Writing Coaching
“I couldn’t have done it without you, Jo, It’s as simple as that. All the characters were always there. But I needed the one on one nurturing to get to the nub of the story that would make the readers feel the joy of the farm. You asked me the questions to get to the nub of it. A few weeks in, through our meetings, there was a moment I realised I was actually writing about myself — not just about Ollie the alpaca — and it became a real story. I’ve gotten heaps out of it. Thank you.“
Nicki Fisher, author Take a Look in the Nook
“I wish I had met you years ago. I think you would have smoothed my journey considerably . . . The questions you asked were incredibly insightful and made me really think about the deeper workings of my novel. The notes I came away with have been super helpful.”
K.M., middle grade author.
“It has been very helpful getting some feedback from someone who is new to what I do and I see you TOTALLY GET IT!”
Jenny Hammerton, author, “Cooking with Columbo”
“Jo is amazing. Her coaching for my writing was invaluable. She helped me clarify and organize my thoughts so I could complete a work that I felt proud of and was exactly what I wanted to share!”
Erica
Mentioned in Seven of the best UK retreats for aspiring writers, The Sunday Times, Sunday, November 3, 2024
Workshops for Adults
“I really enjoyed your workshop on Friday morning! It was so liberating being asked to turn the fairy tales we have known for a lifetime completely upside down! Looking forward to some more out of the box thinking & writing next time.”
Gabrielle Mason-Pierson
“Thanks so much for the session at Kemsing Library today. You could just feel the enthusiasm, and I can’t believe the quality of the work that was read out! I have certainly been inspired to look at reworking some more traditional tales.”
Janet Davies
“What was great was Jo’s responsiveness, enthusiasm and participation and encouragement. . . . It’s provided me with resources that I had no idea existed.”
Kimberley Wilson
“Many thanks for the positive and extremely helpful feedback. It’s also been really useful for me to be able to work to deadlines, as it’s given me focus (and discipline!), which has meant that I’ve now got into the habit of writing much more during the week – something I’m thoroughly enjoying (as well as finding very therapeutic!)”
Tracy O’Leary
“I had never shown any of my material to anyone and therefore had no way of knowing if it was any good. [Your course] gave me an opportunity to do so, learn new skills and the confidence to pursue my passion for writing.”
Giuseppe Cocca
“I hoped to be inspired, but I also hoped to learn just how and where to begin with the story making process. My expectations were exceded, although, I actually didn’t know what to expect! My biggest fear was clamming up under the pressure of having to produce ideas off the cuff. In fact, I thought you were careful to ensure there was no pressure or expectations & create an atmosphere that was relaxed & friendly.”
Emma Kirby
School Visits
“The children in Year 1 and 2 at Vinehall Pre-Prep loved the Writer’s Workshop run by Joanna Norland and Nikki Fisher. Both year groups listened intently to Nikki’s brilliant reading of “Take a Look in the Nook”, particularly enjoying the scanned QR code where they could hear the actual sounds of the alpacas bleating on the farm. The children really empathised with poor Ollie, the ostracised alpaca who was initially ousted from the warm, cosy barn but who found acceptance and friendship after a turbulent time. How brilliant for the children to learn that bullying behaviour is a feature of the animal world as well as the human world, and to learn how things can work out beautifully for all concerned when tolerance and inclusion are encouraged.
Our children were buzzing with their own ideas for a story, and the pre-learning task set by Jo ahead of the workshop morning was a brilliant hook into the writing, as everyone had amassed plenty of ideas about animal behaviour. All of our children were really engaged throughout the session, and I can honestly say that the quality of writing was fantastic and some of our boys wrote more than they ever have done before during writing sessions.
I would not hesitate to recommend Jo and Nikki running a workshop in your school; all children will empathise with poor Ollie, and to have such a hook into writing is just the challenge to really engage and motivate children to produce high quality story writing that they are really proud to share.”
Nicola Whittaker, Head of Pre-Prep, Vinehall School, Robertsbridge UK
“This was a wonderful workshop and it was really beneficial to dedicate some time and attention to the topic empathy. . . . They were lively and active and all pupils said they really enjoyed the workshop.
Thank you for sharing your talents as a story teller with us. I think the children loved the story as it captivated them, fully encouraging them to think about empathy.”
Ally Linney, junior school teacher, Vinehall School, Robertsbridge, UK
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