Simply Writing

The Professional’s Approach to
Just Getting It on the Page

At Simply Writing, we'll define ways of making writing a more natural process; more time-efficient; and more fun. If you're a beginning writer, you'll receive guidelines for getting started. If you're already writing, we'll pinpoint how to become more productive.

For this group, it simply doesn't matter what you're planning to write: articles, novels, screenplays, reports.... You'll receive the personal attention needed to help get your ideas on paper.


“After taking the SIMPLY WRITING workshop, I started writing every day.”
- Karen

See more comments about Simply Writing below.

91 comments:

  1. “I thoroughly enjoyed the Simply Writing Workshop. I learned a lot of good techniques and got excellent insight into what it means to ‘be a writer.’ Also, I met a lot of interesting people with similar interests.”

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  2. “Lisa Friedman, the workshop leader for Getting It on the Page, is one of those 'good souls' you always hope to meet, but so rarely do in life. Her militant opposition to criticism within the workshop left me, and in my judgment the other participants, able to express ourselves during the workshop without fear. Moreover, we were able to see that another paradigm is possible--one in which the beauty of our expression, no matter how unrefined, makes it madness to destroy or stop our own creativity just because we hear the nastiness of the ever-present internal critic. She provided us with an incredible battery of resources for getting started and staying in the game of writing. Since participating in Getting It on the Page, I am proud to say that I have stopped destroying my own work which I deemed ‘not good enough.’ If you aren't a fellow ‘get rid of it quick before anyone sees that crap’ writer, then you may not realize what an enormous accomplishment that is. Thank you so much, Lisa."

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  3. “For me, the most important thing was that I started to think differently about writing…The experience was very important to me.”

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  4. “It was a fantastic workshop and a very nice group. I got quite a few things to work with.”

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  5. "I now feel at ease about the idea of writing. My journey has started....
    Lisa knows how to make people comfortable and open up effortlessly."

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  6. "I expected the workshop to be very much geared to my needs, and I wasn't disappointed. In fact, both content and presentation exeeded my expectations, it was very professional and inspiring.

    I very much liked the atmosphere in the class. We talked a lot about the specific problems we each had with our writing and everyone got their share of the teacher's attention."

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  7. "Everyone was so supportive of each other."

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  8. “I learned about my resistance and some ways to get over it.”

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  9. “The Simply Writing workshop surpassed
    my expectation—and stimulated me to write
    in a systematic way.”

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  10. “The class was a thorough and thoughtful look at how writing emerges, organically but with some planning to help the process. Lisa is a challenging and engaging teacher who obviously loves to share her knowledge, and demystifies the process enough to encourage even the most reluctant student. I enjoyed the handout and found it a useful addition to the workshop that can be referred to at a later date. The materal is comphrehensive and practical. This is the second workshop I have attended and I'm glad I had the chance to do so. Lisa inspires confidence and models a respectful but firm look at how nascent writing can be looked at without fear of criticism.”

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  11. “I learned how easily I can pick up a pen now and write spontaneously and creatively....That was a revelation for me!”

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  12. “I had insights about the writing process that had never before occurred to me. After years of trying various methods, and in a group of new acquaintances, the instructor was able to speak directly to me on several occasions and encourage a particular change….I believe everyone left with a new direction, due to the instructor’s method of encouraging participants to speak up and share their thoughts throughout the workshop.”

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  13. “There's hope for me and my desk—including the mountain of paper in front of me!”

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  14. “The course really opened my eyes in many ways and proved to me that I can quite effortlessly go inside my head and create a story.”

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  15. “I found the workshop highly enjoyable, given in a very impressive and highly professional manner.”

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  16. “The only other thing I'd like to say is when is the next workshop?”

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  17. “The workshop introduced me to the method of freewriting.... It was a pleasant surprise; I enjoyed doing it. Now the task is to keep doing it every day...to keep the fire going.

