We all turned up, a bit shy and anxious, but Linda immediately put us at ease with her warmth and keen attention. I'd been writing for years, but Linda eased me gently, but firmly, out of my comfort zones, and had me trying forms and ways of writing I hadn't tried before. Her editing of submitted pieces was acute and intelligent, but also encouraging. I admired the way she had the ability to nurture writers of all experiences and ages, and create a cohesive group that became mutually supportive.
Ros Belford - narrative non fiction memoir Children of the Volcano out now (September Publishing June 2024).
Instagram: @ros.belford
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/childrenofthevolcano
I began working with Linda Cleary in early 2024 and have found her to be consistently supportive, professional and kind. Always interested and encouraging, she began by helping me formulate my ideas around a timeline, enabling me to construct a chronology for my story. When it comes to the literary world, Linda is both experienced and knowledgeable. She helped build my confidence whilst offering useful reflections around my work. She has a deep understanding of the multiple barriers to creative output, such as dyslexia and family/life commitments. Linda has the expertise and technical skills to resolve issues around editing and presentation and is able to clearly explain the nuts and bolts of word processing. Linda is clearsighted and patient in the way in which she communicates and explains things. I am grateful to her for demystifying the submission process for writers wishing to approach agents. A sensitive and respectful mentor, Linda never ceases to appreciate and acknowledge the effort and emotional costs involved in baring ones soul through writing.
Nancy Thompson - narrative non fiction memoir out soon.
Your notes have inspired me tremendously and I got the word count to 90 thousand so far, after months of feeling like I hit a wall, you showed me how to go around it.
Zeinab Ftes. Debut novel out soon.
My favourite editor to work with hands down, hope to do it again sometime! xxx.
Natasha Carthew. Poet and writer. Books include: Born Between Crosses, All Rivers Run Free.
Thank you Linda for your kind words. I’m so very excited too to be working with an editor as perceptive, as discerning and brilliant as yourself, bless you.
Rupam Baoni. Poet and writer. Books include: chronicles of entering my body, Green Red & Amber.
Happy New Year Linda and thank you for all your help. Thought you might like to know that since the first course with you end of July/beginning of August I’ve clocked up near as dammit 50,000 words and that doesn’t include the rewrites. See you later in this year. Daphne Milne
Hi Linda, today was absolutely brilliant. I don’t know where you get your ideas from but you just got us all buzzing. And beautifully crafted and as usual real value for money xxx Angela Stoner
Dear Linda, a huge thanks to you. Your workshop caused quite a stir. And I am not sure I thanked you for the conceiving of it – quite brilliant the way you ushered us into that territory, and tightly held exercises to bypass the critical ponderous mind. Kay Parkinson
I would recommend the Short Story course to anyone interested in writing fiction, and particularly those who lack confidence.
The course frees you from the idea that you have to produce ‘perfect’ writing, encouraging you to take risks and experiment with short pieces in different voices and genres. It felt rather like trying on clothes – clothes you would never normally consider wearing – and then feeling your way into the perspectives of the sort of people who might wear them. The freedom to put yourself to one side is worth experiencing in itself.
I’ve also found that the course has altered the way I read (quite something considering I’ve been reading fiction continuously since childhood!).
The other revelation from my point of view was understanding how a small, fleeting idea can be developed and transformed into a story that might interest other people.
Linda Cleary is a natural teacher with an impressively wide knowledge of English literature, and she uses this to provide a deeper context to the writing exercises and discussion of techniques. She also gives sensitive, constructive feedback on all work, whether in class or written at home. Josephine Gardiner
Linda`s Dream Writing Course was fantastic; engaging, colourful, detailed, formless, structured, materially productive, surreal, encouraging, informative, challenging, invigorating, appreciative of asyndeton! Brilliant, wonderful, intriguing…I could go on…a veritable paean! Thank you, Linda. Jude Brickhill
I really enjoyed Linda’s course. It was a rich and rewarding experience, well-planned and full of useful exercises which a writer can take home and use again and again. Sarah Lane
Hi Linda- I’ve enjoyed the creative writing course so much, I’d like to have a go at the Short Story course. Thanks, Gillian McWilliam
I attended Linda’s Creative Writing Course on a whim…. I never saw myself as a ‘writer’ so a safe and supportive environment was essential to me. We met in the beautiful and serene ‘God Room’, a small group sat around the table, some published, some not. To my surprise I found that the writing exercises enabled me to respond with credible results. Personal circumstances meant I had to leave the course before the end, but Linda emailed them to me so I can pick them up when I have some free time. I look forward to doing that, and would jump into another class of Linda’s without hesitation. Nina Martin
I found the Short Story Writing Course a veritable treasure trove of inspiration, education and instruction from Linda – wonderfully energising hard work and all swiftly and comprehensively reviewed. I now have tools that will last me a lifetime. Thanks again, Linda. I have entered my story into the Myslexia competition – you never know! Best wishes, Jude Brickhill
