“The course gave me tools, knowledge and confidence which set me on my path. I haven’t looked back or paused for breath since!” Claire told us. Her debut picture book Lily The Inventor was released in 2023 with Redback Publishing – based on a very real inventor named Lily.

“I was amazed, overwhelmed, and incredulous. I film all my reactions to publisher emails on social media so you can see for yourself here.”

And the reactions have kept coming – having since followed it up with two more ‘based-on-a-true-story' tales in the form of Croc Candy (Woodslane Press) and Abbie's True Colours (Owlet Press), both out in 2025.

Never give up on your dreams

Claire had had early ambitions to be an author, stapling pages together as a child to make her own books.

“At 12-years-old, I submitted my first manuscript to Scholastic,” Claire says. “It was a YA horror story in the style of the popular 90s ‘Point Horror’ series. Shortly after, I proudly received my first rejection letter. It was hand typed, encouragingme never to give up on my dreams.”

In her 20s, Claire pursued journalism instead, a career she loved. It was only after her second daughter was born that she revisited those early dreams of becoming an author during that lightbulb moment heading to the park.

“My older daughter and I came up with a hilarious story about a mischievous magic baby who made lights flash and furniture whizz around. Of course, the car lights were flicking on as I knocked them with my head putting baby into the seat (baby brain!) But the seeds of an idea for a fun, children’s book were planted.”

The Writing Picture Books course was exactly what Claire needed to explore her re-ignited passion for fiction.

“I knew I was in the right place because every element of the course was fascinating to me. I drank up every drop and felt bereft when the five-week course ended. From learning about structure to character development, language and rhythm, alongside weekly feedback, every part of this course filled me with knowledge and excitement.”

Magic starts happening

Claire’s debut picture book Lily the Inventor tells the true story of Lily Born who, at seven years old, invented a cup to help her grandpa with Parkinson’s Disease.

“I fell in love with Lily’s true story and the first draft came together quickly,” Claire recalls. “I sent my manuscript to 50 publishers and got a yes from Redback Publishing in Sydney. They were looking for a STEM story and loved Lily The Inventor.”

It’s a perfect read-aloud story that follows Lily’s six-step invention process – Observe, Brainstorm, Prototype, Experiment, Repeat, then Launch – and introduces the idea that science and innovation begin in the home. It has been illustrated by debut picture book illustrator Zoe Bennett.

Her second book, Croc Candy tells yet another remarkable true story – this time that of 7-year-old candy maker and entrepreneur Angus Copelin-Walters, his ‘super power’ dyslexia and his amazing ‘croc candy'. The book was illustrated by Deborah Brown and published with Woodslane Press. And seemingly not short on wonder-kid inspiration, Claire's third picture book is Abbie's True Colours – again about (and co-written by) Abbie Jane – founder of The Rainbow Shoelace Project – and illustrated by Eliot Bulpett. This book is published globally by Owlet Press and set to make waves across the oceans, with a message that rings true all over the world – “Bullies shouldn’t dim our true colours!”

That's three remarkable true stories brought to life (and counting!) for Claire – who is still pinching herself as she enjoys the ride.

“Before I did the Australian Writers' Centre course, being a published author seemed too much of an impossible dream,” Claire says. “But once I’d done the course, armed myself with knowledge and equipped myself with tools, the dream started to come into focus. I started to believe in myself, and of course, that’s when magic starts happening.”

Courses completed at AWC:

• Travel Writing
• Creative Writing Stage 1
• Writing Picture Books

However, now it’s Shelley’s turn to shine thanks to her debut travel memoir about her solo journey to the Greek island of Hydra. Here’s our chat with Shelley.

What is your book about?

Hydra in Winter: An Island Escape in Search of a Greek Pirate is a humorous travel memoir in diary form about my two-week trip to the Greek island of Hydra. I went there to research a historical novel inspired by my husband’s ancestor, Ghikas Voulgaris, Australia’s first Greek convict and a pirate who narrowly escaped the gallows. 

Between dodging chilly winds and rain and trying to charm the archivists with zero Greek language skills, my search morphed into a joyful lesson in slow travel. In the end, I discovered more about myself (and the local seafood) than I did about piracy.

What inspired you to write it?

When my husband and I retired from raising cattle and moved to the beach, I began marketing subscriptions to my daily online diaries of our overseas travels. This book grew naturally from the diary I kept during my solo trip to Hydra to learn more about the pirate – revisiting it recently reminded me that the joy of exploring Hydra during the wintry, tourist off-season was a story worth telling on its own.

How has your writing group benefited your writing journey?

