Elijah Jervis
Writing a Novel (Brisbane)
Faber Writing Academy’s Writing a Novel course has changed my life so significantly, in so many ways, that it ain’t funny. Most crucially, it has given me a clearer understanding of the publishing industry and the confidence to see myself as a novelist, rather than someone simply trying to write one.
When I received the scholarship for the course, it was the first time someone outside of my immediate circle had seen my work as having real potential. As someone from a working-class background, it has given me access to an education in writing that would otherwise have been inaccessible. To have my work recognised by Emily O’Grady, an author whose work I was already a fan of, has truly meant the world to me.
Brisbane’s Writing a Novel course attracts an incredibly diverse range of genuinely talented emerging writers. The writers in the course, alongside the many accomplished guest authors and industry professionals, have taught me what it means to be a writer. I have learnt how important it is to have a group of like-minded individuals who aren’t afraid to tell it like it is, and how important it is to be that person for somebody else.
Before joining the class, my manuscript was in shambles, and I didn’t even know it. Throughout the course, I have gained many crucial, practical techniques that have immediately elevated my work beyond what I thought I was capable of. I now understand where my story loses momentum, what my characters really want, and, most importantly, what the whole damn thing is actually about.
Thanks to Faber Writing Academy and Emily O’Grady, I have the knowledge and confidence to begin building a lifelong career as a writer.
Angela Fraser
Writing a Novel (Hobart)
In the back of every writer’s head is an idea that won’t quit. The trick, of course, is to transform that idea into words that resonate with others. Last year I was someone with a head full of ideas and a dozen computer files full of scraps. This year I’ll be finishing the course with a 100,000-word manuscript (honed by feedback from Liz, Lucy and a most excellent, ragtag bunch of writing buddies), and the Fowler Trust Fellowship at Varuna.
Not only do Liz and Lucy have oodles of local and global industry experience, but they are also encouraging teachers (as a teacher myself for 27 years, I have ridiculous expectations). I would not hesitate to apply if you have a novel to write: Lucy and Liz are the dream-team story midwives that will drag your wordy mess into the light and present you with a (beautiful baby) novel. Amazing!!
Without them, I would be just another bitter creative, mooching around the streets of Nipaluna, throwing my hands up at the state of the publishing industry. We all brought unique perspectives and experiences that enriched our work, but Liz and Lucy’s ability to recognise a captivating scene and make suggestions about how to amplify that in our stories, was second to none. Their support also countered the ageism emerging writers can experience… there are so many stories out there that should be told, especially as much of the book-buying public are in the older age brackets! I am grateful to Faber Academy for the scholarship and to Liz and Lucy for the group they selected. I now have a bunch of other writers to mooch the streets with as we wrestle with our craft, alone but together. The weekly meetings were balm to my soul, thought-provoking, and hilarious, and I’ll miss them.
Nalini Jacob-Roussety
Writing a Novel (Melbourne)
The Faber Writing Academy scholarship has given me both the confidence and accountability to fully commit to my first novel. Every writer has days when they want to quit, but knowing that there are people that really believe in my project—not only my tutors but my peers in the course—always gets me back behind the wheel.
The course gives you an insight into the technical aspects of craft, but even better, it allows you to pick the brains of the people who have mastered it. Miles and Emily are absolutely lovely—not only great teachers, but very supportive cheerleaders of our projects. I have really appreciated the opportunity to talk to them about some of the more obscure aspects of writing, like, how do you create that addictive ‘flow’ that keeps readers turning your pages?
The course isn’t even over yet but I’ve already completed a first draft of my novel and have bonded with a great group of writing friends; a community that has bloomed beyond the Faber classroom and into local cafes for additional writing sessions. I can honestly say that the Faber Writing Academy scholarship marked the real beginning of my writing career, and I will always be grateful for the spark it’s given my craft.
Nathaniel Crossinggum
Writing a Novel (Online)
It was honestly surreal to learn that I’d received a scholarship for the Faber Writing Academy.
Personally, I always learn best through practice – through the art of doing and failing and doing again. I also struggle to write without deadlines, so this course was the perfect chance for me to keep on top of my projects. The regular check ins, one-on-one sessions and peer feedback was so useful.
I have to commend my fellow writers as well – they are all such talents and I really cherished the opportunity we had to learn from each other. Thank you.
