Creative Writing Course Reviews

First Draft - Novel & Script

The structure has definitely helped keep my wild imagination on course. It’s really given my scene writing direction and has left me without too many questions on how to start and end a scene. Would 100% recommend this course to anyone!

First Draft - Novel & Script

I just want to thank Elizabeth and creators of the course for helping me finish a first draft of something for the first time! It’s been a game-changer for me. Thank you all very much!!!

First Draft - Novel & Script

Just to say thanks to the whole crew at WS for everything. I couldn’t have done this without you! In a previous life I was an academic, and so I know how hard it is to create online courses that actually work. This one definitely does!!

First Draft - Novel & Script

It's wild to me that now I have a first draft, when about a year ago, all I had was a concept. WILD. Thank you so much to Janelle, my Unlocking Creativity tutor Kitty and the whole team - I know so much work goes on in the background to make this all happen! I've recommended the courses to so many people, telling them they have to dive in and trust the process. But the materials, examples and tutors have really made that easy for me and I've enjoyed it so much. I'm excited to keep going and keep challenging myself!

First Draft - Novel & Script

I didn't have any training or knowledge about how to write a novel. I've always just been a 'pantser' who loves to write, but never really got much beyond the first few chapters or pages. The structure gives you the guideposts to aim for, knowing they will get you to your final destination. In between, it's up to us, and our imagination, to speed the journey on. I've enrolled in Second Draft Online, so I can get help to bring this baby home!

First Draft - Novel & Script

Every testimonial and claim about this course is absolutely true and it is thanks to The Writer’s Studio that I finally have a first draft after 16 years of trying to write my book. I am looking back on my absolute mess of a first draft and I couldn’t be any happier because I know in that messy draft is the golden story I have always wanted to write and I can’t wait to continue adding layers to the canvas with The Writer’s Studio to bring my masterpiece to life so THANK YOU!

First Draft - Novel & Script

The steps and process put forward by the Writer’s Studio and the comments from a professional tutor helped draw the story from me. I am excited what will be extracted next in the second draft to build on what I have developed and written. A structured plan as you have provided, and tutor, keeping me disciplined is the structure I need. I will be in attendance for the second draft and beyond.

First Draft - Novel & Script

When I began I didn’t have a story—just a main character, an opponent, and a single scene from Unlocking Creativity. That scene survived and appears almost at the end of my story. By trusting the process I have created a complete story based on these fragile beginnings. Now that I’ve finished my first draft, all the protagonists have come to life, and worked together to create their own, interconnecting stories. I have already signed up to do the Second Draft course, and this time I’m doing it LIVE in Sydney! I’m very excited about this; I think the added bonus of a workshop environment once a month will be very rewarding.

First Draft - Novel & Script

The course provided so much valuable education about writing, story structure, basic essential ingredients that I number 1) had no idea about and number 2) would not have discovered by reading a ‘Writing for Dummies’ book which my husband bought me about 5 years ago and I have never opened it, not from a lack of good intentions!

First Draft - Novel & Script

My story has come to life in ways I would never have imagined. I’ve done several writers’ courses but only this one has given me the experience of finding my characters in that magical place writer’s dream of. They just come to me. I love that. I believe I have learned more from this course than others including tertiary based writing courses.

First Draft - Novel & Script

I’ve learned so much about the landscapes of storytelling from the actions that drive the narrative or plot forward to the emotional journey of a main character! Group work has been surprising and delightful – but also motivating and incredibly supportive. I’ve really loved our entire group and their fascinating stories. I’m looking forward to developing my story further and the next course. A million thanks to Rich, Kathleen and Roland for the narrative journey of a lifetime.

First Draft - Novel & Script

I feel more confident as a storyteller, to be able to structure and convey real themes that are so important to me. And I have met wonderful, supportive, creative people also on the writing journey. Thank you!

First Draft - Novel & Script

I was so nervous for my first session. I felt like an impostor, not sure if I could fit alongside the other writers who I was sure were all more confident and capable than me. But I also knew that left to my own devices I’d never ever begin to sketch out a story. I feel so lucky to have gone through this process with such lovely, generous writers who have lifted me when I begin to be plagued by my self doubt. I’m very grateful for their kindness and support alongside the endlessly patient guidance by our amazing teachers. Thank you so much!

First Draft - Novel & Script

This course has been even more helpful than I could have hoped. I began with a cluster of colourful ideas and a character and no direction. I tried for months to write the story myself but didn’t have the tools to make that character go on a journey. This course gave me the gift of plot, of forcing things to happen, of reacting and propelling my character forward. She and I both landed somewhere entirely different to where I thought we would yet still with the specks of colour that excited me in the first place. Thank you to the teachers and and my fellow writers who helped me get there.

First Draft - Novel & Script

What a wonderful experience I’ve long wanted to write a novel but I’ve always stalled. This brilliant course has engaged me to successfully produce a first draft and it has been so much fun!

First Draft - Novel & Script

This course opened the door to the magical place of wonder between the pen and the page. A simple act of writing created something that did not exist before, something new, someone new; My character and myself as an aspiring writer. This course created a room for me to safely play, be curious, look around with new eyes and live the unique human experience of creating art.

First Draft - Novel & Script

The course has really opened my eyes to the process of writing a novel and the structure has enabled me to organise my thoughts and develop my ideas. My story has evolved from a wilderness adventure journey to an epic tale about saving a species from extinction. I’m amazed by the way my story has evolved through this process and I’m looking forward to creating a 2nd draft that is 200% better!