    I learned to appreciate the fact that I enjoy writing. That criticism need not be negative. Positive feedback helps you move forward and in some cases also helps to get rid of the negative.”

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  18. “The workshops are wonderfully inspiring and seductively liberating.”

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  19. “To try to become 'unstuck', I needed new inspiration and inspirational people around me. I learned some great, simple, user friendly tips and techniques, realized that I am a writer and felt totally inspired by the instructor’s enthusiasm (& eccentricities :))


    I learned many things: freewriting, just get it out on to the paper, trust my imagination, never throw away my work, how many great people/writers there are out there, many things....”

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  20. “Good how-to info.”

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  21. “The workshop was a gift from my husband because he knew that it would be something I'd really like. And he was right. I started writing!”

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  22. “Great content in the hand-out. Thnx for that.”

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  23. “I really enjoyed the workshop, the discipline, that fact that it was straight to the point, with good dialogue/discussions. I wish it had been longer so I could write more and get more feedback.”

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  24. “The workshop was even better than I expected. Lots of lovely examples to make it more lively and easier to relate to. I learned that it's very important for me to allow myself to have fun with writing again, to enjoy the process, and to save worrying about the end product until much, much (much!) later.

    The whole experience was refreshing, made me enthusiastic about writing again, and made me feel un-stuck.”

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  25. “ ‘Simply Writing’ really exceeded my expectations. I was initially just looking for somewhere to get some basic ideas, some practice time for writing. I wasn't expecting it to be so well constructed and well taught. I don't usually have high hopes for instructors but this was simply enlightening.

    I also like the fact that some of the handout is left for reading after the workshop. It gives you something interesting to dig into later, and keeps all the ideas you’ve been working with circling in your head.”

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  26. “I learned not to be so self-critical overall. I realized that I was making too much of preparing to write and planning to write and imagining what to write instead of 'simply writing'.”

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  27. “The workshop matched my expectations in terms of providing tips and tricks to start writing. The writing sessions were also greatly appreciated.”

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  28. “Thank you for the workshop. I really enjoyed the whole experience. The highlight was that 'We don't wait for inspiration, we invoke it.’
    I will recommend this course to others.”

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  29. “I was happy (happier than I've been in a while) when I left the workshop. I am exhilarated by all the (writing) possibilities I feeI I have discovered. It is liberating to realize that writing is not only about achieving a result, it is about getting it on the page. It is amazing what can ensue if we just get it on the page.”

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  30. “I enjoyed listening to the work of others--and the feedback on their work…I was very impressed with what everyone wrote! The workshop was exactly what I needed to jump-start my writing goals for 2011.”

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  31. “For me the definitive highlight was the feedback on the different texts generated on day 1, during the free writing session: excellent!”

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  32. “What did I learn in the class? Time management. How to find my own time and space at home. How to be more confident. And that there are others exactly like me who would like to write.”

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  33. “Among other things I learned that there are different styles and approaches and that they are all equally valid. This course helped me to feel empowered regarding my writing.”

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  34. “I learned that my approach to writing is valid, even though it isn’t typical or by-the-book.”

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  35. “Research as a possible form of procrastination was an eye opener--so were some of the tips on creating continuity between fragments.”

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  36. “What did it feel like to get live feedback on my work? I was a little paranoid earlier about whether my ability to write would hold up to public scrutiny...I am now more at peace with my strengths and weaknesses.”

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  37. “Thank you for the excellent workshop…The writing feedback was phrased in a positive way--and relevant to more than just the one person.”

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  38. “What did it feel like to get live feedback on my writing? It felt good—and safe, not threatening.”

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  39. “What did it feel like to get live feedback on my work?
    Good...I want more!”

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  40. “I learned that just starting without thinking—without the inner critic--is the key.”

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  41. “The great care and discretion with which our material was handled allowed the safe workshop environment to give us just what we needed. Good insight into the material and good tips on direction for the future. It was wonderfully useful to get feedback!”

