month Novel & Script First Draft course is to allow themselves to make mistakes and look for the next right answer. It is amazing when people do this, how much more powerful and original their stories become. Playing it safe and only going where you’ve already been, strangles your creativity.

From Immediate Fiction by Jerry Cleaver:

"Creativity involves an unusual and contrary set of laws. If you violate them, you will expend enormous amounts of energy and get nowhere. People get into trouble and waste an awful lot of time because they don’t understand the rules of the creative process, which are very different from the way most of us tackle problems in life.

Rules

1. You will make a mess. Creating stories is never a neat, orderly or predictable process. Mess is inevitable. You make a mess, you clean it up. You lose your way. You find it again.

2. You must write badly first. Trying to get it perfect right away will only get you blocked. Writers write a number of drafts to get it right. You’ll do better if you lower your expectations.

3. Mistakes lead to discovery. This is a game of mistakes. Mistakes and uncertainty are good. They create a new combination of possibilities. Good and bad go hand in hand. Letting yourself be bad is the best way to become good."

Storytelling 101...

other guys clip story telling

One of the things we tell everyone in our 4-Week Unlocking Creativity Live in Studio course is to take notice of how they feel after they finish doing their writing assignments at home.

In the next class, just about everyone says they feel very different after having written. We believe writing nourishes the spirit of the writer and the reader, and is a mood-changing activity. The pleasure you get from the act of writing is one of the primary reasons to write. It is all very well to have lofty goals, but the reward must first come through the writing.

“Writing has so much to give, so much to teach, so many surprises. The thing you had to force yourself to do - the actual writing – turns out to be the best part. It’s like discovering that while you thought you needed the tea ceremony for the caffeine, what you really needed was the tea ceremony. The act of writing turns out to be its own reward.” Anne Lamott

Use this link to find out more information about the course: https://buff.ly/2PIA2nl

Happy Monday writers!

A new week is here, filled with fresh opportunities and unwritten stories. As you sip your Monday morning coffee, remember that your words have the power to captivate, inspire, and change the world.

Embrace this week as a blank page waiting to be filled with your creativity. Let your passion for storytelling fuel your journey. The world is eager to read your words, so make this week the one where you take a step closer to your writing dreams ...

"The scariest moment is always just before you start." - Stephen King

Embrace the weekend as your opportunity to begin, to overcome that initial fear, and to bring your ideas to life on the page. Your words have the power to inspire, so don't keep them waiting.

Write with courage 👏

"You can always edit a bad page. You can't edit a blank page." - Jodi Picoult

This weekend, let your words flow and your creativity shine. Don't wait for the perfect moment; start writing now.

Your story is waiting to be told.

"Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go." - E.L. Doctorow

Your only limit is your imagination - where will you go?

"The canvas of life is vast, and the colours you choose to paint with are limited only by your imagination. Be an artist of your own journey and create a masterpiece worth sharing with the world." - Elizabeth Gilbert