Gretchen has provided such a wonderful space to share our craft. Although we were online, we were sharing something pretty significant. Sometimes, as an early writer, it can feel as though the industry is this hugely competitive race and other writers can become really intimidating figures. In these classes, all I felt was support. We all wanted each other to succeed and that made the critique process so much less nerve-wracking. It’s a really special feeling to trust another human with your words.
As I write this, we’re almost at the end of our course and I feel like I’ve learnt too much to be able to put it all down here. Theory, industry insight, personal growth and confidence. My writing practice has never been as strong as it is right now and I can safely say that it’s thanks to the learning I’ve done in the Writing a Novel course. Scholarship opportunities like this are so important to emerging writers. When it feels like the odds might be stacked, a chance like this one can really give the confidence boost you need to keep going.
I’m so glad I took the chance and applied for Faber Writing Academy. It’s been an incredible year.
Aliyah Knight
Writing a Novel (Sydney)
I come from a screen and theatre background, and had no formal education in prose writing prior to coming into the Writing a Novel course. Receiving the scholarship was a huge validation of my craft, and I can say now, at the tail end of the course, that this opportunity has been invaluable for both my career and practice as a writer.
As a storyteller, I’m incredibly appreciative of the opportunity to learn from and grow with those around me, and I’ve had the best time working alongside my cohort. While developing theatre and television can often be quite collaborative, the early stages of writing prose can be insular and daunting. Having a community around me while writing my debut novel has held me accountable and kept me creative as my project has morphed and transformed.
The expertise of both the course leaders and the guest authors and industry professionals has equipped me with a strengthened skillset that I am confident will be reflected not only in my literary work, but also in my writing career more broadly. The transparency with which the course leaders talk about the industry itself and how to navigate it is immensely useful; I feel exponentially more prepared to step into the world of publishing now than I did on beginning the course.
Zarqa Nur
Writing a YA Novel
I applied for the Writing a YA Novel Scholarship as a bid to discover if this weird habit of building worlds inside my head had any prospect, or if it was indeed just in my head. When I first received the call, I was floored (though not so much that I didn’t screenshot ‘Allen & Unwin is calling you’), but that wasn’t even the most wondrous part. No, that came in our first class, when Shivaun Plozza, tutor extraordinaire, addressed an entire class of dreamers and anointed us ‘authors’.
As a newcomer to the literary world, I find that every session delivers insights, guidance and strategies for every stage of the process—from developing your idea to editing the final piece. The combination of critique workshops and intensive one-on-ones offers a supportive space to flesh out plot points and refine style with peers who give purposeful, writer-focused advice. Shivaun is incredible at guiding the array of genres and voices, and this process has ultimately strengthened each of our unique writing practices. I started the year with nothing more than a 1000-word sample and a fantastical idea. During our one-on-one session, Shivaun encouraged me to own what makes my story unique, refining it into a clear, progressive plot I’m excited to bring to life.
With all those positives, the greatest one by far will be the incredible writers group we made. With every note and piece of feedback they’ve provided, my novel will be better for it, and I’m so grateful I get to say my writing journey is not a solitary one.
Paff Evara
Writing Creative Nonfiction
Being a Faber Writing Academy scholar for Writing Creative Nonfiction was life changing from the jump. As a previously self-taught writer, being selected meant that I had something worth investing and believing in.
Working with Rebecca Giggs over the 6 months was an incredible experience. I was able to learn craft, the nuts and bolts of what we do, which deepened my work and writing as I expanded the tools in my kit. Meeting and working alongside my peers was encouraging and stimulating.
Rebecca’s mentorship was instrumental in progressing my debut memoir. Rebecca pushed me to ask bigger questions of my work and drill down to the core of it. I ended the course with a much clearer picture about the debut memoir I’m writing, and what I should lean into.
Overall, I am so grateful for the Faber Writing Academy scholarship, the skills, confidence and connections I have gained from this course. Thank you!
2027 Scholarship & Early Bird applications are currently open, closing 25 October.
In 2027, one full scholarship (open to anyone) and one partial scholarship (open to under-represented voices) will be available in the following courses:
Writing a Novel in:
- Brisbane with Emily O’Grady
- Hobart with Liz Evans and Kate Kruimink
- Melbourne with Miles Allinson, Francesca de Tores and Sophie Cunningham
- Sydney with Kavita Bedford
- Online with Peggy Frew
Writing a YA Novel with Shivaun Plozza
Writing Creative Nonfiction with Rebecca Giggs and Fiona Wright
Writing for Kids with Davina Bell