Australian Writers' Centre

Your novel idea deserves more than just a dream. It deserves a plan, structure and the support to help you bring it to life. Novel Writing Essentials guides you through the key elements of writing a novel, helping you develop your story, strengthen your craft and create a clear pathway forward.

You will learn practical techniques for planning and writing your novel, receive feedback on your work, write at least 20,000 words and connect with a community of fellow writers who are working towards the same goal.
After taking the course, Martine Viney shared: “It is great if you are prepared to do the work. It will provide you with a great framework of how to write your story and receive advice. You will gain a community who you can hang out with.”

If you are ready to take your novel seriously and start making real progress, this course will help you move forward with confidence. Find out more: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/store/courses/novel-writing-essentials/

A wonderful opportunity for emerging children’s authors and illustrators is now open! The Ian Wilson Memorial Fellowship 2027, hosted by the May Gibbs Children’s Literature Trust, supports emerging creators who explore Australian voices and themes, offering dedicated time and support to develop new work.

Key details:
• Location: Adelaide
• Residency: 21 nights in March 2027
• Includes: Travel, free accommodation, living allowance and local support
• For: Emerging Australian children’s authors and/or illustrators
• Focus: Developing new work and connecting with professional development opportunities
• Applications close: 5pm, Sunday 27 September 2026

A rare chance to step away, focus on your creativity and receive the time and support needed to develop your next children’s book project.

Learn more here: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/blog/fellowship-from-may-gibbs-childrens-literature-trust/

WIN THIS BOOK – This week, we’re giving away two copies of 'Nutcote: Home of May Gibbs' by Fiona Starr. May Gibbs – creator of the beloved gumnut babies Snugglepot and Cuddlepie – lived and worked at Nutcote, the harbourside home built for her in 1925, complete with the studio where she wrote and illustrated her later books and weekly comic strips. Produced by the Nutcote Trust to mark the home’s centenary, this 100-page full-colour book is part biography, part site tour, telling the story of May’s life and legacy largely through her own words and those of her husband and friends. Here’s the blurb:

'Nutcote: Home of May Gibbs', a beautiful new book exploring the life and home of Australia’s beloved children’s author and illustrator, is now available.

May Gibbs, best known as the creator of gumnut babies Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, lived and worked at Nutcote. Built in 1925, Nutcote was designed for May and her husband to include the home studio where she wrote and illustrated her later books as well as her weekly comic strips.

Produced by the Nutcote Trust, which runs the museum, to celebrate the centenary of Nutcote, the new 100-page full-colour publication brings together rare archival material, historic photography and newly commissioned images.

Part biography, part site tour from front gate to waterfront, the book tells the story of May Gibbs’ life and the legacy of the home where she lived and worked for more than 40 years.

Author Fiona Starr worked closely with the Nutcote Trust and archival collections to develop this personal history of May Gibbs’ home largely told through May’s own words and those of her husband and friends.

To win, enter here: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/win

A major opportunity for emerging screenwriters is now open! The Next Brilliant Career, launched by Netflix Australia, in partnership with the Australian Writers’ Guild and state and territory screen agencies, is designed to discover fresh Australian storytelling voices and support emerging writers in developing their ideas for the screen.

Key details:
• For: Emerging Australian writers who identify as women or non-binary
• Submit: An original, authentically Australian scripted concept
• Opportunity: Shortlisted applicants will pitch their concept directly to Netflix
• Support: Receive feedback from Netflix and industry professionals to help develop your story
• Location: Open to applicants across Australia
• Applications close: 18 August 2026

A chance to share your story idea, gain valuable industry insight and take the next step towards a career in screenwriting. Learn more here: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/blog/netflixs-the-next-brilliant-career-opportunity-for-australian-writers/

Bring your middle-grade story ideas to life with the right tools and guidance provided in our Writing Middle Grade Fiction course. This course is designed for writers who want to create engaging stories for readers aged 8 to 13, helping you explore the craft behind compelling characters, meaningful themes and page-turning narratives.

You will gain a deeper understanding of the genre, identify areas to strengthen your writing and develop practical skills you can apply directly to your own project.

After completing the course, Annelise shared: “I think the best parts were the in-depth details that were covered in the content. After the course, I have a sense of achievement. I know I learnt a lot. I know I have material I can use in my current project. I know what areas I need to focus on moving forward.”

If you are ready to grow your skills and create stories young readers will love, this course is a wonderful next step. Find out more here: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/store/courses/writing-childrens-novels/

Did YOU know that back in the 1980s, our free AWC weekly newsletter used to come on a cassette tape, delivered to your door by a pastel-wearing perm-haired jazzerciser? Today, the best we can offer is emailing the news, writing opportunities, tips, contests and more direct to your inbox. BYO legwarmers.

Follow the link: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/newsletter/

Have a crime story brewing in your mind? Learn how to turn that idea into a gripping thriller readers can’t put down. Crime and Thriller Writing helps you explore the key elements of the genre, including plotting suspense, developing compelling characters, creating tension and crafting twists that keep readers hooked.

Whether you are planning your first crime novel or already working on a manuscript, this course gives you practical tools and insights to help strengthen your storytelling.

After taking the course, Kathryn Robson shared: “The course is well structured and covers the major areas for murder and thriller writers. I only wish I had discovered this centre before I had proceeded so far with my novel.”

If you are ready to sharpen your crime writing skills and take your story further, this course is a great place to start. Learn more: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/store/courses/crime-and-thriller-writing/

This month's Furious Fiction challenge is now LIVE! Create a short story of five hundred words or fewer following our criteria, and submit your entry by Sunday 9 August 2026 (Syd/Mel time).⁠
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Challenge criteria: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/furious-fiction/⁠