Welcome to our July Newsletter.
We’re really impressed with the work coming out of our current 4-Week Unlocking Creativity course. The course has lit a fire under a number of our writers, who have been asking, ‘I have a story I want to write, what next?’
The first challenge for many aspiring writers is to overcome the fear that they might not have the talent to write a novel or screenplay that other people will want to read. They forget that writing a novel or screenplay is an art and a craft that takes time to master.
As author Alan Watt said,“One of the greatest struggles for the novice, in fact all writers, is that we all at times feel like frauds. In a way, this is a good thing because it keeps us humble. It reminds us that we are channels for our story and when we listen and inquire real truths emerge.
The prevailing attitude is if you’re not great at something out of the gate, you shouldn’t bother. This stops countless creative people from getting started.
Quite simply, the desire to write is linked to the desire to evolve. We are here to express ourselves. Creativity is not an occupation. It is our birthright.”
If you want to write a novel or script, you have to start by making a commitment. The learning is in the doing. Every journey begins with the first step.
Our next 10-Month First Draft Novel & Script Online course commences 25 September. The course will take you on a journey where you find and write the first draft of your novel in 10 months. You’ll be amazed how much your writing and story will evolve as you work through the step by step process. “Process saves us from the poverty of our intentions.”
Writers in our current Novel & Script courses are developing compelling stories. Scroll down to read some writers’ feedback from the end of our First Draft course, as well as links for more information.
Getting Feedback Makes All The Difference To Your Story
Even the most experienced writers recognise the benefits external feedback delivers to their writing and stories.
A great example is Michael Arndt. Even after having won an Academy Award for the screenplay of Little Miss Sunshine, he then used extensive feedback from the Pixar team for Toy Story 3, going back and forth to make the story as good as it could be.
One of the questions we get asked most often from our Unlocking Creativity courses is ‘I want to write, so why do I have to give feedback to other writers?’. The answer is – you can’t grow as a writer if you don’t embrace feedback. In our courses, we encourage writers to both give feedback, and to be open to receiving it. The ability to be vulnerable enough to submit your work for review will only ever make you a better writer. Because feedback should not be feared as criticism; good feedback is constructive, and offers a fresh perspective, and is offered as a way to push you forward on your writing journey rather than keep you from it.
Ed Catmull, author of Creativity Inc, and one of the founders of Pixar says “We believe in the power of embracing candid feedback and the iterative process of re-working, re-working, re-working and re-working… The story steadily improves with each step of the process.”
That’s also not to say that receiving feedback isn’t tough at first. Seeing notes on your draft can be difficult, but if you can get past that first shock, the benefits reveal themselves. There will be opportunities that you may not have considered – taking your character’s journey in a new direction, or refining the twist of the story. Once you embrace the idea that making ‘mistakes’ in your writing is actually how you improve, you will see your skills as a writer improve, and have a clearer view of the path your story needs to go.
6-Week Short Story Genre Course
We still have a few spots in our upcoming Genre Short Story course commencing August 7th.
This course is ideal for anyone who has completed Unlocking Creativity and is wanting to further develop their writing and storytelling skills.
Each genre has a different structural form designed to take a character and reader on a particular journey.
By learning the basics of the various genres you can add drama, depth and resonance to your characters and stories.
Many of our writers who have written four short stories in the various genres during this course have been pleasantly surprised to discover that they enjoy writing in genres they’d never considered.
Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone will stimulate your creativity and help bring out the best in you and your writing.
Daring is the X factor when it comes to creativity.
Quick Course Round-up
The next Unlocking Creativity Online course will commence 2nd August (Earlybird discount ends 12th July) more >
The next Unlocking Creativity Live course will commence 20th July more >
The next 6-Week Short Story course for 2023 is the Short Story Genre course starting 7th August (Unlocking Creativity is a prerequisite) more>
The next 10-Month First Draft Online course starts 25th September more >
The 10-Month First Draft Live course (with Roland, Kathleen & Rich) commencing 9th March 2024 is open for bookings more >
Please note the First Draft Live 9th September 2023 course is now fully booked. The join the waitlist, please email us at wstudio@writerstudio.com.au
The next Second Draft Online course will commence 25th September more >
Third Draft Online will commence 21st August, register now for your pre-course work more >
Third Draft Live will commence 28th October more >
Third Draft Part 2 Online is commencing 17th July, register now for your pre-course work more >
Third Draft Part 2 Live is commencing 13th August, register now for your pre-course work more >
Writing Competitions!
Each month we update the competitions page with new and exciting competitions, so make sure you’re checking in regularly! 
July is a big month of competitions, with a great variety of genres and story lengths including a Short Story Crime Competition.
We list upcoming Short Story and other Writing competitions of varying lengths and genres. There’s something there for every writer.
Please read any instructions and entry requirements on the competition/awards website.
Ticket Giveaway!
CARMEN
Thanks to Madmen Entertainment, we have double passes to give away to the upcoming July 13th release of new film, Carmen.
Melissa Barrera and Paul Mescal star in Benjamin Millepied’s Carmen. A gritty modern-day tale, with a majestic score by Succession’s Nicholas Britell, and dream-like dance sequences featuring Sydney Dance Company.
Carmen leaves her family to escape a brutal Mexican cartel. She attempts a dangerous and illegal border crossing to the U.S. but she is ambushed by a fierce volunteer border patrol who tries to kill her.
