•  

    💖📚 Welcome to the RWAus Academy! 📚💖

    The RWAus Academy year starts on 1 April 2024

    ❣️Please note these important dates❣️

    • 📖 Self-paced courses
      • Enrolment close: 30 November
      • You have until 31 December to finish the course and download materials.
    • 🏫 Short courses
      • Course start: First Monday of the month (e.g. 3 June 2024)
      • Enrolment close: First Sunday of the month (e.g. 9 June 2024)
      • Your presenter will be available for your course duration.
      • You have until 31 December to download materials.
    • 👩🏻‍🏫 1-on-1 course 
      • Course start: 1st of the month
      • Enrolment close: Last day of previous month (e.g. 31 April 2024 for the 1 May 2024 cohort)
      • Your presenter will be available for your course duration.
      • You have until 31 December to download materials.

    Tickets are sold via TryBooking. Please ensure you create a MoodleCloud account to access course.



Available courses

Wix for Writers 21st of September at 1:30pm AEST
 
Grab Your Ticket Here - you'll be redirected to TryBooking

Are you ready to establish an online presence but don’t know where to start?

Join Wix Ambassador, Kate Bradshaw from WebToday, to create an impressive website that will engage your readers and enhance your brand.

What You’ll Learn:

Getting Started: Discover how to sign up for Wix and navigate the user-friendly dashboard.
 
Choosing the Perfect Template: Learn how to select and customise a template that fits your unique style and brand.

Design from Scratch Essentials: Master the basics of design, including layout, colour schemes, fonts, and more.

 
Adding Features: Explore how to integrate essential features like contact forms, social media links, and e-commerce functionalities.
 
SEO Basics: Get tips on optimizing your website for search engines to attract more visitors.
 
Publishing Your Site: Step-by-step instructions on how to go live and share your new website with the world.
 
 
 
 
 
Can't make it live? No worries! You'll have access to the recording in the RWAus Academy until 21 March 2025. The recording will be available to purchase until this date too.
 
 
Lights, Tinsel, Love seminar 12th of October at 4:30pm AEST
 
Grab Your Ticket Here - you'll be redirected to TryBooking
 
On the 12th of October, RWAus Academy is hosting an enlightening one-hour seminar with Kathleen Stanley - writer, casual academic and Popular Romance Studies scholar. She is currently in her third year of PhD candidacy at Flinders University. She co-hosts the Love on Campus podcast, writes when she gets the time and picks up more research projects than she can manage in one lifetime. 
 
 
Tropes, hopes and everything in between, Lights, Tinsel, Love is an hour of holiday fun for those who want to learn more about the Christmas romance novel.
 
From key ideologies and elements, to holiday history and reader expectations and a look at key differences between novels set in different parts of the world.
 
Bring the hot chocolate, jingle bells and burning questions on all things holly, jolly and happily ever after.
 
Can't make it live? No worries! You'll have access to the recording in the RWAus Academy until 12 April 2025. The recording will be available to purchase until this date too.
 
 
Predatory Publishing with Dr Kate Cuthbert
 
Grab Your Ticket Here - you'll be redirected to TryBooking
This 15 May, RWAus Academy is hosting an enlightening one-hour seminar by Dr Kate Cuthbert, Editorial Director at Pantera Press.
 
With so many publishing options open to writers, it can be really confusing to navigate how to get your work out there. This seminar will:
  • define the differences, pros, and cons between three methods of publishing,
  • provide advice on how to know which publishing path is right for you,
  • define predatory publishing and identify several styles of scams,
  • detail the responsibilities of both the publisher and the author, 
  • provide examples of green flags, yellow flags, and bright red flags that you can use when making your decisions. 
Can't make it live? No worries! You'll have access to the recording in the RWAus Academy until 15 November 2024. The recording will be available to purchase until this date too.
 
Don't miss this essential seminar designed to empower authors with the knowledge needed to navigate the publishing landscape confidently!

Grab Your Ticket Here - you will be redirected to TryBooking

🚀 Unlock the secrets of book-selling magic on TikTok with our exclusive course! 📚✨

Discover the power of the five key videos that successful authors use to sell their books on TikTok. In this game-changing course, Elouise Tynan will guide you through each step, breaking down the creation process within the TikTok app and providing real-world examples.

No more guesswork! 🎥📖 This isn't just about learning the ropes; it's about mastering the art of promotion. You bring the captivating book hook, and we'll equip you with the technical wizardry to turn heads and drive sales.

