Reviews

‘Irene is a brilliant teacher of writing – high organised, attention to detail, thorough and compassionate at the same time. For the beginning or the seasoned writer, Irene offers both specific skills and general insights on the “whys” and “hows” of good writing for both fiction and memoir.”

‘Irene’s Fiction workshop helped me re-vision my writing project in a way that more clearly matches my objectives. It also helped me heighten my structure and grasp of skills and craft.’

‘Irene’s Fiction Workshop allowed me to consider the intricacies of Plot, Structure and Dialogue. I learned new techniques and solidified my knowledge of those I was already aware of. I feel that it will be easier to write my new book. Thank you Irene!’

‘My writing is better because of this fiction workshop.’

‘The setting at Inchydoney was simply inspiring. I learned so much, accomplished so much, and returned home ready to get to work.’

‘Irene’s Fiction Workshop was awesome in spirit and substance.’

‘I enjoyed Irene’s facilitation style – very light touch and deeply knowledgeable. The process of the week has helped me to understand many of my own perceived ‘blocks’, either in flow or in memory. I didn’t think I would want to write about the most difficult year of my life – but it’s been cathartic and dare I say ‘enjoyable’! Thank you, Irene.’

‘It is no exaggeration to say that Irene Graham’s Memoir Writing Course was transformative – both professionally and personally. It provided me with key exercises for unlocking memories and images. Many thanks … I absolutely recommend this course to all other aspiring memoir writers!’

‘Irene has a unique ability to give confidence and motivation to those who take her class. Every participant demonstrates growth with each day of Irene’s workshop on memoir writing. A talented teacher.’

‘The Creative Writer’s Workshop is an inspiring and encouraging experience. The story I began at the retreat is now three full chapters and is continuing to form and grow. Irene taught with caring and brilliance. Her warmness of spirit was infectious.’

‘As committed writers, whether from Canada, US, England, Australia, or New Zealand, we were all keen to hone the craft of getting experiences and reminiscences into words. Irene Graham’s workshop helped us find the tools to do so, to access both sides of our brains, to break free and unleash hidden levels of memories, and to handle them in a structure that suited each individually. The communal energy of writers inspired and motivated.’

‘I never thought I would have the confidence to put words on paper, much less read them aloud.  I am changed.  I am writing.  I will continue to write.You have given me a great gift, for which I will be eternally grateful.  You inspire confidence in me I never thought I could have outside of the corporate world.  Thank you for your kindness, your constructive criticism, your sense of humor, and just for being who you are – a talented storyteller, coach, teacher and of course, totally kick ass woman!!’

‘I’m so grateful for having joined Irene’s course for fiction writing. An idea, no matter how good, will remain an idea without the tools and rigour to help bring it to life, and that is exactly what Irene provided in the form of creative tools as well as organisational ones that are helping me to approach my writing in an entirely new and productive way. These are methods I can rely on time and again.’

‘Irene’s workshop was really creative.  Coming here it was hard to imagine that someone could have techniques to stimulate something as ethereal as creativity, but Irene has honed her set of learning tools so well that she can bring forth ideas from the deepest recesses of the right side of your brain and show you how to get them on the page.’ Author: The Torchbearers

‘The Private Fiction Writing Course (4-week) with Irene provided me with all the information I needed to enable me to begin writing my novel. The thing I loved most was the sessions gave me the tools and techniques to explore the characters, the settings and the plot further. With all these in place I have finally a roadmap in front of me where I can see my novel play out in front of me. Thanks to Irene I finally feel like I am ready to be a writer.’

‘The tools provided in Irene’s workshop are a guide to delving deeper and with purpose into life experiences. I can also utilize these in my essay work.’

‘I am quite a different writer leaving this retreat than I was on arrival. I now know what story development is. My purpose is clear. I am freer to follow my internal creative sense.’

‘I am inspired to continue down this creative road. This has been a wonderful experience for me and I cannot wait until I can return for another workshop. Thank you Irene!’

‘Outstanding workshop. Definitely worthwhile. Irene was helpful, gave each participant personalised feedback on their writing. I would recommend this workshop without hesitation.’

‘This retreat has been one of the most enjoyable times of my life. The venue was fantastic, the group talented and diverse. I loved the workshop and the structure. It has given me a great boost in my writing confidence. I benefited in feeling I could write something that others might read – Irene is a multi-talented facilitator.’

‘In my bag was the foundation of a novel – a notebook of character profiles, detailed settings, and a completed outline including the ending that had evaded me for months. Beside it, a small journal, mapping the inspiration I met on my journey through Ireland, from the cliffs and cows, basket-weavers and matchmakers, cairns and crosses, saints and spirits, and poetry and legends. As I left The Creative Writer’s Workshop I also carried a new confidence, armed with creativity exercises to write past both fear and writer’s block. But my most cherished souvenir was a grateful heart, full from the support and friendship of Irene and my classmates.’

‘The workshop was brilliant. I learnt how to give shape to my story, my characters, my settings, and how to organise my future writing work.  Irene uses a very effective way of plotting stories and novels that makes the writing process more enjoyable.’

‘I absolutely enjoyed The Creative Writer’s Workshop. The atmosphere, the people, and especially Irene were amazing. I’ve gained an understanding and respect for the process of story telling and I can say now, that I am indeed a story teller, a writer! I’ve been given the tools to accomplish my goal and dream of writing a book.’

‘I had a wonderful time at The Creative Writer’s Workshop Retreat. Irene gave me excellent prompts and feedback to find the missing pieces of my writing puzzle. I also loved that she never doubted our ability to write, and would give us strategies to focus and let our voice emerge.’

‘This was a wonderful workshop in an inspirational landscape.  I gained a thorough understanding of the architecture of story to pin my tales on.  I left with a new approach to my writing and the encouragement to continue. Excellent and fun.’

‘Irene Graham’s  Creative Writer’s Workshop in Fiction has inspired me to  stay the course and write my novel. I come to writing and particularly fiction later in life. I can say without a doubt that my passion and confidence as an author is a direct result of Irene’s wise mentoring, skillful teaching and ever present encouragement. Her gift as teacher has given me cause to walk through the door marked ‘Authors enter here’.’

‘Wonderful workshop. I learned about story structure and the necessary components – character development and the different insights and approaches to their development.’

‘The Creative Writer’s Workshop with Irene Graham outshone any course I’ve taken.’