J M CURRY
'I joined a creative writing class having completed a novel. Or so I thought. I soon realised that there is more to producing a book than writing the story. Colum’s lessons on character dynamic, conversation, point of view and generally tightening up, really helped me to see how to make my book more interesting. His style is conducive to producing creative ideas. He is a constructive critic. His advice is offered kindly and with patience but does he not tell you what you may think you want to hear. (What would be the point of that!) His guidance has produced in me a more productive writer. And it has been fun.
I had already edited my book, two, three, four times- but Colum quickly helped me to get to the point of ready to launch my book to an agent. His assistance with editing helped me see if you want to write a thriller- then do that- do not write an autobiography! He has really helped me see what is necessary, what adds to and what detracts from the pace of the novel. He encourages self-belief and instinct but also makes helpful suggestions on editing and rearranging. Once he has read your work he has a great ability to keep the whole picture in mind and bring the threads together. It has been a most enlightening and constructive experience working with Colum.'
'I joined a creative writing class having completed a novel. Or so I thought. I soon realised that there is more to producing a book than writing the story. Colum’s lessons on character dynamic, conversation, point of view and generally tightening up, really helped me to see how to make my book more interesting. His style is conducive to producing creative ideas. He is a constructive critic. His advice is offered kindly and with patience but does he not tell you what you may think you want to hear. (What would be the point of that!) His guidance has produced in me a more productive writer. And it has been fun.
I had already edited my book, two, three, four times- but Colum quickly helped me to get to the point of ready to launch my book to an agent. His assistance with editing helped me see if you want to write a thriller- then do that- do not write an autobiography! He has really helped me see what is necessary, what adds to and what detracts from the pace of the novel. He encourages self-belief and instinct but also makes helpful suggestions on editing and rearranging. Once he has read your work he has a great ability to keep the whole picture in mind and bring the threads together. It has been a most enlightening and constructive experience working with Colum.'
ANDY JAMES
I felt a bit overwhelmed when a third of a way through my first draft. I thought I’d never get to the end and questioned how good the many facets of the novel were. As a result of working with Colum, I set myself the task of completing the first draft by a realistic deadline. He then read and provided feedback and immediately I was able to identify repeated writing flaws. He gave advice on narrative voice, dialogue, backstory, plotlines that were strong or barely credible with good advice on how to address these various issues. This feedback was invaluable. In fact I wrote a roadmap of over 30 issues to address so that I could go back in chapter by chapter and rework my novel. He then re-read and provided more feedback (thankfully just a handful of issues by this point). He also provided advice on writing a synopsis, blurb and cover letter. Colum has a professional and incisive approach, always supportive and encouraging. In all it took me 12 months to do my first draft and 8 months to do second and third drafts. I’m now in the process of submitting it to agents and publishers. Fingers crossed.'
I felt a bit overwhelmed when a third of a way through my first draft. I thought I’d never get to the end and questioned how good the many facets of the novel were. As a result of working with Colum, I set myself the task of completing the first draft by a realistic deadline. He then read and provided feedback and immediately I was able to identify repeated writing flaws. He gave advice on narrative voice, dialogue, backstory, plotlines that were strong or barely credible with good advice on how to address these various issues. This feedback was invaluable. In fact I wrote a roadmap of over 30 issues to address so that I could go back in chapter by chapter and rework my novel. He then re-read and provided more feedback (thankfully just a handful of issues by this point). He also provided advice on writing a synopsis, blurb and cover letter. Colum has a professional and incisive approach, always supportive and encouraging. In all it took me 12 months to do my first draft and 8 months to do second and third drafts. I’m now in the process of submitting it to agents and publishers. Fingers crossed.'
JOANNA MASTERS
'For years I had sat on bits of paper with notes, clippings and a notion of a book that – one day – I might get round to writing. I spent months researching but struggled to get to grips with the shape of the project until Colum’s workshops nudged me in the right direction, giving me a structure to work with and the confidence to do it.
I then had a book, of sorts, that didn’t quite work but I wasn’t sure why not. Colum read it, critiqued it and over a couple of mammoth sessions coached me to the finish line. Safe to say that without his input the now finished project would still be bits of paper in a box.'
'For years I had sat on bits of paper with notes, clippings and a notion of a book that – one day – I might get round to writing. I spent months researching but struggled to get to grips with the shape of the project until Colum’s workshops nudged me in the right direction, giving me a structure to work with and the confidence to do it.
I then had a book, of sorts, that didn’t quite work but I wasn’t sure why not. Colum read it, critiqued it and over a couple of mammoth sessions coached me to the finish line. Safe to say that without his input the now finished project would still be bits of paper in a box.'