The ALL WRiTE CLUB has been invaluable – receiving thoughtful and encouraging reviews of my writing has sharpened my storytelling skills and kept me motivated during periods of self-doubt. It’s been a revelation that reviewing others’ work is the best way to identify faults in your own. And there’s a kind of magic chemistry that happens when a group of passionate writers comes together.

How did your writing group form?

The sixteen-member group, based in every state of Australia, grew out of the 2021 AWC Six Month Novel Writing Course with our wonderful tutor Bernadette Foley. This was during Covid, so staying sane was as important as bonding over our love of storytelling. What started as a casual writers’ group has become a close-knit family with a shared commitment to each other’s success.

How frequently does your writing group meet, and what is the structure of your meeting?

We have an online chatroom open 24/7 and generally a few people are writing at any time and available to chat. But it’s all about writing – we celebrate champagne news and commiserate over rejections, share progress towards goals, ask each other questions about mundane subjects like grammar or discuss deeper structural issues, share useful links and podcasts, and offer each other constructive feedback and encouragement. And we laugh – a lot. 

We also have a monthly Zoom meeting often featuring guest speakers. Recently, we imitated the Lost Generation at our first face-to-face retreat at a gorgeous holiday house in Daylesford, Victoria – it was such a success that we’re already planning the next one. 

You did several courses at AWC. What benefit did you get from the courses?

I wanted to write a novel about the pirate but needed more knowledge and the confidence to see it through. I searched online for courses and AWC had everything: practical tools to hone my writing skills, a course on story structure, another to master Scrivener and advice on building my author profile. 

Best of all, I found a community of like-minded writers who have become my collaborators and friends – a brilliant outcome.

What are some of the achievements of the group members?

Our writing group members have achieved remarkable successes since completing the course.

A’Mhara McKey won the NT Literary Award in 2023, was shortlisted for the ASA/HQ Commercial Fiction Prize 2024, and has secured representation with Abigail Nathan of Alex Adsett Literary Agency for her novel, The Shores Between. She has also been awarded a Varuna residency for 2025. 

Both A’Mhara and Natasha Neary were shortlisted for the prestigious HarperCollins Australia Banjo Prize in 2023, with Natasha’s novel, The Sister Tree, also earning a Commended place in the Affirm Press Mentorship, 2023, and a Highly Commended in the ASA/Copyright Agency Mentorship, 2024. 

Brigita Ozolins won a Hachette Mentorship and is currently undertaking a writing residency in Latvia. Amy Barnett has self-published two romantic suspense novels, Dangerous Secrets and Intent to Kill. 

Most of us have novels in progress. Short fiction has been an essential part of our group’s creative growth. We have entered competitions together, and most of us have received awards and been featured in anthologies, both locally and overseas. We have plans for an anthology of our own.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of writing your book?

When you love writing, just settling in at your desk – armed with coffee and a cream bun – is the best reward of all. For this book, though, the real joy has been hearing from readers who said it made them laugh; that they learned something new about Hydra and its history and felt as if they’d travelled to this magical island alongside me. 

I’ve also found learning about self-publishing quite challenging (understatement!), so seeing the book reach #1 in its categories on Amazon has been incredibly rewarding as well.

What are your plans for future writing?

I have to live long enough to get it all done! I really enjoy writing my Instagram posts and find the pressure of the quick production of (hopefully!) humorous content stimulating. In 2025, I plan to publish Son of Hydra, the historical fiction novel about the pirate. I’ll write more travel memoirs and another historical novel, Daughter of Cork, which will explore the life of the convict’s Irish wife. And one day I may write the Cream Bun Lover’s Guide to Australia. 

Shelley’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelleydark/

Website: https://www.shelleydark.com/

Courses completed at AWC:

• Write Your Novel
• Novel Writing Essentials
• FOCUS ON… Creating The World Of Your Story
• Build Your Author Platform
• Writing Workout
• Writing Workout +
• Inside Publishing
• History, Mystery and Magic
• Plotting and Planning
• 2 Hours to Scrivener Power

“I was a new mum juggling family life and work when I decided to take one of your courses,” Angie shares. Initially aspiring to be a journalist, she found herself drawn to writing through a more unexpected route. “Writing had always been a passion of mine, but I didn't have the confidence or the time to fully explore it.”

Finding her voice

Angie's writing journey began with the Australian Writers’ Centre’s Freelance Writing Stage 1 course, driven by a desire to be a published journalist. “I'd been toying with story ideas for years but struggled to turn them into something coherent and compelling,” she explains. What she sought was more than just a course – she wanted “guidance, structure, and a community of like-minded individuals to help me take my writing seriously.”

