Sarah Armstrong mentored me with my first manuscript, Blood Mandala: a Biography of a Family. She is a sensitive and insightful reader, bringing great clarity of thought to the complex task of beginning work on the next draft.  With Sarah’s help I got the manuscript to a standard with which I was happy, and when I completed my next manuscript, Darkness on the Edge of Town [to be published by HarperCollins in 2012], she was my first port of call. I have always respected Sarah’s honesty, her ability to see the big picture, and her willingness to support me in finding a writing path which is truly my own. Jessie Cole

Without Sarah’s guidance and gentle critique I don’t think I would have found the ‘99% perspiration’ required to finish my manuscript. I had a story to tell but without Sarah I would never have found my voice. Sarah and Alan’s writing course taught me about structure, motivation and how to bring my story alive. The authenticity, compassion and commitment they offer makes their course truly unique. Fiona Evans

I have learnt more in eight weeks [of online writing classes] than I have in seven years of attending courses, writing groups and reading books/websites dedicated to the topic. I loved how the feedback was always professional and kind, while honest and constructive at the same time. Reading the feedback always gave me the sense of being in 'good hands' and I instantly got a sense of where I was 'at'. Kelly Maltman

I have a great deal to thank Sarah for. Finding myself an online writing mentor has been the best step I have ever taken to improve my writing, and Sarah is the best possible mentor. She has helped me in many technical aspects of my writing, but above all she has helped me to enrich what I write in so many ways. When I re-read my earlier work now, I can see how much I have improved, and that is thanks to Sarah's coaching, her keen eye and her instinctive feel for what works. I have found her her feedback invaluable. Judy Keena

I loved the feedback. I always felt it was honest but very constructive and who could ask for more? I completed a few modules in Professional Writing at TAFE some years ago and also attended a few day and weekend classes over the years. The feedback you provide is so much better... Your criticism is more ‘in your face’ but always encouraging. It’s like having homework corrected on a grand scale with stacks of detail. Heather Blight

Doing the online creative writing course with Sarah was the best thing I could ever have done for my writing. I got great, constructive advice and critique as well as the kind of encouragement every budding writer needs when starting out. I would recommend the online course and Sarah Armstrong to anyone. In a word: fantastic. Jana Horarik

Thanks so much Alan! Your feedback has given me the confidence to go on. I really enjoyed the past 8 weeks. I loved inventing new scenes and characters … and find myself wanting to know what will happen [next]! What I enjoyed most about [the course] was being able to get real feedback from my writing. Alan's gentle approach to critiquing was encouraging and supportive. The introduction to freewriting is possibly the most useful writing tip I have ever received.... [T]his program has set me on my way to finishing my novel and motivated me to start new projects. Jennifer Morton. 

I loved the feedback almost line by line within the body of my work. It really helped me see what was working, how to recognise where I used excessive words or know what I needed to do to bring the story alive. Sometimes you were able to verbalise what I knew at some level but couldn't explain or understand. The structure forced me to find a writing habit and to learn to sit in front of a screen even if I didn't feel like it. Penny Leonard

Alan’s mentoring skills have given me the confidence to be creative and trust my own writing process… as well as offering insight into potential links and themes emerging in my work…. The weekly discipline is a challenge … but also a framework to help get the words out. Pauline Turnbull