Ready to elevate your book marketing on TikTok? Enroll now and let's turn your story into a sensation! 🚀📚

Grab Your Ticket Here - you'll be redirected to TryBooking

🚀 Transform from aspiring author to a captivating brand presence! 📚✨

Discover the secrets of establishing a powerful author identity across various social media platforms, including reader-centric havens like Goodreads, BookBub, and Amazon. In a world where you're not just a person but a brand, Keighley Bradford will guide you through crafting an engaging online presence, connecting with readers, and protecting your author identity.

Unleash the potential of social media marketing as you explore proven strategies to increase community engagement and create compelling content that resonates with your audience. Perfect for those stepping into the authorial spotlight, as well as emerging writers eager to expand their readership and embark on a seamless social media marketing journey.

Ready to amplify your author brand? Enroll now and let's elevate your presence! 🚀📖

Grab Your Ticket Here - you will be redirected to TryBooking

📚 Unleash the power of compelling storytelling 🌟

This workshop is for fiction writers who want to avoid information dumps and use backstory to provide character motivation that resonates with readers.

Does your character or location have a fascinating history, but you’re unsure of the best way to express it?

Backstory is the foundation of engaging characters and believable plots. When it’s well integrated and authentic, it drives the main story without killing pace.

Learn how to banish boring backstory while maintaining pace and tension, with proven techniques. You’ll have seamless backstory in no time! 

This workshop will give you the skills to: 

 Understand what backstory is and why it’s important. 

 Balance the amount of backstory and banish information dumps. 

 Ensure backstory is consistent and relevant. 

 Select and use an appropriate delivery method. 

 Know when to release backstory for the maximum effect. 

 Develop different types of backstory with significant events and influences for characters. 

 Overcome the dilemma of whether or not to include a prologue.

  Master the delicate art of flashbacks that aren’t boring. What’s included

 7 pdf lessons with plenty of examples and exercises. 

 I am passionate about ensuring participants fully understand concepts, so provide opportunities to apply what you’ve learnt to your own story, so am happy to answer questions via if you’re not sure about something. 🚀🖋️

📚  Does your character or setting boast a fascinating history, yet you're grappling with the best way to unveil it?🌟

Calling all fiction writers hungry for engaging characters and riveting plots without the dreaded information dump! Dive into the art of weaving captivating history into your narrative, delivering character motivation that resonates with your readers.

Discover the transformative power of backstory as the cornerstone of compelling characters and believable plots. Uncover techniques to seamlessly integrate authentic backstory, propelling your main story forward without sacrificing pace.

Unleash the secrets to banishing mundane backstory, maintaining tension, and keeping your readers hooked with proven techniques. Say goodbye to pacing woes and hello to a seamless backstory in no time!

Grab Your Ticket Here - You will be redirected to TryBooking

📚 Ever wondered how to seamlessly blend telling with showing to craft prose that drips with active drama and relevant, evocative details?🌟

Attention, fiction writers seeking to crack the code of the age-old 'show don't tell' adage! Dive into this workshop designed to unravel the contradictions, banish author intrusion, and elevate your prose with dynamic action and vivid sensory details.

Join Sandy Vaile on a journey to revolutionize your understanding of storytelling. My mission is to instill confidence in your stylistic choices, guiding you to strike the perfect balance between action and brevity, capturing readers' hearts.

Mastering active showing is the express lane to elevate your writing, and you'll witness remarkable results in record time. Ready to transform your storytelling prowess? 🚀🖋️

Grab Your Ticket Here - you'll be redirected to TryBooking for Payment

📚 Dive into the art of crafting characters that linger in readers' hearts🌟

Transform your writing by going beyond the superficial, discovering what truly propels characters and unleashing the emotions that captivate readers.

Engaging characters demand more than physical attributes; they require a psychological profile, unveiling the driving forces that propel your story forward.

As writers, it's easy to become enamored with our characters, making it challenging to gauge how readers will perceive them. But fear not! This workshop equips you with an in-depth understanding of your characters — their origins, motivations, and current aspirations — enabling you to authentically express their complexities.

If your stories lack that special spark or readers struggle to connect with your characters, it's time for a transformation!

Grab Your Ticket Here - you will be redirected to TryBooking. Don't forget to create a MoodleCloud Account!!

