Holly Dawson

"Holly is the best writing tutor I have come across. Her teaching is backed by a remarkable depth of experience and reading. Out of that, she encourages; informs; inspires; cajoles (gently); boosts confidence; engenders a strong sense of belonging within a group; provides in-depth feedback. Basically, either online or face to face, Holly is brilliant."

“Attending Holly’s classes and workshops has been a life changing experience for me. She has been both an inspiring guide and a warm and entertaining companion on my writing adventure so far. I always look forward to her energised and professional teaching and leave each class feeling enthused and ready to put pen to paper. What more can a would-be writer ask for?”

"I have never attended a writing course before, but Holly's approach has taught me so much - both about writing and about myself. The sessions are really full of ideas and methods and creativity, with time given to writing, discussion, and Holly's brilliant, egalitarian teaching, which really seems to bring words out of all the students. It's the best two hours of my week and I am completely hooked on the intellectual stimulation, confidence, fun and friendship it has given me. I am even thinking I may be capable of writing a book!"

“Holly’s sessions are always full of spirit and they always take each person’s writing further than they would have ever imagined. They sustain us in ways she could not know. She has extraordinary capacities to make what everyone writes and says matter. Holly has colossal creative gifts and giving energies, compassionate, listening, quirky and observant. Anyone who benefits from being in her sessions feels new ways of writing preciously burgeon and grow.”

“Having taken part in many courses and workshops previously, those run by Holly Dawson are of a quality and breadth I have not found elsewhere. She teaches with knowledge and passion whilst enabling you to find your own voice and style. The creativity of Holly’s sessions, combined with the sense of community she develops within the group, have enabled me to say with conviction: I am a writer.”

"Attending Holly's classes has transformed my writing. It's not just the technical skills I've learnt, but the creativity the sessions spark, and the support we're given as writers. The classes are meticulously researched and Holly's empathy, enthusiasm and expertise make the vulnerable task of opening up to new forms of writing less intimidating for anyone who wants to stretch themselves. Put simply, writing with Holly is a highlight of my week."

“Holly’s course has opened the door to a new world for me, and I’ve loved every class. Each week, there’s a new theme, with reading samples and writing prompts, and plenty of opportunity to flow straight on to the page. Holly has a wealth of knowledge and passion as a teacher, and she makes everyone feel that their contribution is valuable. I am so grateful to have found such a positive and supportive environment in which to grow as a creative writer!”

“Holly Dawson - the only writing tutor I could share the more shocking aspects of my life with in my life writing. She is open to anything and every minute of the class is treasured. People feel they can open up to her which is what a good writing group should provide and she does it with such flair!”

“Holly has the ability to bring the best out of all of us! Her wonderful sense of humour and obvious enthusiasm for writing as well as reading has spurred me on to read more widely, and to ask more of myself when it comes to putting pen to paper”

 “This was my first foray into creative writing and I was extremely nervous. From the moment I walked in, Holly put me at ease with her beaming smile and wise, warm words. I learnt so much so quickly…after only a few weeks of Holly’s encouragement and guidance I developed the confidence to share my work with the class. Her advice and support is worth its weight in gold.”

“Holly teaches with such sensitivity, warmth and enthusiasm, it is impossible not to feel inspired and motivated by her positivity and wisdom. I have learnt so much about what I read, what I write and the writer I want to become.”

"Holly manages to unlock creativity which in my case was buried deep. Her unique manner is supportive and encouraging making the classes both interesting, inspiring and fun. For me this has been life changing, having made some good friends and quite extraordinarily having just completed my first substantial piece of work"

“As this was my first go at writing I was not sure what to expect. I needn’t have worried! The classes are fun, thought-provoking and inspirational. I have been able to free my inner critic and go with the flow - as Holly says, ‘Everything is material’!”