Student comments

What do students at the School of Writing say about their experience?

Life Writing was fantastic, life-changing, opened up my writing by quantum leaps…made me open to change. Best course I have ever taken!



It was very well done. My instructor treated all with respect, shared her experience of the publishing industry freely, taught very well. The course was excellent.

I really appreciated how inviting and helpful all the Writing School staff and participants were.

I appreciated the instructor’s grace of constructive criticism.



I liked the relaxed atmosphere, the wonderful teachers, the very helpful administrators.

I loved the community aspect, and the seminars. I have gained confidence as a writer.

I am now able to go on with a book that I didn’t have the confidence to write.

The Life Writing course is very inclusive in its content. We generate lots of writing and long-buried memories. But we are safe here, so even those who have never shared their stories find it easier to do so. I appreciate the instructor’s gentle manner and help in finding my writing voice.

I liked the support and encouragement of the instructor and participants, the welcoming atmosphere of CMU, the insights of the instructor. The special seminar speakers spice up the day, help to inspire and refresh.

Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.

The guest speakers were a pleasant surprise. I didn’t realize the extent of value-added items during the week.

This is a fantastic setting for writing and meeting. The Great Hall and the whole North Campus evokes a sense of place and in itself sparks imagination.

I hope the School will go on and on. You provide a magical block of time for people like me who have never experienced college life. Our instructor was wonderful – engaging, informative, a gifted teacher and encourager! My experience was positive in every way. The week was a true retreat from my regular world. God bless you.

I appreciated the amazing sense of community in my class. I gained a sense that people want to hear my stories.

I learned so much that I can’t put it all down here. I liked the very positive energy with which everything has been taught. Thank you.

There is not enough space on this form to describe everything I gained. I appreciated that my writing was treated with genuine care.

The accommodations were nice. The food was excellent. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. I had a wonderful week.

Thank you! Loved my week here.

Very impressed. It was a privilege to be here. For me, this was perfect.



Facilities, programming were all just great. We packed as much into a week as my brain could hold – and more! I learned a ton about voice, point of view, character motivation, and style. Felt liberated to write.

Great food! Loved the spaces on campus to write.

Excellent balance between learning, writing, critiquing the work of others, and having my own work critiqued.

I appreciate most the dedication, enthusiasm, knowledge, and useful materials that the instructor gave us. The evening programs of readings by guest writers were wonderfully nourishing.

The Writing School is a jewel in Winnipeg’s literary crown, a treasure. Thank you for all the work that occurs behind the scenes. It seems to run seamlessly.

The Life Writing course has an open, welcoming atmosphere with positive feedback and real encouragement to write.
I now know how serious writers work and think.

I enjoyed the sense of community and spirituality.

The instructor’s stories about the writing life were fascinating and educational.

I appreciated the diversity of the participants and the free time to write.

I became a better writer because of this School.

I loved the collegiality that developed over the week.

I thoroughly enjoyed everything about the School!

Everything was excellent – thank you.

Life Writing was fantastic. Excellent leadership.

CMU is a lovely place to come each day. Please don’t ever change it.

This has been a most accepting and welcoming environment, where only the writing matters, where age, gender, background, occupation, birthplace are merely there to add greater richness and depth.

Facilities have been wonderful and the scheduling has been perfect. I’ve had a memorable experience at the School of Writing and I hope to come back next year.

Amazing and insightful instructors.

I was nervous about enrolling in CMU's writing workshop last spring, because I am not Mennonite. I worried differences in religion would make it hard for me to fit in. Read more of 2008 participant Lindsay Smith's essay “Opening The Tent Flap.”