THE ALLWRITE WRITING SEMINAR

What does “writing better” mean?‬

It involves effectively achieving the desired communication objectives by:

* ‭Engaging the reader’s interest‬

* ‭Ensuring the reader understands the intended message

* ‭Motivating the reader to absorb, analyse and – if desired – respond to the content

* ‭Conveying, when appropriate, an emotional state or personal impression from the writer to the reader

How to enrol in a writing seminar.‬‬‬‬‬

The Allwrite Writing Seminar is custom-designed and accommodates five to eight participants. This two-and-a-half-day seminar is conducted in a motivational setting, either in Austria or another European location. The key is to spend a brief period away from both home and office.

A week before the seminar, participants are asked to answer a series of questions so that I can customise the programme to meet their specific needs. This preparation allows me to provide each participant with tailored writing assignments and practical advice.

The basic method for better writing I teach applies across all forms of written communication, from emails and essays to meeting notes and press releases.

Can I register for a seminar directly?‬

Typically, my writing seminars are coordinated by an employer or an organisation for selected employees. If you haven’t been invited to one yet, consider discussing this with your manager. Successful companies value employees who actively seek to improve their skills.

If you’re an employer interested in organising a seminar, please feel free to reach out to me. If there are enough interested participants, I can arrange a session that accommodates multiple groups.

Click here to receive a notification when a new seminar date is scheduled.

How it works.‬

I encourage participants to explore language in a playful, methodical, focused and varied manner.

Short presentations are interspersed with practical writing exercises. I personally review and provide feedback on all participants’ work, and we discuss some of these exercises as a group. We also analyse examples of both effective and ineffective writing.

To keep our minds sharp, we take breaks between sessions, as quality writing demands intense concentration and mental energy. Weather permitting, we may even work outside to take advantage of the fresh air.

This is how the first two days are structured. On the third day, which is a half-day, we engage in a reflective learning process based on our experiences. We review key takeaways and assign a final collaborative writing task to be completed as homework in the days to come. Afterwards, I’ll review each assignment, offering corrections if needed, and we’ll have brief one-on-one discussions (likely via video call).

This short video best conveys the atmosphere. It was filmed at a seminar held at the “Walddenke” house in Lower Austria.

What are the requirements for participating in the writing seminar?‬

The only essential requirement is a desire to improve your writing skills. Anyone who can think can learn to write better.‬‬‬‬‬

Is this writing seminar right for me?‬

These seminars are tailored for individuals who use written communication in their professional lives, rather than aspiring poets, novelists, songwriters or playwrights. Think of the seminar as a first-aid course in writing – anyone can improve their writing skills and master the essentials, regardless of their background. I am here to help you enhance your ability to express yourself effectively through writing.

You don’t need any special knowledge of grammar or spelling – that’s what spell-checkers and proofreaders are for.

Who can benefit from a writing seminar?‬

Who can benefit from a writing seminar?

Most people begin learning to write by the time they are six years old. However, very few people are systematically taught to write well. Effective written communication is not an art reliant on innate talent; it is a craft or, rather, a mental skill.

In educational settings such as schools and universities, there is often limited support for those who want to improve their writing. The typical writing assignments, like essays and book reports, fail to prepare you for professional writing demands. And if you’re faced with writing a thesis, dissertation or habilitation, you may end up losing your practical writing skills altogether.‬‬‬‬‬

Specific professions demand particular writing styles: police officers learn to write reports and interrogation records; medical specialists develop a style of writing that can be cryptic to those outside their field; journalists, authors and copywriters acquire their skills through formal education or practical experience. Yet, many professionals who write as part of their roles rely on their existing skills, often without realising that their writing could be greatly improved.

Is the writing seminar helpful for people who don’t like writing or feel hesitant?‬

Absolutely. In fact, these are the ideal participants. The first step toward improvement is to recognise the challenges of writing and be open to learning. I help individuals overcome writing inhibitions with straightforward techniques honed over my 40 years of professional writing experience. Whatever obstacles you face, there’s a good chance I’ve encountered them and found solutions.

How is the writing seminar structured?‬

The seminar is designed around three main steps, with an additional bonus step. By participating in all three steps over a long weekend filled with exercises and feedback, you are guaranteed to improve your writing skills.

Step 1. Structure: Only organised thoughts enable targeted communication.
Step 2. Formulate: Find words, form sentences, compose the text.
Step 3. Correct: No text is born perfect. Mistakes must be corrected, weaknesses eliminated.

Bonus step. Optimise: There’s always room for improvement. Every good text has the potential to be refined even further.

That’s the drill. There are no two ways about it. We can find motivation and inspiration for better writing in exemplary uses of language across various mediums. Whether in the form of videos, films, sound recordings or music, art enriches and informs our craft – art is the very foundation.

I want to write a novel. Will the writing seminar help me?‬

No. However, if you’re looking to enhance your everyday writing skills, you’re in the right place.

How much does the seminar cost?‬

The seminar fee is 1,450 euros per person, plus VAT. Additionally, there are venue, accommodation and catering expenses, which will be outlined in a separate offer.