Hi Fellow Writers, this January I took the Short Story course run by Linda. It was a well-attended, enjoyable course that gave me new ways of creating characters. I have already recommended the course to a fellow poet as it is very good value. Vicki Morley
‘4 Week Short Story Course’ – Very useful indeed. Would like to continue. Patricia Le Gallez
I just wanted to say thank you so much for all your help and time on the course, I really enjoyed it and found your advice really useful. Heidi Ball
To take a writing course with Linda is to see the world a little differently and to experience your own creativity in a completely new way. It’s a little like Alice’s rabbit hole; allow yourself to fall through and everything is possible if you keep your mind open and your senses alert. It often means exploring a world of writing outside your comfort zone, but Linda gently guides you through, with her unique creative exercises, and more often than not, you end up surprising yourself with work that is fresh and exhilarating. I highly recommend Linda as a writing instructor and mentor to anyone who wishes to journey deeply into the creative process, and develop as a serious writer. Thanks for these inspiring exercises. It’s helped me take chances with my writing, and I think that’s what art should be about – learning to explore possibilities, and not being scared of the unknown. I’ve always been a bit scared, and very unsure of myself as a writer, even though I’ve never wanted anything more than to write. It’s been a long journey, often very slow, and invariably lonely. It’s always good to have support Anyway, I’m loving it! Fatima El Kalay
Hi Linda, I hope you are fine. I am sorry that the Creative Writing class has come to an end, but am looking forward to the Short Story Writing class. You are a marvellous teacher with the skill of bringing out the best in each person. Also all the classmates were nice people. It was an interesting experience for me to become a student once more and joining your courses has benefited me greatly, you have broadened my horizon of writing and thinking. You are a great teacher. Have a good day. Regards, Sossy Neredian
Linda, you have no idea how happy I am with your feedback, I’m over the moon. I wouldn’t be able to make it if it weren’t for you thanks a lot Linda and thanks for the inspiration. It’s been a great pleasure knowing you Linda, and the three courses are the best experience I’ve ever had. I never thought that I can write any of those pieces. I can’t even find the words on how to thank you, I’m grateful for the help and the inspiration :)))) Rana Hamdy
I would gladly wish to join your next Short Story course. I really benefited a lot from the Creative Writing course and you are a wonderful instructor. Please count me in. Thank you for a great class. Sara El Adl
I must say, I truly enjoyed your class. Thank you. Ohoud Saad
Everyone in this class inspires me ina unique way. Esraa Khairy
I’d like to use this chance to thank you a lot for your help throughout this course indeed it was very beneficial to me not just on writing skills but it also psychologically had helped me to think outside the box and outside of my career. So, thank you Cheers, Aida
Please tell me you are giving more courses! Thanks Linda :)) Nadine Okasha
Honestly all the thanks is to you, Linda. I’m inspired and so grateful. Nadine Nashed
Well, I am ecstatic. I sat down and had one tiny idea in mind that got this shape. This is what the course does, the Linda effect as I like to call it! Omar Refaat
It’s been a pleasure and an honor working with you in this course and the previous ones as well, Linda. I’m so grateful for everything you’ve given us, from exploring new techniques to constructive criticism, you’ve just provided a creative work environment and gave us the courage to achieve bigger goals and aspire towards becoming better writers. I wanted the course to continue but I know that even if it did go on for a while longer, there had to be an end to it. Just wanted to say again that I’ve felt myself develop gradually, almost unconsciously. But looking how far I’ve come since the first day of the first course back in November, I can see the change you’ve helped make and I believe one of the best decisions I’ve made last year was to attend that first course, and eventually the rest. Thank you, and I mean it Thank you, thank you, and thank you! :)) Rana El Bowety
Linda, it’s been an amazing experience working with you Your support and encouragement is incredible .. you really helped us in so many ways to explore our writing styles and develop ourselves .. Thanks a million. Monda Mahmoud
Ohhh Linda !! Thank you so much !!! This was one of the most exciting courses i have ever taken! It was very fruitful and I really learnt a lot, I never ever thought I could write a story and the best thing is that I got to know you and everyone through all three courses! It’s really annoying this is the last session! But hopefully we will stay in touch and always share with each other our accomplishments Alaa Mohamed
Linda, I have enjoyed this course as if I am on cocaine! And loving it… I became addicted to you and your courses! You inspire me more than anything and you open the gate of creation ajar… my only regret is that it’s finished and I didn’t join on the last two sessions… I have enjoyed the group so much… I love you all… thank you all for the minds, inspiration, cleverness and for being there. Linda, pleassssssssssssssse, create more courses…. I need to be inspired. Gehane Aziz
Thank you Linda. You have been a great mentor. You made me explore new levels of writing and you set my style free. I am also grateful to have known such great writers as the people I met in all your three classes. I am appreciative to your effort and hope to meet again in another great work as such Your classes gave me great insights in writing and tremendous will to continue what I have started. Thank you for your classes, they really set my mind differently on writing. Regards, Sarah Ayman
