The facilitators were just great together. They complemented one another beautifully, and gave a perfect mix of hard (though always constructive) criticism, and encouragement. Jo-Anne and Richard are nothing short of inspirational. But also so down-to-earth and approachable. – Tara, media specialist and trainer.
Thank you for opening doors for me. I have walked away from the workshop with an open heart and a willingness to take risks . . . Thank you for your gentle creative spirit. – Warren, actor and lecturer in dramatic arts.
The nice thing about working with Richard and Jo-Anne is that they never impose their own voice on you, even in a subtle way. Working with them, you always get the feeling that they are trying to help you uncover your own voice, your way of telling the story and understanding the characters. They seem to weigh their suggestions very carefully against your vision and against where you want the story to go. I can only imagine that this comes from their own unique understanding of the position of the writer, and their sensitivity towards that. They are great teachers, and I have benefited immeasurably from their advice which is always practical, and always constructive. - Jackie, journalist.
The course allowed me to release the long pent-up flow of creative writing that has been gummed up, for some years, with academic convention and footnoting imperatives. Incidentally, my academic writing has benefited too from this detox treatment. – Cynthia, senior lecturer in history.
“Everything I’ve learned in this course is the opposite of what I’ve learnt from English teachers – which was the last time I wrote anything! I had written 80 pages before I did the course and then I realised it was just rough – the course has made me realise how to craft it and make it beautiful.” - Sharon, midwife
“I enjoyed being creative for the sake of being creative … There’s a lot I can pick up and take with me.” – Mike, school principal
“I’ve learnt really helpful, objective things – like you don’t fill your work with exposition.” – Kate, talkshow host and travel writer
“It gave us a chance to practise – it was great to write something and not feel a dreadful sense of insecurity.”
- Zann, publisher
“It’s been great to learn how to tell a story, and to test what works and what doesn’t.” – John, social worker
“The practical part of this course was the most valuable. You think, ‘Well maybe there is a book in me, maybe I’ll get there’!” - Mandy, journalist
For more information read the course description, the facilitators biogs and costs and booking details . Or email allaboutwriting@worldonline.co.za
