Welcome to our March Newsletter.
We would like to give a warm welcome to all the wonderful writers who are joining us today for our Novel & Script First Draft Online Course and to our writers in the Live Course starting at our Bronte Studio on Saturday.
This marks the beginning of a profound journey—one filled with creativity, discovery, and the rewarding challenge of bringing your story to life.
Writing a novel or script is no small feat, but with dedication, guidance, and a supportive community, the process becomes not just achievable, but a highly enjoyable and truly transformative experience.
A finished first draft may seem like a distant goal now, but in 10 months, you’ll look back and see just how far you’ve come. “Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” Earl Nightingale
We look forward to seeing the compelling stories you will create.
Silence Your Inner Critic
If you’ve ever sat down to write and immediately heard that nagging, nit-picking voice in your head—This isn’t good enough. You’re not a real writer. Why even try?—you’re not alone.
Every writer struggles with self-doubt and the desire to be perfect. The inner critic can be ruthless, making you second-guess every word before it even hits the page. But the real danger isn’t writing something bad—it’s not writing at all.
As Anne Lamott famously said: “Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life, and it is the main obstacle between you and a shitty first draft… Perfectionism will ruin your writing, blocking inventiveness, playfulness, and life force.”
Neuroscientists have found that when we’re anxious or overly critical, our brain’s fear centre (the amygdala) becomes overactive, making it harder to access your imagination.
Victoria Nelson put it bluntly: “By not writing, one is obeying the urgent inner command not to define oneself, not to grow and develop… Instead, one stays interesting, potentially great the rest of one’s life.”
At The Writers’ Studio, we’ve seen first-hand how structure, exercises, the guidance of a tutor and community can help writers break through creative blocks and access their potential as writers.
Our Unlocking Creativity Course is designed specifically to silence the inner critic and enable you to tap into the power of your imagination, the true source of creativity.
As Matt Sherring, alumnus of The Writers’ Studio and co-writer of Killer Elite, put it: “The lesson that has stayed with me is not to be afraid… Your classes taught me that everyone has a story inside them. You just need to learn the craft of writing in a nurturing environment—like The Writers’ Studio—and your stories can be told.”
Your inner critic will always be there. But you don’t have to listen to it. The only way to find out what you’re truly capable of is to start writing. You will be surprised how good your writing can be.
If you’re inspired to begin your writing journey with us, consider enrolling in our Unlocking Creativity Online Course starting next week. To read more about what recent participants have said about the course, see below.
Intensive 6-Week Short Story Course
The 6-Week Short Story Genre Course will keep your writing process alive and inspired as you learn some key story dynamics within the framework of four key genres. By learning the basics of the various genres you can add drama, depth and resonance to your characters and stories.
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 23rd of April, designed for writers who have completed Unlocking Creativity and are looking to continue their writing journey.
Success Stories
When Only Today Matters and Other Stories by Johan Du Toit
Congratulations to Johan Du Toit, an alumnus of the Writers’ Studio, whose new release, When Only Today Matters and Other Stories, is out soon!
If you’re in Sydney, join Johan to celebrate the release of When Only Today Matters on the 6th of March at Harry Hartog Mosman.
Learn more about the Book Launch here.
In Johan’s words, “I joined The Writers Studio for the Unlocking Creativity Course at their original home above the health food store on Oxford Street. Two memories from that first winter night; I arrived early and treated myself to an organic hot chocolate at the store. Walking up the stairs I saw a poster that simply stated: ‘Writing is what writers do’.
“I remember this first experience fondly and with gratitude. The inspiration from Roland combined with hands-on advice motivated me to become a writer. My first collection of short fiction, Meandering Road, and now When Only Today Matters, would not have been possible without the valuable insights gained through The Writers Studio and Roland’s unselfish guidance.”
Share the Good News!
If 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!
Gangsters of Shanghai
Thanks to alumnus of the Writers’ Studio, Gerry O’Sullivan, we have an audiobook copy of his novel, Gangsters of Shanghai, to give away!
Shanghai, 1927—glamorous, lawless, and on the brink of chaos.
Fleeing Ireland’s bloody past and the loss of his great love in a fire during the War of Independence, Michael Gallagher joins the Shanghai Municipal Police, seeking a fresh start. But in a city of spies, opium dens, and corruption, innocence is a dangerous illusion.
As civil war looms and Shanghai unravels, Michael faces an impossible choice: escape with his life or risk everything for redemption.
