… this course has changed lives. We all sit with “that book” lying deep within us, though most of us remain too daunted, embarrassed and just plain inept to even get the first line down. Jo-Anne and Richard have (almost … they can’t write the whole book for you!) all the answers in their wonderful, warm, nurturing and “growing” writing courses.

It wasn’t until I was introduced to All About Writing that I really began to believe in myself as a writer with purpose. In particular, All About Writing weekend writing courses and international retreats have excelled in providing facilitative, creative and productive environments in which to explore and develop one’s writing talent. Working with Jo-Anne and Richard has been an inspiration. Critical input, insight, humour and encouragement are all part of the magic.

Discovering the Creative Writing Course has been one of the most satisfying landmarks in my life and certainly in my writing journey… [They] offer I believe an unequalled forum for prospective writers of all skill levels.  I am hooked.

All About Writing really did help me. A great deal. I’m very proud of my association with them.

Having sent three of my best-selling authors, Redi Tlhabi, Bonnie Henna and Gia Nicolaides, to All About Writing and having been a student myself, I would recommend the course to anyone, from an aspiring writer to an already established writer looking to refresh and hone their skills. Satisfy your hunger for creative expression whether you have serious writing ambitions or simply want to explore your creativity

...since attending the All About Writing course in 2010-2011 I just can’t stop writing. My first novel won an important competition in Italy in 2015 and was published this year.  The thing is, that having written essays and reports all my life, I had always wanted to write fiction but didn’t think I could. I was right, of course, but  Richard and Jo-Anne unlocked that urge in me. And I’m having a ball!

I have gained so much knowledge, acquired many skills and been given a plethora of fine tools that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I thank you so much for your time, your inspiration, your patience and your understanding. You are the best mentors I could wish for. Thank you for sharing your profound knowledge and experience with me.

You are extraordinary teachers. You’ve taken our writing seriously and over the past 30 days with gentle nudges you have shown us what was good and what still needed to be worked on. You’ve made us believe we could be REAL writers.

It is amazing to me how Jo-Anne and Richard both manage to constructively, honestly and in the most positive way comment on the assignments. I know that acquiring skills, any skills, does not happen overnight and one has to keep practising. To then have people supporting you in this fashion is … well, clichéd or not, priceless!

A big thank you to Richard for opening up your wealth of knowledge and understanding to us. As a young filmmaker, I consider that a great legacy that you are passing on to some of us. It's an honour and a privilege.

I used to think I would never be able to write anything, but All About Writing changed that thought for me… If I did it, you can do it, too. Thank you so much, All About Writing.

It was perfect timing to use the retreat for planning and starting a new novel. I found the brainstorming sessions extremely useful and Richard seemed to intuitively know exactly the tone I was reaching for and helped me both with plotting and finding the little nuances that will make the story come alive.