April 2023

The next Unlocking Creativity Online course will commence next week 26 April with a few places still open:  more >

The next Unlocking Creativity Live course will commence on 1 June:  more >

The next 6-Week Short Story course is the Character Development Short Story course starting on 12 June (Unlocking Creativity is a prerequisite)  more >

The next 10-Month First Draft Online course starts 19 June. For new writers, you need to undertake Unlocking Creativity Online starting 26 April to join this course. For writers who have already completed, you are eligible to join any First Draft course  more >

The next 10-Month First Draft Live course (with Roland, Kathleen & Rich) will commence on 9 September  more >

Second Draft Online is now open for bookings and commences on 25 September. Register for your pre-course work  more >

Third Draft Online will commence on 21 August, register now for your pre-course work  more >

Third Draft Live will commence 28 October  more >

Third Draft Part 2 Online will commence on 17 July, register now for your pre-course work  more >

The Third Draft Part 2 Live will commence on 13 August, register now for your pre-course work  more >

Please contact the office on (02) 9386 4994 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday, if you have any questions at all about which course is right for you.

Success Stories!

Susannah Glenn

Susannah got in touch to let us know her debut novel has been picked up by a publishing house and is due to hit bookshops in June 2024.

Susannah goes on to say ‘The novel would never have come about if not for The Writers’ Studio. My inspiration began from a short story I wrote while doing the genre course (thriller). I received so much positive feedback for that story and although the final novel bears very little resemblance, the setting and main characters began in my head while doing this course.’

We cannot wait for this book, congratulations Susannah!

Rosemary Garreffa 

Rosemary, one of our Novel & script writers who let us know that that she has published her novel Alfredo.

She says “Many moons ago I took a deep breath and jumped into your Unlocking Creativity course and followed along for the first, second and one of the third draft courses.

The result is, I went from zero confidence in my ability, to being the proud mother of two novels and a short story contest winner.”

Alfredo takes the reader into the spiritual realm surrounding mortals in the ordinary moments of life and the extraordinary circumstance of death.

Click here to buy Alfredo on Booktopia

Alyce Elmore

Alyce, an Unlocking Creativity alumni has let us know she has published the second novel in her triology, Pray To The Dead,

This novel is an apocalyptic dystopian thriller that looks at how society can be polarised and fragmented in order to serve the purpose of the powerful.

She says, “Thanks for all your support!”

Click here to buy Pray To The Dead on Booktopia 

Movie Giveaway!

LIMBO

Thanks to Bunya Productions, we have double passes to giveaway to the upcoming May 18th release of the Simon Baker film, LIMBO. 

Baker stars as Travis, a jaded detective who arrives in the remote outback town of Limbo to investigate the cold case murder of a local Indigenous girl, Charlotte Hayes, 20 years ago. As truths about the murder begin to unfold, the detective gains new insight into the unsolved case from the victim’s fractured family, the surviving witnesses and the reclusive brother of the chief suspect.

You can watch the trailer here

To win a double pass, email your name, address and mobile to rsvp@writerstudio.com.au

Recent Course Feedback

Some snippets of the wonderful feedback that we receive back from recently completed courses. We update these each newsletter. They show what a large variety of writers get out of our writing courses.

“I had done this course a few years ago, and I was worried that it would seem repetitive or be a waste of energy. Let me tell you, I was wrong. I had forgotten what it was like to just let go and put words together without thinking about whether it made sense or furthered my argument, etc. I was both horrified at the prospect and excited by the opportunity. I am still horrified and excited honestly, but for different reasons – horrified that it was so easy to just let go after being given the permission; excited to see what comes next.” Laura, Unlocking Creativity Online

“I have just completed a course called Unlocking Creativity. Not only did I come to realise that structure, form, and imagery are the bedrock on which creativity flourishes, but I found that when these principles are applied, provide a level of confidence that quietens the inner critic. Reading the submission of other writers and providing feedback was at once daunting and inspirational and I feel so grateful to both our tutor and to my fellow travellers for their feedback and encouragement on this journey which has motivated me to not give up but to continue to pursue my dream of writing at least one story.” Ruth, Unlocking Creativity Online

“What a transformative four weeks I’ve had! The writer’s block which has plagued me for so long is finally lifting. I took the Unlocking Creativity course and I didn’t just dip my toe in the water, I dived right in. It was scary at first, but what I learned from letting go of my inner critic and feeling my fear but doing it anyway, was that the more I wrote the more natural it felt to write, the more ideas flowed, and I could start to marry my imagination with the techniques of storytelling that we were learning each week of the course.” Emma, Unlocking Creativity Online

“I’d just like to say I recommend this course to anyone considering a writing career or even for the pure joy of writing as I feel like I’m starting to get in the zone now and I’m looking forward to writing my novel.” Clement, Unlocking Creativity Online

“Writing has overtaken my life these past four weeks, thanks to the Writers’ Studio  Unlocking Creativity course. The  power of thoughtful, constructive positive feedback has been a revelation. It is transformative, energising – a gift to the giver as well as the receiver. My inner critic has been muzzled by all this positivity, my critical writing skills honed, and I have been inspired by seeing and acknowledging  the good, the potential, the growth in my fellow writers. My world has shifted. The  urge to write, the need to write is much stronger now.” Christine, Unlocking Creativity Online

“After a lifetime of struggling with writing, this course has enabled me to do, exactly as the title suggests – unlock! I have written twenty two short pieces over four weeks. That alone is astounding, but not only did I write these pieces, I was actually pleased with some of them. The environment created was extremely positive and encouraging. The course has truly given me so much. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to have done it and I am also very grateful to have been part of this small writer’s community for a short but wonderful time.” Peter, Unlocking Creativity Online 

“After having posted several pieces, my confidence and enthusiasm has increased tenfold. So grateful. I’m surprised by how quickly my writing improved and the quality of the work we were all putting out. The positive feedback templates really work! This course has made me so excited to start working on my novel.” Michelle, Unlocking Creativity Online