Welcome to our January Newsletter and Happy New Year!
We hope you have been having a wonderful break with your family and friends and that you are well.
We’d also like to thank our wonderful tutors who do such a magnificent job of giving our writers the feedback, accountability and support they need to realise their creative potential.
For those of you who want to commence the year with a creative project and take your first steps towards fulfilling your writing dreams in 2025, our 4-Week Unlocking Creativity Online Course starts Wednesday 22 January.
Writing Stories That Matter
As we step into a brand-new year, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on the power of storytelling. One of the primary goals of our courses is to help aspiring writers craft stories that captivate readers or viewers—stories that resonate deeply and inspire others to think about how we live in the world.
At its core, storytelling is about enriching both the spirit of the writer and the audience. As Alice Walker beautifully put it, “I’m not sure a bad person can write a good book. If art doesn’t make us better, then what on earth is it for.”
With that sentiment in mind, we’re thrilled to share a heartfelt testimonial from one of our writers, Angela Phillips. Her journey demonstrates how a step-by-step approach to writing can transform not only the way you create but also the joy and fulfilment it brings to your life. Here’s what Angela had to say…
“I have always wanted to write. When I was young, I even considered myself a writer.
But then I grew up. And I soon realised that it was a dream that was never going to happen. Not because I didn’t have the time, but I no longer believed in myself.
But almost two years ago, I enrolled in your Unlocking Creativity Course and my life changed. My abilities and beliefs have indeed improved, but the greatest gift you have given me is that writing brings me joy, absolute joy!
I have moved from doubt and insecurity to a place of joy and self-acceptance. The essence of what it means to me to be a writer is about embracing the process for its own sake rather than for external validation.
Creativity can flourish when we allow ourselves the freedom to explore and express without fear, and the Writers’ Studio has not only allowed me but encouraged me to do so.
I write because it makes me feel like me, more than I have felt in a long, long time. Thank you Emily (her tutor Emily Beale) and the Writers’ Studio.”
Like Angela, so many of our writers have discovered that when you focus on the craft, embrace the process and write from the heart, the results can be extraordinary.
We’re always proud and thrilled when we see members of our community have their stories published.
In 2024, our alumni published a remarkable range of books, each one a testament to the dedication, creativity and courage it takes to see a story through to completion. See the photo of our live class tutors Rich, Roland and Kathleen with the Writers’ Studio novels published this year.
As we step into the new year, we hope you’ll join us in sharing the joy of writing—and all the possibilities tapping into your creativity brings. Here’s to crafting stories that move, entertain and inspire readers in 2025 and beyond.
Intensive 6-Week Short Story Course
The 6-Week Writers’ Gym will teach you advanced writing tools and techniques to further nurture your craft and flex your creative muscles. Develop compelling characters, master dialogue, create tension through conflict, and refine your work using editing tools, culminating in a powerful, emotionally resonant short story.
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 26th of February, designed for writers who have completed Unlocking Creativity and are looking to continue their writing journey. Enrol Now!
Success Stories
Hydra in Winter by Shelley Dark
Congratulations to Shelley Dark, an alumna of the Writers’ Studio, whose debut memoir, Hydra in Winter: An Island Escape in Search of a Greek Pirate, has gone to the #1 spot on Amazon’s Best Sellers list!
When Shelley jets off for two weeks on Hydra, she’s not seeking a sun-kissed Greek island escape; instead, she’s chasing the story of her husband’s great-great grandfather—Australia’s first Greek convict, and a pirate!
A funny, heartwarming adventure for travel lovers, history buffs, Philhellenes, aspiring seadogs, procrastinating novelists, armchair adventurers, and anyone trying to keep the spark alive at any age.
In Shelley’s words, “It’s been a few months since I finished your Unlocking Creativity course, which was, in all honesty, one of the best courses I have ever done. It feels a bit surreal but it’s a testament to the incredible support and inspiration I’ve received from our wonderful writing community. You were part of my writing journey, and I’m excited about the future!”
Click here to buy Hydra in Winter
The Finch who lost her wing by Annie Kwan
Congratulations to Annie Kwan, an alumna of the Writers’ Studio, whose debut picture book, The Finch who lost her wing has been published and is out now!