🚀 Unlock the true purpose of your story and avoid getting lost in a plot-hole wilderness by crafting a compelling novel that brings your vision to life.📚✨

But it is so much more than a plotting class. There are hundreds of plot maps in cyberspace and having one doesn’t automatically mean you’ll write a cohesive book. What you’re missing is a compass to help you navigate the process. We shake out the excess baggage of minor characters, subplots, truckloads of research and fascinating backstory, to reveal the underlying structure of your story, which makes it easier to choose the right ideas and see opportunities for improvement.

Whether you’re refining a manuscript, reviving an abandoned project or planning the next book, this course will provide a fail-safe compass to keep your plot on track. 

During this course you will: 

 Identify themes and opinions to explore. 

 Move from big idea to detailed concept. 

 Create compelling characters that drive the plot. 

 Understand how genre affects reader expectations. 

 How to think outside the square and generate fresh ideas. 

 Map character arcs to take readers on a satisfying journey. 

 Map plot arcs to ensure you are hitting the right plot points. 

 Build high stakes and conflict into the narrative.

 Use subplots and secondary characters effectively. 

 Leverage a story summary to stay laser focused as you write. 

What’s included:

 Each week there will be a lesson to view in your own time.

 Each lesson will have homework relevant to your story, which Sandy will provide feedback on to affect lasting changes in your writing.

 A live (video) group session to ask questions and discuss course topics and the fiction industry in general.

 Bonus resources: Common Plot Pitfalls checklist, Genre Expectations guide, Character Profile template. 

Testimonials 

“Wow. This class is a game-changer. All those creative story ideas floating around my head now have a way to land on the page and head in the right direction.” Jane Petersen-Foret 

“Thanks so much for a great class. While I’ve heard a lot of this information before, the way you broke it down and presented it just made so much sense. I’m a discovery writer, so my first drafts are crap, but the assignments gave my story clarity and structure. I now believe I can fix this mess into something readable.” Rebecca Clark 

“I credit this teacher with a quantum shift in my writing. I can literally see the difference! I’ve learnt so much from you over the last twelve months and my writing just goes from strength to strength working with you.” Nina Campbell 

“Your course is awesome, thank you. The insight gained is worth twice the price because it helped me pick out the central thread of the story.” Diane Cursons 🚀🖋️

🌟 Is your story a literary gem waiting to shine, or is it headed for the dreaded 'unpublishable' abyss?📚 

Dive into Sandy Vaile's exclusive coaching program designed for authors yearning to ensure their novels boast aligned ideas, dynamic characters, and conflict that sizzles.

Whether you're drowning in a sea of brilliant ideas, grappling with lackluster characters, or entangled in a plot quagmire, this one-on-one program is your compass. Simplifying the process of sorting through scenarios, it empowers you to focus on the essential elements that birth a compelling story, armed with decision-making techniques applicable to future narratives.

It's the opportune moment to scrutinize your story idea, determining if it's worthy of the time and energy invested in a full-fledged novel. If not, fear not! This program transforms flimsy concepts into robust structures that can support the weight of a captivating narrative. 🚀🖋️

🌟 Is your story a literary gem waiting to shine, or is it headed for the dreaded 'unpublishable' abyss?📚 

Dive into Sandy Vaile's exclusive coaching program designed for authors yearning to ensure their novels boast aligned ideas, dynamic characters, and conflict that sizzles.

Whether you're drowning in a sea of brilliant ideas, grappling with lackluster characters, or entangled in a plot quagmire, this one-on-one program is your compass. Simplifying the process of sorting through scenarios, it empowers you to focus on the essential elements that birth a compelling story, armed with decision-making techniques applicable to future narratives.

It's the opportune moment to scrutinize your story idea, determining if it's worthy of the time and energy invested in a full-fledged novel. If not, fear not! This program transforms flimsy concepts into robust structures that can support the weight of a captivating narrative. 🚀🖋️

🌟 Is your story a literary gem waiting to shine, or is it headed for the dreaded 'unpublishable' abyss?📚 

Dive into Sandy Vaile's exclusive coaching program designed for authors yearning to ensure their novels boast aligned ideas, dynamic characters, and conflict that sizzles.

Whether you're drowning in a sea of brilliant ideas, grappling with lackluster characters, or entangled in a plot quagmire, this one-on-one program is your compass. Simplifying the process of sorting through scenarios, it empowers you to focus on the essential elements that birth a compelling story, armed with decision-making techniques applicable to future narratives.

