Testimonials
Testimonial Highlights
Please scroll down to read the full testimonials of some of my happy workshop participants and clients I've provided editing services for, but the following highlights make my heart sing!
An excellent motivator
'Working with Clare was a delight... an excellent motivator... I’m very grateful for her contributions to making my novel the best it can be.'
Bringing out the writer...
'Using a mixture of prompts, discussions and other media, Clare brings out the writer in everyone. '
Let your imagination run free
'Clare's Just Write! workshops have become a firm favourite activity in my calendar. They are a safe and supportive environment where I can let my imagination run free.'
A balance of learning and fun
'Gets the balance just right – creating a learning environment mixed with fun. '
Nurturing self-belief
'Our classes with Clare became a highlight of our week. Clare nurtured our self-belief and we have all become friends, thanks to her guidance, experience and excellent teaching skills.'
No right or wrong
'With Clare, it’s all about writing. Not judging yourself if it’s good or bad – simply writing.'
Relaxed and inclusive ethos
'My first foray into a group for creative writing filled me with some trepidation but I had reckoned without Clare’s kindness and expertise. She created a very relaxed and inclusive ethos from the off, giving very safe parameters in which to explore ideas and forms of writing.'
By gum, Clare's good at this!
'She helps to get us thinking outside the box, to look at writing from different angles, thought provoking stuff. She brings the refreshing oil that's needed to get those cogs in our brains to move...'
'Working with Clare was a delight. She recently edited my full-length historical novel and provided valuable insights, particularly related to character development, dialogue and setting. Her constructive feedback was always delivered with respect and a genuine desire to see my manuscript succeed. I particularly appreciated her enthusiastic support of my writing with positive feedback that buoyed my confidence and motivated me to dig deeper. Clare is an excellent motivator, and I’m very grateful for her contributions to making my novel the best it can be.'
Carol M. Cram, author of the Women in the Arts Trilogy: The Towers of Tuscany, A Woman of Note, and The Muse of Fire.
Click here to visit Carol's website.
'By gum, Clare's really good at this! Totally love the way she handles us all, very generous, organised and any other superlative that you would like to add. Love it, as I'm sure the rest of the group do too.
She helps to get us thinking outside the box, to look at writing from different angles, thought provoking stuff. She brings the refreshing oil that's needed to get those cogs in our brains to move, even first thing on a Monday morning.
I was a little hesitant at joining the group but I am so glad I did, can't wait for the next meeting and did I hear one of our group say they're on holiday next time and they're so disappointed they will miss our next meeting. Never heard that in regard to a team meeting for work, ever....!
Conal F, Nantwich
'I cannot express enough how transformative Clare’s creative writing course was for me. A true masterpiece of inspiration that has enriched my creative soul in ways I never thought possible.
With Clare, it’s all about writing. Not judging yourself if it’s good or bad – simply writing. She’s also a very kind and bubbly person and she managed to create a safe space for us to discover who we are as writers.
The use of music was a revelation. I found myself transported to distant landscapes and different eras all through the power of sound. Music became the canvas on which my words danced, bringing my stories to life.
The incorporation of visual art was also remarkable. I explored paintings, sculptures, photographs and everyday objects, allowing my imagination to connect with the visual world. I learned to taste, touch, smell, and hear my stories, not just see them. It was as if I had unlocked a new dimension of storytelling.
This course has expanded my horizons and given me a fresh perspective on writing. It has enriched my creative toolbox, allowing me to craft stories that resonate on a profound level.’
Anna S, Crewe
'Clare's Just Write! workshops have become a firm favourite activity in my calendar. They are a safe and supportive environment where I can let my imagination run free.
The writing exercises are always fun and inventive (a reflection of Clare herself), covering a variety of topics, genres and styles. It's a delight to try on different literary 'hats' and find myself inspired in ways I'd never have considered on my own.
