Welcome to our May Newsletter.
Writing is an act of discovery—a way to explore ideas, give form to imagination, and connect more deeply with both ourselves and our readers.
Whether you’re returning to creative writing after time away or continuing to grow your practice, turning your creative dreams into reality begins with one simple step: showing up in front of the page.
Last week, we had the joy of welcoming a new group of writers into our 4-Week Unlocking Creativity Online and Live-in-Studio courses.
It’s always inspiring to witness what happens when people tap into the power of their imaginations and start working with the practical tools and storytelling techniques you will learn to apply to your story.
There’s something undeniably powerful about seeing someone realise—often for the first time—just how creative they truly are.
In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find:
- Writing inspiration to keep you motivated
- Upcoming course dates to support your next steps
- Exclusive giveaways
- Remarkable success stories from Studio alumni
Wherever you are on your writing journey, the art is always in the doing.
Developing Characters to Drive Your Story
Too often, as Dwight V. Swain observed in Techniques of the Selling Writer, writers fall into the trap of writing about things—violence, romance, war, history, landscape, or domestic life. The prose may be polished, the details vivid, but somehow the story doesn’t land. It doesn’t move the reader.
Why is that?
Readers love to read about flawed characters grappling with real life problems, stepping up and growing.
Because at its core, story isn’t about events—it’s about a character’s reaction to those events. It’s the emotional journey that matters: their desires, fears, impulses, dreams, and inner conflicts. That’s what gives a story weight, meaning, and connection.
At the Writers’ Studio, we often say that character and structure are two sides of the same coin. Structure isn’t a set of rules, it’s the shape a character’s transformation takes. Each turning point challenges a character’s moral weakness and forces them to adapt and change.
By putting characters under increasing pressure, the writer reveals their deeper selves. And every time you take a character on a journey, you, the writer, goes on that journey with them.
Luckily, writing is a craft that can be learnt. That’s why we’ve developed a clear and supportive creative pathway that is designed to help writers tap into their main character’s truth from the very start. It is not just about technique, it is about digging deeper into your characters and discovering the heartbeat of your story.
Remember, your job as a writer is to make the reader turn that page.
Creating stories that do that is the art and craft of fiction writing.
If you would like to learn more about writing your story, view our upcoming 10-Month Novel & Script First Draft Course.
Mother’s Day Gift Certificates!
Did you know we offer gift certificates for both the Unlocking Creativity Online and Live-in-Studio courses?
If you are thinking about creative Mother’s Day presents, this would be an excellent gift for any writer and creative in your life!
You might have a loved one who has been wanting to write but needs a push, or is wanting to develop their writing further. Unlocking Creativity is the perfect stepping stone in helping them achieve their goals. Plus, it is such a generous act to support people in realising their creative dream.
The Certificate will arrive almost instantly in your inbox. Valid for 3 years, the recipient will have the choice to select the course dates that suit them!
Purchase your Unlocking Creativity Gift Certificate here
Intensive 6-Week Short Story Course
The 6-Week Short Story Character Development Course will keep your writing process alive and inspired as you learn some key story dynamics that will help you 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 18th of June, designed for writers who have completed Unlocking Creativity and are looking to continue their writing journey.
Success Stories
Half Truth by Nadia Mahjouri
Congratulations to Nadia Mahjouri, an alumna of the Writers’ Studio, whose debut novel, Half Truth has been published by Penguin Random House and is out now!
A daughter searches for her father; a mother for her son.
Khadija, an elderly Moroccan woman is packing up her home, remembering her missing son. In Tasmania, Zahra is struggling with new motherhood, and travels to Morocco to search for her absent father. In Marrakech these women’s stories collide in a moving drama charting motherhood and loss, identity and belonging.
In Nadia’s words, “The Writers’ Studio gave me the tools to begin writing and the confidence to commit to the long process of completing, and eventually publishing, my debut novel Half Truth, which was recently published by Penguin Random House. Unlocking Creativity was just the thing I needed to release my inner writer and remember how much joy I found in the creative process – I highly recommend it to anyone starting out!”
Click here to buy Half Truth
Stories from a Wandering Aussie by Rhys Binney
Congratulations to Rhys Binney, an alumnus of the Writers’ Studio, whose first short story collection, Stories from a Wandering Aussie, is out now!
In eight short novelettes, this collection takes readers rambling from towering cliffs in Sydney’s Blue Mountains, through Patagonian Ranges, across African Plains, eventually arriving in a tiny Mallorquin village.