The course proved to be transformative and the feedback from instructors and peers gave her the confidence to embrace her unique perspective. “The practical advice on story structure and character development was invaluable, but what stood out the most was the encouragement to find my voice.” 

Bringing her stories to life

Surprisingly, Angie's writing path took an unexpected turn towards books after reading to her children, and she enrolled in creative writing courses at the Australian Writers’ Centre, including Writing Picture Books. “Initially, I thought I would write adult fiction … children's books seemed so challenging to me – telling a big story with just a few words, often in under 500 words, was intimidating! But when I started reading picture books with my kids, I thought, maybe I could write something like that!”

Angie's debut books explore themes including individuality, empathy and identity. My Mum is a Bird uses a humorous lens to tell a story of an embarrassing parent at school, while Our Map is about a child who discovers that his parents’ homeland no longer exists on a map. Both books reflect her belief in the power of storytelling to bridge understanding. 

Once she had polished her manuscripts, Angie attended conferences where she was able to successfully pitch to publishers. “Hearing back from a publisher with interest was surreal – it felt like a dream!” she recalls. She then worked closely with her publisher, editor and illustrator to refine her stories even further. “It was a collaborative process that helped shape the books into something even better than I had imagined.”

And on becoming a published author? “I was absolutely thrilled!” Angie says. “It felt like validation for all the hard work and late nights. It also felt deeply personal – proof that my stories and voice mattered.” 

Writing in the real world

Despite working full-time, writing has become an integral part of Angie's life. “While I don't write every single day, storytelling is always on my mind,” she says. “I often find myself playing out scenes or imagining dialogues during quiet moments.”

Angie has completed at least a dozen courses at the Australian Writers’ Centre and has a simple message for those considering taking the leap: “If you have a story inside you – or even just a spark of curiosity about writing – this is the place to start. The courses are practical, supportive, and inspiring, offering the tools you need to bring your ideas to life.”

For more success stories see here:
https://www.writerscentre.com.au/success-stories/

Courses completed at AWC:

• Creative Writing Stage 1
• Novel Writing Essentials 
• Fiction Essentials: Scenes
• Plotting and Planning
• Fiction Essentials: Grammar and Punctuation
• Fiction Essentials: Structure
• Inside Publishing
• Your Author Website

Here’s the story, in her words:

“Hi, I'm Anna Johnston, and I'm lucky enough to have done several writing courses with the Australian Writers Centre. I'm now the published author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fyfe, which is about a bizarre case of mistaken identity that gives a lonely old man one last chance at being part of a family.

“I was offered a two-book deal by both Penguin Random House Australia and HarperCollins USA.  I never ever imagined that I would be a published author one day. My five-year-old self would have probably liked to be a playwright or a screenwriter, but it's just amazing to be here, and I wouldn't be here without the Australian Writers' Centre.”

Completing her courses

“I began with Creative Writing Stage 1, followed by Novel Writing Essentials. Creative Writing Stage 1 was actually where I met my writing group who still keep in contact to this day and so having that community of people around you is just so important. My most valuable takeaway from Novel Writing Essentials was how to structure a story.

“I found the most useful thing was being put in a group with other writers who had the same goals and we all fared a lot off each other. We were able to give and receive feedback which was really invaluable. For me, writing is a little bit similar to going to the gym. Both work better if you have accountability and someone to spur you on and that's what the writing courses were really fabulous in.” 

Speed dating to success

“So it was through the Australian Writers' Centre that I found out about an opportunity called Literary Speed Dating through the Australian Society of Authors. This is where you get three minutes on Zoom to pitch your novel idea to an agent or publisher. My first ever pitch was to Penguin Random House.

“I had my Stephen King rejection nail ready to hammer all of my rejections to the wall, but I was so lucky that I didn't need it because that pitch was so good. was a yes and began my journey to publication. After my first ever pitch, I was lucky enough to be offered a two book deal by Penguin Random House Australia.

“Having a deal on the table, I then secured an agent who got me a two book deal with HarperCollins USA and a one book deal with Namira Publishing in Romania. I also secured a media rights agent over in Los Angeles who is pitching the novel idea. to writers and producers for potential screen adaptation and for me this is the most exciting of all as it was my dream before I wrote the very first word.”

Worldwide and over the moon

“The Australian Writers' Centre honestly changed my life. It was the seed from which everything else grew. I discovered the importance of having a writing community and being surrounded by aspiring writers and authors who could spur each other on and provide feedback. When I first heard that I was going to be published, I was over the moon and absolutely pinching myself.