Shocked by the violence, a patrol member saves Carmen and helps her escape. On the run, the two journey across the desert to Los Angeles to seek out Carmen’s mother’s best friend. As they travel north, Aidan, the patrol member, finds himself drawn to Carmen’s passion, free spirit and will to fight for freedom, and his attraction to her grows. He too dreams of a new life free from the shadows of his past. They know there is no turning back.
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 have recently completed the 4-week Unlocking Creativity course which has opened my eyes to writing for pleasure again. I’ve learnt about the flowing nature of creativity, which requires free time, daily dedication, and a lack of judgement to evolve. I’ve learnt that the craft of writing involves a regular commitment and empathy towards a wide spectrum of characters and their experiences. I’ve learnt to step into the shoes of an elderly man, teenage girl, divorced mother, and butcher, among others. I’ve been reminded that writing is more about blocks of emotion and imagery more than a linear story.” Antigone, Unlocking Creativity Online
“I have had the most amazing four weeks learning the art of “Unlocking Creativity” with The Writer’s Studio. I was so scared of writing – of sounding stupid – that it had paralysed my passion for so long, and my only real regret is not doing this course sooner. I am thankful for the supportive and nurturing environment The Writer’s Studio provided to get my pen moving. The weekly lessons were well structured, motivating and extremely engaging. The skills I have learned will stay with me for life.” Laura, Unlocking Creativity Online
“Today I completed my 4 week creative writing course and I am so happy!! I have learned so many new things and I cannot wait to unleash my new skills on my next creative writing project.” Jessica, Unlocking Creativity Online
“June 2023 has turned out to be one of the best months of my life. I signed up for the ‘unlocking creativity ‘ course. Oh, what a game-changer. In a matter of just 4 weeks, I’m amazed how I’ve gone from no writing to writing at least 15+ fiction scenes. It’s incredible how well the entire end to end process and the story writing framework works. I’m thrilled to continue my writing and apply all the principles I’ve learned in this course. Totally recommend it!” Richa, Unlocking Creativity Live
“I’ve had a lovely time in Bronte doing this course. It was a weekly escape from the drudgery of week-to-week work and dramas, and filled my cup with purpose and creativity with the weekly tasks and wholesome feedback.” Connie, Unlocking Creativity Live
“This course is perfectly named and it does what it says on the box. I came to get a structure for the random characters that pop into my head. The course delivered that perfectly.” Jessica, Unlocking Creativity Online
“This has been one of the most testing and exhilarating things I have ever done! I’m really glad I eventually got round to doing it! Thank you! I plan to join the second draft course and learn the next part of the process.” Karlene, First Draft Online
“I’ve been wanting to write a book for a long time. I just didn’t know how. Without this course I would have meandered through with no direction, thinking I had a start, a middle and an end and trying to direct my story to the ending I had already decided on. Instead what happened is that I started with a concept and I let everything just come out in the wash. What I ended up with surprised me. I love that I can be shocked by myself. I love knowing that I am more creative than I thought I was – because I’d always been aiming for a specified target instead of just writing.” Shelley, First Draft Online
“Guidance, structure, honesty & patience, and a wealth of knowledge and skill will go away with me. For that, and all of your support I am eternally grateful.” Steph, Third Draft Part 2 Live
Upcoming Courses
4-Week Unlocking Creativity
Whether you are a complete beginner, a professional writer or somewhere in-between, this is the first step towards achieving your writing goals, whatever they are. This introductory writing course will give you essential tools and techniques to unlock the power of your imagination and dramatically improve the quality of your writing.
August 2nd: Unlocking Creativity – ONLINE
July 20th: Unlocking Creativity – LIVE
10-Month Novel & Script First Draft
If your dream is to write a novel or screenplay our first draft course will get you doing it. You don’t need to have a clear idea for a story to start. The course’s step-by-step process begins by helping you find and clarify the key characters and story in a broad outline before embarking on writing your actual first draft.
March 9th 2024: Novel & Script First Draft – LIVE
June 19th: Novel & Script First Draft – ONLINE
6-Week Short Story Course Online
Our Short Story courses are ideal for writers who have completed Unlocking Creativity and want to continue with their creative journey.
If you do the work and implement the tools and techniques you will be amazed at how much your writing and story-telling ability develops.
These courses will also prepare you for the 10 Month First Draft course should you want to do that down the track. Receive targeted feedback on every piece you post.
August 7: Genre – ONLINE
8-Month Second Draft
The First Draft is where you find the possibilities of your story. The Second Draft writing course is the pivot draft where you focus on making your story come alive and work for your reader.
February 4th 2024: Second Draft – LIVE
September 25th: Second Draft – ONLINE
7-Month Third Draft
You have found the dramatic spine of your story in The Second Draft. The Third Draft is where all the hard work you have put into finding, developing, clarifying and structuring your story in the First and Second Drafts dramatically pays off.
October 28th: Third Draft – LIVE
August 21st: Third Draft – ONLINE
12-Month Live & 10-Month Online Third Draft Part Two
By following the course process, learning advanced tools and techniques and giving and receiving feedback enables everyone to take their writing and story to another level. ‘The voice of each writer is much clearer and confident; there is a sense of finding and settling down with the voice.
August 13th: Third Draft Part Two – LIVE
July 17th: Third Draft Part Two – ONLINE