CREATIVE WRITING FOR BEGINNERS
I’ve had the most wonderful experience on Literary Kitchen’s Creative Writing for Beginner’s course. Andrea has created such a thought-provoking, fun and playful space! I’ve loved finding my voice and hearing the most extraordinary stories from my classmates. Highly recommended!
Hannah Sierp, April 2023
Amazing to have a supportive community on a consistent basis to inspire me, keep me accountable and build confidence in writing. The creative exercises allowed me to access and see parts of my creative self that I hadn’t before – super grateful!
Will de Groot, April 2023
A wonderful course!! It’s really well-structured and I was surprised at how quickly we all began writing and creating through really clever techniques and exercises and Andrea’s brilliant guidance.
Emma Doherty, April 2023
A lovely, supportive and welcome space. Just the right balance of fun and serious, with plenty of encouragement along the way. I’ve gained so much more confidence and will definitely be continuing many of the practices that Andrea introduced us to.
Hannah Milner, April 2023
Andrea’s course has given me the confidence to start writing and to realise that words are not precious and it’s removed the fear from writing. It has been great to work through the fun exercises and also lovely to have such a supportive environment. Thank you.
Charlotte Pinder, April 2023
I’ve had a brilliant experience on Literary Kitchen’s Creative Writing for Beginner’s course. It’s really built up my confidence writing and sharing my writing, which was something that really scared me! The exercises were so fun and I learnt so much. One of the best things was listening to my fellow student’s writing – there was a lovely commonality between the final pieces that created a sense of unity.
Matty Hadfield, April 2023
I really enjoyed the course. It really was a great introduction into techniques and tools that you can use to kickstart your writing and help shape it in interesting ways. Really great to share the work in a supportive environment and Andrea was a wonderful guide!
Liz Lutgendorff, April 2023
This course was great! It opened my mind to new ways of working, showing me how even the smallest moments of my day could evolve into a story, and then the world became infinitely more fun.
Antonia Beard, Dec 2022
Andrea’s encouragement, kindness and passion supported me in finding the texture of my voice and rooted me in daily writing practices. I leave with inspiration and tools and excited to be part of a writing group.”
Poonam Dhuffer, Dec 2022
Instructive, interesting, friendly and fun. I loved this course. It gave me the sills and confidence to write and having completed this course I’d be delighted to take this further.
Joe Sullivan, Dec 2022
I loved this course. With achievable exercises there’s no excuse for not following through. I came out with a short story and tons of exercises should I feel in a rut. Thank you!
Mathilde Leblond, Dec 2022
I’ve learnt how to embrace my voice as a writer and I feel more confident to try new styles, techniques and methods. It’s so nice to be able to do this with a group of supportive writers too.
Oliver Palethorpe, July 2022
An absolute delight to spend a couple of hours each week enjoying a part of my brain that doesn’t get much use. I’m so proud to have completed a story. Something I haven’t done since I was thirteen.
Amy Harris, July 2022
A fabulous way to spend a Wednesday evening, learning through great exercises and homework how to love writing. Andrea was expert at offering techniques and feedback. Really fun.
Pippa Beazley, July 2022
This has been a really lovey way to spend a weeknight evening, bubbling with creativity and learning.
Tomilyn Rupert, July 2022
This course has been a great way to learn more, not only about writing, but how others can help you find your voice.
Priya Shemar, July 2022
I loved learning subtle techniques, like inserting something small and big and unsettling into a piece of writing, or using the five senses to set a scene.
Janina Kutyn, July 2022
Such a brilliant course. It really helped me to go from not having written anything fictional to writing my first story. The lessons were fun, really well structured and dynamic.
Eva Menger, July 2022
I’ve really loved this course. It’s given me so much more confidence to just give it a go and not be hampered by perfectionism. It’s felt like such a supportive fun environment. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you!
Hannah Willcock, July 2022
The course has really increased my confidence as a writer and given me the building blocks to complete my own pieces. It’s also increased my enjoyment in reading, I can see so much more in the writing now I know how the stories are constructed.
Sarah Blake, April 2022
Andrea creates an infectious, supported, guided space to write and to share. A safe, fun class to develop ideas, learn techniques and form good regular writing habits. Thank you so much for this!
Melanie Allen, April 2022
This course gave me the tools I need to approach my writing and creativity with confidence. Would highly recommend for anyone trying to overcome the fear of the blank page.