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  42. “I learned that I can write more than I actually think I can. Writing is a state of mind, not a set of rules.”

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  43. “The atmosphere was so relaxed that everyone felt comfortable to share their honest experiences. I learned some very important UNEXPECTED lessons during the workshop.

    The highlight of the class for me was actually hearing my writing read out loud—and the feedback. It helped me realize that my inner critic has no idea what she is talking about!”

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  44. “It was a wonderful and highly inspiring couple of days. Helpful in terms of how to start producing whatever sort of writing one intends to write.”

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  45. “It's been about 10 days since the workshop and I can honestly say that I've been more productive in those ten days than in the ten weeks before the workshop (and it cost me less time and frustration). Thank you for the lovely weekend, it was very inspiring.”

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  46. “I got exposure to different styles of writing by being part of a group. It is inspiring to see other work.

    It was interesting to have discussions on the common problems writers face and their possible solutions.”

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  47. “Everyone talks about how 'hard' it is to write and when you read or hear this it can be quite discouraging. Free writing made me realize that I can write and not 'think' about it. In not thinking about it, it actually became easy. I never thought I would say that about writing.”

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  48. “I learnt about many essential things, from technique to self-reflection.”

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  49. “What did I learn during the class? That writing can be fun as well as hard work. It is possible to free one's writing from unhelpful patterns and start afresh - over and over again if necessary. I felt a big burden of fear and anxiety lift from my shoulders and it has not come back.”

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  50. “I learned:
    - that I write for myself first
    - the value of using prompts
    - to tolerate the emotional and intellectual pain of the writing process
    - to not judge the work that comes from my pen
    - to take my writing process seriously and to approach it professionally
    - about being worthy of being a writer
    - to read like a writer
    - about the best time to write

    I felt respected and taken seriously.”

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  51. “The workshop reminded me of the classes I took at University when I was studying English literature and how much I have always enjoyed reading and talking about writing/fiction/poetry etc. I also realised how much I have forgotten….

    My favourite part was discussing each work and particularly the positive approach taken.

    This is the way I felt after the workshop: as if the clouds in my head had cleared away. The instructor has a very refreshing approach to writing and teaching—making the material more personal is very effective.”

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  52. “I learnt many things, the most important being how to "read" myself in order to communicate, how to just sit down and "generate", what it takes to just get it out and written, and how to leave judgment and criticism off page. These workshops are such a motivational experience for all of us who need "a push" (and I know we are many!)”

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  53. “I enjoyed taking part in the workshop; it was nice to be surrounded by people who have the same interest in writing - and to spend time learning about something I actually enjoy doing for my own benefit :) I was also impressed by the stories / pieces everyone wrote!”

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  54. “I learned how to write a first draft without over-thinking it—and to ignore the inner critic in me when starting to write. I realized how important writing practice is and the routine of writing every day and everywhere (even when I am biking):). I also learned about different styles and techniques for getting it on paper.

    Great workshop, I learnt a lot and was inspired. It’s unbelievable how comfortable I felt in the room of strangers.”

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  55. “Being in a room full of people sharing the same passion was something rare—making the overall experience unforgettable.”

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  56. “I learned not to worry too much. Just writing it down. Listen to your own voice. And it's just a first draft.

    I loved listening to all the stories—and writing in another genre.”

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  57. “Highlights of the workshop were
    - The explanations of the "top ten professional techniques for just writing it down" which included some surprising techniques.
    - The overall inspirational feel of meeting other people who love to write
    - The instructor—who knew how to encourage us”

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  58. “Understanding the writing techniques, writing assignments and listening to the group's work were all interesting. I found the workshop quite interactive, which is nice.”

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  59. “Simply Writing is learning to execute under any condition--and all writers discovering the messy, nonlinear, and at times abstract endeavor that is writing. There is not one right way, but multiple approaches, which the workshop covered ….
    The activities were invigorating and truly unexpected.
    I was excited to hear what others thought as usually feedback on my work is casually expressed over snack foods, in between drinks, or through very briefly written comments on my blog. It was helpful to witness the immediate reactions of others….”

