Testimonials
I have attended many creative writing classes in my time and can say that Kimberley’s are the most rewarding that I have experienced. As a student, I am always impressed at how brilliantly Kimberley devises fresh topics to spark our creativity; and her response to students’ writing is unfailingly constructive and supportive.
Kimberley has magic. Her touch is light and you will be surprised at how much you have learnt after just one term. The classes are informative and friendly. All are made welcome.
Kimberley’s classes provide a supportive, encouraging and creative environment. An experienced creative writing teacher, she genuinely cares about her students’ progress and success. Her ability to provide gentle and insightful guidance is invaluable, enabling writers to find their own voice and to develop their skills and expertise.
Before working with Kimberley, I had never written a poem. With her help, encouragement and guidance, I now compose and perform my poetry at open mic events.
Well, what can I say, Kimberley is why I decided to try my hand at writing. It has turned into a regular Monday night class. She’s always encouraging and kind about everyone’s work.
Kimberley is a dedicated and talented tutor who creates a warm and safe space in which both newer and established writers can learn and grow. I particularly enjoy the wide variety of topics and styles covered, and tackling methods that challenge me to explore new areas. Her classes are full of support, fun, and inspiration.
With a perfect balance of guidance and support, Kimberley creates an atmosphere where writers feel safe to take risks and experiment. My confidence, creativity and output has grown since I’ve started Kimberley’s classes. She recognises and nurtures the writer in us all.
Kimberley is an amazing tutor. She puts a lot of consideration into each session. Each term covers different techniques and themes and each time I thought ‘what the ‘eck I can’t do that’. But I did. Everybody did. Kimberley offers a safe, compassionate space for everybody to share their work and to learn from one another. Before I started, I thought along the lines of… I’m not sure… I’ll be rubbish… who wants to listen to my drivel… I can’t do that… but I did. I even wrote a sea shanty. This is all down to Kimberley’s skills and wonderful kindness, patience, compassion and sense of fun. I’ll definitely be returning.
In the three years I’ve been working with Kimberley, I have found her to be nothing less than kind, knowledgeable, insightful and supportive. Suggestions for “improvement” are always gentle and positive. My development as a tentative writer has been at my pace, allowing my confidence to increase. Kimberley creates and nurtures a regular group of equally supportive and creative members. My mornings with them all are the highlight of my week. I cannot recommend her more gratefully
There was a young teacher of Kent
To whose writing class I once went
I just wanted to say
That was a good day
And each meeting’s some time that’s well spent
The weekly gatherings provide opportunities and incentives to put pen to paper, either in fulfilling a brief from the week before or in sharing the progress of personal projects in an unfailingly positive and helpful atmosphere. Kimberley is friendly and organised and I’m looking forward to the group restarting in September.
I joined one of Kimberley’s face to face classes in January 2025 and am really enjoying it. I immediately felt at home, finding Kimberley and my fellow writers interesting, friendly, and encouraging. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to write, but through exercises during and between classes, and learning from everyone I’m starting to develop and try out some ideas. I strongly recommend this class for anyone who wants to write, whether they’re new to it like me, or published authors looking for peer support.
I have been in Kimberley’s virtual classes for three years and do my best not to miss a class. She manages to create a group, who become ‘fast friends’ despite the many miles between some of us. The prompts are intriguing and manage to generate amazingly varied responses. They are fun and challenging and I feel the quality of my writing has really improved.
I’ve been part of Kimberley’s creative writing courses for the past seven years. She is a fantastic teacher who is always encouraging and my writing skills have improved considerably in the time I have known her. The classes are fun and interesting, and I have learnt so much about different forms of prose, poetry and drama from her and other writers who share their work as part of the group. I would highly recommend joining one of Kimberley’s creative writing courses.
I started going to Kimberley’s creative writing classes several years ago. I have found her to be an inspiring teacher. I wasn’t sure I would be able to write but she gave me the confidence to try. Thanks to her help I have written many short stories and am now in the process of publishing a collection of them.
Kimberley is a wonderful teacher and facilitator of warm, welcoming and well-structured classes. Small groups allow for an intimate and supportive environment in which to learn and develop, with plenty of time for Kimberley and other class members to provide constructive, helpful feedback. Each writer feels valued, and their work appreciated. Since joining Kimberley’s classes, my writing and confidence have improved immensely, and her guidance has pushed me to try different ideas and styles. I especially enjoyed learning and incorporating into my writing new techniques and devices including poetic forms like the pensée, aubade, or triolet, as well as prose styles such as, my favourite, the vignette. I wholeheartedly recommend Kimberley’s classes to anyone who enjoys creative writing and who feels they would benefit from being in a group of like-minded individuals, each with a story to tell!