Jessie Meenan, April 2022
So glad I did this course. I have enjoyed the whole process. Not only have I learnt new skills and practices but have also gained the confidence in my writing through the weekly exercises and sharing. Highly recommend and I am inspired to keep writing. Thank you!
Hayley Williams, April 2022
Thank you for a great course, learning through doing!
Greta Rae Gillham Wright, April 2022
Thank you for an amazing course. I took away a lot of advice, tips and materila that I can continue to work with and grow. It was a great journey and it felt really satisfying to complete a whole piece. A great nurturing environment to learn in.
Tereza Kràsovà, April 2022
The course was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. I learnt so much and gained so much confidence in my writing. It became the highlight of my week and I feel delighted to have produced a final piece I’m proud of. I’m inspired to keep writing. Thank you so much!
Giulia Crouch, April 2022
What an amazing course! It got me writing properly again after years and each week was filled with exciting and new ways to create. Thanks so much Andrea!
Emily Kidd, Dec 2021
Had a fantastic experience learning to write for fun and meeting other people who also want to write, seeing into other creative minds. A “commandment” being – don’t be precious, just write. Will always remember this.
Catherine Dunn, Dec 2021
Literary Kitchen has become a jewel in the middle of the week for me. Andrea is extremely knowledgeable and the classes are so well planned and full of fun and inspiring exercises. Most of all, Andrea creates a warm and encouraging environment to experiment, learn and grow as writers and creative people.
Lottie Howard-Merrill, Dec 2021
Absolutely loved Creatve Writing for Beginners course. Having a clear focus each week with an end goal has been both fun and rewarding. Such an enjoyable process. Thank you.
Maria Ridley, Dec 2021
Such a great way to spend an evening once a week. It’s taken me form absolute zero as a writer to putting a short story together that I’m proud of in no time. Andrea is a wonderful teacher. So glad I saw the add in my local cafe!
Luke Simpson, Dec 2021
Such a lovely experience: supportive, fun and structured. This course built my confidence to try new things and helped me find the joy in writing again.
Miriam Nicholson-Baker, April 2020
The course helped me put pen to paper and actually start writing instead of just thinking about writing.
Linnea Lindstrom, April 2020
Clear and well-structured introduction to the basics of storytelling – and well done adapting to the craziness that Covid-19 threw upon us.
Philippa Knott Kos, April 2020
The classes were supportive and fun and helped me to ignite a spark for creative writing. I have come out the other side feeling much more confident in my writing and with lots of new ideas.
Annie Wogel, April 2020
Literary Kitchen has given me confidence that I can create fiction. Not something I have done since a teenager. I’m very excited to continue as I have begun in these classes.
Ben Clifford, April 2020
Thanks so much for a great course. I’ve really enjoyed being pushed out of my comfort zone in a supportive setting. My approach to how I write has completely changed and the quality of my work has noticeably improved. Most importantly, I’ve discovered a real love of writing. I try to embed it into everyday life now. I would love to do another course.
Kat Sirrell, April 2020
The course was fantastic, covering all aspects of story writing in a fun, inspiring way. The progression from the start to completing a short story is organic and I’m pleased and surprised with what came out at the end of it.
Ben Moorhouse, April 2020
This course taught me how to recognise what the creative process looks like. The week by week sessions broke this process down into digestible pieces and gave me a chance to try each of them on.
Ros McDonach, April 2020
This course, with its warm, structured, creative environment, has given me the focus to be able to write after years of abstinence. Every minute of each session was utilised to great effect. Brilliant course.
Heather Meyer, Dec 2019
What an experience! After not having written for many years, I feel I have found a voice and confidence in being creative.
Danny Leahy, Dec 2019
You can write! The tutor does an amazing job of breaking through your procrastination. This course is a real joy.
Kelly Davies, Dec 2019
This course was fantastic. Not only were we motivated to do some very creative exercises, but the cohort of students made for a tremendous atmosphere.
Cameron Hall, Dec 2019
I really enjoyed the writing exercises which have been very stimulating, and I particularly enjoyed the interplay with the other students on the course.
Katharine St. John-Brooks, Dec 2019
This course has been such a pleasure to attend. Stimulating, heartwarming, funny and therapeutic. I can’t recommend it enough. Brilliantly organised and dynamic.
Alice Rowsome, Dec 2019
The tutor is encouraging, knowledgeable and full of enthusiasm. I learnt an awful lot on this course and would recommend it to any aspiring writers.
