Welcome to our December Newsletter!
As the end of the year draws near, we cannot help but reflect on the transformative journeys that so many of our writers have undergone during the year. We never grow tired of hearing from writers who completed their courses and found their inner voice, and who connected, or even re-connected, with their creativity. As Flannery O’Connor said, “I write to discover what I know.”
We are excited to announce the winners of our 2023 Short Story Competition – please see all details below and the link to read the winning entries!
We are also thrilled to announce new novels being published by our alumni.
Upcoming Xmas-January Break
Our tutors will be heading off on their annual Xmas-January break from 22 December until 20 January. Some tutors may come back earlier and will be in touch with you directly about their individual holiday schedules.
The Studio office will close on Friday 22 December and reopen on 2nd January.
All course materials and Boards will be available over the break.
Whether you intend to work over the holiday season, or have a complete break from your writing, we would like to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas, New Year and Holiday Season!
A reminder that the first courses for 2024 will be the 4-Week Unlocking Creativity Live starting 18 January, and Unlocking Creativity Online starting 24 January.
Give The Gift of Creativity
Did you know we offer gift certificates for both the Unlocking Creativity Online and Live courses?
The perfect gift for any writer and creative in your life!
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.
To purchase your Unlocking Creativity Gift Certificate now, click here
The Power That Process Generates In Writing Fiction
In the realm of fiction writing, the process is not merely a task but a profound and personal journey where authors, both aspiring and established, recognise its paramount role in crafting compelling stories. The writing process transforms vague ideas into captivating narratives, allowing intentions to evolve into art, and liberates writers from the ‘poverty of their intention.’
The writing process unfolds as a dynamic exploration, turning ideas into rich storylines that linger in readers’ minds.
Characters, come to life with distinct personalities and
motivations, revealing themselves in unexpected ways as authors embark on enriching journeys of discovery. Immersed in the creative flow, writers unearth profound insights and emotions, giving life to the true essence of fiction.
To read more about the power that process generates in writing fiction, read the full article here
Congratulations To Our Competition Winners!
We are very excited to announced the winners of the Writers’ Studio 2023 Short Story Competition.
We received a record amount of entries this year, and we want to thank every writer who sent one in.
Our Judge, Zahid Gamieldien also included his Shortlist, and we’d like to also acknowledge those writers and their stories.
Please click the link below to read our top three entries for 2023.
Winners
* 1st Prize – Hills Hoist by William Stanforth
* 2nd Prize – The Honeymoon by Brid Morahan
* 3rd Prize – Jack by Alexander Wilson
Shortlist In Order
* When Judgement Day Comes by Isaac Hogarth
* This Haunted House by Jazmine Scopel
* Erased by Shannon Benton
* Books and Loud Noises by Maha Abed
* May Dangerfield Goes Fishing by Ineke Blakeman
* The Reunion by John Kingston McMahon
* All Wide Eyes and Loose Limbs by Annie Russell
Success Stories!
Siobhan O’Brien
We are thrilled to announce that Siobhan, a Writers’ Studio alumna’s novel, All the Golden Light is being published by Harper Collins and is due for release on 31 January.
A moving, uplifting story about love, suffering and trauma – and hope in the darkest of times.
As the Great War grinds to an end, Adelaide Roberts accompanies her father to a rugged island off the south coast of New South Wales to deliver much-needed supplies.
While loss and deprivation have decimated the country, Ada is determined to live a life of purpose and hope, and dreams of living independently.
She meets lighthouse keeper Emmett Huxley, a dark-eyed outsider haunted by his service in France. Adelaide and Emmett are inexorably drawn together, but Adelaide discovers plans have been made for her with a decorated returned soldier, Donal Blaxland, a local landowner.
When police charges are suddenly brought against the lighthouse keeper, Adelaide is forced to make a choice about her future, and discovers that Donald harbours terrible secrets of his own. Adelaide knows she must leave – and between the treacherous waters of the coast and fight for her survival, to live and love on her own terms.
‘Suspenseful and thrilling, dark and evocative, yet light and hopeful as the human spirit endures and rises from the ashes, looking towards a new future’ TANIA BLANCHARD
‘One woman’s powerful and moving journey to independence in a time when women had none” VICTORIA PURMAN
Click here to pre-order your copy of All The Golden Light
Erina Reddan
Congratulations to another of our amazing alumna, Erina, who let us that she has a new book out!
Deep in the Forest, published by Pantera Press, is a crime story of secrets, lies and cults.
