Welcome to our August Newsletter.
We would like to give a warm welcome to all the writers who are joining us today in our 4-Week Unlocking Creativity Online Course. There are still a couple of spots left, enrol now to secure your spot!
For many writers, writing a novel or screenplay is the most rewarding creative journey of all. Well done to those writers participating in our Novel & Script Courses. It is always gratifying to see how everyone’s story evolves and progresses as they work through the iterative process one step at a time.
Please Note: This Unlocking Creativity is the final intake before our upcoming First Draft Online Course starting 24 September. It is your last chance to enrol directly into the September course and receive our 6 August Unlocking Creativity prerequisite course completely FREE.
Committing to your Writing Journey
One of the challenges many writers face is the desire for perfection. Whether that be the perfect idea, the perfect first sentence, or the perfect version of their story to appear before they begin.
But perfection is the enemy of progress.
At the Writers’ Studio, we believe writing is a process and an act of discovery. You don’t need to know the whole story before you start. You just need to commit to showing up, scene by scene, page by page, sentence by sentence.
Once you do that, something remarkable begins to happen; ideas emerge, characters come alive, and unexpected breakthroughs appear on the page.
This truth is beautifully captured in a quote often attributed to Goethe, but in fact written by Scottish mountaineer and writer W. H. Murray during one of his Himalayan expeditions:
“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too.
“All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”
The magic lies not in waiting, but in beginning, in the doing.
When you commit to an iterative writing process, you unlock more than just your imagination. You tap into momentum, community, creative energy, and guidance that carries you forward, even when the path isn’t clear.
So, if you’ve been waiting for the perfect story, the perfect moment, or the perfect conditions—stop yourself.
Instead, take the leap. Begin now.
The story you’re meant to write is waiting for you on the other side of commitment.
Intensive 6-Week Short Story Course
The 6-Week Short Story Writers’ Gym Course will keep your writing process alive and inspired as you learn some key story dynamics that will help you create compelling moral dilemmas and develop your characters, writing and storytelling skills.
It also gives writers considering the 10-Month Novel & Script First Draft Course an excellent opportunity to explore ideas before embarking on the longer journey of writing your novel or screenplay.
This comprehensive short story course starts on the 27th of August, designed for writers who have completed Unlocking Creativity and are looking to continue their writing journey. Spots filling up fast!
Success Stories
Stillwater by Tanya Scott
Congratulations to Tanya Scott, an alumna of the Writers’ Studio, whose debut novel, Stillwater, has been published by Allen & Unwin and is out now.
Stillwater is a crime thriller about a young man whose past catches up with him when the criminal he worked for as a teenager tracks him down and wants him back on the job. As his past and present collide, he holds his secrets close – but can he outsmart a man who’ll stop at nothing to get what he wants?
In Tanya’s words, “When I enrolled in Unlocking Creativity, I had no idea what to expect. It was a long time since I’d taken writing seriously. What I found was a supportive group of writers who made me feel welcome, read my words and gave great feedback, and a structured program that helped me find my feet. Not long after, I started work on the manuscript that would become Stillwater. Thanks to The Writers’ Studio for giving me the confidence to keep writing.”
Click here to buy Stillwater
The Peak by Sam Guthrie
Congratulations to Sam Guthrie, an alumnus of the Writers’ Studio, whose debut novel, The Peak, has been published by HarperCollins and is out now.
The Peak is a nail-biting and unputdownable read, a powerfully taut, gripping and fast-moving international thriller that weaves a story of friendship, love and betrayal together with the ruthless geopolitics of China’s rise, set in the last 24 hours of the world as we know it.
In Sam’s words, “Prior to participating in the Writers Studio courses I had a bottom draw of unfinished writing but had never completed a manuscript. The Writers Studio gave me the tools of the craft to understand the ‘mechanics’ of plot, from character stakes, to inciting action and turning points – and provided the support and feedback to finally finish a manuscript.
“While that manuscript didn’t end up getting published, it opened doors for me to engage with the publishing industry and when it came time to put pen to paper once more, I was fully armed with technique and confidence and able to write a new manuscript, which became The Peak. The early support and teaching in the ‘craft’ of storytelling that The Writers Studio provided was a vital step along the path of me becoming a writer.”
Click here to buy The Peak
Share the Good News!
If you have completed courses with the Writers’ Studio and you’ve earned recognition for your writing in competitions or received awards, we’d love to showcase and celebrate your accomplishments.
Please share a brief note along with relevant details or links to wstudio@writerstudio.com.au with the subject line “Success Stories.”
Giveaways!
Went Up the Hill
Thanks to Vendetta Films, we have 5 double passes to give away to Went Up the Hill, a film starring Vicky Krieps and Dacre Montgomery, opening in selected cinemas in Sydney and Melbourne on 11 September.
Abandoned as a child, Jack ventures to remote New Zealand for the funeral of Elizabeth, his estranged mother, and meets her widow, Jill. But his mother’s spirit returns to inhabit each of their bodies, instigating a life-threatening three-way nocturnal dance. Jack and Jill must find a way to let go of Elizabeth’s hold before she pushes them to the edge.
You can watch the trailer here
For your chance to win, email with your name, address, the movie title and your mobile to: rsvp@writerstudio.com.au
Recent Course Feedback
Some snippets of the wonderful feedback that we receive back from recently completed courses.
“Having written several stories in the past, I found I needed structure. Structure to develop my characters and plots, challenging me to think differently, exploring different aspects. This course has definitely given me this and more and I am very much looking forward to the Second Draft course and how far I can actually take it. It’s been amazing watching and listening to others who have been truly inspirational. Loved the course, and thank you all.” Keith, First Draft Live
“I think my writing has improved. I have done other courses, but something clicked with this one and I had many eureka moments. The feedback I received was really informative as it demonstrated what was not clear in the narrative but also gave me a kick.” Karen, Character Development
“You would absolutely adore this course. I feel like I have discovered that I do have the ingredients to be a writer, all I needed was a little direction, encouragement and structure. This feels like the perfect, safe, nurturing and kind space to explore this golden opportunity.” Sarah Rose, Unlocking Creativity Live
“I have learned so much about how to actually write. Write emotion, detail, scenes and characters. Being such an avid reader, I never fully appreciated until now, how writers manage to suck you in with so much detail it’s like you’re actually there with the character.” Jessie, Unlocking Creativity Online
“I loved the course – the structuring is definitely something I will take into my other writing and has been incredibly helpful in developing me as a writer. Thank you Leone and The Writers’ Studio!” Wayne, Second Draft Course
“Third Draft – My most enjoyable draft thus far. The invaluable writing tools and techniques taught under the guidance of masters of the craft have undoubtedly elevated my writing to a new level. Equally as valuable I’d say, is the nurturing environment of the Writers’ Studio in which not only creativity—but perhaps more importantly—friendships are forged. ” Kate, Third Draft Course
