Transform Your Writing Through Observation: Webinar Replay & Actionable Tips Download
‘Creativity starts with noticing, with attention.’
The essential truth that you can transform your writing through observation formed the foundation of our recent webinar with Jo-Anne Richards and Richard Beynon. They explored why observation is “everything” to powerful writing.
In this eye-opening session, participants discovered how to train themselves to observe what others overlook—the telling details that bring characters to life, create immersive settings, and reveal the universal concerns of humanity.
What you’ll learn from the Observation Webinar replay
- Why generic descriptions like “beautiful” or “awesome” get skipped over by readers
- How to choose the perfect distinguishing detail that replaces paragraphs of description
- Practical exercises to sharpen your observational skills using all five senses
- When to show and when to tell—and why good writing needs both
- Techniques for observing people without making them uncomfortable
- How to translate what you observe into vivid, compelling prose
“Our brains tend to look in shorthand,” noted one participant. Jo-Anne and Richard reveal how to break this habit and see the world as a writer—with fresh eyes that catch what others miss.
Transform your writing through observation with our toolkit
We’ve distilled the key insights from the webinar into a comprehensive observation toolkit that you can reference whenever you write. This downloadable Mastering the Art of Observation guide includes:
- A structured summary of essential observation techniques
- 6 practical exercises to develop your “writer’s eye”
- A checklist for evaluating whether your details serve your story
- Quick reference guide for showing vs. telling
Watch the Observation Webinar Replay
As Jo-Anne said
There are stories everywhere, and often the most compelling are those which are closest to home.
With these observation skills, you’ll be equipped to spot the eagle rays swimming all around you and transform them into powerful storytelling.
Need further help?
- Consider joining our Writers’ Circle for personalised feedback at the monthly Zoom meetings. You can read our a piece of your writing of around 300 to 500 words. Perfect for getting feedback on your observation skills.
- Sign up for our Thirty-day Writing Bootcamp. This self-guided programme fits easily into even the busiest schedule and systematically targets the fundamental building blocks of good writing – from precise language use to active observation, character, and scenes. Thirty minutes a day is all it takes to establish a writing practice that will serve you for life. Like any worthwhile skill, writing improves with regular, focused practice – and this bootcamp provides exactly that. Sign up here.
- Not sure if either of these is right for you? We offer a number of other courses as well as mentoring. Please email us to discuss your writing project and how we can best help you achieve your goals.
