“I learned about the need for patience, vision, attention to detail, a love for the sound of the written word, self-belief and the need for constant re-drafting! I learned that I can do it. It is empowering and liberating to be able to learn how to create a memorable image…. Waterstone’s after hours was ideal – the perfect setting for a short story itself!”
Fiona, October 14, 2010
“I learned so much! I thought it was lovely to be surrounded by books at Waterstone’s. The workshop managed to make me write again, and that alone is remarkable. Thank you!”
Teresa, October 14, 2010
“I learned that I can write a story in one night–and translate it into English in the morning. I also learned that the feeling I was trying to get across was picked up by the group. And that a second draft is even harder to write than the first.”
Dionne, June 11, 2010
“I was happy that we received a lot of technique tips and tricks which will prove useful. I learned that I have to spend more time on writing if I am genuinely interested, but I already sort of knew this. I liked the discipline and I needed the discipline. The hand-out contains very good material, good for teasing out a desire to write into something more concrete. I was not sure what to expect but was pleasantly surprised and more engaged than I thought I would be; well worth the fees.”
Helen, June 11, 2010
“I learned a lot about technique and structure of writing short stories – I also think this course will help with other forms of writing too (longer fiction, nonfiction). I felt the key messages were about ensuring that we communicate what we really want to, and the structures and techniques will help me to do that.
I thought the management of the group was outstanding, keeping us focused on the issues, structure and technique and not letting us run off into unstructured opinion-giving.
One suggestion would be to schedule an optional dinner or drinks session after the workshop so that we can get to know each other a bit.”
David, June 11, 2010
“I learned the importance of adressing narrative questions. I learned that I value working with an outline, because it helps me to adress important narrative questions beforehand. I learned to play by the rules, but not always 🙂
I learned that I do not respond well to pressure and to try to avoid putting pressure on myself while writing. I also noted that freewriting or writing to prompts works well for me.”
Milla, June 11, 2010
“The teacher was excellent at keeping the group focused by concentrating on the techniques used in the writing and less on the story itself. This way we avoided just sitting around and voicing our opinions and instead learned about the craft of building the story.”
David, May 27, 2010
“The teaching style was appealing and clear. I learned confidence and how to proceed with what I’m doing.”
Ruth, February 5, 2010