It's the opportune moment to scrutinize your story idea, determining if it's worthy of the time and energy invested in a full-fledged novel. If not, fear not! This program transforms flimsy concepts into robust structures that can support the weight of a captivating narrative. 🚀🖋️

Grab Your Ticket Here - you will be redirected to TryBooking for payment

🌟 Is your story a literary gem waiting to shine, or is it headed for the dreaded 'unpublishable' abyss?📚 

Dive into Sandy Vaile's exclusive coaching program designed for authors yearning to ensure their novels boast aligned ideas, dynamic characters, and conflict that sizzles.

Whether you're drowning in a sea of brilliant ideas, grappling with lackluster characters, or entangled in a plot quagmire, this one-on-one program is your compass. Simplifying the process of sorting through scenarios, it empowers you to focus on the essential elements that birth a compelling story, armed with decision-making techniques applicable to future narratives.

It's the opportune moment to scrutinize your story idea, determining if it's worthy of the time and energy invested in a full-fledged novel. If not, fear not! This program transforms flimsy concepts into robust structures that can support the weight of a captivating narrative. 🚀🖋️

Grab Your Ticket Here - You will be redirected to TryBooking

🌟 Is your story a literary gem waiting to shine, or is it headed for the dreaded 'unpublishable' abyss?📚 

Dive into Sandy Vaile's exclusive coaching program designed for authors yearning to ensure their novels boast aligned ideas, dynamic characters, and conflict that sizzles.

Whether you're drowning in a sea of brilliant ideas, grappling with lackluster characters, or entangled in a plot quagmire, this one-on-one program is your compass. Simplifying the process of sorting through scenarios, it empowers you to focus on the essential elements that birth a compelling story, armed with decision-making techniques applicable to future narratives.

It's the opportune moment to scrutinize your story idea, determining if it's worthy of the time and energy invested in a full-fledged novel. If not, fear not! This program transforms flimsy concepts into robust structures that can support the weight of a captivating narrative. 🚀🖋️

Grab Your Ticket Here - You will be redirected to TryBooking - Please create a MoodleCloud account so we can complete your enrolment

🌟 Is your story a literary gem waiting to shine, or is it headed for the dreaded 'unpublishable' abyss?📚 

Whether you struggle to choose between loads of great ideas, your characters are falling flat, or you can’t see your way out of a sticky plot situation, this coaching program will simplify the process of sorting through scenarios, to stay focused on the aspects that make a solid story. (And the best part is, you’ll be able to use the same decision-making techniques for future stories.) It’s time to figure out if your story idea is worth the time and energy it takes to write a book, and if not, turn it into something robust enough to support a novel structure. It’s never too late to test and improve your story ideas!

This one-on-one program will give you the skills to: 

 Defined the central story idea. 

 Understand the conventions of the genre they’re writing in. 

 Have a story summary to keep their development and writing focused. 

 Be clear about whose story they’re telling and why. 

 Tether the character arc and external plot together. 

 Be able to determine which ideas belong in this story. 

 Be able to find opportunities in their existing ideas. 

 Check that subplots and secondary characters complement the main story.

What’s included: 

 Video lessons that will be available immediately, so you can work as fast as you like, supported by exercises and a workbook. 

 Detailed feedback on the genre, premise, protagonist, antagonistic force, story summary and character arc. 

 A 45-minute Zoom session to ask questions and work through issues. 

 Bonus resources: Genre Expectations guide, Character Profile template. 

Testimonials

“Wow. This class is a game-changer. All those creative story ideas floating around my head now have a way to land on the page and head in the right direction.” Jane Petersen-Foret 

“Thanks so much for a great class. While I’ve heard a lot of this information before, the way you broke it down and presented it just made so much sense. I’m a discovery writer, so my first drafts are crap, but the assignments gave my story clarity and structure. I now believe I can fix this mess into something readable.” Rebecca Clark 

“I credit this teacher with a quantum shift in my writing. I can literally see the difference! I’ve learnt so much from you over the last twelve months and my writing just goes from strength to strength working with you.” Nina Campbell 

“Your course is awesome, thank you. The insight gained is worth twice the price because it helped me pick out the central thread of the story.” Diane Cursons 🚀🖋️

Grab Your Ticket Here - You will be redirected to TryBooking. Please create a MoodleCloud account so we can complete your enrolment.