Jamie Rainbow, Dec 2019
I so enjoyed this course. The diversity of learners and stories was inspirational. The sequence of the techniques taught was really helpful and I enjoyed the pace of the course. I recommend it, wherever you are on your creative writing journey.
Kirsty Kenney, Dec 2019
The tutor really loves her subject – literature – which is why she is such an inspiring teacher.
Lily Corbett, Dec 2019
I really enjoyed these ten weeks. The course has been the perfect balance of instruction, practice and discussion.
Ruth Broadbent, July 2019
Literary Kitchen covers the lot: the basics of character, structure, prespective and conflict, right through to building good habits and how to apply your imagination. I’ve learnt masses.
Tom Butler, July 2019
This has been an exhilarating ten weeks. I feel like I have found a confidence and creativity I didn’t know I had. The tutor brought the group together and made writers out of all of us. A joyous course.
Jo Cohen, July 2019
This course has been an absolute joy and a wonderful way to hone your writing skills, as well as meet like-minded people and feel part of the London writing community. Rewarding, inspiring and fun!
Phoebe St John, July 2019
Ten weeks ago I didn’t think it was possible to write 1,500 words, but this course has taken me on a journey I will never forget. For years I have wanted to put pen to paper and now I have there is no turning back.
Sophie Humphries, July 2019
This course has helped me pick through the noise surrounding a story and find the narrative, using techniques like free-writing. I feel ready now to go away and write exactly how I wanted to feel.
Patrick Ross, July 2019
If you have always wanted to start writing fiction, but never got around to it, this class is for you. Highly recommended.
Joe Martin, July 2019
I came to this unsure of what I had to learn from a beginners class, but looking for a kick up the arse. It was definitely that, and also a fantastic community and a great series of exercises that all build on each other. I’m a better writer now.
Katie Logan, July 2019
I really enjoyed this course. It was informative and fun and has given me the tools and confidence to think about writing a larger piece.
Hester Vaizey, July 2019
This course will get you out of your comfort zone, and into writing in the best way.
Rachel Calton, July 2019
This course was the perfect mix of instruction, practice and discussion. Always challenging, it was a great experience.
Jen Brown, July 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed being surrounded by unique and talented voices. I learnt so much from the others on the course and the weekly direction. The sessions have given me another layer of confidence in my writing.
Rienkje Attoh, July 2019
This course has enabled me to begin writing after a lifetime of writers block. I enjoyed developing an understanding of my own work and that of my fellow students as we got to know each other. It has been an enjoyable experience and I look forward to the next course.
Lily Corbett, April 2019
This course was so great! The exercises were challenging and rewarding and pushed me to improve. Thank you so much.
Isabella Florence Martin, April 2019
This has been a brilliant course. I will miss it. The tutor combines enthusiasm, guidance, expertise and all round loveliness to be a fantastic teacher. The course has got me writing. Thank you.
Catherine Orme, April 2019
The last ten weeks have taught me so much. The classes are brilliantly structured, rigorous and fun. Literary Kitchen teaches you to be brave,
Emily Tobin, April 2019
This is a very engaging course. The tutor is great at getting you over the biggest hurdle of just starting to write. After that it starts to flow, and the course helps to break down the process of putting a story together.
James Skeate, April 2019
Fabulous! I learnt so much from both the tutor and my fellow students. I didn’t believe I could write. Now, I know I can I will continue.
Lesley Brown, April 2019
An amazing course. Every class brought me so much joy. I’ve been to other creative writing workshops, and this course was head and shoulders above the rest. The lesson structure and direction elevated my achievements in writing.
Emily Blackman, April 2019
A really inspiring course. Every week I learnt something new, and the tutor has an incredible way of getting your story out of you. The standard of writing that came out of the course blew me away. We are all better writers now.
Amy Passmore, April 2019
The tutor is a fantastic teacher. The course focuses on developing confidence, and provides the tools needed to write and incorporate everything learned. I loved every minute of this course, and thoroughly recommend it.
Sabrina Etherington, April 2019
An excellent course, with useful guidance in a relaxed format, building to a final piece, as well as lots of suggestions for further reading.
Louise Crow, April 2019
Learning about technique has been great, but what’s been amazing is learning how to get going, to get words on the page, to write!
