Thomas Vowles, Writing a Novel (Melbourne), 2022
My apprenticeship as a writer was taken to the next level during the Writing a Novel course at the Faber Writing Academy, under the tutelage of Emily Bitto, Sophie Cunningham and Miles Allinson. I’d studied screenwriting at film school and since then had completed my fair share of short writing courses, but on my first day at Faber I experienced a thrilling sensation that I’d soon learn would be typical of my time in the class. It was the thrill of being in the room with teachers whose knowledge and wisdom could bring me closer to my dream of being a writer. It was through them that I learnt not just techniques for storytelling, but what it means to take part in the tradition of novel-making.
But it wasn’t just the teachers who were the source of this joy. Getting to know my classmates and spending time with their projects over a sustained period was another facet of the learning process, and one of the benefits of the course’s design. It was also utterly rewarding to come together every week (sometimes twice!) with a group of dedicated writers who shared my ambitions and love for the craft. Fun!
My debut novel, Our New Gods, was written and workshopped over this year, and I will forever be indebted to my teachers and classmates for their parts in making that book what it is. They gave feedback and cheered me on, and the discipline and focus required to write a book was achieved in no small part thanks to their company. I’m now lucky to count a handful of people from the cohort as dear friends; their shared understanding of what it means to commit to the writing life is deeply nourishing.
The connections I made during Faber were also instrumental in me meeting my publishing team at University of Queensland Press. I believe that the Faber name opened doors for me and was important in getting the book into the world.
Hannah Goldstein, Writing a Novel (Sydney), 2025
On a Tuesday night back in February, I headed to my first class at the Faber Writing Academy. I had 25,000 words of a rough draft, a vague idea about where it was going, and a belly full of nerves. It was the beginning of what turned out to be a life-changing experience, as the course provided me with the support to complete my novel, the space to experiment with my writing, and the camaraderie of fellow writers which made the journey such fun.
My wonderful teachers, Pip Smith and Peter Polites, taught me so much about the craft of writing – everything from the importance of specific details (don’t say biscuit, say Iced Vovo) to the possibilities of various narrative structures. Workshopping with fellow students allowed me to practise these skills and gain confidence in discussing my work.
The course also provided insights into the publishing industry. Over several classes, a range of fabulous authors, agents, editors and publishers shared their experiences and offered practical advice about building a writing life. It was during one of these classes that I first met my brilliant agent Rebecca Slater from a4 Literary.
Having met Rebecca during the course, I sent her my draft as soon as it was completed. Signing with her a few days later was an absolute dream come true. With her guidance and expertise, we refined my manuscript and sent it off to publishers. Last month, I signed a two-book deal with a publisher I adore.
I began my novel working alone in my bedroom, but since completing the course I have a whole team of amazing people in my corner. And if that isn’t a reason to crack open the Iced Vovos, I don’t know what is.