Hello!
I’m an Author, Book Coach and Creative Mentor with a special interest in memoir and life writing and I am a Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Cape Town’s Department for Extra Mural Studies, where I host writing courses on all aspects of creative writing including short story, memoir, novella and creativity. These courses are a lot of fun and when they are online, we come together as a creative community from all over the world.
My collection of short stories, Women out of Water, was shortlisted for the Nadine Gordimer Short Story Award in 2022 by the South African Literary Association and I’ve published many features, columns, reviews and fiction stories. I am currently studying for my PhD in Creative Writing through the University of the Western Cape, I have an MA cum laude in Creative Writing from University of Cape Town and a BA in Creative & Media Writing from Middlesex University, London.
My writing journey started twenty-five years ago, when the first short story I wrote was published by The Lady Magazine in the UK. I loved the whole process of writing that story from finding the original inspiration, to getting the words on the page, to finally seeing it in print with a special magazine illustration.
Since then, I have immersed myself in writing both fiction and non-fiction. Stories have a powerful way of connecting us and I’ve met the most incredible people on my writing journey. I cherish my own daily writing time and I feel incredibly lucky to join writers on their creative journeys – whether that’s facilitating a workshop or storytelling group or working one-on-one with writers as they develop their novels, memoirs or search for new ways to express themselves with words.
Being fully creative can make us feel vulnerable, but one thing I’ve learnt during my years of creative coaching is that we are capable of incredible things. So much of what we know rests in our subconscious and when we are in an environment where we feel unconditional support, where mistakes are not just allowed but expected, enjoyed and embraced, and when we accept the idea that we can write crazy, messy and wonderful first drafts – it actually leads to the most amazing work, that’s full of honesty, warmth and truth.
Whatever stage you’re at, I advocate for a simple five-step plan to position you for success.
These five steps look simple, but when practiced in real time, they will quantum leap your creative process and your writing journey will become not only possible, but rewarding and fun. There is no better feeling than rattling off the next scene of your book and knowing that tomorrow you will do the same.
A daily habit
of writing
A feelgood space
to write
Make progress
not perfection
Permission
to write
An encouraging
creative community
How Can I Help You?
Write a life story your family will want to read
Write your memoir
Write a short story or novella
Write an article or essay for a blog or magazine
Writers UnBlock! My tried-and-tested program to unleash your creative potential through a series of guided exercises
Life (changing) Writing. Your life story is an incredibly powerful tool for personal or career growth. This is a six-week, intensive one-on-one course.
Workshops and Courses
Workshops offer us a tremendous sense of community. During my workshop sessions, the aim is to come together, have fun and write a lot. I include formally presented lectures coupled with creative exercises, discussions, an informal sharing of ideas and a lot of practical writing.
My recent courses include:
Write Your Short Story: From concept to completion