“I think there was champagne involved and tiramisu, and it was just the realisation that dreams can come true. Whether you want to write as a hobby, whether you dream of being the next Stephen King, or you want to be a children's book author, I could not recommend the courses more highly.

“They are so clear and easy to follow. They put you in. aspiring writers who really encourage you to keep going. If it wasn't for the Australian Writers' Centre, I would not be a published author.” 

Courses completed at AWC:

• Inside Publishing
• Your Author Website
• Fiction Essentials: Scenes
• Plotting and Planning
• Fiction Essentials: Grammar and Punctuation
• Fiction Essentials: Structure
• Novel Writing Essentials
• Creative Writing Stage 1

“I grew up in a family that really valued academic achievements over creative ones, so it just never really occurred to me that being an author could be a job,” Kirsten told us. “Unexpectedly topping year 6 in creative writing with my story ‘A day in the Life of a Car' did push me into equal dux of my primary school though, so I really wish I'd picked up on that early pointer.”

A new chapter in life

Kirsten was already writing picture books and attending conferences when she decided to take her craft to the next level by enrolling in the Writing Picture Books Masterclass.

“I'd been writing picture books for a couple of years and had done some smaller courses and workshops and attended lots of conferences, but I really wanted something a bit more structured to pull together and build on all my knowledge,” Kirsten explains.

The Australian Writers' Centre courses came highly recommended by others in the writing community. “I hadn't known about the AWC courses when I first started writing for children but as I got to know more people in the writing community everyone was recommending them to me. The Picture Book Masterclass was exactly what I needed.”

Learning the craft

Kirsten found the course incredibly valuable, particularly in honing her writing skills and understanding the publishing industry.

“I learnt so many great tips on structural editing, tightening my story arc and pacing, as well as invaluable info on exactly how to pitch to publishers,” she says.

One technique that Kirsten found particularly useful was studying mentor texts. “This is something that I still use today. I study picture books that I love and work out the main thing I love about them. Then I try to write a story that captures that element in some way. This was how I started the manuscript that would become my debut book, Like a Gannet.”

Finding success

The impact of the course was almost immediate. “I'm sure it is no coincidence that just a few months after I finished the Writing Picture Book Masterclass I won the Write Links mentorship and was runner up in the CBCA NSW Branch Aspiring Writers Mentorship Programme and received a Special Judges Mention in the Just Write for Kids Pitch It comp. The following year I received my first contract.”

Kirsten's debut picture book, Like a Gannet, illustrated by Deb Hudson, is a fresh take on a first experience story. “It's about feeling the fear, then doing it your own way,” Kirsten explains. 

Her second book, The Big Backyard Plan, illustrated by Laura Stitzl, is about friendship and community. “Fun is multiplied by four, when all your best friends live next door!” Kirsten says. “Being best friends as well as neighbours is fun – but imagine if instead of sharing backyard fences, they could share one BIG backyard!”

A perfect balance

Kirsten now works part-time at her regional public library, which complements her writing career perfectly. “I work two/ three days a week and enjoy running story times and baby bounce sessions and getting kids excited about books and reading. It really is the perfect complement to my writing. I get to chat to kids about their favourite books and recommend new ones, I see all the latest titles, and I get free reserves and free tickets to my local Byron Writers Festival!”

The excitement of being a debut author has been a thrilling experience for Kirsten. “I never thought in my 50s I'd have a year of so many firsts! Fittingly my first picture book is a first experience story, because one of the unexpected delights of this debut year has been the joy of so many firsts.”

Advice for aspiring authors

Kirsten highly recommends the Australian Writers' Centre courses to anyone interested in writing. “I often recommend AWC to people. Lots of people ask me how to get a book published or say they have a manuscript or an idea and ask what they need to do. I always recommend they keep writing and learning about the craft and the industry.”

She appreciates the accessibility of online courses, especially for those living in regional areas. “Living in the country, I really appreciate the online courses. Attending in person is wonderful for short workshops etc but having a more in-depth course such as the Writing Picture Book Masterclass available online made it accessible to me.”

Courses completed at AWC:

• Writing Picture Books Masterclass

“The courses gave me the confidence to keep writing when I received early feedback from the instructor and my peers that they couldn’t wait to read what happened next in my story!” Natalie told us. “I genuinely feel I owe much of my storytelling knowledge, motivation, and belief in myself to AWC.” – but first she needed to learn the basics.

“As a journalist, I already knew how to put a sentence together and the importance of telling a good story and telling it quickly. But there was so much I needed to learn to put my mess of random story ideas and characters into a coherent, publishable piece of fiction. The Creative Writing Stage 1 course helped me with everything from creating believable characters to nailing story arcs to understanding scene construction to identifying voice – it was all hugely beneficial for me, and I remember carrying my course notes with me whenever I snuck out of the house to do some writing!”