For your chance to win an audiobook copy of Gerry’s novel, email your name, address, the book title and your mobile number to: rsvp@writerstudio.com.au
Every Little Thing
Thanks to Umbrella Entertainment, we have 5 double passes to give away to Every Little Thing opening in cinemas on the 6th of March.
Amid the glamour of Hollywood, Los Angeles, a woman finds herself on a transformative journey as she nurtures wounded hummingbirds, unraveling a visually captivating and magical tale of love, fragility, healing, and the delicate beauty in tiny acts of greatness.
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
Oh, Canada
Thanks to Transmission Films, we have 5 double passes to give away to Oh, Canada, a film starring Richard Gere, Uma Thurman and Jacob Elordi, opening nationally in cinemas on the 27th of March.
Ailing filmmaker Leonard Fife (Richard Gere) shares his unfiltered life story in a filmed interview with former student Malcolm (Michael Imperioli), charging ahead with candid stories about his younger self (Jacob Elordi) in the fractious 1960s and beyond.
As his wife Emma (Uma Thurman) listens, he confronts past truths, from career successes to Vietnam War draft avoidance, revealing the man behind the myth.
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
Dalgiesh: Season 3
Thanks to Acorn TV, we have 3 DVDs to give away of Dalgiesh: Season 3.
Based on P.D. James’s global bestsellers, this riveting mystery series stars Bertie Carvel as enigmatic Inspector Adam Dalgliesh. A recent widower and acclaimed poet, Dalgliesh employs his exceptional empathy and insight to plumb the darker depths of the human psyche while investigating complex crimes in 1970s England.
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.
“I am so thankful I took this course. It’s shown me that with discipline and some more knowledge about the craft, what I am able to write has few limits. It’s been so heartening to put pen to paper and start to turn off my inner critic and just write. It could be junk, but the process of writing a little every day has really made me appreciate even of those pieces I may not have been 100% on because even those taught me something. I’ve also enjoyed seeing other people’s skills really blossom. People who said initially that they had little confidence have created some amazing stories that I have loved reading – again, it’s shown that by turning up for ourselves we have really been able to improve. For me, this course has unlocked the drive to write more and to stop putting off that dream of writing a novel. I am really looking forward to taking the strides I have made in the course to the next level in 2025. I am definitely daunted by the challenge – but I am also very excited to see what this next step may bring for me. ” Sarah, Unlocking Creativity Online
“This course has given me the support, tools and self-belief to keep going with my writing journey. Writing has become a real joy and driving force. Most of all I have relished the camaraderie, warmth and encouragement of taking on this journey with fellow writers in the class. You are not alone, we cry, laugh and keep working towards crafting our stories in the best way possible. The tutors have been so inspiring and I’ve relished the opportunity to learn from their wisdom and guidance.” Third Draft Course
“I truly love writing and I see it as my future. I couldn’t recommend this course more highly. The fellow students are encouraging and fair. The feedback from the tutor was insightful, gentle and generous. It’s life changing!!!” Beth, Unlocking Creativity Online
“The course has been a delight, from the excitement of the first night of free form pen on paper, playing with characters and scenes with joyous freedom. I could see the course most definitely offers direction, as well as helping to encourage creativity and finding one’s true voice. Such a fun affair!” Belinda, Unlocking Creativity Live
“I would just like to thank the Writers’ Studio and Ros in particular. The journey I have personally experienced through writing my first draft has been life changing. My goal was to connect with my creativity and write a book. What I achieved was discovering parts of me that were hidden, hearing and sharing my voice, and a growing confidence in my ability as a writer. The words of advice from the course such as ‘write junk’, don’t edit, and be bold have infiltrated all areas of my life and allowed me to grow and blossom, not only as a writer but as a human being. I will be forever grateful.” Eleena, First Draft Course
“I am a professional writer by day, but writing a novel is a whole beast of its own, and these courses have blown me away with its writing philosophy, tools, processes, and the kind of tutors you dream of having (Rich and Emily, your wisdom, generosity, passion… ENERGY! I am so grateful!). The work is incredibly practical and motivating. Spiritual even. The Second Draft, in particular, has really pushed me in the best way possible. Before all of this, I had wondered if I needed a Masters in Creative Writing. I don’t. It’s safe to say that the Writers’ Studio is giving me the skills and confidence I need. At the risk of sounding dramatic, coming here is one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. Truly.” Tiffany, Second Draft Course