Henry Kozak, Dec 2018
This course helped kickstart my writing, teaching the basic concepts and instilling good practices. The course structure is amazing and you really witness everyones work improve with every class.
Mario Ferreira, Dec 2018
I experienced a sense of freedom from the very first session, from the use of time constraints, fast writing, and sharing immediately. And at the end I completed a short story. Miraculous.
Jenny Allinson, Dec 2018
This course has been an enjoyable and enlightening process that has totally demystified writing fiction.
Rob Thorman, Dec 2018
It’s rare to find something, anything, where the learning process delivers every week. To be matched by peerless teaching. As someone who has run workshops for over a decade it has been a treat to be on the other side. And the work created by all was astounding.
Josh Gaillemin, Dec 2018
This course was an absolute joy. I started off not knowing how to do anything, and nervous. It was wonderful to watch the group develop as writers. I’ve loved hearing their stories. And I’ve loved creating something of my own.
Elena Markham, Dec 2018
The course was fantastic. I loved the structured element with a focus on a different aspect each week, which we could then build into our final piece. I feel that my writing has really improved, and more importantly I’ve enjoyed the process!
Jess Worsdale, Dec 2018
A fantastically supportive, well-structured and encouraging course. It has enabled me to develop my confidence with written language. I’m loving reading more too and appreciating the writer’s art.
Carolyn Morris, Dec 2018
Thank you for a fantastic course, I really enjoyed it. I learnt a lot about how to write and I’ve written a lot! A lovely gang of people too.
Helen Gunson, April 2018
It’s been a joy to spend two hours a week learning about the craft of writing (and I’ve learned there is a lot to learn!). I feel like I am definitely reading like a writer now.
Niamh Dennehy, April 2018
I found the exercises useful to generate ideas and the practical nature of the classes helped me to fulfill my aim of going from a single idea to a completed short story.
Helena Moore, April 2018
I learnt that story ideas can come from anywhere and then if you stick with it, and have confidence, you will finish the story.
Amy de Klerk, April 2018
This course made me consider my writing style, and I read differently now that I have more knowledge on technique. I would do this course again.
Nicola Gordon, April 2018
A great way to develop your writing and to understand the writing process. Interesting and engaging lessons where you write all the time.
Naeem Noor, April 2018
So helpful on how to generate and develop ideas, and most importantly, how to finish the piece of writing.
Piers Campbell, April 2018
I’ve learnt so much from this course. I now have a much freer more playful approach to writing. Thoroughly recommend.
Joy Green, Dec 2017
I was given all the skills and encouragement needed to write in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
Daniel Priddle, Dec 2017
This course helped break down my inhibitions and to enjoy writing as a fun, creative process.
Rory Mannion, Dec 2017
I was scared to begin with but it couldn’t have been a more supportive environment in which to learn. So glad I did the course.
Jo Stimpson, Dec 2017.
This course made me rediscover my love of language.
Steph King, Dec 2017.
I’ve enjoyed every week, and looked forward to every class. This course has made me so much more confident as a writer.
Tom Ghiden, Dec 2017.
This course has given me the confidence to share my writing.
Rachel White, Dec 2017.
Well structured and approachable. I wrote more than I ever thought I would.
Lauren Johns, Dec 2017.
This course makes you think and believe in yourself – and is fun to boot. It is brilliantly structured, and the group and peer-to-peer feedback is really helpful when it comes to developing stories and character arcs. I feel much more confident about my writing.
Ellla Walker, March 2017
Literary Kitchen provides a fun and friendly space to be creative with your use of words. Whether you regularly write or haven’t yet dared to give it a go, this course will help you develop your writing and grow in confidence as a writer.
Ella Berny, March 2017
This course is one of the best things I have ever done. Through the at times gentle, at times forceful, insistence on us writing, reading, editing, deleting, rewriting and thinking, I now relish the craft, and have written everyday for the past ten weeks. I will be shouting from the rooftops about Literary Kitchen for ever more.
Ben Benton, Dec 2016
This course is fun, interactive, fascinating and captivating. And completing a story is very satisfying.
Surinder Singh, Dec 2016
Great course. It got me writing, and I finished a short story! I will definitely recommend this course.
Julie Fahy, Dec 2016
I didn’t expect the two hours per week to be so productive and inspiring. I really enjoyed the group dynamic and the teaching.
Kim Dhillon, Dec 2016
This course demystifies the writing process, and provides simple yet effective techniques to get you putting pen to paper. Thoroughly recommended.