Clare creates a warm, accepting space where we all feel comfortable sharing our writing. It's easy to be your own harshest critic, and to have others honestly appreciating what you have written is a great antidote to that. I always feel uplifted and encouraged after each workshop.
Whether you consider yourself a writer or not, I would encourage you to attend Just Write! Your hidden creativity and imagination will thank you.'
Caz D, Crewe
'My first foray into a group for creative writing filled me with some trepidation but I had reckoned without Clare’s kindness and expertise. She created a very relaxed and inclusive ethos from the off, giving very safe parameters in which to explore ideas and forms of writing.
Clare provided an amazing variety of exercises and prompts as a springboard to get the writing process started, all of which were great fun and full of interest. Clare lead the group with admirable skill, encouraging participation whenever members felt ready to share. She created space for members to develop and share their work in a really positive environment and guided progress without imposing her own ideas. I feel my own writing has improved significantly under her tutelage. The dynamic of the group sessions was hugely enjoyable. We laughed a lot!
I can wholeheartedly recommend Clare’s classes to anyone with even the smallest interest in exploring creative writing. I am sure they will find the experience delightfully rewarding and inspiring.'
Ann P, Portsmouth
'A session with Clare is like floating on a clam ocean, drifting gently to different shores, never quite knowing what will emerge from the depths below. She has a wonderful way of drawing out the best in people and always provides helpful, yet positive feedback. Her sessions are varied, well thought out, and never rushed, always leaving time for that personal touch to build friendships and confidence.'
Karen, West Sussex
'I attended Clare’s Zoom writing sessions for over a year and thoroughly enjoyed every minute.
The group was very friendly and supportive and Clare’s feedback on our written work always focused on the strengths but included helpful suggestions for improvement. The varied topics we explored were always well thought out. We covered everything from poetry, different genres, character development… I found the tasks inspiring and I also learnt a lot about the structure of writing.
Thanks to Clare's course, I have written pieces I never would have imagined and have even entered writing competitions for the first time. I am currently developing a longer piece based on one of the assignments.
If you are still unsure about whether to attend a workshop, definitely give it a go - you might surprise yourself!'
Kim A, Rustington
'Clare is a great tutor and I have enjoyed her writing courses immensely. Her emphasis is to 'get you writing' and she does this through her friendly courses, workshops and retreats. As a newcomer I joined one of Clare's weekly courses and found the activities to be fun, varied and informative, and we never felt under any pressure. As our confidence grew however, we enjoyed sharing our work and ideas with each other. Using a mixture of prompts, discussions and other media, Clare brings out the writer in everyone. With Clare's encouragement and valuable advice, I have now had the confidence to start a creative writing module with the Open University.''
Margaret P, Southbourne
'As a Creative Writing tutor myself, I could be judgemental about Clare’s classes but I can honestly say there’s nothing at all I would criticise about them. She gets the balance just right – creating a learning environment mixed with fun. Her sessions are well paced and her material is fresh and inspiring, as is Clare herself. I would thoroughly recommend any course Clare is offering.'
Nicky M, Winchester
‘I have attended Clare's creative writing workshops for about a year and a half. I enjoy the way they are run, with their varied topics and how there's always a structure. Clare is always well prepared!
I enjoy also the fact each participant is encouraged and how Clare creates a safe environment where everybody is happy to share.
The workshops are a great way to explore our creativity and have a laugh at the same time.’
Marianne H, Crewe
‘I appreciate how Clare breaks her sessions in the c.w. group. In the monthly sessions and we cover a vast array of topics over the year. Clare ensures that the workshop is compelling. I enjoy the hand outs (I like methodical).
There is certainly no formal way in the workshop. Just write and let go and be yourself. I love the easiness and the humour - allowing yourself to let go and be you.
I may not give poetic justice to what goes on in my head when I try to get it down on paper, but in Clare's workshops, it's just me. Who defines what is right or wrong about writing? Nobody should and Clare certainly will not.