Natalie went on to complete Pitch Your Novel: How to Attract Agents and Publishers and Fiction Essentials: Grammar and Punctuation. She wasted no time in putting her new skills to work, writing and self-publishing her YA Hearts & Crowns trilogy and two romance novels cowritten with American author Jenny Fyfe.

Discovering the world of fiction

Natalie was living in Hong Kong, running a freelance corporate editing business, with a toddler at home, when she decided to start writing fiction. Once she was bitten by the writing bug, she knew she wanted to learn all she could.

“I fell in love with the process overnight and decided to try writing a full-length novel. I had been a writer of sorts for many years as a journalist, but I knew nothing about writing books. Having lived in Sydney, I already knew about the Australian Writers’ Centre, and I decided to coordinate a visit back to Australia with one of AWC’s creative writing courses, which I’d heard fantastic things about. However, I was thrilled to discover that I could take the course I wanted to do online. I immediately enrolled for the next session and, at the same time, set out to write my first book, Emmie and the Tudor King.”

Natalie found the AWC courses packed full of useful information, and they were also easy to slot into her busy life running a business with small children.

“I also listened to the So You Want to Be a Writer podcast from the first episode while doing my morning workout to motivate myself for the daunting writing day ahead,” Natalie says.

Love, Just In

Natalie’s latest novel, Love, Just In, is an Australian contemporary romance about Josie, a budding TV reporter, and her best friend Zac, a paramedic. Josie and Zac grew up together in Sydney but drifted apart following a tragic event that caused Zac to flee Sydney and move to Newcastle. Two years later, they are thrown back into each other’s lives when Josie is posted to Newcastle for work, and they are forced to navigate their neglected friendship and secret attraction to each other while struggling with their careers and mental health. The novel is a heart-warming, emotional, and spicy romance with a slow burn that builds to an epic pay-off.

“Once I decided to write a friends-to-lovers romance (my favourite trope) set in my new, much-loved home of Newcastle, I spent a couple of weeks creating the characters and plotting the story,” Natalie says. “I then took around five months to write the first draft because I found the friends-to-lovers trope thorny to navigate with its inherent complications.”

With the help of a freelance editor, Natalie got the manuscript into shape and then sent it off to Allen & Unwin. Next came an acquisition offer from the publisher – but it almost never happened.

“I screamed and felt like I might pass out,” Natalie says, about receiving the email offering her a book deal. “The funny part is, the initial enquiry from the publisher, asking if the book was available for acquisition, went into my spam folder! I hardly ever checked my spam folder back then (I can assure you now that I check it daily!), and it’s a miracle that I even clicked on it that day. I think spam emails tend to auto-delete after a certain number of days, and the thought of having missed that email and never knowing it existed gives me goosebumps – and not the good, romance-novel kind!”

After another structural edit with the publisher, her novel was ready to hit the shelves.

“I always believed getting published was a distant possibility because I knew how hard I was prepared to work at my craft, but that’s where the fantasy ended. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine my book taking over the entire front window of Dymocks Sydney, on the front table at airports across Australia, on bookstore bestseller lists, or inspiring readers to contact me and share how much the story resonated with them.

“The reality of it all has felt surreal, and I am hugely appreciative and also proud of myself because there were many occasions where I felt like giving up, but I pushed through the self-doubt. The publishing process can be a rollercoaster of emotions, but what keeps me going is the enjoyment of writing. Every time I write a scene in which the chemistry between the characters begins to zing and catch fire on the page, making my heart beat faster, I become hooked all over again.”

Congratulations, Natalie. We look forward to hearing more about your continued successes!

Courses completed at AWC:

• Creative Writing Stage 1
• UX Writing
• Fiction Essentials: Grammar and Punctuation
• Pitch Your Novel
• Copywriting Essentials

“I'd had a lifestyle change and a job change – best described as a reverse tree change!” Peta told us. “That gave me the freedom to dedicate time to writing that I hadn't allowed myself previously.”

This newfound freedom prompted Peta to pursue her long-held love for picture books. “I've always loved picture books, even as an adult,” she says. “I love the interplay between words and pictures, how both elements (if done well) enhance the other.”

Learning the craft

Peta found the Writing Picture Books course invaluable in understanding the mechanics of creating a successful picture book.

“Learning the structure of how a picture book is laid out, the format and ‘rules', if you like,” was particularly useful, Peta shared. “The instructor feedback was great, and bouncing ideas off other students was insightful. A few of us would regularly critique each other's work in a shared safe space.”

