LouiseCusack.com

Testimonials: From Workshop & Retreat attendees

(see also: The Tiara Gallery and Retreat Diary or back to Working with Louise)

Friday 27th November, 2009

(Feedback provided to the Gold Coast City Council on the "Write That Book" workshop series I tutored in 2009)

In a nutshell, the workshop series has been the highlight of my year. I have gained so much from each and every Saturday. Louise is a terrific teacher .... she is not only able to convey her lesson plans in a structured yet informal manner, she also is an incredibly positive person and instilled a sense of belief in all of us (as a writer this carries a lot of weight. We're a self-doubting bunch!!!).

My novel, the Skylar Solution, is a little way off completion (Due around Match by my calculations), however the plot structure is firm. I am very pleased with its progress (when I originally commenced the workshops I was working on a different story idea, so started from scratch between workshop one and two).

Finally, it has been wonderful to be surrounded by a group of talented, supportive, like minded people. We have developed a very strong rapport and will continue to stay in touch, sharing ideas, critiquing and generally being supportive of each others work  long into the future.

Cheers

Rebecca Fraser

Wednesday 11th February, 2009

To the next workshop participant,
 
I attended Louise's workshop at Nerang Library, Saturday 7th February 2009, 'Tips on getting out of the slush pile.'
From my observation as participant and the attitudes from others at the venue, I noticed as soon as Louise started talking, we all relaxed and listened intently to her matter-of-fact style. She has a manner which is like chatting to a friend who has a wealth of knowledge to share. From lots of great tips, to sharing her real life experiences and anecdotes that made us laugh and enjoy her company immensely. The two hours went quickly and I am sure many will be at the next workshop on 'how to get your finished novel published,' my place is already booked!
 
Marion Martineer
Youth Group co-ordinator (Writers Force) and
Adults writing for children support group co-ordinator (The Ten Penners)
Gold Coast Writers Association Inc.

Sent: Thursday, 3 April 2008 9:58 PM
Subject: Reply from Harper Collins re: Return of the Sea Queen

Dear Louise,
 
Just thought I would let you know that I got a reply from the senior editor about my manuscript.  It was a 'no thank you', but the nicest 'no thank you' ever, with lots of constructive feedback and positive comments.  Much more than I expected and it was lovely that she had taken the time to read my story and to suggest how I could improve it.  She wrote that I certainly had good storytelling skills and the basis of a great story, however the characters needed more development and the storyline to be deepened.  Lots of helpful direction when I revisit the story.
 
I'm really quite proud of my achievement, considering it was my first ever novel and thank you again - I really could not have done it without your help. 
 
Cheers,
Geneve Flynn (Participant of my 2006 Logan "Write that Book" workshop series + assessment client)

Sent: Friday, 28 March 2008
Subject: RE: tombspace news

Hi Louise

Guess who was one of 3 Queensland writers chosen for the Hachette Livre Orbit MS development program!

Tombspace 1 is truly in the building!

Just thought I’d share my exciting news with you since you really did help me so much.

Thank you again for everything.  

Fiona Sawyer

Year of the Novel workshop participant and assessment client who secured one of the ten places awarded in the Orbit Manuscript Development Program which had 167 entries from across Australia.

From: Michael McMorrow (Redlands Fiction Writing Workshop Group participant), Wednesday 17th October, 2007

I am so pleased with the way my story has come together that I can’t thank you enough. There were so many parts that didn’t fit that I was in a defiant state of despair and staring at defeat.  I looked at the worksheet and my initial reaction was one of  “this doesn’t fit my story” then started to fill it in. I ran out of space within a few minutes so made up a new one on the computer. Then using the prompts I was able to see the holes in the story. Suddenly I was away. Scenes and ideas flowed, characters dropped into place . New ones created and conflicts and sub plots just sprang from nowhere. The whole story took on depth and direction. I can best describe it as “now having colour” and it now fits the worksheet

The whole process has made me quite excited (not good for a man my age) to write and I now have a sense of purpose that was lacking before.

It may never be finished or published as I have to write it, but it would be a good story anyway.

Regards

Mike

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

RE: Louise Cusack

On Saturday 25th August 2007, the Gold Coast Writers' Association, with a grant from The Regional Arts Development Fund, organised a full-day workshop on 'Creating Fictional Worlds', run by Louise. Some months earlier, she had appeared as a Guest Speaker at one of our monthly meetings and impressed our members with her lecture on writing.

On the day, Louise arrived early to assist in the set-up of the room. She came prepared with a lesson plan, handouts and simple textbooks, which the writers were able to use to weave stories using her analytical formula.