Katie Weeks, July 2016
This course made such a difference to my creative inner life and autonomy. I felt inspired and emboldened, within a group of like-minded and supportive people. A total game changer.
Bettrys Jones, July 2016
A wonderfully planned course that carefully and kindly draws out the writer in you. A place to be creative, to share, to enjoy creating words. Brilliant!
Clare Arnold
A truly supportive environment quickly builds in the group because of the skillfully facilitated safe space. I delighted in hearing everyone’s writing voice grow and develop. This course has rigour without feeling rigorous, and has stretched me as a writer.
Deena Gornick, July 2016
This course reignited my confidence as a writer. It is brilliantly well-constructed and to the point.
Caroline Gray, July 2016.
Such a fantastic course, varied and entertaining. A wonderful introduction to the habit of creative writing. I feel empowered to continue writing and to enter competitions.
Becky Danks, July 2016
This course has taught me invaluable technical aspects of writing, the most important of which is that writing is a process. On top of that, it was bags of fun!
Chris Devine, April 2016
This is the best investment I have made in myself in a long time. The course is extensive and full of insights; a weekly safe-zone for my burgeoning creativity.
Sonita Alleyne
A challenging and concise writing experience that really pushes the boundaries of expectation.
Allyson Fisher, Dec 2015
I started this course doubtful and nervous and not quite sure what to expect. I finished it with a 2000 word short story that I was really proud of. I learned about structure and theme and point of view within a supportive group of like-minded people. I am no longer fearful of writing and have learned to be kind to myself and patient with my work and to just write.
Denise Monroe, Dec 2015
This tightly structured and thoroughly entertaining course was a revelation, encouraging experimentation, with timed exercises and playful collaboration with the other students. I am hooked and am not only beginning a writing habit, but I have enrolled in the next course! Tessa Brown, Dec 2014
I arrived at the class concerned that I did not having a creative side, but a desire to write. I learnt, through the weeks, that the process of writing needs structure and review, with many ways to build a character, setting or plot. The deconstruction of how to build a piece of writing has been fascinating and extremely helpful in learning how to write a story. I loved every session! Valerie Gill, July 2014
By day, I write headlines, captions, emails, marketing copy; by night, well, I wrote nothing until I met Andrea Mason. I thought about writing fiction a lot, but as for actually getting something on to paper… it never quite happened. Ten weeks later and I have a 1,800 word short story I am proud of. Andrea is a whizz at critiquing your work in progress, from ‘getting’ your nascent idea to appreciating your tone and helping you develop it. Now I can call myself a writer. Why? Because, thanks to Literary Kitchen, I write!
Sophie Gridley, July 2014
Literary Kitchen’s Creative Writing for Beginners course is a wonderful launch pad for aspiring writers. The hands-on group sessions have you writing from week one and are an invaluable resource for anybody either starting out in creative writing or brushing up on old skills.
David Faulds, March 2014
This course is a wonderful introduction into the world of creative writing. I enjoyed every minute of the journey and I would highly recommend this course to anyone who has ever wanted to write but was afraid to start.
Annemarie Villeneuve, July 2013
This course surpassed expectation. I feel like a ball of dough that has been proved in the Literary Kitchen and is now ready to be baked into a delicioius multi-seed loaf.
Dawn Henderson, July 2013
I enjoyed tapping into my creativity again. Great people and a good mix of theory and practice.
Nehanda Truscott, July 2012
What a fantastic course. Thank you. I feel like I have learnt so much, become more confident about my writing and met some fantastic people.
Jenny Shaw, July 2012
Above all, you got me writing, thank you. Sometimes inspiring, sometimes painful, and helpful, shaping and encouraging. I leave with a small belief that I can write, and many more tools with which to do it.
David McCormick, July 2012
Thanks for putting into context my idea of writing, and giving me the structure. This course has taught me that something great can come from nothing, and given me more confidence in my writing.
Ellen Quach, July 2012
It’s been an incredibly useful ten weeks; even the toughest parts have had a big impact on the way I’ve started writing. And there were some really transcendent moments of writing and creating. Thank you so much.
Rebecca Skipwith, July 2012
II have so enjoyed being given the chance to try new ways of approaching writing. It has been great to be provoked, and to find new ways of developing charcters and ideas that I’d never have come up with myself. The group has been supportive and I’ve learned so much and hope to carry on implementing these newly acquired tools.
