Learn With Me
“Whatever you do, do not become a teacher!” my senior lecturer father used to say whenever we were discussing my potential career and often when we weren’t. “It’s a mug’s game.”
But in 1984, I found a job in a word processing recruitment agency and had to teach word processing (back then a very newfangled concept) to the typists I was sending out on assignment. I learned to teach word processing and loved it, particularly when it came to writing the course materials.
When I moved abroad in 1987, spending over 30 years in seven countries, teaching was perfect to combine with the isolation of writing. Soon I taught writing too. My motto is ‘sharing what I know to help others to grow’ so if I knew how to do something I would start teaching others how to do it too. From running Writers’ Circles I moved to teaching Write Your Life Stories with SPICE, Definite Articles, Release the Book Within and Write Life Story with the Life Story Jar Method.
When the Covid pandemic hit in 2020 courses moved online. Workbook versions can be purchased via Expatbookshop.
In the 25 years or so that I have been teaching, hundreds – if not thousands – of people of countless nationalities and all abilities have sat before me, taken up their pens and started to write. It is a joy and a privilege to be part of this.
Writing courses & one-off writing seminars
Want me to come and run a class at your premises? Three-hour or one-day workshops available on the following:
- Start Writing Your Life Stories
- Start Writing Articles
- Start Writing Your Book
- Start Finding Your Writer’s Voice
“I felt I was writing holistically, delving deep into myself, allowing words to flow and find their own place.”
Maggie Sandersonof Writing Me-Treat, Penang, Malaysia 2017
“For a week I became an honorary woman. Eleven women and me, all intent on learning the rudiments of how to write a memoir. I went home with my manhood intact, but I also left the Watermill knowing considerably more about the shortcuts and methods of chronicling my life. Under the careful, learned and sympathetic supervision of Jo Parfitt, I am now twelve chapters into my magnum opus and not a morning passes when I don’t refer to the notes and advice Jo passed onto me.”
Laurence MarksEngland, co-writer of Goodnight Sweetheart and Birds of a Feather on Write Your Life Stories residential course at The Watermill in Tuscany
“With exquisite skill, Jo creates an atmosphere where class participants feel comfortable to delve deep into their lives and to experiment with different writing techniques. She listens intently as participants read their work; then recaps phrases, images, or other examples from that work to provide specific, meaningful and supportive feedback. Her ability to perceive the potential of a story and guide its improvement continually impressed me.”
Corrine GlesnePhD, Professor Emeriti, University of Vermont
“Jo Parfitt has run workshops at the annual WIN conferences on many occasions. They are known for being practical and interactive. She is known for her enthusiasm, her experience and the fact that she is living proof that everything is possible, wherever you find yourself in the world. A true inspiration.”
Kristin EngvigExecutive Director, WIN Conferences
“Crammed full of techniques, tips, insights and inspiration, this course covers everything you want to know about writing articles (and more). The exercises are not only brilliantly structured, but also empowering and exciting. It’s the best foundation for anyone wanting to harness their expat experiences and get them out there on paper.”
Ginny PhilpsMalaysia, on Definite Articles course 2016
“A magical week being coached by Jo in this sublime place, Posara, is just such an experience. I’ve created such beauty with my pen, speaking more lyrically, powerfully and piercingly than I ever thought possible.”
David Scarlettauthor of The Soul Millionaire and The Flight of The Soul Millionaire
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