UNLOCKING CREATIVITY ONLINE TESTIMONIALS

"Having studied Creative Writing at University and with an American On Line Writing School, I have a good basis for comparison. The University course required two assignments per semester, and was mostly theory driven. The American On-Line courses were of either three or five month duration, with one assignment submitted every two weeks. These were very streamlined courses with an amazing on line site, and I did learn a great deal there, but I truly regret not finding the Writers' Studio earlier. Unlocking Creativity was very full on with weekly lectures and 5-6 short assignments every week. It was through the challenge of so many varied writing exercises that I discovered I had a far broader, deeper well to my imagination than I had ever dreamed possible.

The key to Unlocking Creativity working for me so well was that we wrote without engaging the critic and when others critiqued our work they looked for the positives, what was working. I see clearly now the danger of writing and editing at the same time. It stifles creativity.

The other students were friendly and stimulating, the format for feedback was clear and this elicited positive criticism which built on confidence and encouraged greater and greater risk-taking in each new set of assignments. What I loved most about Unlocking Creativity was how it expanded my awareness of my own creativity, the scope of my imagination and this will affect all I write from here on. Our lecturer was very insightful with his comments and I will keep the excellent lecture notes in a folder to remind me to work out regularly. I believe this kind of imagination-gymnastics will give the final draft of my book the depth it needs.

Thankyou so much Writers' Studio.I would not hesitate in enrolling with you again."
Vineta O'Malley

"I’ve had the best experience: I’ve paid for a course and got my money’s worth! I enrolled in a writing course and actually worked my butt off. I’ve learnt so much. The most important thing I’ve learnt is that you show the reader you don’t tell them – you let them do the work of interpreting what you’ve shown, therefore allowing them to draw their own conclusions. This morning I read back over some of my writing before I started the course and the pompous ‘telling’ made me cringe.

A wonderful thing about this course is that they have a whole heap of inspirational quotes; they particularly like to focus on working hard as a writer and forgetting about the talent issue. When I first read these sorts of quotes, I thought well that’s very nice of you to say so, making us feel all supported and so on but I basically don’t believe it. However, my thinking has been revolutionized.Continually, I was surprised at the quality of writing. Basically I’ve been convinced that if you work hard enough you can do it – anyone can! This has been a really heartening experience for me.

I think a lot of credit for the quality of the writing has to go to the people who created this course and Andrew, our tutor: they can be so proud of the high quality product they’re offering to people. Their idea of the Writing Board and the rules that apply is inspired! I’m really looking forward to doing their other 4 week courses on genre/short stories."
Rachael B

"I write to share with you the excitement and learning I have received from my participation in my writing course.
As you know I did not want to participate in any writing course and, having written my small book I thought it was finished until a certain Jenny M said I needed to do a writing course.

I realise that, though I am happy with my book, I never really felt like a writer. It was put together almost as a text or reference book from material which came to me from another source. After it was finished the first few times I was guided by Leigh into weaving a story into the book and into developing the characters as personalities.

Whilst I did as I was bid, the characters and the plot remained “add-ons” to the facts contained in the book. It was not written but more transcribed from other material.

Having almost completed the writing course I now actually feel like a writer. I know that there is probably more work to be done honing my skills however I feel now that I can go back to the book and re-write it using what I have learnt.

I guess the real eye-opener for me was how easy I found it to build situations and characters from blocks of emotion. As you know I am not known as being an emotional person, however I have found emotion almost compulsive in my writing.

The writing course has encouraged me to let my thoughts and feelings flow on to the paper without inhibition. I am quite proud of a number of the pieces I have written. As you know I have not felt any restraint in sitting down and writing. Because I am not a perfectionist I have found it easy to let the material come onto the page without the slightest concern that it might be wrong.

Thank you for your support in undertaking this course and encouraging me to feel like a writer.
Thank you also to Andrew and to those reading this for you are the persons who have encouraged me to be more than I was."
Leon D

"This has been such an exciting adventure, not only in inviting me to bring out the best in my writing but also in bringing out the best in myself. Turning up at the page is a bit like life. You turn up, you write one sentence, and then another. In life you live a moment, another, and then one more, as truthfully as you can, staying open to all it brings you."
Peter Taylor UK

"Have just finished posting the last exercise of the online course, I don't want it to be the last, I want to go on. Thankyou each and all for participating in this course with me, all of the feedback I have received has touched my heart and lifted me up and I cannot thank you all enough for that. I have learnt a great lesson in allowing the words to flow and not trying to edit a first draft, just write and write away, do not censor, do not limit, allow the story to unfold unguided. I have also learnt that there is no such thing as writer's block. There is only laziness and fear. Thank you all again, and especially to you Andrew, our tour guide on this ride."
Sean Genders

"If I had just one word to describe the course it would be revealing. I feel the blanket of mystery surrounding 'how to be a writer has been lifted. I have been touched by the generous feedback; it is a very powerful thing to feel encouragement and reassurance. I have really enjoyed reading everyone else's work and becoming familiar with individual styles. They say to write well you have to read well, and I have learned a lot from what I have read, not to mention being thoroughly entertained."
Katrina Wilde

"The ending of the course makes me feel like a young girl who is setting out on a journey into a new world. The online unlocking creativity course has played the role of big brother who has held my hand, led me to the train station and made sure I got to the right platform. How far I get along this journey is now up to me … but I will certainly miss big brother and the rest of the family!"
Natalie O'Neill

"Well, I've made it to the end, but in my heart I know this is only the beginning. Writers are people who write and I have learnt this now by getting into the habit of turning up at the page. Unlocking Creativity has shown me how to do this by breathing, focusing and letting go. When I do this it's as if I go into a zone. I come to a place where the words find their way on to the page bringing the image I carry in my mind to life. It takes practice, time and commitment for me to do this but this course has taught me how, and supported me well on the way, for which I am truly grateful. My thanks go to Andrew for his guidance, his insights and encouragement. I also say a big thank you to all my fellow writers whose work has been fascinating and inspiring and whose feedback so supportive. It has made a big difference in sitting down to write, knowing that I have been a part of this community and I will miss it very much."
Rex Jones

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