Writing Tips and
Expert Advice
Student Successes
An de Fortier: Successful Science and Non-Fiction Book Editor
An de Fortier completed the Copy-editing and Proofreading and the Grammar for Writers Courses at SA Writers’ College. In a few short years, she has become a sought-after editor specialising in scientific texts and non-fiction books written in many genres
Launching a Career as a Copy-Editor: Sharné Denner
Sharné Denner spent years as a medical doctor before discovering that her real passion lay in polishing prose. After completing our Copy-Editing and Proofreading Course under tutor Di Smith at the start of 2025, followed by a three-month internship, Sharné
In Her Own Skin: Cayla Lewis’s Debut Story
After completing the Write a Children’s Book Course at SA Writers’ College, Cape Town author and illustrator Cayla Lewis has published the book she once needed as a child – a story about belonging, courage and showing up as you
Philisiwe Twijnstra on Finding Her Voice, Facing Rejection and Writing Fearlessly
Since completing the Basic Grammar Skills Course with SA Writers’ College in 2016, South African playwright, theatre-maker and fiction writer Philisiwe Twijnstra has built a creative career shaped by imagination, persistence and bold storytelling. Philisiwe has received both local and
Why I Became a Writer (Finally!)
BY ETIENNE LOMBARD The desk was glass, long and cold, and on clear days I could see Table Mountain reflected in its surface from where I sat on the fourteenth floor of a building in the Cape Town CBD. The
From Our Course to the Bookshelves of South Africa: The Siya Masuku Story
How one SA Writers’ College student became a publisher, filmmaker and advocate working to restore indigenous languages to South African childhood. When Siya Masuku enrolled in the SA Writers’ College Basic Creative Writing Course in 2017, he already had a
Writers’ College Success Story: Award-winning Novelist Martin Steyn
When Martin Steyn enrolled in the SA Writers’ College Write a Novel Course (Skryf ‘n roman kursus), he had a detective novel taking shape. What emerged from that process was Donker Spoor (Dark Traces), a crime thriller that sold out
Writing a Warrior’s Tale: Pierre Durand’s Literary Journey
Just a year ago, Pierre Durand enrolled in the Literary Short Story Course at SA Writers’ College. Now, his book Bertha’s Law is set to hit the shelves this May, published by SunLit – an imprint of the highly regarded
Student Success: Q&A with Debut Children’s Novelist Tanja Wijnen
Tanja Wijnen, author of The Pangolin Killers (Skældyrsjægerne), penned her book while taking a course with Helen Brain, an award-winning author and tutor for the Write a Children’s Book Course at the Writers College. Tanja recently travelled to Denmark for
Riaan Grobler’s Debut Novel Published
In the competitive arena of arts and entertainment, not many can boast a repertoire as diverse as Riaan Grobler’s. Already a successful radio announcer and chart-topping singer, Riaan is about to score a hat-trick with the upcoming release of his
An Interview with Scriptwriter Lydia Stander
Lydia Stander, a recent graduate of the Advanced Scriptwriting Course at SA Writers College, is fast establishing herself as a storyteller to watch. With a finalist placement in the Writers Guild of South Africa (WGSA) Muse Awards, and a possible
Salamina Mosese: Star Student’s Delightful Writing Debut
Writers College student and TV Star, Salamina Mosese, chats to us about her debut children’s book and her love of reading. There is a reason Salamina Mosese named her blog A Page In My Book. She always knew a book
Latest Tips for Writing for Creative Writing
Writing Articles for Websites & Blogs
Writing with ADHD; Also, Look at That Bird…
Writing is hard enough; it’s even harder with ADHD, when you struggle to concentrate, or you fall too easily into a procrastination pit. Here’s what I’ve learned from my endless
So, You Want To Be A Copy-Editor Or Proofreader?
