Story Studios Australia run an array of creative writing courses for adults. With a focus on the craft of story, our creative writing courses are led by professional writers with industry experience and offer an intimate and practical approach to creative writing. Situated in our beautiful writers’ studio just off Lygon Street in Carlton, there’s no better environment to learn, be inspired, and connect with Melbourne’s creative writing community.
The Complete Short Story Workshop – Winter 2025
The Complete Short Story Workshop
From inspiration to publication – bring your short story to life in just five weeks.
The Complete Short Story Workshop is a 5-session writing experience designed for writers of all levels eager to develop a complete short story from scratch.
Join us at our beautiful studio in Carlton for an immersive and motivating creative space. Led by Damian Robb, you’ll learn how to craft compelling characters, shape strong story arcs, and take your idea from first spark to final draft – ready for publication.
Course Details
- Date(s): Thursdays, 7pm – 9:30pm, July 31, August 7, 14, 21, September 4
- Duration: 2 hours per session (5 weeks total)
- Cost: $550
- Location: Story Studios Australia, 170 Elgin Street, Carlton, VIC
- Age Requirement: This event is for adults 18 years and over.
What You’ll Get
- Professional guidance from Damian Robb
- Focused writing time each week
- Instruction on structure, redrafting, and story development
- Personalised feedback in a small group environment
- Tea, coffee, and a cosy, inspiring workspace
- Publication in our anthology, Studio Shorts: Volume 2
- A celebratory book launch event at our studio
Meet Your Instructor
Damian Robb is a writer for the screen, stage, and page, with work featured in books, anthologies, and magazines. He’s been shortlisted for the Lord Mayor’s Creative Writing Award and works across television, podcasting, and teaching. Damian hosts the podcasts Scaredy Boys and Stray Thoughts, teaches at RMIT and Story Studios Australia, and is co-writing a trilogy of graphic novels for Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing (out in 2025).
The Road to Publishing – October 2025
The Road to Publishing
A four-week crash course on navigating the path to traditional publication.
The Road to Publishing is a 4-session writing experience designed for writers with near-complete manuscripts or those curious about the traditional publishing industry.
Join us at our beautiful studio in Carlton for a supportive, industry-savvy atmosphere. Led by Natasha Hertanto, you’ll gain clarity on the publishing landscape, craft a standout submission package, and learn what it takes to land a literary agent.
Course Details
- Date(s): Tuesdays, 7pm – 9:30pm, October 7, 14, 21, 28
- Duration: 2 hours per session (4 weeks total)
- Cost: $440
- Location: Story Studios Australia, 170 Elgin Street, Carlton, VIC
- Age Requirement: This event is for adults 18 years and over.
What You’ll Get
- Professional guidance from Natasha Hertanto
- Insight into agents, publishers, and the submission process
- Small group environment for personalised feedback
- Tea, coffee, and a cosy, inspiring workspace
- A clearer path forward for your publishing journey
Meet Your Instructor
Natasha Hertanto is a Chinese-Indonesian storyteller and educator based in Naarm. Her work appears in Kill Your Darlings, ABC, Archer, and more. She’s featured in acclaimed anthologies including Everything All At Once (Ultimo Press, 2021) and New Australian Fiction 2023 (Kill Your Darlings). Represented by Annabel Barker, Natasha is currently writing her debut YA historical fantasy novel and teaches at the University of Melbourne.
David Hartley Writing Seminars – November 2025
Virtual Writer-in-Residence
Story Studios Australia, in collaboration with Melbourne City of Literature, is delighted to welcome Manchester-based writer, teacher, and PhD in Creative Writing, David Hartley, as our Virtual Writer-in-Residence this November.
Across three online seminars – held on Wednesdays, November 12, 19, and 26 from 7–9pm – David will guide participants through the imaginative art of worldbuilding and live story creation.
In the first two sessions, titled “Worldbuilder”, David will lead writers through the process of designing rich, self-contained realms – from the geology and economy to the beasts, battles, and brotherhoods of their inhabitants – exploring how worldbuilding can inspire fresh story ideas and strengthen narrative foundations.
In the final “Storycraft Live Stream” session, David will write a brand-new short story from scratch, drawing inspiration from prompts provided by participants and the curiosities on his own bookshelves. This unique session offers a rare opportunity to witness a writer’s creative process in real time and gain confidence in your own.
Registration is free, and signing up for one session gives you access to all three throughout November. When registered, you will be sent video conference link to join ahead of the seminars.
You can also follow David’s blog.
Course Details
- Date(s): Wednesdays November 12th, 19th and 26th.
- Time: 7pm-9pm
- Cost: Free
- Location: Online
Ready to book?
Secure your spot today and join a community of like-minded writers today!
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