The skills Peta learned in the course directly contributed to the creation of her debut picture book, Lucy the Sheepdog.

“Lucy the Sheep Dog is about a dog who Farmer Pete thinks will be perfect as his new sheep dog,” Peta explained. “She tries, and tries, and tries to herd the sheep, but the sheep are big and woolly and cranky and mean to her. Farmer Pete also has a chicken problem, which to his surprise Lucy is able to solve. So it's a story about being brave and persistent, identifying your strengths, and doing what you're good at and enjoy. Which isn't necessarily what other people think you should do.”

A dream come true

For Peta, becoming a published author was a long-held dream. “Like most kids who were bookworms, the obvious next step seemed to be to write my own story. Apparently when I was young I'd write stories and draw pictures to entertain myself,” she said.

Her love for books was nurtured from a young age. “My mum – who this book is dedicated to – taught me to read and write before I started school, which gave me an advantage in English class,” Peta recalled. “It's a cliche, but books were a huge part of my childhood.”

After completing her manuscript as part of the Australian Writers' Centre course, Peta refined it further. She then submitted it a publishing house, who expressed interest in publishing it.

One of the most exciting parts of the process for Peta was choosing the illustrator. “They sent me some samples of several illustrators' work, but nothing quite hit the mark for me. So they kindly sent me a few more, including work by Maia Batumashvili, and her illustrations just felt right. I love the detail in her illustrations and how she's portrayed the perfect expressions on Lucy's face!”

While getting the publishing offer was thrilling, Peta said the reality truly sank in when she held the physical book. “To be honest it was when my copies were delivered to me that it really sunk in – holding the physical book in my hand was quite surreal.”

Balancing writing and life

Currently working full-time, Peta fits her writing around her other commitments. “I work full-time, so I  write sporadically,” she said. “I've got umpteen ideas on the back burner – I'll often see something, or overhear something, and think ‘there's a story in that', and write myself a note to follow up.”

For those considering taking a course at the Australian Writers' Centre, Peta highly recommends it. “It's so convenient to be able to do a course remotely and in your own time within the schedule provided. It gives you the flexibility to work around whatever else you have to do in your life.”

Courses completed at AWC:

• Writing Picture Books
• Blogging for Beginners
• Freelance Writing Stage 1
• Travel Writing

So, we asked Lesley, how she takes a rhythm and rhyme text from bland to brilliant?

That’s a great question because all my first draft rhythm and rhyme texts start out bland. The rhyming couplets often have the same rhythm which creates a monotonous sing-song sound that can lose the reader quickly. And even though it’s taken a lot of effort to create this first draft with the story told in rhyme, I know I’m only halfway done. It’s at this point that I search for ways to bring the text from bland to brilliant. What I’m looking for are places in the text to use literary devices that will give it a lift. 

Let’s have a look at my picture book, On the Hunt for Santa, a companion book for my CBCA Early Childhood Book of the Year Honour Book, Scary Night published on its 10th anniversary. Here I employ the rule of three. 

What’s that? Well, it’s the idea that things presented in groups of three such as characters or events are more effective, humorous or satisfying than other numbers. In On the Hunt for Santa I’ve employed three characters: Hare with a honey pot, Cat with a candy cane and Pig with a plum pudding. There are three items that the characters are taking with them on their journey and three places in the text of heightened excitement: the troll under Chasm Bridge, the snow wolves and knocking on Santa’s door. Using the rule of three can help lift a rhyming text out of the doldrums by satisfying the readers’ innate liking for groupings of three. 

Alliteration is another great device to employ in a rhyming text. You may have noticed the alliteration in On the Hunt for Santa. Alliteration is the repetition of a consonant sound. Have a listen. Hare with a honey pot, Cat with a candy cane, Pig with a plum pudding. The brain just loves the sound of alliteration and it’s a standout device in both Scary Night and On the Hunt for Santa. 

Another device used in both Scary Night and On the Hunt for Santa is a refrain. A refrain is a repeated line, phrase or single word. Here I’ve really gone to town because both these texts have multiple refrains that children can learn and repeat during a reading of the text. Refrains and repetition bring an element of fun to rhyming texts that can lift them from bland to brilliant. 

Here is an example. But where were they going that snowy day, out in the cold so far away? It was a mystery! These lines are repeated throughout On the Hunt for Santa and serve to heighten the tension.  

Not only are these lines an example of a refrain but they are also an example of direct question and answer. Here’s an example from On the Hunt for Santa when my three characters are crossing Chasm Bridge. Was it high? You bet it was! Did it sway? You bet it did! Did they give up? Of course they didn’t! The use of direct question and answer brings the reader right into the action of the story and takes the text to a new level.

