Creative Writing Course Reviews

First Draft - Novel & Script

I’ve learned so much about the landscapes of storytelling from the actions that drive the narrative or plot forward to the emotional journey of a main character! Group work has been surprising and delightful – but also motivating and incredibly supportive. I’ve really loved our entire group and their fascinating stories. I’m looking forward to developing my story further and the next course. A million thanks to Rich, Kathleen and Roland for the narrative journey of a lifetime.

First Draft - Novel & Script

I feel more confident as a storyteller, to be able to structure and convey real themes that are so important to me. And I have met wonderful, supportive, creative people also on the writing journey. Thank you!

First Draft - Novel & Script

I was so nervous for my first session. I felt like an impostor, not sure if I could fit alongside the other writers who I was sure were all more confident and capable than me. But I also knew that left to my own devices I’d never ever begin to sketch out a story. I feel so lucky to have gone through this process with such lovely, generous writers who have lifted me when I begin to be plagued by my self doubt. I’m very grateful for their kindness and support alongside the endlessly patient guidance by our amazing teachers. Thank you so much!

First Draft - Novel & Script

This course has been even more helpful than I could have hoped. I began with a cluster of colourful ideas and a character and no direction. I tried for months to write the story myself but didn’t have the tools to make that character go on a journey. This course gave me the gift of plot, of forcing things to happen, of reacting and propelling my character forward. She and I both landed somewhere entirely different to where I thought we would yet still with the specks of colour that excited me in the first place. Thank you to the teachers and and my fellow writers who helped me get there.

First Draft - Novel & Script

What a wonderful experience I’ve long wanted to write a novel but I’ve always stalled. This brilliant course has engaged me to successfully produce a first draft and it has been so much fun!

First Draft - Novel & Script

This course opened the door to the magical place of wonder between the pen and the page. A simple act of writing created something that did not exist before, something new, someone new; My character and myself as an aspiring writer. This course created a room for me to safely play, be curious, look around with new eyes and live the unique human experience of creating art.

First Draft - Novel & Script

The course has really opened my eyes to the process of writing a novel and the structure has enabled me to organise my thoughts and develop my ideas. My story has evolved from a wilderness adventure journey to an epic tale about saving a species from extinction. I’m amazed by the way my story has evolved through this process and I’m looking forward to creating a 2nd draft that is 200% better!

First Draft - Novel & Script

The welcoming and supportive structure of the Writers’ Studio has given me a new energy for my lifelong goal of writing a novel. It’s through stories that we can share universal themes and care and respect for one another. Becoming a writer - like really becoming a writer by doing it - has been a fabulous revelation.

First Draft - Novel & Script

If you’ve ever felt like writing was your calling but life just pushed it away from you, the Writers’ Studio cannot only reignite your passion but also guide you on your journey and partner you with like-minded people who will boost your energy when you need. Thank you for transforming my ability to make writing part of my life.

First Draft - Novel & Script

I came into the class with the baggage of doubt, high expectations of myself, wearing the cloak of an impostor. I leave the course carrying confidence that I have a story to tell, that when I sit to write I will discover something that feels bit familiar, like an old friend, and entirely unexpected like an exotic new lover. It’s been a great pleasure. It’s been hard work. It’s taken persistence, and my perversely competitive nature has meant I’ve written and posted every scene and gobbled up the generous feedback of this wonderful class.

First Draft - Novel & Script

While writing is a solo activity having a team around you to cheer you on keeps you moving forward. The group feedback and mentoring makes all the difference. Thank you to Rich, Roland, Kathleen and our fellow writers for a challenging and fun year far outside my comfort zone. I look forward to reading lots of books to come.

First Draft - Novel & Script

I could write about all of the learnings for my character and storytelling but the greatest achievement for me was having a seat at the table listening to everyone’s stories and character arcs. Thank you for having me. Although my self discipline still needs some work, I’ve come out of this with a first draft! Thank you!

First Draft - Novel & Script

The combination of comprehensive written materials and superb skilful teaching from Rich has been variously inspiring, thought-provoking and full of lightbulb moments. While ultimately the task of getting words on the page is up to the individual, the group work has also been valuable. Working with like-minded people who have yielded support and insights. Well worth the effort! Thank you all, Rich, Roland and Kathleen.

First Draft - Novel & Script

I would never have been able to make this novel what it is without guidance on the structural elements, prompts and encouragement to dig deep and plough on. I especially love the focus on bringing out values and themes that matter and can move the reader on a deep level. I will never forget the immense satisfaction of finishing that last scene of my first draft – it was like floating on air. Knowing from my graduate certificate in science writing how feedback and reworking a piece can elevate it to new levels, I can’t wait to get stuck into the second draft.

First Draft - Novel & Script

The course was fantastic. Clearly a great deal of work was put into the online training course as well as in person and that really comes through. The website is really informative too, and full of great content. I would recommend this to anyone who has the germ of a creative novel idea but has no idea what to do with it. It's also really recommended for anyone who wants to do something for themselves and really lose themself in another world for 10 months.

First Draft - Novel & Script

Thank you all very much for your support and all the helpful quotes along the way! It has helped to motivate me and now I have a spine to my story that I didn’t have prior to beginning the course. In the past I had always done mind maps of ideas/plots/characters then I would start freely writing with no structure, this often lead me to feel lost and eventually stop altogether. The structure has helped develop this skill.