Rachel Erasmus, July 2012
It’s been an incredibly useful ten weeks. Even the toughest parts have had a big impact on the way I’ve started writing. And there were some really transcendent moments of writing and creating. Thank you so much.
Rachel O’Riordan, March 2012
This course has given me part of my soul back. Like a love affair I’ve experienced passion, fear, lust, joy, annoyance, guilt and adoration.
Gail Shock, March 2012
I came away with the feeling that I can write; this course has given me so much confidence.
Regina Freedman, March 2012
I cannot emphasise enough how supportive this course is; do not fear, you can be a writer too!.
Jo Falcon, March 2012
I walked in feeling I was a chancer; I walked out a writer. not bad!
Remi Olajoyegbe, March 2012
The creative writing course for beginners gave me the push that I needed to start writing again. I came out of the course with the confidence to call myself a writer.
Katie Jackson
This course has inspired me with her knowledge of all aspects of creative writing. The teaching style and enthusiasm for the subject are second to none. This course is a must for any aspiring author/writer.
Madeline Ionnadis
I wanted to write but had lost focus. The Literary Kitchen course put me on track.
Kate Tuncliffe
Do this if, like me, you’ve felt blocked, and need to get writing again. It works!
Eugene Francis
A comprehensive introduction to the practice of writing with practical exercises stimulating application.
Graham Thomas
The best investment I have made in myself in a long time. It is extensive and full of insights … a weekly safe-zone for my burgeoning creativity.
Sonita Alleyne, July 2011
The Literary Kitchen’s creative writing course was a thrilling challenge, an eye opener and a huge learning curve but thoroughly enjoyable every week. Really encouraging to bring out any tentative writers.
Julia Parfitt, Dec 2011
The Literary Kitchen Beginners class is excellent in all ways – expert and friendly – a perfect environment to test a writing talent.
Georgina Carless, Dec 2011
WRITERS WORKOUT
Great course! The opportunity to share work has really improved my writing and the focus on completing pieces of work has made me feel much more confident as a writer.
Helena Carley, May 2019
I really enjoyed the positive writing environment, which meant that I could write in a structured setting with feedback, which helped me to develop a habit of creating.
Ross Fraser-Smith, March 2018
This course is beautifully no-nonsense. There is no time for self-doubt or feelings of inadequacy. Just write!
Bettrys Jones, March 2018
I loved being pushed to write and seeing my work improve, as well as the opportunity for great feedback, working in groups, and pointers about where to submit my stories.
Lauren Johns, March 2018
This course is encouraging and supportive. I now feel that I can call myself a writer, and have the confidence to write, share and submit my work.
Sarah Buckle, Dec 2017
A brilliant course for writers looking for structure and inspiration. Love it!
Emma Hutton, Dec 2017
I love listening to other people’s stories and styles and realising how many different voices there are. This course has given me the confidence not to obsess about style, but to get on with it and see what my writing voice sounds like.
Denise Monroe, July 2016
Amazing teaching, amazing course. You really get a sense of progress as a writer, and it’s really satisfying.
Andrew Lewis, July 2016
A perfectly enveloping and relaxed environment in which to gain confidence, find a voice and be encouraged to write.
Jenny McCluskey, July 2016
Practical, inspiring and great fun. I really recommend this course.
Fran Beckett, July 2016
I’ve done a few writing classes over the years, but this is the only one where I have completed so many stories and submitted them. It’s exciting to feel that you’re a practising writer. This course has given me the tools, confidence and discipline to continue.
Mel Carvalho, July 2016
“This course is a must for people looking to make creative writing part of their lives. The exercises and skills you take aweay from the course feel like gifts in the way they are used again and again. This course finally helped me to get serious about writing.”
Sara Lyon, July 2014
“I thoroughly enjoyed this course – the right does of inspiration and hard work, to improve my writing and my confidence, in the friendliest of environments.”
Sam Mortimer, July 2013
“Literary Kitchen is consistently excellent in the quality and skill of teaching for testing a writing skill. Highly recommended.”
Georgina Carless, July 2013
“The tutor can pinpoint exactly what isn’t working in a piece, and inspire you to keep going until you sort it out. A really enjoyable course, highly recommended.”
Kath Stathers, July 2013
“Life-changing. I cannot recommend this course enough. The tutor is a fantastic teacher – you will come out a better person!”
