Welcome to our November Newsletter!
Firstly, a big thank you to all who entered our 2024 Short Story Competition. We are now closed for submissions.
We received a lot of interest this year and will announce the winners in our December Newsletter.
Next week, we’ll be welcoming writers into our final 4-Week Unlocking Creativity Online course for 2024. There are still a few places remaining in this course for writers interested in starting their creative writing journey.
As the year comes to a close, it’s inspiring to see writers in our Six-Week Genre Course bringing short stories to life and those in our Novel & Script Courses developing powerful novels, memoirs, and screenplays. As they progress through each step, writers experience the unique satisfaction of watching their stories deepen and their writing grow stronger.
In Memoriam
We are deeply saddened to share the passing of our beloved tutor, Helen Shorrocks, who left us early last month after a fall at her home. Helen was only 55.
Helen tutored in our First Draft Online Courses until earlier this year, and we know there are many writers among us today who will be as shocked and saddened by this news as we are.
Her kindness and nurturing spirit touched countless lives, leaving a profound impact on all who had the privilege of working with her. Helen’s guidance and encouragement helped inspire new storytellers, and her dedication to the craft has left an enduring legacy within our community.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Helen’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Helen will be deeply missed, and her legacy will live on in the stories she helped bring to life.
Rest in peace, Helen.
Please click for a link to Helen’s Memorial Service.
Write Your Best Story
Creating a compelling novel, memoir, short story or screenplay that resonates with readers doesn’t happen by chance. As renowned author Robert McKee says, “You might have the insights of Buddha, but if you can’t tell a story, your ideas will be as dry as dust.”
To write a story that engages your readers, most writers need more than inspiration. To produce their best work, they require following a step-by-step process that enables them to master the art and craft of fiction writing and make their stories come alive on the page.
Crafting a story is a four-part process: planning, writing, re-writing and editing. Understanding the difference between these steps is a critical step for many writers in enjoying the process and producing their best work.
Dwight Swain, in Techniques of the Selling Writer, emphasises that “Feelings tell you what to say. Technique gives you tools with which to say it.”
Following a systematic writing process, he suggests, helps you stay on track and know ‘what to do next’. By breaking down the writing process into manageable tasks, you create a story that engages your readers’ emotions and draws them deeper into your character and story world.
At the Writers’ Studio, we’ve found that writers who immerse themselves in learning and work through their stories step-by-step invariably surprise themselves with their growth as writers and storytellers.
Not only do they witness remarkable improvements in their own stories, but they also see the transformative progress in their fellow writers’ work.
For more about the process, read the full article on How to Write the First Draft of a Novel or Screenplay.
Christmas 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 Christmas 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.
Success Stories
James Fairfax by Alexander Edward Gilly
Congratulations to Alex Gilly, an alumnus and former tutor of the Writers’ Studio, whose biography, James Fairfax, has been published by UNSW Press!
James Fairfax was one of the nation’s greatest philanthropists, collectors and champions of Australian art.
In this evocative biography his nephew, Alexander Gilly, pieces together Fairfax’s life through the prism of his art collection.
Alex has published two action-thriller novels with Tor/Forge, an imprint of Macmillan Publishers, in New York. Alex developed his debut novel through our First, Second and Third Draft Novel & Script Writing Courses.
Click here to pre-order James Fairfax
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!
The Second Son and The Double Bind
Thanks to Writers’ Studio alumna, Loraine Peck, we are doing a double giveaway of her award-winning debut and sequel novel, The Second Son and The Double Bind to two lucky winners!
In Loraine’s words, “I owe a debt of gratitude to The Writers’ Studio and my tutor Zahid Gamieldien without whom I would not be a published writer!”
The Second Son won the 2021 Ned Kelly Award for Best Debut Crime Fiction from the Australian Crime Writers Association, and Loraine was the only author named in THE AUSTRALIAN’S Hottest 21 Creative Artists of 2021.
When Ivan Novak is shot dead in Sydney’s west, his family wants revenge, especially his father Milan, a notorious crime boss. It’s a job for the second son, Ivan’s younger brother Johnny.
But Johnny’s wife Amy gives him an ultimatum – either they escape this wave of killing or she’ll leave, taking their son Sasha.
Torn between loyalty to his family and love for his wife, Johnny plans the heist of a lifetime and takes a huge risk. Is he prepared to pay the price? And what choice will Amy make?
For your chance to win, email with your name, address, the book titles and your mobile number to: rsvp@writerstudio.com.au
Interview with the Vampire: Series 2
Thanks to Acorn TV, we have 5 DVDs to give away of gothic horror series, Interview with the Vampire: Series 2.
Based on Anne Rice’s iconic novel, follow Louis de Pointe’s epic story of love, blood and the perils of immortality, as told to the journalist Daniel Molloy.
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. We update these each newsletter.
“The Writers’ Studio presented a methodology that was perfect for adult learners, starting with simple guiding principles and layering with new techniques each week until the joyous surprise of the final week! A short story that I loved writing and enjoyed reading.” Vicky, Unlocking Creativity Online
“I signed up and completed the Short Story Genre Course, and just like Unlocking Creativity – absolutely loved it! How great The Writer’s Studio is, they really know how to convey what the best techniques and ideas are to get the creative juices going. The tutors and fellow writers providing feedback will be a valuable resource that I will be able to refer to over and over again.” Chris, Short Story Genre
“First draft is a creative outpour – just getting as much from the head onto paper which is then refined in draft two and given a solid form – a spine to cling to. And now in third draft its down to the nitty gritty – writing in a way that will sing for the reader and makes sense. That first draft would have been tossed in the trash quite quickly if left as is. It’s a fabulous process to work through now that I see it fully.” Jodie, Third Draft Part 1
“I was surprised that by implementing the methods taught by The Writers’ Studio and giving into the freedom to write without seeking perfection, that it freed my mind of the intrusive thoughts that usually work their way in and allowed my creativity to flow. I’m excited to see what’s next in my journey.” Esther-Renee, Unlocking Creativity Online
“Third Draft Part 1 has been such an exciting course for me. Getting to the coal face and actually working on my writing has been so rewarding. I could not have anticipated all I have learnt from the classes and really learnt again from the feedback on my submissions. The course design was perfect for me, I could not have learned anything faster, I feel like I’m peeling layers of my average writing and seeing the shinier versions and the glimpse of where I could get to has been immensely satisfying. Thank you for going on this journey with me.” Mythili, Third Draft Part 1
“The First Draft Course has been terrific, informative and the tutor input has been wonderful. I found myself going back to the online materials regularly, and there were many times I appreciated the encouragement to keep going in those materials. Thank you, I look forward to the next phase.” Caren, First Draft Online