Another way to avoid that monotonous sing-song sound that can drag a rhyming text down is to not make it rhyme. Well not all of it anyway. Here in On the Hunt for Santa only some of the text is in rhyme. Grab a copy and have a read. You’ll see how successful this technique can be.

Another great way to lift your rhyming text is to use onomatopoeia. Onomatopoeia is where the formation of a word comes from the sound it makes. Demolition Dinosaurs begins with a fun use of onomatopoeia. Beep! Beep! Beep! Get out of the way, the Demolition Dinosaurs are busy today. In fact, the book designer loved the use of onomatopoeia so much these words are highlighted throughout the text: bash, whoosh, crunch, smash, crash, whoomph, sizzle, zoom, boom! My use of onomatopoeia really highlights the action in the text and gives it a great lift.

You can also break up a monotonous rhythm with anticipation at the climax using a well-placed page turn. So here in Demolition Dinosaurs a stubborn wall won’t fall down. It’s the climax of the story and the dinos need to use dynamite. The explosives are lit with a SIZZLE and ZOOM, now the countdown begins, three, two, one… (page turn)

BOOM!  

Not only does the page turn break up the rhythm of the rhyming pattern, but it creates tension and anticipation that makes the BOOM! so much more satisfying. Editors are always on the lookout for opportunities like these where there is room for the illustrator to create a great moment for the reader in the book.

These are just a few devices, there are so many more. If you’d like to learn more, grab some copies of my picture books and have a read, then book yourself into the AWC course Writing Picture Books with Cathie Tasker, she’s amazing!

“I thought I was done after I completed my Neuroscience PhD thesis in 2015, which was entitled The therapeutic effects of a pentacyclic triterpene derivative, bardoxolone methyl, in preventing high-fat diet-induced obesity and associated neural, hepatic, cardiovascular, and renal complications!” Danielle told us. “Back then, I never imagined I would be a published picture book author, but I'm so glad I followed this path. It is a wonderful creative outlet, and it brings me so much joy to see children – including my daughter, Sophie – enjoying my stories.”

A change in lifestyle and career

Danielle was working in an advertising agency with long hours and a long commute and wanted to have more time with her then two-year-old daughter and husband. 

“I was tired of commuting three to four hours a day, where I would leave home at 6am and not return until 7:30/8pm. My husband was doing the daycare drop offs and pick-ups and I felt I was missing out on precious time with my daughter and forming connections with her daycare educators. I have a strong network in medical and health advertising, so I decided to start my freelance writing business from home.

“I didn't know where to start in terms of setting up the business, so I signed up to Australian Writers' Centre's How to Build a Successful Freelance Copywriting Business. This allowed me to create my own flexible work environment, have complete control over my capacity, and more precious time with my husband and daughter.”

It was her daughter, Sophie, who also inspired Danielle to try writing a picture book.

“Before it was a book, I would perform the story to Sophie with my husband using sloth toys. From when she was two years old, Sophie kept asking when Sophie Won't Sleep would become an actual book that she could keep on her bookshelf,” Danielle recalls.

Although she was a professional writer in medical advertising, Danielle didn’t know how to start writing for children. She decided to enrol in Writing Picture Books and went on to join the Writing Picture Books Masterclass.

“I found the feedback from the tutors extremely valuable in helping me understand the formula for writing children's literature in the current market,” Danielle says. “After I self-published Sophie Won't Sleep, I enrolled in the Australian Writers' Centre’s Presenting to Kids course to help me understand how to prepare for book launches, book shop events, and school visits.”

Finding success in publishing

All that hard work and dedication has led to incredible publishing success for Danielle. Her picture book, Sophie Won’t Sleep, has received 10 prestigious international book awards, including a Gold Medal in the 2023 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards. 

“I also attended a Gala Awards Dinner in NYC in June 2024 to be recognised for two of these awards. My portrait and Sophie Won't Sleep have featured on a billboard in Times Square New York City twice in six months to celebrate my wins as a Distinguished Favorite in the 2023 NYC Big Book Award and Independent Press Award for Picture Book (all ages).” 

Danielle was also listed as one of 2024’s 40 under 40 in publishing, which was presented at a ceremony in New Jersey, USA.

“Overall, the courses I completed at the AWC provided the critical foundations to kick start my writing career. Since self-publishing Sophie Won't Sleep, I have received publishing offers for more books, including Squirrel Takes the Cake, which was released in 2024.”

