I love to teach and there is no greater honour than a writer coming to me and trusting me with their tender, reaching dream to write a novel. For many even admitting to themselves that they are a writer, that they are presumptuous enough to want to at least try, is something hard-won and precious. My job is to help create the space and skill so that the tender reaching becomes an inevitability.
I have been teaching writing for nearly 10 years and believe very much in teaching skills that I have learned over the years as a writer some of which I have learned from my own mentors and peers but for the most part, strategies I have learned through trial and error.
As a teacher of writing the basis of my beliefs is twofold. First, I very much believe that much of learning to write is learning to read like a writer and I will always suggest and encourage reading as the first and best teacher. Second I believe that you can go on endless writing courses but these are all worthless unless you do the work and the work is always to simply sit down and write.
Courses and retreats are pitched at all levels from beginner to more advanced, each one created with a particular level in mind.
If you have questions about your writing and want to know if this is the correct place for you, please feel free to email me. Not every teacher nor every course is correct for every writer. A creative idea is a precious thing and it is important that you feel you can trust your project to the person and environment that suits you. By the same token if I feel I cannot offer you what you need or your work is not best served by my style of mentorship I will always recommend other colleagues who are better placed to help you.