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  60. “I discovered that it’s not always the topic of the literature that moves me, it’s the style of writing… The workshop was great fun and very inspiring.”

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  61. “I learned about different structures for an essay—and about some authors I would like to read more of.

    The instructor has obviously been doing this for a long time. She was very well prepared. She respected everyone's comments and input. Everyone's piece was given in-depth analysis.”

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  62. “I learned different structures for essays. With a defined structure in mind, it is easier to scale a short personal essay to a longer one.

    When I wrote my essay this time, the feeling of flow was great.

    Am I planning to continue writing personal essays? Definitely, but in Chinese.”

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  63. “I learned:

    - How to identify and use the key elements that make a personal essay
    - How to finish an essay

    I had already taken this class before, but each time, I find myself learning new techniques and improving on what I already know.

    Great group of people, useful comments and suggestions. A safe and nurturing environment for writers.”

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  64. “I learned to not hold back and to reveal myself freely.
    I learned to make my experience universal.
    I learned to structure my writing.”

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  65. “I learned, for the very first time, the different ways of structuring an essay. The way the essays were presented helped me discover my preferred essay style. I am going to expand on what I started this weekend and see where it takes me. This workshop was just what I needed to start me on writing again.”

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  66. “Taking the course a second time helped me discover how much I've learned—and to be even happier with the outcome of the essay from this workshop.

    What a fantastic group of writers in this workshop. Great energy, great dynamics and great writing. I also found it particularly useful to focus on analyzing the published essays as a learning tool.”

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  67. “I learned plenty of actionable techniques for structuring an essay and producing prompts…It was cathartic to write something new…I feel like for the first time in a long time, I did something for me and helped advance my craft.”

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  68. “I got a new perspective on writing, a feeling of freedom and comfort, which I found liberating.”

    “The live feedback was priceless really - where else could I find that kind of diverse focus group?”

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  69. “I learned so much about practical steps toward using the material I create. The overview on how many drafts to aim for and what to focus on in each draft was gold.”

    “The live feedback was very difficult for me, but the way it was handled made it really valuable, positive and opened doors for moving forward.”

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  70. “I experienced the liberation that lies in ‘coaching and not judging’.”

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  71. “I learned that I don't have to be afraid of the chaos. There are means to manage that. Just get all ideas down, even the seemingly most insignificant word or phrase. [This instructor’s] system for organizing and using notes and other inputs is very useful for me. It suits the organizer in me.”

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  72. “I learned how to set up a system in order to overcome writing obstacles: write regularly, reward yourself, and try not to think too much - just do it! Corrections can come later, anyway. More intuitive!”

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  73. “Students of the "Simply Writing" course left inspired and motivated to write!! The instructor’s ability to interact with each individual student and give that extra boost is a very warm and special quality. The information is practical, informative, and focused on stimulating the students to get on with their writing. The techniques taught are practical and specific tools for getting started or getting down to the work at hand.”

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  74. “The step-by-step explanation of the/your organic writing process was absolutely unforgettable to me. It felt exciting and safe to get feedback on my work. The feedback that was given was very eye opening and therefore very useful for me. It gave me more insight into how people read my text and what is needed to keep them reading.”

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  75. “The “safe, comfortable, environment” at every Amsterdam Writing Workshop makes it easier to overcome any anxiety or fear of receiving feedback on your writing. All comments on a piece one writes are always useful in terms of continuing to produce and revise material. This was the third workshop I’ve done with the Amsterdam Writing Workshops. Since the first one (“The Short Story”) I’ve been very pleased with the comments and support the instructor gives writers. This particular workshop provided the tiny push I needed to really start developing—and to finish—the stories I’ve drafted.”

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  76. “The public library and the group were very pleasant. It's inspirational and really nice to connect with others.

    The instructor’s personal way of moderating, guiding us, and protecting us was just a wonderful experience.”

