What our writers have to say…
“Who needs an MFA when they’ve got Jeff? Some people run workshops for writers, and then there’s Jeff Ourvan. His worldwide workshop is like a grad-level master class on how to write a book. I spent my life writing professionally as a journalist, but not like this. Not only is Jeff cooler than the other side of the pillow, he’s incredibly good at what he does. And, more importantly, he knows the industry and he knows what sells. Jeff didn’t just make me a better writer—he made my dreams a reality, a remarkable reality.”
“The workshops are a place where I sit down with a warm cup of coffee once a week, allowing my mind to creatively expand with new ideas and perspectives with the help of fellow writers and Jeff as our incredible mentor. The workshops are a true gift and gem. This is a safe space to grow and learn while gaining insightful perspective from other writers. Plain and simple: The workshops are a combination of brilliant writers that become colleagues, friends, and mentors.”
“Jeff provides what every writer needs to take their writing to the next level – an inspirational community of writers along with great taste and a gimlet eye. He has a special talent for identifying what’s not working in your story and guiding you towards solutions. He was instrumental in helping me finish my first novel and polish up my second book. It’s really not an overstatement to say that I would have never finished GLORY BE without his workshops.”
“Long ago, I wrote the first chapter of a novel and couldn’t see how to move it forward. I was afraid, I had little to no self-confidence, and I was resigned that my story would never get finished. Then I found Jeff and The Write Workshops. Jeff’s kind coaching and his impeccable editing, combined with the wonderful people in the workshop, are the reasons my novel is published, a short story is published, and I’m writing another novel. Jeff caused all that to happen. I recommend The Write Workshops for anyone who is passionate about creating a world with words and who wants a loving community to support that dream.”
“I’d been working on my novel for over ten years, never getting further than chapter three; and then my wife introduced me to Jeff’s workshops. I could only attend a Sunday session, but my word, what a fun and informative day that was. I was blown away by Jeff’s ability to identify immediately our strengths and weaknesses (although he’d never put it as such), and the fact he knows exactly when to step in and when to leave you be. So, Jeff suggested we stay in contact and work together on the novel. Nine months later it was written. The following year it was published in hardback, paperback, audiobook and Kindle, to wonderful national press reviews. I wrote my second book under his mentorship, and by now Jeff was joking that he had less and less to teach me – if that is really true, it’s only because of his genius at giving the writer the skills they need to forge ahead. I am now on my third book, and Jeff is again leading me into unexplored literary adventures… he’s a genius. Without him, my books would never have been written. End of story!”
“The WriteWorkshops has been there like a trusty friend through the years. It is the place I’ve leaned on to pitch ideas, generate material, or workshop an existing draft. It is a place of artistic and intellectual community. It is an alternative to an MFA, or a supplement to one. We talk story shapes, narrative drive, plot, rhythm, characterization, tropes, language, and emotion. We talk about why passages work and why they don’t – and offer writerly suggestions on how to improve them. And then Jeff talks and says yes and this too, and the room electrifies with his sage truth honed from years of editorial experience and an innate literary sensitivity. and writers go home inspired and work on their passages and return with brilliance, and this is why his classes are packed, and his writers get noticed, and the world needs Jeff clones. Nothing to ruminate about here – if you are serious about writing, you must join.”
“When I first came to Jeff and his writing workshop, I was a boy who wrote as if I smashed action figures together. It would’ve been easy for him to disregard the material as the mad delusions of a nerd who hadn’t matured past twelve. Instead, he helped me to hone my craft and reflect on the humanity behind the action. Jeff’s critiques have gotten me to reflect, and to feel, and to wonder, but they’ve never left me doubting whether he cares about the work or me.”
“Jeff has been both an ideal reader and vigorous editor. In working together, he makes sure to understand the author’s intent even while streamlining and clarifying. Ultimately, he is a trusted collaborator with an incisive and insightful “red pen,” who helps me see the forest for the trees in my work and where I need to connect the dots.”
“Of course, Jeff is a sharp, perceptive editor and a joy to work with, but he has two additional qualities which I find invaluable. He knows how to give constructive feedback which inspires rather than deflates; and he works with authors to understand and improve unique, but maybe muddled, writing techniques rather than suggesting they be discarded. I cannot imagine working with any other editor.”
“Jeff helped me to prepare my first novel for submission, and his editing and feedback were invaluable in turning my manuscript into a polished book that was ready for publication. He worked with me not only on style, but also on substance, and his insights and questions helped me to further develop my characters, their motivations, and the sense of place and atmosphere in my novel. He went through the book meticulously and provided me with detailed notes on what was working and what needed more detail or clarity. Jeff responded quickly to all of my questions, and I found it a great relief, after the lonely act of writing, to have someone that I could bounce ideas off of and discuss the book with as a work-in-progress.”
“These Workshops set the perfect tone in which new writers flourish. Their critiques are incisive, thorough, logical and priceless. Jeff, in particular, has the precious ability to score through and address new writers’ weaknesses whilst allowing them to discover and develop their innate strengths. In my time with the group my confidence flourished. I was surrounded by a skilled set of writers and inspired by their work ethics. And I gleaned so much from listening to their guidance on a variety of other projects, not just my own. I feel very lucky to have Jeff as a mentor. Fact: my novels would not be tangible realities if it weren’t for these Workshops.”
“Where to start praising these Workshops? They give you the ongoing space to write, the unyielding support to find your own voice, and the whippings, cheering and nourishing when needed —most importantly, Jeff and his team never lose sight of the main thing: your book.”
“I had the great fortune of being introduced to Jeff Ourvan and the Write Workshop at the very earliest spark of a book idea and then working with him all the way through to a completed manuscript. The experience was nothing short of transformative. What began as a vague concept evolved into a solid, well-structured narrative, thanks in large part to Jeff’s expert guidance, unwavering support, and deep understanding of the writing craft. From the first workshop session, Jeff and the other writers created an environment that was both rigorous and nurturing. Jeff asked tough questions when necessary, encouraged creative risks, and never let me settle for “good enough.” Jeff’s faith in me and his ability to see the potential in my early work were invaluable. Beyond the development of the book itself, Jeff was pivotal in helping me grow as a writer. Through our work together, I developed a stronger, more confident voice, a deeper understanding of storytelling, and the discipline necessary to sustain a long-form project. Jeff has an extraordinary gift for not only teaching craft but also empowering writers to trust their own instincts. I am even more grateful that through this process, he has become a great friend. I have recommended (and continue to recommend) Jeff Ourvan without hesitation to any writer looking to develop a project from the ground up or to polish a more developed work. Jeff’s dedication, insight, and belief in the writer’s voice make him an exceptional mentor and guide.”