Jenny Shaw, July 2013
WRITERS WORKSHOP
The Writer’s Workshop programme is absolutely invaluable to my writing practice. I have participated in four full terms, and it continues to be a vital source of constructive feedback, encouragement, motivation, and community. Guided by the highly skilled and experienced Andrea Mason, the discussion can be challenging (as it should be) but is always supportive. I recommend it without reservation.Joe Martin, Dec 2020This course has been instrumental in reviving my novel and also starting a new one and keeping me sane through lockdown.Peter Yeoh, Dec 2020Writers Workshop with Andrea has turned my life around. I would not be writing without it.Lily Corbett, Dec 2020Thank you. This has been my first try at a workshop class and I have found it such a supportive, constructive and inspiring experience. I’ve learnt so much from Andrea and the group.
Miriam Nicholson-Butcher, Dec 2020
I really enjoyed the writers workshop and have learned so much. As a new writer this was a brilliant process to improve my writing skills and to get me thinking about what story I want to tell and how best to tell it. I learned how to critically engage with other writer’s work and hearing feedback provided by the other participants helped me with my own writing and how I interact with what I am reading. I can say without a doubt that my writing has come a long way and the storyline for my project has become more streamlined and finalised ready for me to continue on with the project with more confidence than I had before joining the workshop. I would recommend this workshop to anyone who is taking on a writing project – especially during these lockdowns. It’s been a great way to focus on something that can be done in my own home.
Martha Clarke, Dec 2020
The workshop has been an anchor in the pandemic.
Susanna Payne, Dec 2020
Without this course I would never have pushed myself to write so much. It’s been a wonderful way to engage with other writers and have my ideas challenged and critiqued by an amazing group.
Farha Quadri, Dec 2020
I have found the Writers Workshop invaluable. It was a pleasure to be surrounded by such committed, brilliant writers who offered thoughtful and thorough feedback. Andrea is a brilliant tutor who creates an environment that is both rigorous and supportive. I will be signing up for the next one.Emily Tobin, July 2020
As a Filipino migrant writing in my second language Literary Kitchen is my first literary community in London. I’m surrounded by talented, serious writers who inspire me to keep writing to finish my first novel in English, and to love the language and this city too.
Rogelio Braca, April 2020
Susanna Payne, April 2020
Writers Workshop gave me exactly the structure and motivation I needed to keep going with my writing projects. The discussions and feedback are always invaluable. I’ll be back soon.
Writers Workshop is guided by the firm, encouraging and wildly inspiring tutor. It’s an intimate and safe setting where everyone can be themselves and get on with their storytelling. Each student works at their own speed and level, writes in different styles and learns from each other. I have discovered that short story writing is super fun and the course has also benefitted me as a film maker.
Siri Melchoir, Dec 2019The Writers Workshop course is the perfect space to experiment, play and share your writing all while being supported and challenged by a fantastic teacher and a brilliant group of writers. It’s what keeps me going.
Emma Hutton, 2019
Literary Kitchen Writers Workshop has transformed my writing. Both informative and inspirational, I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Noella Mingo, April 2019
Writers Workshop is so helpful and supportive. I hadn’t written very much for several years, and the weekly submission and feedback cycle has been invaluable for me both in terms of getting back into a structured habit and of practising deeper and more thoughtful critical reading. The opportunity to audience work within the group is great for developing confidence and resilience, allowing you to experiment safely, and building a better sense of yourself as a writer.
Rebecca Skipwith, April 2019
This is the third time I’ve signed up to Writers Workshop. I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive teacher and group. The feedback and advice I’ve received has been invaluable and has developed me so much as a writer. Along with that I’ve made a great group of friends. What more could you ask for?
Ana Soria, Dec 2018 What a truly fabulous group! I feel like we established a positive and nurturing community which is exactly what I need to keep going! Sarah Gillett, July 2018 This course has allowed my confidence as a writer to grow immensely. I found the tutor wonderful and the peer-to-peer feedback and encouragement indispensable. Noella Mingo, July 2018 The Workshop has been revolutionary for me: it has enabled me to write again. Andrea is a fantastic teacher – committed, passionate, serious and demanding. Claire Frankland, 2011“I started the writers workshop hoping to write a couple of decent chapters of a novel and to develop a better writing habit. Through this insightful course I got a lot more than that. I gained confidence as a writer, developed a discipline for plot that had been previously lacking and met a group of interesting and dedicated writers. Most importantly I am starting to learn that I should be in control of my writing rather than the other way round.
