Creative Writing Workshop - Personalised 30 minute critique

From 50 £ /h

Great writing takes great editing, and the peer-review process has helped strengthen poems and stories for centuries. See your work from a new perspective and gain valuable feedback on taking it forward with a straightforward and in-depth critique. In this session we'll review your work, whether that's poetry or prose (short stories or novels), and you'll get a detailed critique with some practical and inspiring pointers.

I'm an experienced writer and lecturer and a patient and supportive teacher who wants to help you achieve your writing goals.

Extra information

Bring a notebook and send me your work (up to 3 poems or three thousand words of prose) three working days before our session.

Location

Online from United Kingdom

About Me

Hi, I'm a poet and writer with a passion for teaching and creativity and I'd love to help you achieve your writing ambitions.

I've been lecturing and tutoring for over three years and keep sessions fun and challenging. I'm also a 2020 Prizewinner for the Streetcake Experimental Writing Award and have been published internationally, as well as helping shape the popular Creative Writing programme at the University of Plymouth where I lead the Advanced Poetry Workshop Module.

Education

University of Plymouth 2017-2020
PhD (PhD in Hand, 2020)

Awarded a Doctoral Teaching Assistant position for a funded practice-led research project titled: Lut Lut Lut, a collection of poems accompanied by a critical thesis: A poetics of The dérive and détournment. Supervisors: Professor Anthony Caleshu and Assistant Professor Mandy Bloomfield.

PGCAP 2017 – 2020: Distinction

Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy and the Postgraduate Certificate of Academic Practice with modules covering teaching and learning theory. Focused on pedagogical research methods and improving digital learning environments for online courses.

University of Gloucestershire 2014-15
MA Creative and Critical Writing: Distinction

Modules included The Teaching of Creative Writing and Poetry Masterclass, featuring trends in contemporary literature and pedagogy, as well as writing funding bids and digital skills. MA Thesis based on the figure of the Trickster in Don Paterson’s poetry.

BA Creative Writing 2010-13: First Class Honours

Modules gave a firm basis in poetry and prose writing traditions of the 21st and 20th centuries, as well as the fundamentals of creativity and publishing. Dissertation was a short story on paranoia and media contradictions impact on an ex-pat family in 2013 Syria.

Trinity School 2000-2010
A Levels: English Literature (B), History (B) and Religious Studies (B)

Experience / Qualifications

Experienced module leader and teacher across all levels, specializing in creative writing and contemporary digital humanities.

• Strong record of research skills including practice-based and archival creative practices, as well as experimental design and digital methodologies
• Web management, content creation, social media and digital marketing background
• Production Assistant, typesetter, distributor and designer for Periplum Poetry
• Research Assistant, CONTEMPO, online nationwide poetry research seminar series
• Founder of the University of Plymouth’s popular monthly Online Open Mic Night
• Delivered seminars on BA English and Creative Writing modules across all levels
• Designed lectures, seminars and assessments for a Contemporary Poetry module
• Assessed and gave extensive feedback on students’ creative and critical work
• Guest Lecture on Mythogeography for Arts University Bournemouth
• Facilitated Academic Writing Workshops for humanities students
• Awarded SU funding for three PGR poetry workshops with guest poets
• Founded the Online Creative Writing Open Mic night for students of any discipline
• Facilitated Creative Writing workshops in local schools as part of Mayflower 400
• Managed and delivered the week-long MA Publishing induction, 2018

Age

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Duration

30 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Skills

Creative writing

Poetry

Storytelling

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -05:00)

New York

Online via webcam

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Creative Writing Workshop - Plot and Rising Tension

35 £ /h

What is it that makes us addicted to a story? This session examines the concept of rising tension in short stories and guides you through some practical examples and activities that can enhance your abilities to write compelling plots. We'll look at how stories function in terms of plot and workshop some of your drafts to see where the narrative could be strengthened.

I'm an experienced lecturer and writer and a supportive and friendly teacher, and look forward to helping you reach your writing goals.