The Creative Writing Course comes alive thanks to our tutor Kimberley and the way she inspires, cares and helps to encourage each unique student in the class. Kimberley is motivating and positive in all discussions and writing assignments, helping to take our conversations and written work to another level, exploring diverse writing skills and patterns. She is also supportive and inclusive of others, combining a deep insight and unique perspective. Her class is a treasure trove of learning!
I joined Kimberley’s group a year ago and although the class was already well established, I was made to feel very welcome. Her relaxed manner belies an underlying sense of purpose; each session is well structured, with the opportunity to hear other ‘student’s’ work and to have one’s own efforts discussed with respect and the benefit of Kimberley’s knowledge and insight. I feel that my writing has improved and I have had many enjoyable Thursday afternoons.
When I first signed up for Creative Writing classes I really didn’t know what to expect. I just thought I’d give it a try for one term and see how it goes, but that ‘one term’ stretched to four rewarding and pleasurable years. Kimberley is not only highly qualified and knowledgeable in the art of Creative Writing, her style of teaching sets her apart from the norm. She would gently coax and guide us through each session with encouragement and kindness, and always with a smile. Kimberley gave me the confidence to break through my comfort zone, writing fiction in a range of genres I would never have previously attempted, and penning poetry in formats I hadn’t even known existed. I felt in safe hands, had a lot of fun, and made some good friends in the process.
Kimberley’s writing class is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to develop their writing skills in a friendly and supportive environment. We are supported in our own ongoing projects but also introduced to new styles and forms of writing which stretch our abilities and help to develop our skills. We are constantly learning and growing as writers.
I particularly love the short in-class writing challenges which help us to tap into our creativity and ‘just write’. Many of these impromptu exercises have been the inspiration for some fabulous longer pieces. I am always amazed at the incredible work everyone can produce, and I am grateful for the positive impact on my own writing which would have stalled long ago without the encouragement of Kimberley and my fellow classmates.
I have enjoyed many terms of writing bliss since October 2016 when I first encountered the joy of writing in one of Kimberley’s classes. She has so gently encouraged and cajoled us students that I am convinced there must be pools of literary talent that have been created in and around Canterbury. Due to her careful and expert preparation for the theme of each course; the in-class fun and challenging writing exercises in and our sharing of the week’s ‘homework’ I amassed hundreds of pages for my book.
Kimberley’s superb listening skills, and thorough knowledge of the craft, enables her to suggest improvements to any piece of work. She gives advice with such delicacy and consideration that no-one feels afraid to hear it. Over the years I have had the extraordinary pleasure of being a member of several gangs of creative writers whose kind, generous leader is, I believe, loved, admired and appreciated by all. Bless you, Kimberley.
Enrolling on Kimberley’s creative writing course has set me free. Free from the shackles of that nagging question, ‘Am I good enough?’ We’re all good enough, we all have different strengths, and Kimberley has an innate ability to help you build on those strengths and work on things you could improve. All this is done with a sense of generosity and kindness which fosters true development.
From zero to 100,000 words. Kimberley’s online course has shaped my memoir project, whilst introducing me to other inspirational writers. The stimulus material is well-researched and takes me out of my comfort zone. I always look forward to our weekly session.
I´ve had the privilege of attending Kimberley´s classes on and off for a few years now and what a pleasure it has been. She always manages to bring something new to our sessions in such a constructive manner. Her comments have always led me forward and added to my knowledge and skills on my journey. Since I don´t have English as my first language I was sceptical about taking part but they’ve been worth every minute. I’ve also been lucky, since my ‘classmates’ have been an endless source of talent and encouragement as well. I would highly recommend Kimberley´s classes to anyone who enjoys creative writing and would like to grow as a writer.
Since working with Kimberley I have learned so much. Not just about writing, but also about me as a writer. Her insight, encouragement and inspiration have all pushed me to find my authentic voice, be brave and experiment with different genres and characters. The impact on my wellbeing has been a welcome, and unexpected, benefit. Kimberley is a skilful communicator who brings a group of (very different!) people together throughout our online sessions. She supports us to share our work, give each other feedback and engage in great conversations. My “I’ll do it for a term” was five years ago and here I am, ready to embark on my 15th term!
Kimberley’s classes have helped me reconnect with the simple pleasure of writing. Class discussions are positive and constructive, and I have improved my enjoyment of the process and my creative confidence.
I made a good decision three years ago – to join a creative writing course. I have gained a great deal from the courses since then due in no small part to the leadership, encouragement and skill of Kimberley.
Highly stimulating, amusing, happy and friendly classes run by Kimberley who never fails to come up with a challenging and interesting topic to get you going. The group all have their equal chance to shine and peer praise/criticism is encouraged, which is helpful as well as confidence-boosting. Good value for money and we all just keep returning. Everyone is made to feel welcome. Who knows there might be a budding masterpiece lurking, waiting to emerge.
