“I loved this weekend! The workshops really made me want to carve out more time for my project. This workshop provides a wealth of tips and tricks for the mammoth undertaking that is a novel. Feedback is measured and carefully curated; I’d recommend any of the Amsterdam Writing Workshops to people practically everywhere.”
Andrea, November 28, 2021
“I really enjoyed the workshop and was so delighted to be able to take part in it. I felt very engaged, I didn’t want to put my pen down for an instant, as [the presenter] kept feeding us little nuggets of wisdom. It felt like a very safe place to ask questions, as there was no judgment. I was nervous about having my writing read out loud, but the presenter handled it perfectly, giving participants the space to make positive comments and then expanding with constructive feedback. The workshop taught me to be kinder to myself about my writing, and to trust my gut—and the process.”
Lucy, November 28, 2021
“I learned to understand the essential components of a novel. And it may sound self-centered, but one of the highlights was that people thought my writing was funny. Seeing and hearing people react to what I wrote was truly motivating.”
Isabelle, May 27, 2018
“I now better understand the various aspects of the novel (actually, of writing anything that is worthwhile). While writing is emotional and to some extent intuitive, there is ‘science’ behind it. This will help bring structure to the chaos of the creative/emotional process.
The highlight was the writing itself. I find it amazing how I—or the instructor—can entice me into writing something I am pleased with.”
Ellen, May 27, 2018
“The instructor explained very clearly everything to be considered when writing a novel, including what we should pay attention to and pitfalls to be avoided. It was definitely helpful, even though I write in my native language instead of English.
The highlight of the class cam when the instructor set the students in motion: we completely sank into the work we were doing, couldn’t stop, and forgot our surroundings.”
Michelle, May 27, 2018
“I learned a lot about what matters to your writing: context, dialogue, details, setting, conflict, etc. It was highlight after highlight 🙂 and wonderfully inspiring to be surrounded by other writers.”
Inge, May 27, 2018
“I learned to think more about ways to connect with the reader, and I learned to relate what I like to read with what I write. The class brought me closer to finishing a novel in that I actually started 🙂 And when I get started, I might be unstoppable. The class also made me more confident and aware of my potential.
I also liked seeing that I wasn’t the only one with certain kinds of worries. For example, it surprised me that other people were also a bit nervous about hearing their piece read. I realized I wasn’t alone :D”
Vanessa, May 31, 2015
“What, exactly, did I learn during “The Novel”?
I learned how to admire my own work. I used to hate everything I wrote; now I see it with different eyes. Alongside this, I learned writing techniques that I find very useful. Now I know more about how to analyze other people’s texts, how to be more objective, and how to better understand what makes me feel what I feel when reading.
It was very useful to get a clearer picture of what kind of reader/writer I am.
I felt understood and represented.”
Maria, May 31, 2015