Creative Writing Workshop - Getting Published in Journals and Magazines

35 £ /h

If it hasn't been published, has it even been written? It takes a lot of hard work to get work to a publishable standard, but navigating the world of submission calls, bios, cover letters and the thousands of possible outlets for your work is another challenge all together. In this session we'll cover the fundamentals of crafting a strong submission to accompany your creative work, whether that's poetry, prose or dramatic writing, and give you the best chances of getting published.

I'm an experienced lecturer and writer and I'm published widely. I've also edited numerous journals and been involved in all stages of the publishing process.

Cécile

5.0

(4)

At the start of the youth album of your choice (you know, the one she / he constantly asks you to reread to her "by making the voices"), I will make a reading of it told in front of her / him then we will realize together a plastic realization from this story!

Maksims

5.0

(4)

Stories are as old as we are, but if you want to put a story on paper or portray a story, it turns out to be more difficult than talking to your friends. How about now?
Not what you tell, but HOW you tell it is the most important.
The basics and how to use psychology to write a story, this is what you will learn anyway. Those who want to continue afterwards will learn how to write a script. Fiction or facts, you decide what you want to learn.

Cami

5.0

(4)

✓ Improvisation is the art of composing within the framework of a role play, without being overplayed so as not to lose credibility, by taking pleasure and appearing convinced (because communication does not consist, for example, of having confidence, but of appearing confident). It helps with a wide range of skills (imagination, emotional faculties, physical expressiveness, vocal projection, clarity of speech, interpretation, improvisation, observation, emulation, stage combat...) to make public speaking, communication , theatricalization enhanced by the stage space and the play of the actor - improviser, during speeches or presentations for example.

✓ Your inventiveness, singularity, commitment and signature being at the center of this training, it is about giving you the techniques to improvise, create, stage, while showing confidence and conviction to your interlocutors, in the private sphere or of the professional.

✓ So how can you also confront your shyness or lack of (relative) self-confidence by surpassing yourself by moving forward?
➤ Express yourself with your body, your emotions, your ideas to mobilize your abilities and your creative energy
➤ Explore your path to personal expression in complete freedom and security by overcoming your fears of expressing yourself in public
➤ Activate flexibility of mind, particularly by practicing active listening
➤ Develop your creativity and imagination while overcoming your shyness, developing your speaking, listening and responding skills
➤ Anchor lasting resources such as letting go, leaving one's comfort zone thanks to a caring framework and personalized modules/exercises

For example (but the sessions/modules cover other aspects), to improve your skills during oral interventions in public (debates, media, speeches, 1 to 1, etc.), better manage your personal communication/ professional & the resulting conflicts, master negotiation techniques (...): your objectives in terms of communication may be diverse and the objective of these sessions is precisely to support you to better achieve them. So, how can we send a clear message, be impactful, create a difference and make an impact?

➤ Whether your objective is personal or professional, speaking is a predominantly physical activity, relying on a body, a voice, a breath, a rhythm (diction), an emotion and above all techniques, tools, a method, a know-how, reflecting the speaker's involvement in his speech where the art of improvisation is essential.

➤ On the telephone, in a meeting, in front of a client, his family (...), relevant and successful speaking must always be effective and efficient, with clear, simple and impactful messages, creating a balance between the message received and message sent. Coherence between form and content. The important thing in communication is not the confidence we have in ourselves, but the appearance of confidence we exude. It’s also not about being structured or coherent but simply about appearing to be so. And to do this, there are targeted tools.

➤ So, how do you listen and be listened to, convince/persuade and be impactful, challenge and leave an impression, enhance your content, address your audience relevantly and optimize the quality & clarity of the exchange/message? It is precisely a question of going through, applying and deploying practical and effective techniques of oral presentation, simple intervention or 'one to one' exchange, aiming to challenge one's audience or interlocutor, taking care of both the content and the form. , all in a professional or personal setting. Here again, there is a range of precise verbal and non-verbal communication techniques which, once modernized and brought up to date, will be put to the service of your reality. Allowing you to move from fear to pleasure in front of the public.