The Finch who lost her wing is a beautifully illustrated, full-colour hardcover children’s book spanning 40 pages. Perfect for readers aged 3 to 10, its heartfelt story carries a timeless message that resonates with all ages—even adults.
Illustrated by Laura Bee and written by Annie Kwan, the book invites readers to embark on a delightful journey, with a hidden ladybird to discover on every spread.
In Annie’s words, “Thank you Roland, Kathleen, Richard and Kelly at The Writers’ Studio in Bronte. Who knows where my writing would be if I didn’t walk past and join the 4-week course 5 years ago.”
Click here to buy The Finch who lost her wing
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 and is out now!
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 buy 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!
Between Husbands and Wives
Thanks to Pantera Press, we have 3 copies of Writers’ Studio alumna, Susannah Glenn’s debut novel, Between Husbands and Wives, to give away!
After a tragic car accident leaves Jennifer Ashby haunted by guilt, she persuades her husband, Jon, to move to the beautiful but wild Daintree region for a fresh start.
As Jon spends long hours at his new job and Jennifer makes plans to absolve her lingering guilt, cracks begin to form in their idyllic new life. Will the shadow of their past continue to haunt them? Will their dark secret be exposed?
In Susannah’s words, “The novel would never have come about if not for The Writers’ Studio. My inspiration began from a short story I wrote while doing the genre course (thriller).
“I received so much positive feedback for that story and although the final novel bears very little resemblance, the setting and main characters began in my head while doing this course. I really can’t thank your amazing tutors enough for getting me started on my writing journey.”
For your chance to win a copy of Susannah’s novel, email with your name, address, the book title and your mobile number to: rsvp@writerstudio.com.au
Under the Vines: Season 3
Thanks to Acorn TV, we have 5 DVDs to give away to romantic comedy, Under the Vines: Season 3.
Under the Vines follows two unlikely city slickers who inherit a failing vineyard in rural New Zealand. Despite neither having ever done a hard day’s work in their lives and both despising the other, they must somehow make the vineyard successful so they can sell up, split up, and get out of there.
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.
“My life has been forever transformed by these courses. I never realised I’d have a total revamp of my soul and mind. Who would have thought writing would crack my soul open, reveal the deepest childhood wounds, I’d heal those wounds and become a more compassionate person and fearless in my writing. I’m confident in my writing now.” Amy, First Draft Online
“I loved every minute of it and found I would get really excited about sitting down to do all the exercises. I felt like I was taking a step towards doing what I really want to do and it was amazing to see what ideas would pop into my head when I used the tools and process they provided. It reinforced how good I feel when I’m writing. I’m keener than ever to write and I still have the same writing goals, plus more, but more importantly a clearer path and structure of how to get there. It was such a well-designed course.” Olivia, Unlocking Creativity Online
“You have to do this course, it frees you up so much and builds your confidence and vocabulary for writing. It gives you robust synopses and guides that are never hard rules but essential foundations. The people are lovely too. So supportive and grateful with feedback and opinions. They are friendly and as passionate and unsure as you are. The tutor always brings the energy, and chocolate to get you through the intense sessions. I can’t recommend it highly enough.” Sean, Unlocking Creativity Live
“I’ve loved how this course allowed me to establish a daily writing practice, something I have never been able to do before. It gave me the confidence to write daily, using the power of my subconscious as a guide.” Abby, Unlocking Creativity Live
“Third Draft has definitely brought back the joy of writing. White the Second Draft structure work was useful I got bogged down a little in the planning so having both your tutor and your groups being so generous with their time and feedback in the Third Draft has been game changing. I also love the confidence the Third Draft has given me to really believe that I can get my story to publishable standard. I want to thank my group members and most of all, Kelly, for sharing specific, detailed feedback and advice to support us all on our own writing journeys!” Vicky, Third Draft Course
“I knew I had a story in me that wanted to be told, I just wasn’t sure how to tell it. I’d been writing paragraphs of junk for many years, so when I started learning about story structure, it was like a magic formula or language that finally made sense to me! What my time at the Writers’ Studio has taught me, is that the most valuable lessons you will get from writing is not the journey of discovery that happens while the story is being written, but the sense of self-discovery and revelations about myself along the way. It’s been an experience I’ll always hold close to me as it’s given me the skills to be the writer I’ve always dreamed to be.” Joey, Third Draft Part Two Course