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  77. “I learned that working with prompts really helps to get me unblocked. It was motivating and interesting to hear about people's projects, how they cope with obstacles/challenges to writing—and to hear about their strategies for pushing through.

    We actually wrote! And we read. And we learned strategies for getting the juices flowing.”

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  78. “I loved every moment of the Simply Writing course, although tapping into my subconscious mind did give me a headache! However, I am finding that the first thing I want to do when I get up is write, so that's down to the course!”

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  79. “I learned three main things at Simply Writing:
    a) to distinguish between the fear of writing on a blank screen from the fear of writing on a blank page.
    b) techniques/prompts that will definitely help me with my writing
    c) that my descriptions work

    Listening to my own work always makes me nervous. I feel shy about it. At this particular workshop, however, once the piece is read, I feel OK again. I know I am in a safe place. Feedback is given in a judgment-free, insightful way.

    Every time I attend a workshop it helps to improve my self-esteem as a writer. It helps to decrease my self-criticism, need for perfection, and helps me to concentrate on what needs to be done. I get real and stop fantasizing about how I should do the work.”

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  80. “The class definitely made me more productive. There hasn't been a single day so far that I haven't written! Thank you for everything.”

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  81. “I learned that writing is about overcoming the fear of picking up a pen and filling a page--as much as the fear of what the outcome is.

    It’s motivating to see what other writers are working on and how different it may be, compared to your own material.

    I learned that, in the end, the more you produce, the more you learn—and the more confident you become.”

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  82. “At Simply Writing I learned that all it takes for me to write is to just do it. I learned it's all about work—and not as much about inspiration.

    How did “Simply Writing” contribute to my development as a writer? It has given me faith.”

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  83. “I learned that I can write under circumstances other than my prescribed routine. I learned that my writing is forever a work in progress and that's OK! This class gave me some new ideas for making writing more of a routine in my life.

    I HIGHLY recommend the Amsterdam Writing Workshops! Any one of them will provide new ideas for writing, inspiration to write, encouragement to keep writing, and a lasting love for writing.”

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  84. "The Simply Writing workshop confirmed some of my literary preferences. I felt encouraged and led to further explore theme and form. All in all, the class was very supportive and inspiring. We got a lot of hints and examples of how the process works. In the end, I realized it was not just about how to start writing and how to keep going; it was also about how to work with later drafts."

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  85. “I learnt a structure to get started with writing, both in terms of how to structure my time and how to structure my thoughts around what to write.

    The highlight (although it's hard to choose) was probably the chance to receive constructive feedback on a piece of my own writing which was read aloud to a group of talented writers.”

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  86. “This course was exactly what I needed to stop making mental loopholes or excuses for myself and just start writing! I feel very inspired; I woke up today with the words jumping to the page.”

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  87. “This was an inspiring and enjoyable workshop that gave a lot of useful information on how to get started in writing and, most importantly, how to keep it up! The feedback on the participants’ work was excellent.”

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  88. “Unashamedly, the highlight was the feedback session on the writing I was asked to produce. I learned that I have a writing voice that people respond really positively to (and I needed to know that). It was extremely valuable—it gave me confidence and impetus to carry on.”

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  89. “The workshop facilitator was superb, extremely knowledgeable in her subject matter. Furthermore, she utilised every single bit of feedback from the participants and weaved the information into the learning programme. No comment was ever ignored or rejected. In short, this made the workshop extremely motivating and engaging.”

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  90. “I discovered that I was associating writing with work rather than with the creative process. Now I’ve synchronized writing with the creative process.

    What were the highlights of the two days? I gave myself permission to write, and I became hopeful during the process.”

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  91. “I learned how to make the most of the time I have available for writing:
    • How to organize and use all my notes and all the writing that I used to consider "a waste."
    • How to create a writing habit.
    • How to be more efficient with my writing.
    Lisa is an amazing mentor, and it’s always great to attend her workshops.”

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