• "It gave me the framework to be excited about the practice of writing, week in, week out, and empowered me to start submitting my short fiction pieces to journals and competitions. Hastings should be proud to house an intelligently led, warm and diverse writers workshop that both guides and inspires."

    — Benjamin, workshop member

  • “A brilliant, informative course which I have benefited from hugely. I'll definitely be coming back for more next term!”

    — Halina, workshop member

  • "I have been inspired to write more as a result of the workshop and have definitely gained confidence in my writing.”

    — Hannah, workshop member

  • “The high quality of the tutoring, including the tutor feedback; the level of the writing of the others in the group; the breadth of the reading and the sources accessed; the friendly and supportive nature of all those involved; the high level of the group feedback; the relaxed and conducive workshop surroundings.”

    — Craig, workshop member

We have welcomed over 220 students onto our courses since 2021!

Here’s what they had to say…

  • Bin off expensive MFA courses and do this programme instead! The Hastings Writers Workshop is exceptional. James is a brilliant facilitator – warm, encouraging and passionate about supporting you to find your voice. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

    Eve, workshop member

  • Brilliant! A friendly environment to express and share writing and ideas. A great structure to the week with the homework, reading and writing exercises. Very inspiring and has given me some material and direction to work with.

    Julie, workshop member

  • James gives amazingly thorough and helpful feedback. The reading materials and exercises have been inspiring and illuminating. I would recommend the workshops to anyone who is interested in writing, especially if they lack confidence. It's a real boost.

    Lauren, workshop member

  • I loved the group dynamic and gentle but firm facilitation – you couldn't get this from a book!

    Hazel, workshop member

  • A brilliant and carefully crafted course that has been both thoughtful and thought provoking.

    John, workshop member

  • Really pleased, got so much out of it. Excited and encouraged to keep writing.

    Lewis, workshop member

  • I thought they were great! They felt like a safe space to share new writing, to think about the writing process and the process of getting and giving feedback.

    Helen, workshop member

  • A very positive experience. My writing has been put back into a better place. I am encouraged to try new techniques and to read and research more.

    Caroline, workshop member

  • Your class has made a real difference to my life and it has been a privilege to be your student. I've made new friends and made my writing better because of you.

    Axel, workshop member

  • Wonderful, learned so much. Great teacher, great group, loved the diverse readings, the thoughtful and detailed feedback. Great library!

    Tania, workshop member

  • A supportive and creative environment. I have started writing again after 25 years!

    Kate, workshop member

  • Really rewarding – thought provoking. Got me to actually do it rather than make excuses.

    Clare, workshop member

  • Excellent – a very high level of material and experience shared.

    Jon, workshop member

  • Well worth the money – a great experience.

    Joshua, workshop member

  • Well worth the time and cost – inspiring.

    Sandy, workshop member

  • I really enjoyed this workshop and James is a fantastic tutor... the group is so friendly and safe which I think is down to James's warm leading.

    Georgie, workshop member

  • I found the workshop amazing, it got me back into writing and taught me so much. I'd often go home buzzing with inspiration and ideas.

    Millie, workshop member

  • James’s feedback is always brilliantly insightful and makes me view my work with fresh eyes. The entire workshop experience was excellent.

    Georgina, workshop member

  • Very positive and supportive - helped reengage me with my own writing fears and ways of overcoming them.

    Philip, workshop member

  • An excellent foundation that sets the scene for writing and exploring literature in a deep, considered way.

    Matt, workshop member

  • A brilliant opportunity to be shown through key texts and techniques that can immediately be put to use.

    Claire, workshop member

  • One hundred per cent brilliant. Excellent value for money.

    Jo, workshop member

  • Well-structured and fun and the tutor James Young is superb.

    Jenny, workshop member

  • Excellent. I appreciated getting my work critiqued and exploring the writing process with a lively group.

    Sarah, workshop member

  • They have changed my life (for the better!).

    Dervla, workshop member

  • Excellent value for money.

    Victoria, workshop member

  • Well worth the time and cost – inspiring.

    Sandy, workshop member

  • I would highly recommend this course to both beginners and to more established writers. The experience was so inspiring.

    Holly, workshop member

  • Excellent. James was a very encouraging teacher and it felt like we were in safe hands.

    Amanda, workshop member

  • Very positive experience. James offered great readings, exercises and suggestions for things to try.

    Tom, workshop member

  • 10/10.

    Dawn, workshop member

  • Fantastic - I loved it.

    Paddy, workshop member

  • 10!

    Bella, workshop member

  • Very positive and supportive - helped reengage me with my own writing fears and ways of overcoming them.

    Philip, workshop member

  • Excellent - would highly recommend and would love to do it again.

    Rebekah, workshop member

  • Informative, educational, stimulating, motivational. 10/10.

    Lucy, workshop member

  • Excellent. Would definitely recommend it to anyone.

    Helen, workshop member

  • I really enjoyed it and would recommend.

    Effie, workshop member

  • Excellent. I've been to a few and these are the best.

    Kay, workshop member

  • I found them (the workshops) inspiring.

    Fiona, workshop member

  • Very enjoyable and engaging.

    Edwina, workshop member

  • Brilliant - productive - interesting - learnt so much.

    Sheila, workshop member

  • Really enjoyable and I feel I learned a lot in a short space of time.

    Maria, workshop member

  • Really useful and informative, I've learnt so much, very inspiring.

    Tracy, workshop member

  • I loved the workshop and it quickly became the highlight of my week.

    Rebecca, workshop member

  • Brilliant, thought-provoking.

    Rachel, workshop member

  • Excellent – I talk so much about it at home.

    John, workshop member