🌟 Is your story a literary gem waiting to shine, or is it headed for the dreaded 'unpublishable' abyss?📚 

Whether you struggle to choose between loads of great ideas, your characters are falling flat, or you can’t see your way out of a sticky plot situation, this coaching program will simplify the process of sorting through scenarios, to stay focused on the aspects that make a solid story. (And the best part is, you’ll be able to use the same decision-making techniques for future stories.) It’s time to figure out if your story idea is worth the time and energy it takes to write a book, and if not, turn it into something robust enough to support a novel structure. It’s never too late to test and improve your story ideas!

This one-on-one program will give you the skills to: 

 Defined the central story idea. 

 Understand the conventions of the genre they’re writing in. 

 Have a story summary to keep their development and writing focused. 

 Be clear about whose story they’re telling and why. 

 Tether the character arc and external plot together. 

 Be able to determine which ideas belong in this story. 

 Be able to find opportunities in their existing ideas. 

 Check that subplots and secondary characters complement the main story. 

What’s included: 

 Video lessons that will be available immediately, so you can work as fast as you like, supported by exercises and a workbook. 

 Detailed feedback on the genre, premise, protagonist, antagonistic force, story summary and character arc. 

 A 45-minute Zoom session to ask questions and work through issues. 

 Bonus resources: Genre Expectations guide, Character Profile template. 

Testimonials 

“Wow. This class is a game-changer. All those creative story ideas floating around my head now have a way to land on the page and head in the right direction.” Jane Petersen-Foret 

“Thanks so much for a great class. While I’ve heard a lot of this information before, the way you broke it down and presented it just made so much sense. I’m a discovery writer, so my first drafts are crap, but the assignments gave my story clarity and structure. I now believe I can fix this mess into something readable.” Rebecca Clark 

“I credit this teacher with a quantum shift in my writing. I can literally see the difference! I’ve learnt so much from you over the last twelve months and my writing just goes from strength to strength working with you.” Nina Campbell 

“Your course is awesome, thank you. The insight gained is worth twice the price because it helped me pick out the central thread of the story.” Diane Cursons🚀🖋️

Grab Your Ticket Here - You will be redirected to TryBooking. Please create a MoodleCloud account so we can complete your enrolment.

🌟 Is your story a literary gem waiting to shine, or is it headed for the dreaded 'unpublishable' abyss?📚 

Whether you struggle to choose between loads of great ideas, your characters are falling flat, or you can’t see your way out of a sticky plot situation, this coaching program will simplify the process of sorting through scenarios, to stay focused on the aspects that make a solid story. (And the best part is, you’ll be able to use the same decision-making techniques for future stories.) It’s time to figure out if your story idea is worth the time and energy it takes to write a book, and if not, turn it into something robust enough to support a novel structure. It’s never too late to test and improve your story ideas!

This one-on-one program will give you the skills to: 

 Defined the central story idea. 

 Understand the conventions of the genre they’re writing in. 

 Have a story summary to keep their development and writing focused. 

 Be clear about whose story they’re telling and why. 

 Tether the character arc and external plot together. 

 Be able to determine which ideas belong in this story. 

 Be able to find opportunities in their existing ideas. 

 Check that subplots and secondary characters complement the main story. 

What’s included: 

 Video lessons that will be available immediately, so you can work as fast as you like, supported by exercises and a workbook. 

 Detailed feedback on the genre, premise, protagonist, antagonistic force, story summary and character arc. 

 A 45-minute Zoom session to ask questions and work through issues. 

 Bonus resources: Genre Expectations guide, Character Profile template. 

Testimonials 

“Wow. This class is a game-changer. All those creative story ideas floating around my head now have a way to land on the page and head in the right direction.” Jane Petersen-Foret 

“Thanks so much for a great class. While I’ve heard a lot of this information before, the way you broke it down and presented it just made so much sense. I’m a discovery writer, so my first drafts are crap, but the assignments gave my story clarity and structure. I now believe I can fix this mess into something readable.” Rebecca Clark 

“I credit this teacher with a quantum shift in my writing. I can literally see the difference! I’ve learnt so much from you over the last twelve months and my writing just goes from strength to strength working with you.” Nina Campbell 

“Your course is awesome, thank you. The insight gained is worth twice the price because it helped me pick out the central thread of the story.” Diane Cursons 🚀🖋️