"I have just finished my last story for this course and already I miss the fact that I won’t be ”required” to write another story tomorrow.

I have learnt so much about the importance of structure and how vital it is to tell a good story. You can have all the beautiful imagery and fascinating dialogue in the world but if it doesn’t go anywhere or doesn’t take your character on a journey, then what is the point? And this latest course really drove that home to me with these simple exercises and guidance. And thankfully it wasn’t too prescriptive, so I felt I had a lot of room to move in terms of my imaginary characters and scenarios

I had confidence and a stronger sense of commitment to my writing. And I really trusted the process of what I learnt in the first course. For each of the eight short stories I wrote in this course, I completely went with what come up for each of the characters and didn’t judge it, or them for that matter.

Giving and receiving feedback continued to be a source of enjoyment and inspiration. There were so many amazing stories on the board – and so varied. Some people really showed amazing range. I really learnt a lot about my writing from the feedback I received. I can see why this process is so important. And in this course, I was more successful in not comparing myself to other writers, which showed my own growth. And I wasn’t anywhere near as critical with myself.

And Andrew, the course critic, was simply a gem. His commitment, guidance and gentle, constructive criticism enabled me to see things in my writing I hadn’t seen before.

Bring on the first draft novel course!!"
Kylie Keogh

"Dear Kathleen and Roland

I have just finished the 6 week Character and Critique Short Stoey Course and I could't wait to write to you both to tell you what an inspiring, fun and supportive experience it has been. The structure of the course and the whole set up with reading other people's work, commenting on it and providing and receiving feedback works like a charm.

But the absolute best thing about the course was Andrew. I have never come across a talent such as his. His ability to delve into each text, really understand it - it's strengths and weaknesses as well as his ability to get close to each writer and understand exactly where they were coming from was extremely impressive. The first story that I gingerly posted - he immediately picked out its strengths but also he picked up that I never made cuts, I was too scared to make cuts and he encouraged me to experiment with them - which freed up my writing immensely.

I think my last story was more competent, engaging and confident than my first and I really can't think of a better investment. Also I noticed that because Andrew supported everyone so wholeheartedly and equitably, this course didn't develop that competitive dynamic between participants that sometimes these courses do. Please feel free to use these comments in any promotional material.

Whenever I looked at your courses before I always thought that I could do the shorter courses only and that I would not be in the league for the longer novel and scriptwriting courses. Now after this course, I think perhaps this is not out of my reach."

Tamara Stojanovic

"The discipline of writing everyday - thinking about characters and situations to put them in, has deeply enriched my life. It is like finding new friends and new worlds to explore."
Raymond Teo

"It has been an interesting journey getting to know some of the characters lurking in my shadows a little better; some of them familiar to me, others a surprise. It can be a strange thing the internet course, a virtual classroom where personality and opinion are expressed through written word, the matrix does exist.

I have always enjoyed the learning drive of the classroom, deadlines and homework seem to force me into routine and commitment, so the weekly deadlines are great for motivation and have taught me to schedule my day, and even though I have a fairly consistent writing habit I feel it will benefit from further structuring of my time.

I found the shape of the course to be beneficial in allowing me to take a little step forward each and every time, with Andrew always giving positive reinforcement and tactful, constructive feedback, that I feel propelled my work forward over the last six weeks.

The feedback was received with a sense of anticipation. I really enjoyed writing all of my stories and the generous feedback always gave honest encouragment. I was always looking forward to seeing how what I have written is being perceived, 'am I getting my point across', and the feedback really showed me where I was hit or miss in creating an understanding of my work. I have tried also to be generous in giving feedback as a result.

Thankyou to everyone who took the time and trouble to read my work and share in my expressions of humanity. And thanks Andrew for being an honest guide with a benevolent heart. Thanks."

Sean Gallinetti