➤ Thus, mastered, the practical method allows, through a set of simulations and scenarios based on your daily experience supporting pragmatic & concrete techniques, to improve self-confidence, self-assurance, ease by overcoming discomfort and controlling his emotion in public. But also to work on your leadership & charisma, in a context where empathy and emotional intelligence are at the service of communication.

➤ So, in this context, after having precisely defined your objective & gone through the blockages encountered, here are some examples of themes covered through concrete techniques & a targeted methodology, in support of improvisation skills:
✓Practical tools to perfect your rhetoric/repartee
✓Decode and use the practical communication tools of great leaders
✓Fundamentals (practices) of eloquence but also of oratorical art (intonation, gaze, gestures, elocution, range, emotions, pronunciation, development of one's own style of charisma, etc.) to ensure consistency between content and the form
✓Fundamentals of Body Language to support and not interfere with the speech while being convinced & convincing.
✓ Highlighting their speech & promoting their speaking to arouse interest, by building on their strengths.
✓Creation of a coherence between the message emitted & the message received in order to improve its speech and in fact, its professional/personal relations.
✓Management of Q&A sessions & external reactions during an intervention or an oral exchange.
✓Practical tools to put your interlocutor at ease and appear friendly/interested.
✓To succeed in a negotiation/mediation.
✓On the one hand, learning to say 'no' simply in three steps AND on the other hand, getting people to say 'yes'.
✓To turn sentences into positive AND constructive.
✓To manage conflicts (eg 'assertive' communication techniques, eg CNV techniques - Non Violent Communication).
✓To put NLP (neuro-linguistic programming) at the service of communication.
✓To adopt effective, simple, fair and engaging language.
✓To use sentences, turns of phrase & expressions allowing to be precise, simple, effective & challenging.
✓To manage your personal & professional relationships with, for example, the preparation of your ratings.
✓Make your hypersensitivity a strength to tame your abilities.
✓Listening proactively and expressing / conveying ideas / message clearly.
✓Avoid letting your emotions show and propose a constructive solution to problems, while drawing on your own relational skills.
✓Be better equipped to recognize and immediately remedy situations that weaken their authority and affect their ability to communicate effectively.
✓Enhance their potential for expression and creativity (often underestimated until now) and 'apparent' sociability
✓Develop not necessarily self-confidence, but the 'appearance' of self-confidence, refine one's listening to respond adequately, open up to the resources of the imagination, free oneself from the rational to then structure one's speech.
✓Relate their communication objectives (project, institution, values, ideas, demands, etc.) to the form of their expression.
✓Learn and put into practice persuasive communication techniques and better understand the perception that others have of oneself. In order to improve his skills of 'self-presentation' and conveyed image.
✓Practical techniques to foster the engagement of the other party.
✓Strengthen the structure of its communication and develop a convincing argument in order to sell its ideas and projects.
✓ Optimizing internal and external relationships are professional fundamentals so that the structure of sessions, business dialogue and mastery of change communication are valuable.

(...)

➤ In short, improvisation, dramatization, public speaking skills are today essential transversal skills for asserting oneself, informing, negotiating and convincing. However, to master the keys to successful public communication, it is necessary to strengthen the impact of one's own speeches: by structuring one's interventions and taking into account the circumstances and expectations of the public; by making an impact through storytelling; integrating the psychological and emotional factors of effective oral communication; by integrating emotions into the preparation of the message and arguments; anticipating objections and delicate situations; by preparing and structuring an attractive and convincing presentation framework; by experimenting with the rules of improvisation; by adequately managing difficult situations (...).

➤ In short, each session combines techniques & practical exercises adapted to your everyday situations (filmed with your agreement in order to be reviewed, commented on, decoded together live, to have an external perspective and areas for improvement) , so that you will be able to apply them immediately, and from the first session.

THE TRAINER
➤ With training from Grande Ecole post-preparatory classes & Ivy League university in the United States, our teacher trainer has specialized and has worked for more than 15 years in the field, in Europe and North America, in renowned international public and private establishments, regularly speaking in forums and conferences, and also offering personalized INDIVIDUAL support, with pedagogy and careful methodology as the watchwords.