And the accolades keep coming. Danielle was named the winner of the AusMumpreneur Silver Award for Author of the Year 2024, which recognises her outstanding contribution to all aspects of authorship.

A portfolio career

Danielle continues her work as a Senior Medical Writer and Creative Director in Australian pharmaceutical and healthcare advertising, while also writing for children and doing book launches, school visits, book signings, readings, bookshop visits and promotion. It’s a well-rounded schedule that keeps her busy, but at least there are no more long daily commutes!

“My picture book stories are all inspired by my family,” Danielle says. “Writing is a critical part of my life. Both as a career and as a creative outlet.”

Danielle’s next picture book, That Doesn’t Go, is an especially important one.

“It was based on a brief my husband gave me whilst he was in palliative care. This was a story he had planned to write with our daughter, but sadly, never got the chance. I'm thankful Sophie and I could write the words for him to honour his legacy.”

The drive to make it happen

Danielle has now experienced success, both as an indie author and through the traditional publishing route.

“I was so driven to self-publish Sophie Won't Sleep and worked tirelessly to make it happen. It did not feel real until I held the first proof copy in my hand. It felt so wonderful to make my dream of publishing this book a reality.

“However, I was both excited and shocked when I received my first publishing contract from a traditional publisher. It was the first time I had submitted Squirrel Takes the Cake to a publisher and I wasn't expecting it to be accepted straight away!

“If you have ever wanted to be a professional writer, whether it's a full-time business or side hustle (or both!), I would highly recommend signing up to a course at the Australian Writers' Centre.”

Courses completed at AWC:

• Presenting to Kids
• Writing Picture Books Masterclass
• Writing Picture Books
• How to Build a Successful Freelance Copywriting Business

Established in 2015 by Hachette Australia in partnership with the Guardian Australia and the Emerging Writers' Festival, the Richell Prize honours the memory of Matt Richell, the late CEO of Hachette Australia. It offers unpublished writers a golden opportunity: a $10,000 prize and a year's mentorship with a Hachette Australia publisher. This is invaluable.

At the Australian Writers' Centre, we’re passionate about supporting writing talent so we’re thrilled at these emerging authors – and can’t wait to see what they do next! Each writer's journey reflects the transformative impact of AWC's courses and community:

Averil Robertson's path to success began with the AWC's Furious Fiction competition, a monthly flash fiction contest that challenges writers to produce a story in just 55 hours. “I would never have got this far without Furious Fiction initially, and then the wealth of courses to keep guiding me to be a better writer. Thanks AWC!” We love the fact that Furious Fiction has become such a great stepping stone for so many authors!

For Claire Bennett, the Creative Writing Stage 1 course marked a turning point. She shares, “I completed Creative Writing Stage 1 earlier this year and it was a wonderful experience. It was the first writing course I had taken part in and the first time I had submitted my writing for professional and peer feedback.” Claire’s experience shows that it’s not just about what you learn in the courses that can make a difference, it’s also about the invaluable opportunities for feedback and community building.

Chloe Hillary credits Australian Writers' Centre with providing the initial spark for her writing journey: “The Australian Writers' Centre helped me when writing was just an idea. Their courses and resources gave me the motivation to start and I made friends who I'm still in contact with weekly.” 

Perhaps the most comprehensive testament comes from Rebecca Douglas, whose manuscript Welfare Queens has been longlisted for the 2024 Richell Prize. Rebecca’s journey with AWC began with a freelance writing course and blossomed into a promising freelance writing career: “When I began my first Australian Writers' Centre course in feature writing, a magical door opened to my dream career. I landed my first paid magazine writing commission with Cosmo Bride before the five-week program finished and was ecstatic.”

Rebecca’s success didn't stop there. She continued to hone her craft through multiple Australian Writers' Centre courses, each contributing to her growth as a writer. “All of them have been incredibly helpful, fun, and informative. At each stage of my writing career, they've provided me with the theory, practical examples and tips, expert advice from the presenters, and camaraderie from fellow students, that I needed to put my learning into practice.

“I've put so many of the principles I learnt in the Australian Writers' Centre fiction courses into practice when drafting my crime fiction manuscript Welfare Queens,” she explains. The impact of AWC's support extends beyond just skill development, as Rebecca notes, “Perhaps most importantly of all, the AWC's courses and ongoing support gave me that initial confidence to begin saying ‘I'm a writer' to people without apologising or stumbling over my words.”

We’re so proud of these four writers and their achievements – from competition successes to magazine commissions, and now to being longlisted for this major literary prize. We’re so happy to have played a small part of their respective writing journeys. And we know that for Averil, Claire, Chloe and Rebecca, this wonderful success is just the beginning!