It is so interesting to see each writer’s personal experiences and perspectives coming out in their pieces. I’ve learned that what might seem routine or everyday to you as a writer can appear new and fresh to another reader.

The exercises are great at getting us to really focus on one particular aspect of writing, and of course it’s making me write every day which is really good.

I signed on after reading a piece by James Lee Burke, who said that he learnt more from a short creative writing course than he could ever have by floundering around on his own. That’s definitely true from my point of view.

My tutor taught me more about my writing in one podcast than I’ve been taught my whole writing life.

The extracts and tutor insights about each topic are taking me places I haven’t been, as are the recommended novels.

My tutor was superb and this has been the most enjoyable and productive course.

This course has been valuable in helping me write stronger characters, write succinct descriptions and show me how to make them more interesting, rounded and human — even fantasy characters. I thank all of my peers who commented on my work, as it absolutely helped me improve. The course also galvanized me into entering a…

The course helped me realise where some of my past characters were lacking.

It has been a pleasure to read some very good writing here week after week. I think we’ve all managed to both learn and be inspired by each other’s writing — as well as by the course materials.

I have found all three novel-writing courses invaluable, as apart from the excellent tutor advice and materials, they have instilled in me much needed discipline. I’m hoping I can now keep myself on track as I, dare I say it, try to finish my novel.

I’m so grateful that there are audio and visual options for some parts of this course because I struggle to read.

The biggest thing I have got out of the Create Brilliant Characters course is the really helpful criticism. I don’t tend to show people any writing — and especially not writers themselves — so I have found the comments from my peers really really helpful.