… this course has changed lives. We all sit with “that book” lying deep within us, though most of us remain too daunted, embarrassed and just plain inept to even get the first line down. Jo-Anne and Richard have (almost … they can’t write the whole book for you!) all the answers in their wonderful, warm, nurturing and “growing” writing courses.

It wasn’t until I was introduced to All About Writing that I really began to believe in myself as a writer with purpose. In particular, All About Writing weekend writing courses and international retreats have excelled in providing facilitative, creative and productive environments in which to explore and develop one’s writing talent. Working with Jo-Anne and Richard has been an inspiration. Critical input, insight, humour and encouragement are all part of the magic.

Discovering the Creative Writing Course has been one of the most satisfying landmarks in my life and certainly in my writing journey… [They] offer I believe an unequalled forum for prospective writers of all skill levels.  I am hooked.

All About Writing really did help me. A great deal. I’m very proud of my association with them.

Having sent three of my best-selling authors, Redi Tlhabi, Bonnie Henna and Gia Nicolaides, to All About Writing and having been a student myself, I would recommend the course to anyone, from an aspiring writer to an already established writer looking to refresh and hone their skills. Satisfy your hunger for creative expression whether you have serious writing ambitions or simply want to explore your creativity

...since attending the All About Writing course in 2010-2011 I just can’t stop writing. My first novel won an important competition in Italy in 2015 and was published this year.  The thing is, that having written essays and reports all my life, I had always wanted to write fiction but didn’t think I could. I was right, of course, but  Richard and Jo-Anne unlocked that urge in me. And I’m having a ball!

I have gained so much knowledge, acquired many skills and been given a plethora of fine tools that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I thank you so much for your time, your inspiration, your patience and your understanding. You are the best mentors I could wish for. Thank you for sharing your profound knowledge and experience with me.

You are extraordinary teachers. You’ve taken our writing seriously and over the past 30 days with gentle nudges you have shown us what was good and what still needed to be worked on. You’ve made us believe we could be REAL writers.

It is amazing to me how Jo-Anne and Richard both manage to constructively, honestly and in the most positive way comment on the assignments. I know that acquiring skills, any skills, does not happen overnight and one has to keep practising. To then have people supporting you in this fashion is … well, clichéd or not, priceless!

A big thank you to Richard for opening up your wealth of knowledge and understanding to us. As a young filmmaker, I consider that a great legacy that you are passing on to some of us. It's an honour and a privilege.

I used to think I would never be able to write anything, but All About Writing changed that thought for me… If I did it, you can do it, too. Thank you so much, All About Writing.

It was perfect timing to use the retreat for planning and starting a new novel. I found the brainstorming sessions extremely useful and Richard seemed to intuitively know exactly the tone I was reaching for and helped me both with plotting and finding the little nuances that will make the story come alive.

I found the Venice writing retreat an amazingly positive experience. It was beautifully organised (thank you, Trish!) and it felt like every little detail had been really well thought out… I couldn't have imagined working and being alongside kinder, more helpful and creative people. It was just so much fun… The tutor sessions with you, Richard, were always brilliant and so much fun but at the same time so productive and creative. You stripped all of the unnecessary baggage out of my story and have left me with something so much more straightforward and yet more emotionally complex and satisfying.

Do you dream about writing a novel? Or perhaps a screenplay? The story of your life? Do you just need a bit of a push, some practical support, the company of  writers? Take a look at what All About Writing has to offer.  Take in the courses, the mentoring programme … Richard and Jo-Anne are brilliant at what they do. These guys write, that’s the day job, and have been doing so for years. Whatever you need they can help. I can vouch for it.

It was fantastic.  I enjoyed the people, the place and the opportunities to write.  There was freedom from the everyday things that distract us, and there was so much to be amazed and motivated by.  If you could just have bottled some of it in a spray bottle to use when we needed to mist back the memories or revel in the feeling of accomplishment or joy of camaraderie. First - I liked Jo-Anne and Richard, our mentors, and their ability to be at the same time guiding lights, nudging parents, and motivators. Second - I liked the opportunity.  We were there for one or two weeks with every opportunity a writer needs - time, people to motivate, a fabulous place to be inspired by, and plenty of sunshine to keep us out of the dark places writers sometimes go. Third - I liked the variety of people and the inspiration that being with other writers provided.

… Richard and Jo-Anne is that they never impose their own voice on you, even in a subtle ways. Working with them, you always get the feeling that they are trying to help you uncover your own voice, your way of telling the story and understanding the characters. They weigh their suggestions very carefully against your vision and against where you want the story to go. I can only imagine that this comes from their own unique understanding of the position of the writer, and their sensitivity towards that. They are great teachers, and I have benefited immeasurably from their advice which is always practical, and always constructive.  

Jo-Anne and Richard present a full gamut of learning and insight on creative writing seemingly effortlessly, with the welcome addition of real verve and wit. It was pure pleasure to participate.

… (T)his course has changed lives. There are few things in life that I reckon can lay claim to this honour. We all sit with “that book” lying deep within us, though most of us remain too daunted, embarrassed and just plain inept to even get the first line down. Jo-Anne and Richard have (almost … they can’t write the whole book for you!) all the answers in their wonderful, warm, nurturing and “growing” writing courses. To me they couldn’t have thought of a more appropriate name, for they truly are – and offer – all about writing! They’ll certainly be seeing more of me in the future.

A perfect balance of exposition, illustration and exercise at every session. Constructive feedback that is evidence of the most extraordinary attentiveness, delivered with care and encouragement. Your tuition has moved my writing and confidence into a different league…and of course doing it whilst in the company of a delightfully eclectic bunch of soul mates is fabulous. I do not know how I will fill my Wednesday evenings when it is finished!

Discovering the Creative Writing Course has been one of the most satisfying landmarks in my life and certainly in my writing journey… [They] offer I believe an unequalled forum for prospective writers of all skill levels.  I am hooked.