First Draft - Novel & Script

This has been such a huge achievement for me. I have had a lot going on in the last twelve months and writing has kept me grounded and focused on the bigger picture, publishing my story. Thank you for the guidance, the support and the reminder to keep going.

First Draft - Novel & Script

I’m very happy with my experience on this course. It definitely scratched my itch and pushed me to put fingers to keyboard. The learnings have permeated the way I walk in the world now, how I read, how I view, how I listen. Thank you!

First Draft - Novel & Script

I have really enjoyed the First Draft course. It challenged me, pushed me to go further than I’d dared previously, got me through the scary middle doldrums, and has given me confidence to play more, dare more, trust myself more and just enjoy creating - within a process and framework that means I’m not just going in circles. The materials and support are top notch. I would definitely recommend it. Sincere thanks for making writing dreams achievable.

First Draft - Novel & Script

Thank you to everyone involved in delivering this course. As someone who works and has a toddler, dedicating time to myself every week to work creatively and achieve a goal has been so empowering. It’s given me something that is wholly my own, a journey and product I can be proud of and continue to improve. Thank you!

First Draft - Novel & Script

This has been a wonderful investment and fantastic opportunity. I would not have got this done or begun what I can now see as a possible, though bloody hard, career as a writer without the Writers' Studio courses and this one specifically. Thank you all and especially Nick!!

First Draft - Novel & Script

I came into this feeling truly lost. I wanted guidance and this course provided it in spades. There were so many ‘a-ha!’ moments of exploring where I went wrong before. I have learned more about how story works than I did in my English degree and couldn’t be more comfortable with where I’m at.

First Draft - Novel & Script

Thank you so much. This is such an excellent course - not sure how anyone writes a book for the first time without this. Thank you the most!!! And thank you Michelle for your patience and understanding - I'm extremely appreciative!! And I absolutely would not have got to the end without your encouragement.

First Draft - Novel & Script

I can’t believe I was ever at a point where I was 'umming' and 'ahhing' about this course. It’s been the best investment I’ve ever made, of my time and money. It’s about discovery, surrendering yourself to the unknown and just seeing where it goes. While it’s been challenging, I can say that I’ve truly enjoyed every part of the course. It’s such a great environment and I love the in-person creative experience you get each month.

First Draft - Novel & Script

I joined the First Draft course after doing Unlocking Creativity. Combined, they have turned me into a writer. They revealed to me that no matter if or when I get to publish my work I am deeply devoted to the story I want to tell and have gained so many tools to make completing a novel realistic. I’ve loved my time on the First Draft course and come away with so many rich and rewarding experiences with my peer group and a burning desire to see my story through to completion.

First Draft - Novel & Script

I have loved the First Draft process – both the challenging parts and the parts that came easily. My story feels like it is just beginning and I cant wait to see what the Second Draft reveals about my main character, my story and myself. I have gone through so many pens and it has all been worth it.

First Draft - Novel & Script

I can’t recommend this course highly enough, if I hadn’t done it a) the first draft of my novel may never have gotten written or b) it would be unreadable and therefore never had the chance to be read. I’m looking forward to seeing it be transformed further by the Second Draft process!

First Draft - Novel & Script

The course has taken me on an amazing journey of discovering my story, my character’s story and I have become passionately engaged and committed to writing the best version of my story. I can say honestly it has been the best thing I have ever done in my entire life. It has been profoundly enriching, invigorating and I have loved having Richard as a tutor – his generosity and engagement has been so supportive and encouraging. A heartfelt journey.

First Draft - Novel & Script

The course shines a light on what is possible with your imagination. It is this amazing, systemised prompt to get you out of that creative rut wherein you will be forced to explore! The live course is a definite must-try! The priceless synergy and creativity that blooms in each session is something I will forever be grateful for!

First Draft - Novel & Script

At the start of the course I was so nervous and filled with a sense of imposter syndrome – I had a vague idea of a story I wanted to write, but no idea how to get on the page. The energy and enthusiasm of everyone in the room and the encouragement from Rich, Roland and Kathleen helped me to lean in and have fun with trying and not take it so seriously. Along the way, I have learned lots about my story and it has shifted and grown so much from what I first imagined. There’s something catching about creativity.

First Draft - Novel & Script

I have loved being a part of this class, and am so proud of how far I have come with developing my novel. I couldn’t have done it without signing up for this course and am so glad I did it!

First Draft - Novel & Script

I'd like to once again thank my tutor for being so kind and supportive and also thank the Writer's Studio for another wonderful experience, every time I complete a course I become more certain that I want to be an author as my passion and love for writing grows. I can't wait to take what I've learned and use it to develop my story further and construct more novels.

First Draft - Novel & Script

The whole experience has been wonderfully challenging. I’ve learnt things, explored feelings, tested my mettle. It’s been more than just writing, it’s been a journey of self-discovery that I could never have anticipated. Now at the end I feel so happy with myself for completing the course and look forward to what lays ahead with my story.

First Draft - Novel & Script

The course materials and support from my tutor have been outstanding. The well-structured course offered practical tips and examples I frequently revisited throughout my writing journey. Neasa has been consistently supportive and encouraging, providing valuable feedback and guidance that resonated.

First Draft - Novel & Script

Trusting the process is the motto and it was absolutely true. Each step was easy to follow and brought out even better ideas and story steps than I could have imagined. Also, for someone who works full time, the materials are easy to consume and memorable.