5 writing courses to gift this Christmas

Forget the designer notebook and expensive pen. This year, why not give the gift of creativity to the writer in your life with an Australian Writers' Centre gift voucher? It’s ideal for an aspiring writer to take the next step with their creative interests, whatever they may be. Valid for three years, a gift voucher will unlock your loved one’s creative potential.

We have more than 60 courses to choose from – so you know that they’ll be able to find the perfect course. Whether they want to write a sizzling romance, a gorgeous picture book, or just kickstart their creative writing, we have a course for every type of writer.

And, once you purchase a voucher, it will be delivered straight to your inbox, ready for you to give to your loved one.

Here’s a taster of some of our most popular courses that your lucky gift recipient will be able to explore…

Creative Writing Stage 1

If you want to reignite the creative flames, there’s no better place to start than with Creative Writing Stage 1. It’s perfect for beginner writers or people who have put their creative desire aside for far too long.

Recent graduate Andrew M. loved the opportunity to reconnect with his writing after a 40-year hiatus. “The course has helped rekindle my interest in writing, and desire to write. I will continue courses to further my writing and hopefully develop some craft,” he told us.

In Creative Writing Stage 1, you’ll indulge your creativity and learn the key skills needed to write engaging stories. It’s the perfect balance of practice and passion. As well as enjoying access to industry experts, you’ll also receive valuable feedback on your writing. It’s the best way to unlock your storytelling potential.

“I was given a gift voucher for the Australian Writers' Centre and I saw this course and thought it was perfect for the beginner that I am,” says another graduate Kimberley R. “I love reading and want to start writing but I just didn't know where to start. I loved this course; [my tutor] was amazing. Her feedback was perfect. She was professional, kind and honest. I valued her feedback very much.”

Writing Picture Books

Do you know someone who has always dreamed of writing their own picture book? Help to make that dream a reality with our popular course, Writing Picture Books. It’s ideal for mums and dads, aunts and uncles, grandparents, best friends or anyone else with a passion to tell stories that kids adore.

Time and again, graduates say that our Writing Picture Books is THE place to get started in picture book publishing. The course covers everything you need to know about the picture book industry, creating characters and how to use language and rhythm. And as a special bonus, students get regular feedback from industry professionals.

It’s also a great course for people who don’t necessarily want to get published.

“This course was part of my new ‘self care' routine, honouring and nurturing my creativity,” says recent graduate Lori S. “Give yourself the gift of creative time. It's more important now than ever!”

Creative Writing Quest for Kids

Did you know that we also offer courses for kids? Young writers can go on a writing adventure along with bestselling author A. L. Tait (author of the Ateban Cipher series and the Mapmaker Chronicles) in our unique Creative Writing Quest for Kids – especially designed for children aged 9-14. 

Your keen young writer will learn how to find story ideas, create characters, worlds and plots, and uncover the essential ingredients of fiction. And after completing the modules, they can submit a polished story of up to 800 words and get feedback from a bestselling author.

“It inspires kids to write in a relaxed and supportive environment, outside the school world,” says Susannah H., whose daughter completed the course. “She then had the satisfaction of completing her story and receiving Allison’s personal feedback, which was detailed, constructive and encouraging. I thoroughly recommend this course.”

Romance Writing

Our Romance Writing course is sure to get hearts racing this Christmas. It’s an immersive and practical experience, offering students an in-depth dive into the whirlwind world of romantic fiction. 

“This course took my understanding of romance writing to a whole new level. What I enjoyed most was how vast the romance genre is! You can explore until your creative heart's content,” says Rae-Anne W., who jumped right into the course the moment it was released.

Developed by award-winning author Pamela Freeman, students will learn how to write a romance novel that readers love, develop their ideas in ways that suit the romance market, and avoid common romance-writing pitfalls.

It really is the gift of love.

Creative Non-fiction

We all know that truth can be stranger than fiction. So if you know someone who has a fascinating story to tell – whether it’s about their own life, their family, or something they know back-to-front, then Creative Non-fiction is the course for them.

Creative non-fiction is the art of telling true stories using narrative techniques and creative flair. Across 13 comprehensive modules, writers will learn what sets a creative narrative apart from a history textbook. 

“At the forefront of my mind as I write is making the story come to life by adding detail, and interesting word choices and finding my voice in the process,” says graduate Rachel B. “I want to be intentional about creating characters who are real and relatable and a setting that is palpable to the reader. This course gives you the tools you need to turn a good ‘true' story into something truly great.”

Delight the writer you love this season with and AWC gift voucher and the gentle nudge to pursue their passion. It could be life-changing!