Testimonials | |||||
‘I attended James Harpur’s tutorials at the Munster Literature Centre
in 2008. I found James to be an enlightened and most encouraging tutor.
The course allowed me to flesh out and hone enough poems to publish a full
collection entitled 'Diviner' ( Third Spires Press). I can thoroughly
recommend him to any prospective students.’
‘James knows what he’s talking about. It was reassuring to have so
clear a voice when he considered my work and as he worked with me on it.
He made me very aware of my own writing – made me look very closely at
it. His expertise was obvious as we sat, listened and discussed. His
approach to the critique of my poems was open, unintimidating and frank
which is exactly what any writer needs.’
‘It is daunting to have your story critiqued but the gentleness and warmth
with which James Harpur discussed my work made it an enjoyable experience.
He put a lot of effort into it and was very thorough and affirmative. The
session was not only valuable in teaching me about the one story, but also
about where I wanted to go with my writing in general.’
‘When I think of James Harpur’s poetry workshop in the Munster Literature
Centre I am reminded of his sensitivity©
James Harpur, 2001 both to the writer and the work.
His critiques while invariably gentle and often couched in wry humour are
nonetheless insightful and display an in-depth understanding of language
and style.
With individual tutorials he brings this same spirit to the editing table
leaving the writer with a deep sense of affirmation and joy in the
creative process.’
‘In 2006 I was fortunate enough to be mentored for an extended period
by James Harpur. James’s sessions always took place in a relaxed,
convivial atmosphere, in a mental space conducive to putting work on the
table and having it carefully examined. James has an uncanny ability to
identify the ‘sore spot’ in a piece of writing, to put his finger on why
it isn’t performing to its potential. Sometimes this can be a small thing:
a line out of place or a jarring phrase. Sometimes it can be a deeper
problem: an issue with structure or perspective. James is not afraid to
criticise but his opinions are always offered gently and in constructive
language. In 2007 my first collection of poetry was published by the
Dedalus Press, Dublin. I feel my sessions with James contributed in no
small part to this success.’
‘I knew James to be an excellent facilitator of poetry in the Munster
Literature Centre in Cork, therefore I was happy to bring my manuscript to
him for critiquing. James is very thorough, his notes clear and
insightful. It has been very helpful and encouraging experience for me.’
‘I had the privilege to co-host a writing workshop at the Munster
Literature Centre with the poet, James Harpur. I personally found the
experience enlightening and I can’t imagine any writer or poet who would
not benefit from James’s vast knowledge of the world of poetry, his
incisive, encouraging critiques and his gentle, innate humanity.’
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