Her systematic approach to  'world building' allowed each member to walk away from the day with a methodical foundation to use in their future writing. She covered basic aspects of story telling as well as practical tips to enhance their future writing.

The action packed day of information ended on time and our members were impressed enough to write to me with their compliments about the course which they found most beneficial. They liked the fact that they worked individually with her as well as in groups and were able to walk away with useful hints and ways to improve their writing.

 Terry Spring        

VICE PRESIDENT

GOLD COAST WRITERS' ASSOC

P.O. Box 441, Pacific Fair, Qld., 4218 

M. Ph (0412 618 088)

terryspring@optusnet.com.au

The workshop on Saturday was excellent. You have a vast amount of knowledge on the craft of writing and it is a wonderful opportunity to be able to be on the receiving end of that knowledge and experience. You delivered the workshop in a fun and interesting way and the exercises you gave us consolidated the topics we were discussing. The workshop was 'full on' in terms of the information we were absorbing but it was never overwhelming. I can't wait for the next one! Many thanks to Redlands Shire for giving me the opportunity to be part of this workshop series.

Cheers,

Terese Jones ter.jon@hotmail.com Monday 30th July, 2007

Dear Louise

This is a short note to thank you for the writers’ workshop.

I have been an educator (a Secondary Teacher, Administrator and Principal) for about two decades. In that time, I've attended my share of professional development workshops, however precious few have been as enjoyable or rewarding as your writers’ workshop. More importantly, the workshop was challenging, confronting and peppered with practical advice. 

It is fair to say the workshop has been an invaluable tool in assisting me to develop as a writer.

Kindest regards

Steve Webb [steve_webb@iprimus.com.au] Monday 30th July, 2007

Dear Louise,

Thank you so much for sharing your writing experience with us today. You are a wonderful tutor and I feel really motivated by what I learnt today. All of the exercises you set made me aware of just why my novel manuscript was floundering. I am really looking forward to applying these new techniques to my future writing. 

Must go, have a blurb to work on,

Beverley Asmus b.asmus@bigpond.net.au  Saturday 28^th July, 2007

Hello Louise!

Just a quick note to thank you for the first of our five workshops yesterday.  It was professional, interesting and highly relevant.  I feel more hopeful about achieving my goal of completing my second book by end June 2008.  The structure and content of all five workshops will provide a vital framework within which I can develop my story.  Three cheers for Redland Shire Council for committing funds to nurture the local literary talent!

Warm regards, Helen Taylor J 

HELEN TAYLOR [helly22@iprimus.com.au]  Sunday 29^th, July, 2007 (Novel Writing Workshop Series)

HI Louise, that's the most inspirational workshop I've attended. Instead of coming home and leaving my notes on the desk for filing under 'workshops' I've got down to work and have plotted out my first scene.

cheers, Robbie

robbie kirk [tardisea@acenet.net.au]  Saturday, 28^th, July 2007 (Novel Writing Workshop Series)

Dear Louise,

I would like to thank you for a very lively and informative workshop today.
I took away a great deal of useful information, and several genuinely good ideas with which to enhance my story.

It was also very productive to have been able to discuss the various elements of stories with the other members of the group.

I feel that after struggling to take my project forward for so long, at last I will be able to make significant headway.

Thank you once again.

Regards,

John Storey, j.storey@ozemail.com.au  Saturday, 28 July 2007 (Novel Writing Workshop Series)

Re: Craft of Writing Workshop

"I can understand that other people don’t really like others critiquing their work which is a shame as it is great to read and learn from other people’s work as well. I must say that the teaching style of last weekend was also great I learned a lot and am looking forward to doing other workshops with you. You have a very sensitive balance between giving feedback and supporting and encouraging which is really great.

One of the things that made me enjoy the shared writing exercises is that you hear your voice more clearly when you compare what you wrote in comparison to someone else on the same topic. I think you did an exercising in the editing workshop of show don’t tell using Maurice. It was great to hear what people wrote because you got a sense of their voice and perspective, their colour.

I will look out for more of your workshops at QWA.

Many thanks again,

"Dear Louise

I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your workshop. I came away with a lot of useful information and a new enthusiasm and courage to approach my novel writing. A couple of other members of Writers in Townsville also attended and we all felt that we benefited from what you had to share. I passed on some of your tips to a member who is in the process of beginning her editing and it has helped her immensely. Thanks again and we look forward to seeing you in Townsville another time.

Good luck with your own writing projects
Cheers
Anita Berry
Writers in Townsville"  May 17 2006, 8:01 AM