The Creative Writers' Workshop

Testimonials – Fiction Writing and Memoir Writing

Testimonials – Fiction Writing with Irene Graham – The Creative Writer's Workshop

I certainly found The Creative Writer's Workshop creative. The techniques and activities have provided me with a container to provide structure and focus for my creative impulses. It has helped me to get started and to focus in manageable steps in how to shape ideas on paper - Dominic, Kildare

The exercises in The Creative Writer's Workshop opened up a lot of memories. I was constantly amazed at what I'd written almost as if another's hand had held the pen. The workshop opened up a potential library of characters for me that I can't wait to meet and find out about their lives! Thank you Irene, keep up the good work - Berni, Sligo

I learned how to write in The Creative Writer's Workshop – I've written a short story – What an achievement!! Thank you - Shirley, Kildare

I thoroughly enjoyed The Creative Writer's Workshop; it was a great experience in sharing and learning and also in rejuvenating the little spark of creativity that's in my heart. I felt very comfortable with the group and with Irene; it was very energizing, experimental, enjoyable and encouraging. You have great teaching skills Irene, a lovely approach, Thank you - Phil, Mayo

I feel The Creative Writer's Workshop sharpened my desire to write. The technical explanations of how to engage in themes, sub themes etc were immensely useful - Ronald, Dublin

I have always had negative experiences about story writing from my school/college days and now from completing The Creative Writer's Workshop I finally feel a love and appreciation for writing – Thank you Irene, fantastic experience! - Rebekah, Wicklow

Testimonials – Memoir Writing with Irene Graham

I would recommend Irene's memoir workshop to anyone. I now have a much clearer understanding of memoir writing and writing in general. The workshop showed me how to structure a story around a theme and helped me to focus upon what I would like to write about. I also learned a lot from other participants. Lorainne McMorrow, Ireland 

Irene has developed a great method for triggering memories, expanding on them and bringing them together in a cohesive manner. Berni Anslow-Casey, Ireland 

Irene's inspired instruction will unlock the creative voice of even the most inexperienced writer. Martha Rochelle, USA 

Throughout the course of my working life I have attended many training seminars and workshops. Irene is the best facilitator with whom I've had the privilege of working. Her memoir writing workshop enables the learner to open closets long closed and locked – and to look at those experiences from an adult perspective.  JoAnn Parker, USA 

Irene's workshop definitely helped me. I learned how to trigger memories and it gave me the confidence to carry on and complete my memoir. Michael Mannion, Ireland 

The memoir writing workshop with Irene was a life-changing event. I have always wanted to write, but have never felt truly capable – until I did this workshop. Irene's teaching has released in me the ability to write more freely and to actually complete projects – making the possibility of getting published a more tangible reality. Cindy J. Blanchard, USA 

I feel more confident about approaching memoir writing – or any form of writing –having completed this workshop with Irene. Pat Looney, Ireland 

From attending Irene's workshop, I was able to express feelings that I knew were inside but didn't know how to get out. Irene prompted by explanation, nudging, practical guidance, and by setting an environment for creativity to flow. Life-giving experience!  Glynn Lassiter, USA

To actually write anything was a big step forward for me. Also listening to others work was very rewarding and an eye-opener. Knowing the elements of memoir writing gives me the confidence to move forward. The sensory exercises gave me lot of food for thought. Eddie O'Neill, Ireland 

The benefits of Irene's workshop were on many levels. The structure of writing memoir was put to the group in a way that encouraged and enhanced creativity.  Pam Foreman, Australia 

Irene's workshop helped me recall events from the past in a non-threatening and creative way. The workshop allows the writer to access long-forgotten memories in increasing detail, with each exercise building on the next. It manages to make what can be a daunting and often emotional task into a contained and enjoyable experience. I highly recommend it as a tool for creative exploration and personal growth.  Eileen Keane, Ireland  

Irene is a personality and a stimulating companion in the writing process. Her methods make the hardest part of writing – getting started – much easier. Her encouragement to rely on the senses rather than on memory, which can be such a tangle of thought and emotion, works!  Robin Ligon, USA 

I was very happy with Irene's presentation in the workshop. It is my first time to do a writing workshop and I feel I'm now able to write my memoir. PJ McAuliffe, Ireland 

Irene's innovative method for writing a memoir is not only effortless, but fun. I particularly liked the way she was able to get novice writers to organise their memories.  Betty Groepper, USA 

The Time Line was a great guide in starting my memoir. Irene made it simple. The workshop helped me to develop small things that seemed meaningless before. Elizabeth Clancy, Ireland 

The tools I learned in Irene's workshop will help me to write the memoir I want to leave for my children. I had no idea how to record the life stories that my children and grandchildren want to hear. Now I feel confident I can write my memoir for them.  Margie Ball Merchant, USA 

I found the workshop experience focused and goal oriented. I now write with more confidence and enthusiasm using the methods taught during the memoir workshop.  Gayle Martin, USA 

From the moment we started the workshop, it helped me in so many ways. I feel I can now express in an orderly fashion, my own particular theme of life. James Hyland, Ireland 

The workshop has certainly whetted my appetite. I'm looking forward to writing my memoir now. It gave me confidence and I found humour in my writing voice. Dympna Hyland, Ireland 

I found it fascinating to do the workshop a second time! The second time I found it even easier to recall memories – different ones. I now have a serious idea of exactly what I want to write about. Irene's workshop has made the prospect of writing my memoir possible.  Linda Parker, USA  

Testimonials from Teens & Children

The Creative Writer's Workshop taught me skills which will be essential in any future writing I do. The atmosphere was so relaxed it allowed me to just let my imagination wander and gave me a chance to write creatively unhindered by any structure. I really feel I learnt how to tap into my imagination and to follow it through with a story - Daisy aged 18

The Creative Writer's Workshop helped me to express myself better and it also helped me to gain confidence within myself - Bryan aged 16

I learned about writing endings in The Creative Writer's Workshop. I will now be able to get down to the basics for the book I am writing. The workshop has really assisted me in my idea development and I really enjoyed it - Conor aged 16

I found The Creative Writer's Workshop extremely beneficial. It will definitely help my school studies in both English and other subjects such as History where there are a lot of characters to write about. It made me realise that I don't dislike writing - that it's only the thought of not being able to do it...so it has changed my opinion of writing and I enjoyed it so much more - Niamh aged 15

Learning how to put my story ideas down on paper was great, and if I become a writer I will thank The Creative Writer's Workshop! - Michael aged 13

In The Creative Writer's Workshop I learned how to expand my ideas and I also learned a new way of remembering things - Pamela aged 12

I enjoyed myself very much in The Creative Writer's Workshop. I learned so much I don't think all my knowledge will fit into my brains! Anyone would love this workshop! - Joy aged 9