Not only have I broadened my horizons on "my literature" I have also engaged with a whole new social circle of friends.’
Elizabeth C, Crewe
‘Clare always provides a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere to her writing groups.
She’s always well prepared for the sessions with a theme for that particular session. She’s been very evenhanded in how she gets everyone to discuss their work and read their work out.
Clare is knowledgeable about a subject and very enthusiastic. She always makes everyone feel welcome there is no cliquey-ness or favouritism in her group which I feel is very important.’
June B, Crewe
'I started a course in Creative Writing at a local college in Winchester with Clare three years ago. The classes were in person back then and were very enjoyable. I had never done anything like this before and was a little out of my comfort zone but I was lucky to have Clare as my teacher. She is kind, empathic and encouraging. Her classes are positive and confidence-boosting. There is always an element of fun and no classes are ever the same.
During and after the pandemic, and with Clare moving away from the area, I joined a Zoom class with her and a group of new people. We have all learned so much from Clare and have become better and more creative writers because of this. Indeed, and without wanting to embarrass her, I would say our classes with Clare became a highlight of our week. Clare has nurtured our self-belief and we have all become friends, thanks to her guidance, experience and excellent teaching skills.
I have also had the good fortune to read a little of her writing - and she’s very, very good!
I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Clare.'
Nicky B, Winchester
'I have been attending Clare’s writing classes, sessions and groups for about 3 years now and they are amazing fun and great value for money. Topics covered include character, place, plot and all the rest. Clare makes it all so much easier to understand and her positive comments are motivational and keep me going. Don’t get me wrong she is very good at highlighting improvements but does it so gently it never feels like criticism. She is great fun and brilliant writer.'
Toni S, Basingstoke
'I completed weekly zoom sessions with Clare for about a year. I can honestly say it was one of the highlights of my week.
I’m a stay at home parent, and it gave me the opportunity to use my brain, express myself, and just have fun!
I’ve always enjoyed creative writing, but I think this course and Clare’s kind encouragement and advice helped me to take my writing seriously. Clare covered lots of different styles and genres which opened my eyes to the different ways we can use words to build picture, emotion and story. She has a passion for stories and writing that shines through in her teaching and is infectious. She sets challenging and intriguing homework and her feedback is kind but constructive and honest.
As a result of completing the online course with Clare I have continued to write and have enrolled on a local evening course at college.
I’m sure I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do this if I hadn’t completed Clare’s workshops. If I were local I would most definitely attend her in person workshops and can highly recommend it to anyone seeking advice about how to write or who just wants to take a little creative refuge from their normal busy life!'
Rebecca H, Bognor
'I have taken part in Clare’s Creative Writing Course for some time now and have thoroughly enjoyed each session.
For inspiration, each session has a different theme: myths; legends; photographs taken at the beginning of a person’s career and much later – connecting and comparing the two; the influence of very different types of music; news stories to bring out the pathos in everyday life; the list is endless but all intent on encouraging the muse and all directed in the best possible way. The classes are run on a very friendly basis and we are all at ease with each other and very happy to read out our efforts out to hilarious or empathic responses dependent on content. We look at the different genres of writing.
Thank you Clare for some wonderful creative afternoons.'
Eileen B, Crewe
'Joining Clare’s workshop for the first time was such a beautiful experience. I was warmly welcomed by Clare, she is very friendly and helpful. Even though I’m the youngest one there, I can honestly say that I feel privileged to share my writing stories with the others participants. I felt comfortable writing, as Clare is very supportive and understanding. A welcoming club, with smiling faces, cozy ambience, and warm drinks. If you would like to exchange ideas, share your thoughts openly and freely, then join Clare’s workshop. You won’t regret it. 😊'
Eliana C, Crewe
Please use this form to contact me for further information. Alternatively, you can call on 07918 183431.
Just Write! Workshops and Courses ©Copyright. All rights reserved.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.