First Draft - Novel & Script

The welcoming and supportive structure of the Writers’ Studio has given me a new energy for my lifelong goal of writing a novel. It’s through stories that we can share universal themes and care and respect for one another. Becoming a writer - like really becoming a writer by doing it - has been a fabulous revelation.

First Draft - Novel & Script

If you’ve ever felt like writing was your calling but life just pushed it away from you, the Writers’ Studio cannot only reignite your passion but also guide you on your journey and partner you with like-minded people who will boost your energy when you need. Thank you for transforming my ability to make writing part of my life.

First Draft - Novel & Script

I came into the class with the baggage of doubt, high expectations of myself, wearing the cloak of an impostor. I leave the course carrying confidence that I have a story to tell, that when I sit to write I will discover something that feels bit familiar, like an old friend, and entirely unexpected like an exotic new lover. It’s been a great pleasure. It’s been hard work. It’s taken persistence, and my perversely competitive nature has meant I’ve written and posted every scene and gobbled up the generous feedback of this wonderful class.

First Draft - Novel & Script

While writing is a solo activity having a team around you to cheer you on keeps you moving forward. The group feedback and mentoring makes all the difference. Thank you to Rich, Roland, Kathleen and our fellow writers for a challenging and fun year far outside my comfort zone. I look forward to reading lots of books to come.

First Draft - Novel & Script

I could write about all of the learnings for my character and storytelling but the greatest achievement for me was having a seat at the table listening to everyone’s stories and character arcs. Thank you for having me. Although my self discipline still needs some work, I’ve come out of this with a first draft! Thank you!

First Draft - Novel & Script

The combination of comprehensive written materials and superb skilful teaching from Rich has been variously inspiring, thought-provoking and full of lightbulb moments. While ultimately the task of getting words on the page is up to the individual, the group work has also been valuable. Working with like-minded people who have yielded support and insights. Well worth the effort! Thank you all, Rich, Roland and Kathleen.

First Draft - Novel & Script

I would never have been able to make this novel what it is without guidance on the structural elements, prompts and encouragement to dig deep and plough on. I especially love the focus on bringing out values and themes that matter and can move the reader on a deep level. I will never forget the immense satisfaction of finishing that last scene of my first draft – it was like floating on air. Knowing from my graduate certificate in science writing how feedback and reworking a piece can elevate it to new levels, I can’t wait to get stuck into the second draft.

First Draft - Novel & Script

The course was fantastic. Clearly a great deal of work was put into the online training course as well as in person and that really comes through. The website is really informative too, and full of great content. I would recommend this to anyone who has the germ of a creative novel idea but has no idea what to do with it. It's also really recommended for anyone who wants to do something for themselves and really lose themself in another world for 10 months.

First Draft - Novel & Script

Thank you all very much for your support and all the helpful quotes along the way! It has helped to motivate me and now I have a spine to my story that I didn’t have prior to beginning the course. In the past I had always done mind maps of ideas/plots/characters then I would start freely writing with no structure, this often lead me to feel lost and eventually stop altogether. The structure has helped develop this skill.

First Draft - Novel & Script

This has been such a huge achievement for me. I have had a lot going on in the last twelve months and writing has kept me grounded and focused on the bigger picture, publishing my story. Thank you for the guidance, the support and the reminder to keep going.

First Draft - Novel & Script

I’m very happy with my experience on this course. It definitely scratched my itch and pushed me to put fingers to keyboard. The learnings have permeated the way I walk in the world now, how I read, how I view, how I listen. Thank you!

First Draft - Novel & Script

I have really enjoyed the First Draft course. It challenged me, pushed me to go further than I’d dared previously, got me through the scary middle doldrums, and has given me confidence to play more, dare more, trust myself more and just enjoy creating - within a process and framework that means I’m not just going in circles. The materials and support are top notch. I would definitely recommend it. Sincere thanks for making writing dreams achievable.

First Draft - Novel & Script

Thank you to everyone involved in delivering this course. As someone who works and has a toddler, dedicating time to myself every week to work creatively and achieve a goal has been so empowering. It’s given me something that is wholly my own, a journey and product I can be proud of and continue to improve. Thank you!

First Draft - Novel & Script

This has been a wonderful investment and fantastic opportunity. I would not have got this done or begun what I can now see as a possible, though bloody hard, career as a writer without the Writers' Studio courses and this one specifically. Thank you all and especially Nick!!

First Draft - Novel & Script

I came into this feeling truly lost. I wanted guidance and this course provided it in spades. There were so many ‘a-ha!’ moments of exploring where I went wrong before. I have learned more about how story works than I did in my English degree and couldn’t be more comfortable with where I’m at.

First Draft - Novel & Script

Thank you so much. This is such an excellent course - not sure how anyone writes a book for the first time without this. Thank you the most!!! And thank you Michelle for your patience and understanding - I'm extremely appreciative!! And I absolutely would not have got to the end without your encouragement.

First Draft - Novel & Script

I can’t believe I was ever at a point where I was 'umming' and 'ahhing' about this course. It’s been the best investment I’ve ever made, of my time and money. It’s about discovery, surrendering yourself to the unknown and just seeing where it goes. While it’s been challenging, I can say that I’ve truly enjoyed every part of the course. It’s such a great environment and I love the in-person creative experience you get each month.

First Draft - Novel & Script

I joined the First Draft course after doing Unlocking Creativity. Combined, they have turned me into a writer. They revealed to me that no matter if or when I get to publish my work I am deeply devoted to the story I want to tell and have gained so many tools to make completing a novel realistic. I’ve loved my time on the First Draft course and come away with so many rich and rewarding experiences with my peer group and a burning desire to see my story through to completion.