BY SHARNÉ DENNER Perhaps a common misconception about copy-editors and proofreaders is that they are bookish types who spend their days squabbling about commas in the margins of a page,
Why Writers Should Learn to Write Quotable Prose
Make your words linger long after the last page. Discover the power of quotable prose. By Banele Ndlovu My history with quotes For most of my childhood, the only reading
From Stethoscopes to Style Guides: Finding Hope After Medicine
BY SHARNÉ DENNER Whenever people hear that I left medical practice to pursue a career in copy-editing and proofreading, they tend to react the same way: ‘What the … WHY?’
How AI is Rewriting the Rules of Writing
Neural language models are transforming the future of writing. This piece unpacks what these models are and what the pros and cons of using AI mean for writers. BY SAMANTHA
Trials, Tribulations and Typos: A Tale of Everyday Freelance Writing
Think being a freelance writer is all glamour? MORGAN LAXTON shares the truth about battles with furry coworkers and deadline adrenaline. So, you’ve decided to dive headfirst into the wild
Why Taking a Break Can Be a Win for Your Writing
Thoughts and ideas need time to reveal themselves to you. Taking a break at the right time gives you the opportunity to understand them well. BY DYLAN BADENHORST Like every
Maak die Beste van Skryfwerk-Verwerping
DEUR KAREN TRUTER Die gevoel van “verwerping” word vinnig aangetrek wanneer ons nie gekry het wat ons graag wou gehad nie. Dit is ’n onaangename gevoel wat spruit uit die
Mastering the Art of Smooth Transitions: A Guide to Effective Writing
Every writer knows that writing is not just about putting words together; it’s an art that requires precision and skill. One of these skills is logical flow – the invisible
Unlocking the Secrets to a Lucrative Ghostwriting Career
If you’re a versatile writer with a strong work ethic, you might want to consider ghostwriting as a potential career option – as long as you’re happy working behind the
How Do You Retain Your Reader’s Attention?
With so much online content to compete with, it can be hard to capture the attention of modern audiences. We’ve all seen their blank faces on public transport as they
Could your personality type determine your style as a travel writer?
Struggling to express yourself as a travel writer? Playing into the strengths and weaknesses of your personality type could improve your storytelling. By ODETTE SNYMAN Your personality influences your writing
Student Success Stories
A Few Graduate Successes
Writing a Warrior’s Tale: Pierre Durand’s Literary Journey
Just a year ago, Pierre Durand enrolled in the Literary Short Story Course at SA Writers’ College. Now, his book Bertha’s Law is set to
Ian Middleton’s Magazine Journalism Success Story
Ian Middleton completed the Magazine Journalism Course at the Writers College with distinction in 2018. While he waits to hear whether his article he wrote
Student Success: Q&A with Debut Children’s Novelist Tanja Wijnen
Tanja Wijnen, author of The Pangolin Killers (Skældyrsjægerne), penned her book while taking a course with Helen Brain, an award-winning author and tutor for the
And Now We Wait…. An Author’s First Experience Of Getting Published
– BY HILARY MURRAY For those not familiar with my journey, I recently had my debut novel published (recently, as in ten days ago!). The build-up to the
Glenn McGoldrick – Published Short Story Writer
Glenn McGoldrick completed the Short Story Writing For Magazines Course at UK Writers College in 2016. Since then he has enjoyed a spate of literary successes with
Why I Became a Writer (Finally!)
BY ETIENNE LOMBARD The desk was glass, long and cold, and on clear days I could see Table Mountain reflected in its surface from where
Philisiwe Twijnstra on Finding Her Voice, Facing Rejection and Writing Fearlessly
Since completing the Basic Grammar Skills Course with SA Writers’ College in 2016, South African playwright, theatre-maker and fiction writer Philisiwe Twijnstra has built a
Catching Up With Copy-Editor, Lesley Wyldbore
Copy-editing is a vital yet often overlooked part of the writing process. Effective copy-editing adds polish to writing, ensuring clarity and removing errors that a