➤ PLACE, TIMETABLE, PRICES
✓ Locations: Geneva-Lausanne-Fribourg-Zurich-Neuchâtel-Lugano-Montreux-Basel-Neuchâtel-Bern-Lucerne-Brussels-Luxembourg-Paris-Lyon. But currently, these sessions continue to be offered by videoconference in the current context and in accordance with general demand which is almost unanimous on this subject.

✓ Indeed, apart from the classic advantages of videoconferencing (time saving related to travel & their unforeseen events, eco-responsibility, increased schedule flexibility, etc.), the quality of the session & the interaction remain identical. In addition, the entire exchange, notes and recommendations are immediately transcribed on the dedicated chat.

✓ To support us among ourselves & to be pleasant to you in this sustainable / particular period and in a spirit of solidarity, the fees are temporarily reduced and will not increase after the start of our sessions.

✓ Languages: French/English.

✓ The progress following these private sessions is perceptible from 1 to 2 sessions (*2024 study).

✓ As other people do regularly, you can also please your loved ones by offering gift vouchers available all year round.

Tabitha

5.0

(4)

Creative writing is often portrayed as a solitary task. This cannot be further from the truth! Even professional authors have their work proofread, edited, and through this process redrafted. I offer these services to writers of every level. As a writer myself, I specialise in prose and plays, and am happy to look at work from a spectrum of literature. Specifically, I look to help support you with your work by proofreading, checking for grammar and spelling, but also suggesting literary techniques that may improve your work. Furthermore, I can provide a range of exercises for new writers to explore their tone and style, and am happy to help people to whom English is a second or third language gain confidence in their writing!

Hello! My name is Magdalee, and I am excited to guide you through the fascinating world of creative writing. My diverse background and extensive experience in both teaching and writing make me uniquely qualified to teach this course to both teens and adults.

I hold a Master's degree in Rural Development from Ghent University, where I graduated summa cum laude. Additionally, I have a Bachelor's degree in Agribusiness from National Chung Hsing University, where I achieved a near-perfect GPA. My academic journey has honed my skills in research, critical thinking, and scientific communication—skills that are invaluable in teaching and mentoring aspiring writers. I am currently a PhD student and teaching assistant in the Department of Political Science at the University of Toronto.

I also have a strong background in creative writing. I have published three short stories and won countless writing competitions. I have been recognized for my writing skills through various awards and scholarships, including the Haiti's National Writing Competition and the Prix Interrégional Jeunes Auteurs.

I am fluent in Haitian Creole and French, advanced in English, and have intermediate proficiency in Spanish and German. My multilingual abilities allow me to appreciate and teach the nuances of language, which is crucial in creative writing. Whether you're writing poetry, short stories, or essays, understanding the subtleties of language can elevate your work.

Unlock your creativity with this comprehensive creative writing course designed for both teens and adults. This course covers poetry, short stories, and essays, providing you with the tools and techniques to express yourself beautifully and powerfully in written form. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced writer, you’ll benefit from a personalized and interactive approach, with tailored exercises, constructive feedback, and a supportive learning environment.

You’ll explore various styles and genres, develop your unique voice, and learn the craft of writing compelling narratives and thought-provoking essays. Our sessions will include creative prompts and targeted feedback to help you hone your skills and produce polished pieces.

Join me on this literary journey and discover the joy and satisfaction of creative expression!

Isabella

5.0

(4)

Hi, I’m Isabella. I'm an actress trained internationally, with work experience across film, theatre, and TV. I’ve studied at places like IDSA in London, Stella Adler in LA, and Mulholland Academy in Amsterdam, and my training includes techniques like Chubbuck, Meisner, and more.

In our sessions, we’ll always start with where you’re at, whether you’re at the beginning of your acting journey or already stepping into auditions. I tailor everything to your needs, from scene work and character prep to building emotional range, sharpening your audition skills, or simply feeling more grounded and present in front of the camera or on stage.

Marli

5.0

(4)

Are you interested in writing songs but don't know where to start? Is your notes app full of unfinished written ideas? Do you have hundreds of voice memos but suffer from writer's block? If any of these questions remind you of yourself, then this class is the perfect fit for you.