A shocking discovery near the grounds of the Sanctuary – a conservative closed community nestled in the forest – sets off a chain of events that will leave a small town reeling …
Charli Trenthan plans to leave her hometown of Stone Lake. But when she receives a cryptic message from a member of the Sanctuary, she is determined to find answers.
A gruesome discovery soon lands Charli in hot water with the police, but how is the Sanctuary connected? As she digs deeper, dark secrets are uncovered and the fight to prove her innocence turns into a fight for her life.
A gripping thriller with a shocking conclusion that will leave you spellbound, Deep in the Forest raises questions about who we trust and why.
Click here to buy Deep in the Forest
Cheryl Fairclough
Cheryl has let us know that a Thriller story that she conceived during our 6-Week Short Story Genre course, has won a 2023 Scarlet Stiletto Award!
“Unlocking Creativity and the Writers’ Gym gave me a new lease of life in writing. Then the Short Story Genre course took me to the next level! For the Thriller/Action section I wrote the substantive first draft of my short story ‘Bush Chicken’ which won the Thriller category in the Sisters in Crime 2023 Scarlet Stiletto Awards. Thank you Writers Studio!”
Harry P. Russell
Congratulations to one of our former writers, who has published his eighth novel, Dark Chicanery, under the pseudonym of Harry P Russell.
In 2001 ASIO operative Michael Millstone unravels a Russian Intelligence operation on Christmas Island, discovers a son he never knew he had, then uncovers a traitor inside ASIO.
A year later, he learns that Islamic terrorist bombers are on the prowl in Bali where his son and fiancée are holidaying.
Click here to buy Dark Chicanery
Ticket Giveaway!
PRISCILLA
Thanks to Madman Entertainment, we have double passes to give away to the highly anticipated film, PRISCILLA.
Premiering at the 2023 Venice Film Festival to a seven-minute standing ovation, starring Australia’s own Jacob Elordi (Saltburn, Euphoria) alongside Cailee Spaeny (On the Basis of Sex) and written and directed by Sofie Coppola, PRISCILLA will release in Australian cinemas on January 18.
Based on the 1985 memoir by Priscilla Presley, Elvis and Me, biopic PRISCILLA details her tumultuous relationship with Elvis.
When teenage Priscilla Beaulieu meets Elvis Presley at a party, the man who is already a meteoric rock-and-roll superstar becomes someone entirely unexpected in private moments: a thrilling crush, an ally in loneliness, a vulnerable best friend.
You can watch the trailer for the film here
For your chance to win a double pass, 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. We update these each newsletter. They show what a large variety of writers get out of our writing courses.
This course has been an amazing walk through the fundamentals of story writing and fertile ground for the practice of writing. The tools taught and implemented are thought provoking and inspiring. They truly do unlock creativity and connect you to the process and confidence to do it. Jeff, Unlocking Creativity Live
I definitely intend to keep writing going forward. The biggest lesson was just writing no matter what – the quote “A writer is someone who writes” really stuck with me. It doesn’t matter if you have published work, or nothing at all, just writing is really important. Barry, Unlocking Creativity Online
Wow! What an experience. I have discovered so much about myself and about writing. I have also enjoyed exchanging feedback with fellow course participants. I owe a big thank you to Leone, the course tutor, for her feedback and tips. In week one, I considered my writing goals and shared that I didn’t know if I had any sort of talent for writing. Leone educated me on the fact that writing is less about talent, and more about perseverance, application and industry. I have to say that I was a little sceptical. Now I completely agree that discipline and commitment are key to writing. I have thoroughly enjoyed the course and learnt so much from it.” Rebecca, Unlocking Creativity Online
I have just completed yet again another fantastic course, the short story – genre. It has been so much fun, and it has made me dedicated to the craft of writing. I have learned about the structure of each genre and development of characters. Let me tell you, I didn’t think I could write a comedy, but following the structure just works! Even if if wasn’t that funny, who cares? It was a supportive environment to post my work and receive positive feedback from my colleagues. I’m hooked on writing! Kelly, Short Story Genre
Learning ‘the creative process’ has been a priceless experience… I wouldn’t have stuck to it if it hadn’t been for the accountability, support and advice each month, and Emily’s patience in between and I’m so grateful for where my story is currently at. Heather, Second Draft Live
Third Draft Part 2 has been an invaluable step on this journey. I’m proud of the work I’ve produced and equally as chuffed to see my writing improve right before my very eyes. Thank you to everyone for their guidance and feedback, in particular Zahid, and my talented fellow students. Liz, Third Draft Part 2 Live