Kimberley has an unfaltering record of enabling potential creative writers to unlock their abilities, become wordsmiths and gain a fluency that surprises them. Over several years I have observed that she is a most successful, patient and tolerant tutor, as well as appropriately vulnerable with us. Her skills are broad enough to help a diverse spectrum of students.
I have been attending Kimberley’s various writing groups for fifteen years, and continue to enjoy the constructive criticism and friendly environment, as well as being kept on my toes creatively, and meeting many fine people along the way.
I joined Kimberley’s class around 18 months ago. I was complete creative writing novice – my writing experience was almost exclusively academic. Kimberley has provided carefully judged critiques and loads of encouragement, and praise, where earned. Her control of the on-line group and peer critiques is also deeply appreciated, I have felt supported by all and at no time a lesser writer even in the face of far more experienced writers. Each lesson is like a huge hug and coupled with a sense of belonging. I am now able to write and share some of my deepest sentiments, with confidence.
I made the decision to semi retire in 2017, mainly so I could pursue my interest in writing, lino printing and collage. I had previously met Kimberley at a writing workshop and was delighted to be able to sign up to a regular writing class with her and have been working with her ever since. She has encouraged, led and challenged me as a writer from that moment on. I would encourage anybody with an interest in writing to work with her – she is the best! An amazing tutor who supports all of us and brings out the best in every individual.
Kimberley’s relaxed, non-judgmental and informative classes are a weekly highlight. By inventively challenging us with unusual and thought-provoking tasks she manages to get everyone’s creative juices flowing. I wouldn’t’ hesitate in recommending would-be writers to attend.
I have been enjoying Kimberley’s creative writing class for a few years now. Part of the pleasure is the interesting mix of students and listening to their approach to the work and how it compares with your own. Each term has a different theme, and we are encouraged to experiment with form and structure. It’s all good fun and Kimberley is enthusiastic, kind and encouraging. You cannot help but make progress with your writing when you are in her hands.
I have been attending Kimberley’s classes for several years now. She is encouraging, kind and knowledgeable and gives helpful constructive advice. I feel I have learnt a lot about writing creatively whilst in her classes.
I am pleased to be able to praise Kimberley for the teaching in Creative Writing that she has given me over the last three years. Each week, she has been able to give us an interesting new subject and writing challenge. Kimberley is always there before we arrive with the room well prepared. Once we have offered our work to the class, she offers her own observations and constructive criticism and then gives us time to comment on each other’s work. She is scrupulous about giving each one of us the opportunity and time to read out our contributions, without rush. Classes start and finish on time. Finally, Kimberley runs the administration and payment for the class efficiently and with the minimum of fuss.
Kimberley is an excellent facilitator, with extensive knowledge of writing techniques and skills. The courses are exciting, fun, well structured, informative and popular. Highly recommended!
It has been a pleasure being in Kimberley’s course on three occasions, including her new independent arrangement. Kimberley’s structure is for us to write a couple of small pieces which we share in class, including something based on the day’s topic; to discuss the topic in further detail, then read and critique our longer homework. I have learnt many techniques from Kimberley who is knowledgeable, inclusive and passionate about writing and encouraging others to write. She always critiques the good and the not so good and encourages us all to do the same. We all learn and improve through this method and have become stronger writers as a result. Her popularity is truly a testament to her skills. I look forward to more classes with Kimberley again soon.
To anyone who is considering ways to improve their creative writing while at the same time getting to know a group of friendly people of like mind, and enjoying that experience together, then Kimberley’s classes will be the answer. I feel that my writing is significantly more worth reading than it once was and I have been introduced to a plethora of literary knowledge that I didn’t know existed. There is never any pressure and the group is always supportive. I thoroughly recommend this course.
Surprise yourself! I have been taking classes with Kimberley since 2017, when I first joined her Writing Your Life course. I had been thinking of writing an account of my experiences travelling in South America, but somehow, I never found the time. The course gave me the motivation to get started. More than that, it introduced me to a group of fellow writers. People like me, who wanted to write, but lacked the confidence, skills and experience to get started. Since then, we have grown. We have shared our lives, learned to gently critique one another and have improved our writing by listening and trying different things: I never imagined I would be writing poetry.
Kimberley doesn’t teach, she is not dogmatic. She facilitates. And helps each one of us develop our own unique style of writing. We are all different in the way we use language and in the things that we write about. In 2020 and 2021 we had to adjust to life online. Extraordinary how you can get to know one another through virtual meets. It is not quite the same as sitting together in the same room, but it worked. It allowed us to join people from the other end of the county and further afield. I even joined some classes from a hotel room in another continent. Kimberley has at last decided to go it alone and things are better than ever, her courses are thriving.
And where am I now? I have written my book. It’s alright and I’m finessing it to then try and find a publisher. I also have to find another project and Kimberley will help me with that. In addition, something I would never have expected, I am looking forward to writing more poetry.