Course reviews: what my students say

I can't stress enough how glad I am to have found Megan and her amazing courses.

I have been writing since I learned how to, and I always knew I loved it - but as is the case with so many of us, comparison and self-doubt propelled me into writer's block of several years. Whenever I tried dragging myself out of my rut, those same monsters would rear their ugly heads, and I would stop again.

I have done a fair few writing courses; what is special about Megan's is that they combine teaching essential writing skills with the Writer's Greenhouse's central motto: "Follow the Path of Joy". The teaching resources she uses walk participants through, for example, processes for coming up with and shaping characters by speaking to the unworried, creative part in us. Evocative exercises help with this such as freewrites, games with other participants, and playing around with models such as the Enneagram. At the same time, processes which I have always found terrifying - such as plotting - are broken down into manageable steps, and I felt that at the end of a course, I suddenly had the beginning (or more) of a "product" that had come with such ease! It's almost as if you don't have to torture yourself to be a writer.

Not only have these experiences encouraged me to keep writing, but I also feel much more free of self-judgement and comparison. To me, it is an amazing thing how Megan balances a radical focus on joy in the process with a real sense of direction and development; her experience as a writer really shines through here, and she has lots of valuable advice to give on the praticalities of writing as well (how do I find the time? How do I submit writing?).

Megan's courses cover a broad range of genres, including literary fiction, and as an experienced teacher and writer, she is able to respond to questions about any of them. The courses are rich (make sure you have your coffee, there is always loads to do!), fun, and well thought through.

The pricing of the course is extremely reasonable - but personally, I feel like I have been thrown a creative lifeline that goes so far beyond "value for money". Whenever I am struggling with writing, I can always return to Megan's course resources, the community of writers who have gathered around her courses, or just do another one, knowing I will love every minute of it. I would recommend everyone follow the path of joy :)

Anja 21 Oct 2024

An excellent new all day workshop from Megan! Multiple Viewpoints really delved deeply but answered so many unknowns. Why hadn’t I thought before to do a table and timeline of characters, their foibles and when and where they appear?!

Maggie j 12 Sep 2024

Pageturners one-day Saturday workshop in August, turned things around for me! Saw the poster in one of the colleges in Oxford, took a punt and paid up and I'm so glad I did!

Brilliant, insightful teaching from Megan, who clearly not only knows her stuff but also - crucially - knows how to impart her knowledge in ways to suit all abilities. Her expertise, combined with her jaunty, original approaches to teaching key elements of writing craft made the session worth the drive (from London) and worth every penny. Props galore and plenty of break, balanced the pace in this well thought out session.

It's abundantly clear that Megan puts tons of effort in to make her sessions fun and highly effective within a safe and cosy environment.

Emma 2 Sep 2024

Just attended the first of the summer workshop sessions run by the amazing, lovely Megan. It was a fantastic opportunity to work with like minded individuals in small groups and face to face and it really inspired me! Fabulous location too and I can't wait to go on the next one, really recommend you book if interested in writing and look at her other courses too!

Traymca 9 Aug 2024

The Writers' Greenhouse Story Elements course greatly exceeded my expectations. The craft of developing a story, adding layers through characterisation, subplots, use of symbolism and many more, was built up in component parts week by week. We explored in an unfailing spirit of fun and experiment, enabled by Megan Kerr's patient, good-humoured, supportive guidance. She is an expert guide who succeeds in wearing her expertise lightly: the hallmark of a true educator. The effect was akin to immersion in a creative and stimulating environment. The course enabled me to make rapid progress on my novel. I would warmly recommend it to anyone looking to demystify the craft of fiction and get going on their own stories.

ProfJake 17 Jul 2024

Just completed Meddling with poetry, 8 sessions over 8 weeks. With the mega Megan Kerr. Somehow she has this gift of freeing you up to write and have fun, whilst slipping in some really important technique that in the past freaked me out. I am now doing the write a poem every day challenge which she introduced us to at www.napowrimo.net. along with heap of other interesting and useful things regarding the cosmos of poetry. I feel I have the space suit now to travel around this creative world, instead of standing outside on the edge terrified and mute. Thank you Megan and fellow fab travellers of wording world.

JammyShan 2 Apr 2024

Megan is an exceptional teacher of creative writing. Her workshops are always inspiring, informative and leave me feeling ready to rise to any challenge! I absolutely love her course materials too - they help me build my worlds long after the workshops are over.

Sam Stewart 29 Feb 2024

Megan's writing courses are always good. This one gave me the opportunity not only to develop my characters to give them depth but how they could interact and influence each other in a way that would engage the reader. I have come out of the course rejuvenated and inspired to write I hope, at a more believable and deeper level that I have done before. whether you are just beginning or an established author there is always something to take away. I could not recommend her more highly to anyone having a go at writing. Try yourself and find out!

Carolyne 29 Feb 2024

The Hone Your Style writing workshop was easily accessible over two half days, online. It was interactive with 'breakout room' sessions with others on the course, where you can discuss and share. There was an opportunity to both read excerpts of different writing styles, as well as trying some out in short text pieces. Megan makes the sessions very relatable and enjoyable.

Maggie 1 Feb 2024