The Writers' Studio

17/10/2026

These shots are from Session 3 of our Third Draft Part 2 course, where writers explore the emotional structure of their scenes.

A powerful scene does more than move the plot forward. It challenges the character’s values and builds towards an emotional tipping point, a moment that changes how they see the situation and what they decide to do next.

The writers are exploring the moral problem at the heart of a scene, the surprising emotions their character might experience, and the details that make those feelings vivid and believable. Each scene becomes part of the character’s deeper journey of change.

As Donald Maass says, “Artful fiction surprises readers with their own feelings.”

Through writing and group feedback, writers look beyond what their characters are feeling to ask what the reader will experience. It’s an exciting opportunity to uncover new layers of meaning and make their scenes more moving and memorable.

www.writerstudio.com.au

17/10/2026

These photos are from Session 3 of our Third Draft Part 2 course, where writers explore the emotional structure of their scenes.

A powerful scene does more than move the plot forward. It challenges the character’s values and builds towards an emotional tipping point, a moment that changes how they see the situation and what they decide to do next.

The writers are exploring the moral problem at the heart of a scene, the surprising emotions their character might experience, and the details that make those feelings vivid and believable. Each scene becomes part of the character’s deeper journey of change.

As Donald Maass says, “Artful fiction surprises readers with their own feelings.”

Through writing and group feedback, writers look beyond what their characters are feeling to ask what the reader will experience. It’s an exciting opportunity to uncover new layers of meaning and make their scenes more moving and memorable.

www.writerstudio.com.au

16/10/2026

Kate White asked fellow authors Harlan Coben, Lisa Unger, Alafair Burke and others about the books they keep revisiting.

When I asked suspense author Chris Pavone recently if there were any mysteries or thrillers he’d ever felt compelled to read a second time, his response was blunt: “Zero. Once the puzzle is solved,…

15/10/2026

"The writer's job is to see what is behind the visible stuff." Anne Lamott

Credit: Anne Lamott with A Writing Room Collective

15/10/2026

Tonight is the first session of our Four Week Unlocking Creativity Course where the writers learn tools and techniques to tap into the power of their imagination, which we believe is the true source of creative power.

Everyone starts the session feeling rather anxious and insecure, very much doubting their own talent and ability to write creatively.

By the end of the night the group was on a real high. Everyone saw how much talent they and everyone else in the group have when they learnt to get out of their own way and apply the tools and techniques introduced in the first session.

It always feels to us like we’ve witnessed a minor miracle. Very inspiring to be part of.

This quote from Henry Miller captures the spirit of the class.

“Every day we slaughter our finest impulses. That is why we get a heartache when we read those lines written by the hand of a master and recognise them as our own, as the tender shoots which we stifled because we lacked the faith to believe in our own powers, our own criterion of truth and beauty. Every man, when he gets quiet, when he becomes desperately honest with himself, is capable of uttering profound truths. We all derive from the same source. There is no mystery about the origin of things. We are all part of creation, all kings, all poets, all musicians; we have only to open up, only to discover what is already there.”
Henry Miller

15/10/2026

This photo is from the first session of our Four Week Unlocking Creativity Course where the writers learn tools and techniques to tap into the power of their imagination, which we believe is the true source of creative power.

Everyone starts the session feeling rather anxious and insecure, very much doubting their own talent and ability to write creatively.

By the end of the night the group was on a real high. Everyone saw how much talent they and everyone else in the group have when they learnt to get out of their own way and apply the tools and techniques introduced in the first session.

It always feels to us like we’ve witnessed a minor miracle. Very inspiring to be part of.

This quote from Henry Miller captures the spirit of the class.

“Every day we slaughter our finest impulses. That is why we get a heartache when we read those lines written by the hand of a master and recognise them as our own, as the tender shoots which we stifled because we lacked the faith to believe in our own powers, our own criterion of truth and beauty. Every man, when he gets quiet, when he becomes desperately honest with himself, is capable of uttering profound truths. We all derive from the same source. There is no mystery about the origin of things. We are all part of creation, all kings, all poets, all musicians; we have only to open up, only to discover what is already there.”
Henry Miller

15/10/2026

Do you have a short story?

If so, we'd love to read it! Our 2026 Writers' Studio Short Story Competition is still open for entries but only for a limited time!

Our competition is open to participants aged 18 and older. Feel free to explore any theme in your writing.

For all the details, including how to submit your entry, click here: https://f.mtr.cool/tn4lf4g7a0

✍️ Get writing and GOOD LUCK!!

14/10/2026

Click here to read our 2026 October Newsletter!

At the beginning of each month, we release an e-Newsletter that features exclusive bookish giveaways, as well as the latest news about our upcoming courses and special events.

To keep up to date and make sure you don't miss the next one, join our mailing list.

If you're interested in the craft of writing, read our latest newsletter below...

When writing a novel, film script or short story, you begin with an idea, a character or a situation, but once you start writing, your imagination takes you somewhere you never expected.

14/10/2026

Hear from Tony, one of thousands of aspiring writers who've come through the Writers' Studio, describe his experience with our 4-Week Unlocking Creativity writing course.

Our Unlocking Creativity Live course in Bronte starts this Thursday 15 October.

If you or someone you know has been thinking about starting their writing journey with us, now is the best time to do it. The course starts tomorrow and there are only a few spots left, so enrol now to get $80 off when you use code SPRING80!

Click here for all information: https://f.mtr.cool/yhh98pttbh

13/10/2026

Every time you face a blank page, it requires an act of faith. Self-doubt, criticism and perfectionism are the enemies of creativity.

“The creative process is also the most terrifying part. Because you don’t know what’s going to happen and where it’s going to lead. It takes an enormous amount of internal security to begin with the spirit of adventure, discovery and creativity. Without a doubt you have to leave the comfort of base camp and confront an entirely new and unknown wilderness.” Stephen Covey