Readers are asked, “What is a good death?”, “Can a woman heal her body after trauma?” and “What is the price of envy?”, all whilst the leopard stalks and the Andean wind whistles.
In Rhys’ words, “I’ve always wanted to write but never had the motivation, feedback and structural knowledge to stay committed, until I started Unlocking Creativity with the Writers’ Studio. I was hooked and signed up for a number of short story courses before committing to the 10-Month Novel & Script First Draft Course. The Writers’ Studio gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams and the structure, knowledge and insights to write my first book, Stories of a Wandering Aussie. My second book, and first novel is well underway and thanks to the Writers’ Studio, I have finally realised that I don’t just have a book in me, but I am a real writer.”
Click here to buy Stories from a Wandering Aussie
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 like 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.”
We look forward to showcasing your achievements.
Giveaways!
A World of Silence by Jo Skinner
Thanks to Hawkeye Publishing, we have 3 copies of Writers’ Studio alumna of the Writers’ Studio, Jo Skinner’s newest release, A World of Silence, to give away!
Three women. Three secrets. A deadly silence.
Kate is juggling work, family, and her ailing relationship to Ryan. Tori is raising her son alone, adamant he will never meet his father. When old friends Shelley and Daryl arrive, uncomfortable truths emerge.
Will Kate, Tori and Shelley confront the past? What are the consequences of speaking out? Of keeping silent?
For your chance to win a copy of Jo’s novel, email with your name, address, the book title and your mobile number to: rsvp@writerstudio.com.au
The Great Lillian Hall
Thanks to Transmission Films, we have we have 5 double passes to give away to The Great Lillian Hall, a film opening nationally in cinemas on the 6th of June.
Lillian Hall (Jessica Lang), a Broadway actress, has never missed a performance throughout her long, illustrious career. Yet in the rehearsals her confidence is challenged. People and events conspire to take away her ability to do what she loves most.
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
Mayfair Witches: Season 2
Thanks to AMC, we have 5 DVDs to give away to fantasy series, Mayfair Witches: Season 2.
Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches’ new season continues the journey of Rowan Mayfair (Alexandra Daddario) after she has unwittingly given birth to the demon Lasher (Jack Huston). She is determined to understand what he has become – human or monster? – and to use him to fulfill her purpose as a healer. But when tragedy strikes, she must put aside her own desires and fight to protect her family.
You can watch the trailer here
For your chance to win, email with your name, address, the series 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.
“Thank you to the Writers’ Studio – this is the fourth course I have done with you, and I feel challenged, inspired, supported and guided at every stage. My writing has improved. I’m so excited to be continuing with Second draft.” Judi, First Draft Online
“What surprised me the most was how much I discovered, not just about writing, but about myself… I can honestly say my own writing has improved, not just technically, but in how I approach it. I no longer feel paralysed by the blank page; I know I can find my way into a story, layer by layer. This course has been a gift, one that has reminded me why stories matter and why I want to keep telling them. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next.” Leone, Unlocking Creativity Online
“It’s been inspirational to see my fellow writers grow and it’s pushed me to keep up. Everybody’s writing has been astonishingly enjoyable to read, it’s amazing to think about how many talented writers are out there. I still have a lot of work ahead of me but the infectious positivity from my tutor and fellow writers has motivated me to keep hammering away! I think the most important thing I’ve learned during my time here is to keep things fun. The moments when I’ve felt the least productive are when my inner perfectionist is the most vocal. Easier said than done! With so many things to work on, there’s never been a more exciting time for me to keep writing.” Chris, Short Story Writers’ Gym
“This course reminded me of the power of words, and I’m excited to keep writing—perhaps even that novel someday.” Kate, Unlocking Creativity Online
“The course has given me confidence to continue to write and I discovered that I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. In the past, my career required me to be short, sharp and specific. Bullet points were encouraged. The freedom to not have to conform to someone else’s agenda is liberating. Thanks to all the tutors and fellow students. Looking forward to the next part of the learning journey.” Peta, First Draft Online
“This course has been such a joyous experience for me. I feel proud that I finished and have had a chance to tap into my creativity with such a supportive group of people. Learning to make time for my writing has been empowering, and having the freedom to fail has been liberating. I appreciate having my confidence boosted and my voice heard.” Jacqui, Unlocking Creativity Live