I highly recommend working with Literary Kitchen, whether in a one-to-one or group session. Taking the course made writing fun again.“
James Murray, July 2013
“Being part of a group of writers gives me no end of encouragement. It’s great to have a group, who can push you back in the right direction when you wander off track.”
Katie Jackson
“I’ve finally started writing the novel I’d failed to begin since 1986 – thanks to the Literary Kitchen!”
Steven Appleby
“The Workshop has been revolutionary for me: it has enabled me to write again. The tutor is a fantastic teacher – committed, passionate, serious and demanding.”
Claire Frankland
“Literary Kitchen has awakened my creative side and given me a fresh outlook on life. I have not only enjoyed writing with the group, it has opened my mind to all kinds of creative opportunities I may not otherwise have seen or recognised.”
James Miller
“Any budding writer will gain immeasurably from the Literary Kitchen courses. They turn beginner writers into confident, measured writers.”
Paul Gilbert
“This course will stretch you, increase your confidence and skills and push you to find your voice as a writer. Literary Kitchen is a place to let your imagination and creativity thrive and grow.”
Rachel O’Riordan
“If you want to learn more about your writing, how to critique other people’s work, and realise all the mistakes you’re making ...”
Rick Bagnall
“A really great collaborative experience. I’ve loved reading the work that’s come out of the workshop and appreciate the insight the process has given me into my own writing.”
Rebecca Skipwith
“Before you pay a lot of money for a course in Central London, give this one a go. I learned more and wrote better with Literary Kitchen than with the other courses I tried.”
Ruth Driscoll
“I found the course challenging and supportive, and felt inspired to start sending work out. It was also useful to have the input of literary agents and published novelists during the course.”
Anna Mazzola
LOCKDOWN FREEWRITE
Thank you so much for inviting me to the Zoom meetings. Seeing you and the faces of the group, and taking part in a regular writing exercise, lifted my spirits, gave me a focus and helped me to feel connected. This has been an extremely challenging time for everybody. Thank you for helping me through it.
Judith Williams
I found the daily freewrite practice really useful as a creative punctuation mark in the lockdown day. If I’m writing it’s a time to see others and to write differently. If I’m not writing, it reconnects me to my practice. I love the freedom of the chuck! At one stage I started keeping the freewrites but realise that in the chuck lies the optimism of knowing that I’ll create more; this is a fountain/trickle that doesn’t dry.
Claire Frankland
I feel very fortunate to have had the daily routine of the Freewrite to sustain me. In the midst of academic writing, the Freewrite gives me a time to let rip, recognise that there’s more to writing than finding the ‘right’ word, there are the ‘wrong’ words smooshed up with lots of others and the feelings and energy that they can produce (plus I get to be at my desk at that dangerous 4pm hour when teatime beckons). It’s also good to see, and maybe hear, fellow freewriters at a time when social interactions have become circumscribed. It’s a really precious moment of connection.
Carolyn Morris
The Literary Kitchen free writing sessions have been a Godsend during lockdown. So good to join a group of smiling faces as we write for five minutes every day. The routine has structured my day and helped me keep up my own writing practice during these difficult days.
Denise Monroe
Lockdown Freewrite has been an amazing experience. Since I’m not a ‘writer’ in my daily life, this is a new practice, which over these days and weeks has become increasingly rich, meaningful, nurturing, enabling, a process of becoming. The idea of ‘practice’ in itself is central to this, the regularity and the ritual, but what is crucial is performing this practice with others. Putting pen to paper continuously while sensing the presence of these other minds on my screen has created an unexpected space of freedom and connection. During lockdown, this created a welcome rhythm, a highpoint in the day, and a brief bracket of time, extraordinary because of its intensity, brevity and its simple, direct and open connection.
Melanie Manchot
I’m really enjoying the daily Freewrite. It’s tremendous! I find it very helpful to write with other writers for five minutes a day. Helps to get me going with my own writing.
Peter Yeoh
Lockdown Freewrite is a joy. I look forward to it every day and I plan my days round it. It really works for me – just getting everything out of my head in a jumble, completely unmediated. I always feel better after. It’s conceptually and emotionally brilliant.
Alan Russell
Single most genius thing about lockdown is litkitch 5 mins free write!
Fiona Banner