This masterclass is hosted pro-music coach Marli(ii) - with over 10 years of experience as a music coach, Marli helps you find inspiration, introspection and innovation in your songwriting journey during the masterclass. Marli has her Bachelor Degree in music from Hofstra University (NY), holds music accolades from the National Association of Music Merchants and from HARMAN JBL, has live performance experience across reputable music festivals, tours, and performed as the opening act for Portugal. The Man.

Carlos

5.0

(4)

I am a historian and novelist with over 20 years of experience, during which I have published various essays, research books, art critiques, and novels. In these classes, I will help you develop your creative idea, from the first sketches on paper to the final versions.

I am a historian and novelist with over 20 years of experience, during which I have published numerous essays, research books, art reviews, and novels. In these classes, I will help you develop your creative idea, from the initial sketches on paper to the final versions.

Carlsen

5.0

(4)

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of screenwriting for film. Through lectures, readings, and writing exercises, students will learn core storytelling concepts including three-act structure, character development, conflict, visual storytelling, and dialogue. Emphasis is placed on crafting short scripts and learning how to communicate ideas cinematically through action and imagery. By the end of the course, students will have completed a polished short screenplay and gained a solid foundation in the creative and structural tools used by screenwriters.

Hélène

5.0

(4)

Poetry has the power to speak with delicacy and allow us to express what we feel deeply. It can be therapeutic, depending on the workshops and goals. As a poetry author, I offer to adapt to your needs in this area and to help you with reading aloud.

Charlotte

5.0

(4)

Hello and welcome! My name is Charlotte, and I am a professional translator and editor with a Bachelor's degree in Translation from the Higher Institute of Translators and Interpreters in Brussels. I have been translating from English to French for over nine years. I have had the opportunity to work with prestigious platforms and companies such as Netflix, Airbnb, Booking.com, and numerous literary publishers, translating content ranging from series and films to novels and marketing materials.

I offer personalized English-French translation courses tailored to all levels: whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics, a language student, or a professional seeking to refine your skills for the workplace, I will guide you step by step. We will work with real-world texts, practical exercises, and professional methods to help you master translation with precision, fluency, and naturalness.

My approach is warm and supportive, yet always professional: I want you to progress while enjoying the learning process. Together, we will develop your vocabulary, your sense of style, your rigor, and your confidence to become an effective and creative translator.

Ready to boost your translation skills and translate into impeccable French? Book your first lesson now and let's begin this linguistic adventure together!

Shamie

5.0

(4)

As a longtime teacher and writing coach, I specialize in helping young writers discover their unique voice and build confidence on the page. Creative expression is a crucial part of childhood and adolescent development, and this class gives students a supportive space to explore their ideas, stretch their imagination, and grow as storytellers.

Through fun prompts, guided writing exercises, character-building activities, and constructive feedback, students learn how to craft vivid scenes, create memorable characters, and write with clarity, purpose, and heart. Whether your child already loves writing or needs a little encouragement, this class meets them where they are and helps them develop both skill and passion.

My approach is nurturing, individualized, and engaging. I believe every student has a story to tell, and my goal is to help them tell it in a way that feels authentic, joyful, and empowering.

Perfect for ages 7–12, all levels welcome. Let’s spark creativity and build lifelong confidence together.

Alina

5.0

(4)

Looking to start writing your first screenplay, play, or something else of your liking? Want help with something you're currently writing? In this class, you'll learn how the structure of a story functions and improve upon any part of storytelling you want to get better at.

Practices in class include writing exercises, in-class proofreading, and delving into other pieces of work to see what makes them a good story.

Michelle

5.0

(4)

Students will receive personalized support with essays, research papers, school reports, and college application writing. With over a decade of teaching experience, I help students strengthen structure, clarity, and critical thinking while developing their own voice. Sessions are tailored to each student’s needs—whether they’re building foundational skills, refining drafts, or preparing high-stakes assignments—always with a supportive, confidence-building approach.