The benefits of doing a writing course extend far beyond technical skills and moral support.
When we started our little writing school twenty years ago, we figured we’d mostly be teaching people where the commas go, how not to panic at a blank page, and how to keep slogging through a manuscript even when they were sure it was nonsense. We thought we were offering input on writing technique and moral support, a sort of literary first-aid station.
But then the student feedback started coming in. Students kept using words like ‘life-altering’. And after we checked to make sure they weren’t talking about some yoga retreat down the road, we realised something much bigger was happening. Something mysterious and primeval. Something that reminds people that their voice matters, that they’re meant to be creative.
Students kept telling us they felt more confident, more alive, more like themselves, as if some small pilot light in them had finally been re-lit.
Because here’s the secret: a writing course isn’t just about writing. It’s an invitation to dream again. To imagine whole worlds. To say things out loud that we didn’t even know were sitting quietly in our chests. To tumble thoughts around until they shine a little. And yes, it turns out this can change our lives.
Here’s what our students say…
‘Overall, the course was life-changing in that I got to see ‘me’, and got the courage to step into that ‘me’.’ Angeline Engelbrecht, Writing a Blog that Will Get Read Course
‘Phenomenal experience. I really enjoyed the entire course and I look forwards to the next courses I do through you. … Life changing and worth every hour of work it inspired me to complete.’ Kirsty Chalmers, Write a Novel
‘My experience at The Writers’ College changed my life. It has been a great creative outlet and has given me the courage to write a novel. Thank you.’ Maggie Benham, Advanced Creative Writing Course
‘Completing the course was a fascinating and valuable experience; quite possibly, life changing. It was exactly what I was looking for but didn’t really expect to find. It went way beyond what I expected.’ Martin Kristiansen, Basics of Creative Writing Course
‘Choosing to do this course with the SA Writers’ College was without a doubt the right decision. It has been an eye-opening, life-changing experience for me. Through the course and all I’ve learned, I have been given the confidence and the courage to take a leap of faith and reach for a dream.’ Natasha Alexander, Write a Novel Course
‘My experience on the course was simply life-changing. The Advanced Write a Novel Course was the fourth course I’ve completed with the College and they have all fulfilled my needs, pushing me onwards and upwards. I have been with the College for two years and they have been the most fruitful and rewarding two years of my life.’ Michelle Peart, Advanced Write a Novel Course
‘For a budding writer, I have insufficient words to explain how life-enhancing my experience of this course has been. All I can say is, it has been an honour to have Alex Smith as a tutor. She has been nothing short of fantastic. Alex has given me excellent criticism that has made my work better. She has been supportive and inspirational which has fed my passion for writing and made me want to work harder and push myself beyond what I ever thought I could achieve. Quite simply – I couldn’t have asked for better. I just want to say thank you to Alex, Koos and the Writers’ College team. I want to say that anyone interested in doing this course – you would not find better value for money anywhere. I have received so much more than I’ve paid for!’ Deborah Forbes, Write a Novel Course
‘SA Writers’ College gave me the opportunity, insight, and guidance that I needed to accomplish my life-long dream of publishing my novel. I would highly recommend SA Writers’ College to anyone who has anything to do with the written word, whether in a personal or professional capacity.’ Robyn Anakin Veary, Self-Publish Your e-Book Course
Writing to save our lives
None of this should be surprising, of course. Our days have become crowded with clickbait and rage bait and all the other bait that makes us feel like hangry, irritable fish. We scroll until our thumbs go numb. We postpone tenderness toward ourselves until some mythical ‘one day’ when the to-do list is shorter and our minds are quieter – which is to say, never.
But taking time for ourselves is not indulgence; it’s survival. Writing has been shown to lower stress, sharpen our thinking and help our insides catch up with our outsides. It’s a kind of homemade medicine.
And before we even put a single word on the page, it starts with slowing down. Becoming present. Using the five senses like we did as kids, when we could lose hours to a ladybug in the grass or a story we were inventing in our heads. Writing asks us to notice life – really notice it – the way artists do. To reclaim that bright little imagination that once knew how to play, and believed it had all the time in the world.
Turns out, your imagination still knows what to do (with a gentle nudge or two), but time? Well, if there’s one thing middle age has taught this bunch of (old) writing tutors, it’s that we don’t have all the time in the world.
So if you’re dreaming of writing a novel, a memoir, a collection of poems or short stories, pop on over to our courses and discover the magic of playing with words for yourself.
More ‘life-altering’ student feedback:
‘This course taught me so much! It was a mentally challenging experience that I think everyone should do – it can change your life and the way you think.’ Shirley Johnson, Writing Coach Course
‘It was suggested I look The Writers’ College up on the net, and it was perfect. Doing the course was life-altering and overall a very accommodating and inspiring experience.’ Laurinda Belcher, Magazine Journalism Course
‘[My tutor Alex] helped me achieve above and beyond what I thought I was capable of. I’m happy to say that whatever made me stumble onto your college changed my life and turned a small hope and dream into a reality.’ Omri Pieterse Write a Novel
‘Overall, I would describe the course as valuable, meaningful, developmental, challenging, educational and life-changing!’ Andie Tane, Advanced Creative Writing
‘Today, I am not the same person that started this course…and it’s a good thing. At the risk of sounding very soppy: I was brought back to life.’ Anonymous, Break through your Writing Barriers
‘It’s ironic but words really can’t describe the phenomenal experience. From the help and support of Koos and Nichola to my tutor Alex, it has been sublime and life changing. Alex is a rock star. She is amazing and supportive and honestly she is the reason that I’m taking the follow-up course in September.’ Mark Scheepers, Write a Novel Course
‘This was an experience of a lifetime. I’ve learned so much and became confident in writing my own stories. Alex is amazing. She showed me what to do and pushed me beyond my limits! I’ve learned so much from her and became a better designer of my own story. She is one of the best tutors I’ve ever had. I’ve become a confident writer and editor.’ Anne, Write a Novel Course
‘A big thank you to The Writer’s College for providing such an amazing opportunity to get me back on to the path of becoming a writer and helping my fulfil a life-long dream!’ Surani Ramachandra, Basics of Creative Writing Course
‘In my opinion, these courses are an absolute life-saver and a wonderful way to get experience and exposure without having to go and do a full BA in languages. The mentoring and advice offered are always spot on and challenge how you look at your own writing, forcing you to step outside your little box and try something new, stretching yourself and your abilities. In addition, the material available in the student centre is not only interesting but really well written – it is easy to understand and to apply.’ Nicky Pantland, Freelance Journalism Course