I’m discovering myself in this course, and I’m writing things I never thought I’d write. Eman Omar
Thank you so much for all your help! It’s made a huge difference to my writing. Honestly your course has been tremendously insightful! One of the best things I did last year. You’ll definitely be hearing from me again Mariam Ibrahim
I have good news to share with you , I have been accepted into the MFA program in Columbia University, thanks to you and all your support. I couldn’t have done it without you Mohamed El Manasterly
Dear Linda, Good day, hope everything is doing fine with you, and I would like to thank you for your class, it was awesome. We are blessed to have you, and we appreciate your kind efforts and assistance. Dr Islam Hanafy
Thanks for your support and for being a passionate writer to all the writers! Shahenda A Jabi
Thanks again for your consideration and efforts, you really taught us a lot, and you explored our talents as well Yours, Dawlat El Mossalamy
Dear Linda, I started to enjoy the techniques you are giving and appreciating literature much more, strange enough it gives me a sense of relaxation. Thank you for all. I like Nadine Bittar
I enjoyed being a part of the creative writing course as well as the short story course. I have gradually improved so much in a very short time, and it shows when I re-read all my works in chronological order. Thank you so much Linda for being such a wonderful teacher I’m looking forward to your next course. Aya Yasser
I’m writing to you to thank you so much for those courses, they are REALLY one of a kind. and thank you for being such a nice person to everyone, and for keeping that pretty smile on your face, though I know people can sometimes drive you nuts because of those little cultural barriers! I’m definitely repeating this course soon, so I’ll be seeing you again akeed. Until then, keep being as charming as you are Fatma Ibrahim
Dear Linda, I have always enjoyed writing, and have wanted to learn how to do it properly. I have benefited a great deal from both the Creative and Short Story courses that you offered, and hope to have the chance to join your Advanced Writing course. All the best, Reine
Thank you so much for your effort and care during this awesome course. Definitely, it improved my writing skills. It drew my attention to several important perspectives in writing especially displaying emotions and building atmosphere. The soul we share at your class is unique; it’s not the usual educational type of course. We had much fun. Also, I really appreciate your care towards every student because even when the course ended you were keen on teaching me the ranga and senses of the story which I missed at the Creative Writing Course. I’ll always remember your words “A short story is like a sharp knife with very little movement”. Thank You.
Your wonderful course had a great effect in me writing this way. Thanks. Alia Abd El Latif
I really do thank u for making this course such a pleasant time for me, begad I’m enjoying myself enormously Dalia Hussien
I really can’t believe that the course is almost over but I would like you to know that it exceeded my expectations..Thank you for such an amazing course Regards, Mehra Magd
Hello Mrs.Linda, it’s my favourite 2 hrs of the week =) Mahy ElAref
I just wanted to tell you that I had a lot of fun, and learnt a lot as well, from your course. It was a pleasure meeting you and hopefully we will meet again soon. Thank You. Hatem El Akkad
Thanks again, Linda. You really helped me in developing my writing and I still use your methods till today whenever I’m writing something new. Pacinthe Abou Senna
Thank you Linda for the wonderful course, I had so much fun and inspiration in that small room of ours :)) You are an amazing tutor so thank you for all the help and effort…hope we all meet again soon isa. Hala El Sayed.
I miss our classes, a lot! But thanks again for them, they were both enjoyable and beneficial. Can there be an advanced short story course? Thanks again Linda for providing such opportunities and amazing courses for us! Thanks Linda for everything! Regards, Mehra Magd
Miss you. Wish you all the best. I really enjoyed that course so much and it really helped with my work. Thank you so much, Mariam Shaalan
Creative writing courses with Linda are always a thrilling experience! Especially meeting with Linda herself: one of the magnificent literary minds. She has the ability to inspire and simply give your heart and mind a pen! Having taken the Creative Writing Course, Short Story Course and the Advanced Creative Writing Course (which was my favorite) – they added incredibly to my experience and on the subject of writing itself. By exploring the world of the word and quite exciting tricks she can make you write. Saleh El Habashy
Hello there! I can honestly say taking the Creative Writing Course with Linda last year not only added incredible value to the quality of my writings but also encouraged me to keep writing and showing it off to the world! A heartfelt thank you! Hala Al Kaderi
I attended the Creative Writing Course with Linda Cleary at Diwan and found it extremely useful. It is not just the topics she chooses to discuss, but also the practical ways she comes up with to drive the topics home by means of practice. I strongly recommend the course to anyone interested in creative writing whether a beginner or a professional. Abeer El-Gamal
It was a short yet deep journey through all my senses and emotions that were in need to be moved. Nevine Khair
It has been a creative penning into the deserts and oases of my life which hopefully will continue until the dragon has been tamed! Lucia Salgado Oliveira
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